Washington Resource Associates

Over two decades of effective policy education and collaboration in the tech and national security sectors

Premier Programs

WRA is the founder and manager of three of Washington’s premier public policy programs for technology and national security:

Homeland Security Defense Forum

HSDF has brought industry together with senior Homeland Security Department officials and other leading congressional, federal, state, and local decision makers since late 2003, providing government and industry with an effective channel to collaborate, socialize concerns, and deliver valuable thought leadership in the interest of securing the nation. HSDF works closely with its member companies to ensure that each has the news and information it needs to fully understand the impact of emerging priorities and issues across the homeland security enterprise.

Center for Public Policy Innonvation

CPPI provides policymakers with groundbreaking thought leadership on transformational technology, informed policy analysis, and innovative strategies to help ensure American competitiveness in the global economy and comprehensive security on the homefront. CPPI convenes educational symposiums, site visits, and other forums that bring together stakeholders from government, industry, academia, and the civic sector to discuss policy issues in a collaborative environment.

Digital Dialogue Forum

The Digital Dialogue Forum (DDF) is a non-partisan public policy coalition of world-leading technology companies. Its mission is to enhance U.S. innovation and global competitiveness through high level dialogue between business and government leaders. DDF provides a unique and effective platform to collaborate with policymakers, share industry concerns, build relationships and consensus, and advance good public policies to foster innovation and economic growth in the United States.

Expertise

Industry Collaboration

Leading the Way in Industry-Government-Congressional Collaboration

At Washington Resource Associates (WRA), we are trailblazers in the realm of industry-government-congressional collaboration. Our legacy is one of innovation, wherein we have not only pioneered groundbreaking models of collaboration but have also been instrumental in establishing some of the nation’s most impactful policy forums. These forums have played a pivotal role in shaping public policy that bolsters innovation, drives economic growth, and fuels job creation.

Our leadership extends to the formation of influential industry coalitions, each dedicated to fostering collaboration and consensus-building on crucial issues. Among these coalitions are:

The Digital Dialogue Forum (DDF): DDF stands as a testament to our commitment to advancing technology and electronic commerce. Comprising world-leading technology enterprises, hardware and software innovators, as well as internet, telecommunications, and e-commerce visionaries, DDF is a catalyst for innovation and progress. It facilitates regular dialogues with government officials, ensuring policymakers are well-informed about industry needs and priorities.

The Homeland Security and Defense Forum (HSDF): As champions of national security, HSDF brings together key congressional lawmakers, senior administration officials, state leaders, and private sector policy experts. This dynamic public-private partnership engages in consistent, open discussions to address legislative and regulatory concerns. Through collaboration, HSDF advocates for robust funding of our homeland security requirements while addressing critical policy issues that safeguard our nation.

The Center for Public Policy Innovation (CPPI): At the heart of policy evolution lies CPPI, an institution we co-founded to drive innovation, collaboration, and consensus-building. CPPI serves as a crucible for thought leadership, fostering the creation of forward-looking policy solutions that benefit our society as a whole.

At Washington Resource Associates, we do more than collaborate; we innovate, we build bridges, and we forge consensus. Join us in shaping a future where industry, government, and congressional leaders work together as partners to address the most pressing challenges of our time.

Strategic Public Affairs Consulting

Strategic Public Affairs Consulting: Navigating the Complexities
of Public Policy with Precision

In the intricate world of public policy, strategy reigns supreme, and at Washington Resource Associates (WRA), strategy is our specialty. With a distinguished history and a trailblazing approach, we are the trusted choice for clients seeking to chart their course in the dynamic landscape of public affairs.

WRA is not just a consultant; we are architects of success, guiding clients through every stage of their public affairs planning process. Our unwavering commitment to our clients’ goals propels us to identify, develop, and execute strategies that yield tangible results.

Our seasoned team of consultants possesses a wealth of experience, a deep understanding of policy intricacies, and an unparalleled ability to navigate the multifaceted world of public affairs. We excel in providing expert advice on:
Strategic Objectives: We assist clients in defining clear, strategic, and achievable objectives that align with their vision and mission. We understand that the right objectives are the cornerstone of effective public affairs.

Methodical Initiatives: Drawing upon our vast expertise, we help clients identify a comprehensive set of methods and initiatives that not only meet their goals but also adapt to the ever-evolving policy landscape.

Resource Assessment: Accurate resource assessment is crucial for the success of any public affairs program or initiative. At WRA, we have a proven track record of helping clients determine the resource requirements necessary to drive their mission forward.

Cost-Effective Solutions: In an era of fiscal responsibility, we excel in crafting public affairs solutions that are both successful and cost-effective. We believe that achieving results should not come at the expense of efficiency.

Respected and recognized in this space, WRA has a storied history of success. Our strategies have shaped policy outcomes, influenced decision-makers, and empowered our clients to thrive in a complex policy environment.

At Washington Resource Associates, we don’t just consult; we strategize, we execute, and we succeed. Join us in navigating the intricate web of public affairs with precision and confidence.

Public Policy Education

Empowering Leaders through Public Policy Education and Collaborative Forums

Washington Resource Associates (WRA) stands as a beacon of excellence in the realm of public policy education, dedicated to enlightening leaders about emerging issues concerning technology, innovation, and national security. We are not just educators; we are architects of knowledge, fostering collaborative platforms that illuminate the path forward.

As one of the premier public policy education and consensus-building firms in Washington, D.C., WRA maintains close, collegial relationships with some of the nation’s foremost policymakers.

Our unparalleled understanding of the intricate federal decision-making processes positions us as a trusted ally for clients seeking to achieve a wide array of public policy education objectives. These objectives include:

Educational Excellence: WRA excels in developing educational themes and concepts that resonate with leaders, equipping them with the knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of our rapidly evolving world.

Thought Leadership: Through our collaborative forums, we facilitate the dissemination of new and emerging issues among the nation’s most influential thought leaders. We create spaces where ideas flourish, innovation thrives, and informed decision-making reigns supreme.

Consensus Building: WRA is a catalyst for building consensus and garnering public support through a diverse range of educational forums. We bring together stakeholders from various backgrounds and perspectives, fostering productive discussions that lead to policy solutions that benefit all.

At Washington Resource Associates, we don’t just educate; we inspire, connect, and foster collaboration. Join us in shaping a future where informed leaders come together to build a better world through compromise, shared knowledge, and collective wisdom.

Communications

Amplifying Advocacy Through Strategic Communication

At Washington Resource Associates (WRA), we recognize that successful communication hinges on crafting compelling narratives, fostering crucial policy dialogues, and executing effective engagement strategies with government and industry leaders.

Our competitive edge is rooted in a rich reservoir of experience, a deep knowledge base, a formidable management team, a meticulous approach, and a commitment to professional excellence. These attributes collectively empower us to not just create, but also execute, a triumphant communication strategy that yields tangible results.

WRA offers an expansive suite of communication services designed to help our clients confront challenges head-on and attain their goals. When you choose WRA, you’re choosing:

Message: We specialize in crafting messages that captivate, resonate, and inspire action. Our comprehensive communication strategies ensure your message reaches its intended audience with maximum impact.
Strategic Media Campaigns: WRA excels at orchestrating coordinated media campaigns that amplify your message across diverse channels, ensuring your voice is heard far and wide.

Policy: We are adept at planning and executing major policy conferences and news events that serve as pivotal platforms for shaping discourse, influencing decisions, and driving change.

Government & Industry Engagement: WRA leverages its extensive network to facilitate professional outreach to federal and state policymakers, forging connections that matter.

Content: Our expertise extends to crafting compelling content, including media advisories, press releases, newsletters, op-eds, and social media campaigns that resonate and drive engagement.

At Washington Resource Associates, we don’t just communicate; we inspire, connect, and drive impact. Join us in crafting narratives that matter, fostering important policy forums, and navigating the intricate web of communication with confidence and success.

About Us

At Washington Resource Associates (WRA), we are more than just a public affairs consulting firm – we are catalysts for change, pioneers in the art of government-industry collaboration, and champions of public policy education. Our team stands at the forefront of strategic government affairs planning, effective communication, and fostering partnerships.

With decades of collective experience, WRA has earned its reputation as a trusted partner in helping clients not just navigate, but excel within the complex landscape of public and government affairs. Our unwavering commitment to our clients’ priorities is matched only by our ability to turn challenges into opportunities.

At the heart of our mission lies our dedication to facilitating meaningful dialogue between government, industry, and stakeholders. We manage several dynamic collaborative platforms, each playing a pivotal role in shaping the future:

The Digital Dialogue Forum (DDF): Recognized as Washington’s foremost high-tech policy roundtable, DDF’s mission is to propel public policy that advances the growth of technology and electronic commerce. Comprising world-leading technology giants, hardware and software innovators, as well as Internet, telecommunications, and e-commerce visionaries, DDF fosters invaluable connections through regular engagements with government officials. In doing so, it ensures that policymakers are well-informed about industry concerns and priorities, ultimately driving forward innovation and progress.
The Homeland Security Dialogue Forum (HSDF): HSDF is a dynamic public-private partnership that unites congressional lawmakers, senior administration officials, leading state representatives, and private sector policy experts. Together, they convene regularly to deliberate legislative and regulatory concerns that impact our nation’s security. Through the power of public-private collaboration, HSDF advocates for full and flexible funding of our homeland security requirements while openly discussing critical policy matters that shape our nation’s safety and resilience.

At Washington Resource Associates, we are more than consultants; we are architects of change, trailblazers in government-industry synergy, and champions of informed decision-making. Join us in shaping a future where collaboration, innovation, and education drive progress, ensuring a brighter tomorrow for all.

Our Team

Chris Long

Christopher Long is the President and CEO of Washington Resource Associates (WRA), a leading public affairs consulting firm specializing in strategy and planning, public policy education, and industry-government collaboration. WRA is at the forefront of innovation and collaboration...

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David Macklin

Dave Macklin is a highly- respected leader on matters related to information technology policy. He serves as Senior Policy Advisor to the Digital Dialogue Forum (DDF), Washington DC’s premier technology policy round table. Since 1998, DDF has hosted...

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Kate Mereen

Kate Mereen serves as Vice President of Government Affairs for Washington Resource Associates and is Executive Director of the Digital Dialogue Forum. Her area of expertise and primary focus in the firm is technology policy. Over the past decade...

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Megan (Ignash) Mance

Megan Mance is the Executive Director of the Homeland Security and Defense Forum (HSDF), a position she has held since September 2012. In this capacity, Megan creates new and effective models for collaboration between the public and private...

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Miriam Lopez

Miriam Lopez is Washington Resource Associates’ Administrative Assistant; a position she has held since 2000. Ms. Lopez provides critical administrative support for WRA’s signature programs, the Digital Dialogue Forum and the Homeland Security Dialogue Forum, as well as...

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Our Clients

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