Events
10th Annual International Government Relations Forum: Join the
Future of Advocacy and Lobbying
We are excited to announce the 10th Annual International Government Relations Forum, set to take place on Thursday, March 27th, 2025, at 11:30 AM (EST) at Bay Atlantic University, 1510 H Street NW, Washington, D.C. This prestigious event gathers top professionals, experts, policy makers, and industry leaders.
What to Expect:
- Insightful Panels: Gain in-depth knowledge from top experts in GR and lobbying across key industries, regions, and political contexts.
- Exclusive Networking: Meet policymakers, corporate leaders, and advocacy professionals shaping the future of Government Relations.
- Practical Tools: Discover cutting-edge strategies, technologies, and approaches to enhance your GR campaigns.
- Global Perspectives: Learn from case studies and success stories spanning North America, Europe, and beyond.
Registration is free for all BAU Staff & Students!
SPEAKERS
- Paolo von Schirach: President of the Global Policy Institute (GPI), Professor of Political Science and International Relations at Bay Atlantic University, and frequent lecturer, TV, and radio commentator on US and global issues.
- Kateryna Odarchenko: Political strategist with nine years of experience in democracy building and campaign management, author of 500+ publications, and initiator of several bills in Ukraine.
- Fred Turner: Principal in BGR’s International Practice and Former Chief of Staff in US Senate and House, providing valuable insights and support in Commerce and Financial Services practices.
- Peter Huessy: A former senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, one of the key analytical centers in the United States that prepares analytics for the White House; president of GeoStrategic Analysis.
- Jason Shelton: Former mayor of Tupelo, Mississippi, and regional administrator for General Services Administration Regions in the Biden-Harris administration.
- Richard Horowitz: is an attorney admitted to the bar of New York, Washington DC, and Israel. He is a former private investigator and a former officer in the Israel Defense forces. He has spoken on topics such as terrorism, business intelligence and corporate espionage and fraud and money laundering in 20 countries and has practiced in the area of tax-exempt law and advocacy issues.
- Robert Ilatov: is an Israeli politician known for his leadership in strengthening international Christian Jewish relations and advancing Israel’s diplomatic standing. Elected to the Knesset as a member of the right-wing, secular Yisrael Beiteinu party, Ilatov played a key role in shaping Israel’s political landscape. He was appointed head of the Knesset Christian Allies Caucus. His dedication to strengthening Christian-Jewish ties continues through his role as chairman of the Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast, a prominent initiative bringing together faith leaders and political figures to support Israel.
- Eric J. Ellman: is an experienced and skilled government affairs professional and association executive with a demonstrated track record of navigating the political headwinds for the consumer data industry. Eric J. Ellman is the President of the National Consumer Reporting Association (NCRA), a trade association of consumer reporting agencies that resell consumer reports to meet consumer housing needs.
- Don Erikson: is a CEO for the Security Industry Association. As CEO, Donleads implementation of SIA’s Board Strategic Framework and oversees SIA’s collaboration with industry and vertical market associations and organizations. He is responsible for management of SIA’s operations and programs including marketing, membership, government relations, education and standards initiatives and serves as the organization’s primary liaison to ISC Events
- Marina Ovtsynova: is the President of the ALLATRA International Public Movement is a Capitol Hill activist, engaged in legislative analysis centered on the atmospheric and geophysical impact of climate change upon both civil-society and national security. Concurrent with her legislative role, Ms. Ovtsynova is simultaneously pursuing advanced studies at the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, in concert with her participation in the one-year Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School. Ms. Ovtsynova routinely speaks on climate-related matters at leading venues, such as the National Press Club (Washington D.C.)
- Karolina Rankovic: is a Hubert H. Humphrey Fellow under the Fulbright Program, representing Serbia. She specializes in diplomacy with a focus on energy, climate, and ESG issues. With over 10 years of experience as an attorney at law, Ms Rankovic has provided executive level advisory services to businesses. Since 2023, she has served as the president of the Sofinatass Association and has worked as a Human Rights Trainer on European Commission-supported projects.
- Kim Z Cooper: is the North American Millers’ Association (NAMA) vice president of government affairs and has worked at NAMAinvarious government affairs roles since 2019. Prior to NAMA, Cooper’s experience includes lobbying for ethanol trade association Growth Energy, serving as a field organizer for the Hillary for America presidential campaign, and advocating for Head Start families with the National Head Start Association.
- Mendel Banonis: a founding Director of Meaningful Moment, leading efforts to implement a daily reflection in public schools nationwide. With a background in international humanitarian and policy initiatives, and policy advocacy, he works with government officials and educators to promote student mental health well-being and resilience through a structured moment of reflection.
- Dr. Prince Taylor: is a dedicated advocate for veterans, specializing in programs that address loneliness and promote mental well- being. His experience in the US Navy and subsequent education, including a doctorate in Leadership and Learning in Organizations from Vanderbilt University and his ongoing studies in International Relations at Harvard, give him a multi-faceted perspective on veterans’, needs. Dr. Taylor’s expertise in program development is exemplified by his creation of the Compassionate Contact Corps, a successful US initiative that combats chronic loneliness among veterans.
- Stephen Blank: is an internationally recognized expert and senior fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, one of the most prominent analytical centers. He is also a leading expert on European and Asian security, including energy issues. In 2020-21, he also was a Senior Expert for Russia at the U.S. Institute of Peace. He will participate personally
- Kendall Coffey: is a former U.S. Attorney, Southern District of Florida. He is annually recognized as one of Florida Trend’s Legal Elite, and Florida’s “Super Lawyer.” Mr. Coffey has been guest legal analyst providing legal commentary for international networks like “CNN International,” “Telemundo,” and “Univision.”