Brandon Smith, David Johnson and Mark Pinkert join the Vogel Group
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Vogel Group, a premier bipartisan government affairs and consulting firm, announced today the continued expansion of its state-level practice and national footprint with the addition of Brandon Smith, David Johnson and Mark Pinkert, three seasoned experts with deep experience in Attorneys General offices and national policy networks. Their arrival significantly enhances the firm’s national capabilities to help clients navigate complex legislative, regulatory and political environments at the state level.
Brandon Smith, former Chief of Staff to Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti, has also joined the Vogel Group as Principal, expanding the firm’s Tennessee office. Smith brings over a decade of high-level government and regulatory experience, including roles as Assistant Solicitor General, Director of Policy and Federalism in Tennessee, and as Senior Counsel and Advisor to Governors Sam Brownback (KS) and Matt Bevin (KY).
“Brandon has shaped national policy, coordinated multistate efforts, and taken on powerful corporate interests—all while earning the respect of peers and policymakers across the political spectrum,” said Attorney General Skrmetti. “His combination of legal acumen and strategic savvy is exceptional.”
David Johnson, who previously served as Policy Director and General Counsel for the Republican Attorneys General Association (RAGA), will join Vogel Group as Principal and will help lead the firm’s national Attorney General practice. Johnson brings with him a portfolio of clients and will be based in Indianapolis, marking Vogel Group’s first office in the Midwest. Prior to his tenure at RAGA, Johnson held several senior legal and policy positions in Indiana, including Senior Counsel in the Indiana Attorney General’s Office, Deputy General Counsel and Policy Director for Governor Mike Pence, Regulatory Counsel to the Indiana Office of Management and Budget, and as Counsel to both the Indiana Gaming Commission and the Indiana State Senate Majority Caucus.
“David Johnson’s deep policy expertise, strategic relationships, and years of frontline experience across state governments make him one of the most respected and effective operatives in the Attorneys General space,” said Alex Vogel, CEO of Vogel Group. “He brings immediate value to our clients and partners, and his presence anchors our growing Midwest footprint.”
Mark Pinkert, a nationally recognized attorney based out of Miami, Florida, has also joined the Vogel Group as a Principal. Pinkert previously practiced at a global law firm and clerked for federal judges at both the trial and appellate levels. With his deep knowledge of the judicial system, Pinkert has litigated cases in state and federal courts around the country and has filed numerous briefs in the U.S. Supreme Court. Pinkert is well-versed in administrative and constitutional law, public law and policy, and general commercial litigation.
With Smith based in Nashville, Johnson in Indianapolis and Pinkert in Miami, Vogel Group continues to build a strong state practice. This expanded team will provide clients with unmatched access and insight into Attorneys General offices across the country.
“We are thrilled to welcome Brandon, David and Mark to our team,” said Alex Vogel. “They bring unrivaled experience and credibility to our efforts to support clients navigating the evolving and increasingly influential landscape of state Attorneys General.”
Vogel Group is a bipartisan government affairs and consulting firm that helps clients understand and influence the policy, legislative, and regulatory landscape at both federal and state levels. The firm is headquartered in Washington, D.C. with offices in Virginia, Florida, Tennessee, and Indiana, serving companies, associations, and investors around the world. For more information, visit www.vogelgroupdc.com.