Named as a Top Lobbyist (nonprofit category) by the National Institute for Lobbying and Ethics, Brent Merchant has helped secure nearly $100 million in federal support for nonprofit institutions and organizations.
Prior to co-creating Merchant McIntyre Associates, Brent secured grant funding for nonprofit clients in the Washington office of Russ Reid, then the largest marketing and communications agency in the world serving exclusively nonprofits.
“Brent is our economic development wizard — the EDA staff has told him that he wins more grant awards from their agency than any other person in America.”
Beginning in 2009, Brent established the federal government presence for LPB Energy Management, advising the company on policy and legislative matters and overseeing the development and execution of government contracts and partnerships.
From 2001 to 2008, Brent served as senior staff at the Department of Energy, where he was named to the position of Deputy Chief of Staff to the Secretary of Energy. In that role, Brent advised the Secretary on policy, operational, regulatory, and legislative issues. Brent also served as Senior Advisor to the Deputy Secretary of Energy, focusing on policy, project management, and operational issues throughout the Department and its National Laboratory complex.
Brent began his career working as an aide to U.S. Senator Spencer Abraham in his native Michigan.
Brent and his wife of 17 years, Anne, are the proud parents of two sons. An active member of his community, Brent serves on the board of his local Little League and coaches his sons’ baseball and basketball teams.
Highlights
- Founding Partner, Merchant McIntyre Associates
- Top Lobbyist, 2021
Federal Expertise
- Economic Development
- Local Governments
- Higher Education
- Healthcare
- Advocacy
Education
- B.A., Hope College