Michael Barbera

Michael Barbera is a Senior Partner at ACG Advocacy in Washington, DC, where he has worked since 2005. He oversees the firm’s defense and homeland security practice groups and represents defense contractors, national trade associations, colleges and universities, and companies in the energy, resources, and transportation sectors. Barbera advises clients on federal government affairs, legislative strategy, authorization measures, appropriations, political matters, and public relations involving significant policy and business priorities.

Barbera earned a B.A. in History from Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts, in 1989. His academic background was followed by extensive experience in journalism, congressional communications, political strategy, public relations, and federal government affairs. Over the course of his career, he has developed a detailed understanding of the legislative process and the communication strategies involved in presenting business, defense, and public policy priorities to Congress and other Washington stakeholders.

Before joining ACG Advocacy, Barbera served as Vice President for Government Affairs and Public Relations at MGB Ltd., where he directed government relations work on Capitol Hill involving defense and homeland security matters. Earlier, he spent three and a half years as Chief of Staff to Congressman Curt Weldon and five years as his Press Secretary. His client work has included federal authorization efforts, particularly the National Defense Authorization Act, as well as annual congressional appropriations matters.

Michael Barbera also brings substantial public relations and communications experience to his government affairs work. His earlier positions included work with public relations firms and a national nonprofit business organization on financial services, healthcare, welfare reform, and business regulation issues. He received an American Communicator Award for op-ed placement in 1996. Barbera also founded and chairs DC Grays Baseball, a nonprofit organization supporting youth baseball and softball programs in Washington, DC.

Law Office Affiliations

• Senior Partner, ACG Advocacy, LLC
• Member, District of Columbia Bar Association

Licensed State

• District of Columbia

Education

• Williams College
  BA in History

Awards & Badges