Clark Hill Public Strategies (CPHS) in Birmingham, the government affairs affiliate of Detroit-based law firm Clark Hill, has added former General Motors Co. lobbyist Brian D. O’Connell to its staff.
O’Connell, who most recently was regional director of state and local public policy at GM, will work with CHPS colleagues in Washington, D.C., and in Lansing. He will work with clients to promote their interests at the state and federal levels.
“Brian’s recent experience in the automotive industry focused on an array of business concerns – everything from economic development and manufacturing to energy and appropriations,” says Bret Wacker, a partner and managing director at Clark Hill and CHPS. “His broad-based topical knowledge, coupled with the relationships he’s built over the years with lawmakers and influencers, makes Brian a tremendous asset for our clients and our organization. We’re thrilled to have him on board.”
O’Connell left GM in December 2023. He coordinated and implemented a range of initiatives including legislative, political, regulatory affairs, economic development, manufacturing, taxation, real estate, energy, appropriations, healthcare, sustainability, and environmental issues.
Prior to his tenure at GM, O’Connell was Wyeth Pharmaceuticals’ director of state government affairs for Michigan and Ohio. He has been named to Crain’s Detroit Business “50 Names to Know in Lobbying” and has been recognized in multiple years as the “Top Corporate Lobbyist” in Michigan by MIRS/EPIC in 2019, 2021 and 2023.
“Clark Hill Public Strategies already has an outstanding team, so I’m pleased to add my skills and the network I’ve amassed over my professional life to assist CHPS clients,” says O’Connell.
