May 29, 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C. – GrayRobinson today announced adept political strategist and attorney John Ariale has joined the firm as the Washington D.C. managing director of the Federal Lobbying Team. Ariale brings 40 years of senior-level insight to successfully guide clients through the complex federal appropriations process.
“John is a longtime friend and has been a phenomenal teammate with GrayRobinson on several lobbying clients over the years,” said GrayRobinson President and CEO Dean Cannon. “We are thrilled he now is officially part of our firm and leading our Washington, D.C., office. His extensive public service in Congress has enabled John to build a prolific network on Capitol Hill, and we are excited to continue growing our footprint and capabilities with his expertise in Washington and beyond.”
Ariale couples vast congressional experience with strong bi-partisan relationships to help clients achieve their goals through strategic planning, governmental relations, and public affairs. He provides clients with a comprehensive knowledge of the intricate and complex details of the appropriations process with policy expertise in environmental policy and funding, international relations, defense, global development, global health, homeland security, and financial services. Ariale has successfully developed and implemented legislative proposals, advocacy campaigns, and policy briefings on various issues, including the ABLE Act, international food aid reform, UN reform, and foreign assistance evaluation. He is a skilled communicator, negotiator, mediator, and crisis manager with extensive public speaking experience and advanced administration, communications, and public relations skills.
“After a lengthy career on the Hill and developing a diverse and exciting government relations practice, I feel honored to return to my Florida roots as the managing shareholder of GrayRobinson’s Washington team of professionals,” said Ariale. “I am fortunate to have had quite an extensive background on the Hill, which has led to quite a diverse practice. I look forward to sharing this excitement for the work we do with my new colleagues and clients. Great things are on the horizon for us here in D.C.”
Before joining GrayRobinson, Ariale developed a successful government relations practice since leaving his role as Congressman Ander Crenshaw’s chief of staff. In that role, Ariale also served as the liaison to the House Committee on Appropriations. He worked extensively on the portfolio of issues under the jurisdiction of the Subcommittees on State, Foreign Operations, Homeland Security, Financial Services, and Defense.
Prior to that, Ariale held various positions with Congressman Bill McCollum’s office, including serving as chief of staff and district director in Orlando. Over his 10 years with Congressman McCollum, Ariale helped secure federal authorizations, appropriations, and other assistance. He led the successful effort to remove the Orlando Naval Training Center from the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) list in 1991 and spearheaded the transition of federal assets to the county and city after the base lost its second BRAC challenge in 1993.
Ariale served as an Oviedo City Councilman, on the Oviedo Land Planning Agency, and as a member of the Seminole County Charter Review Commission in Florida before relocating to Washington.
Ariale earned his Juris Doctor from Stetson University College of Law and his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Stetson University. He is admitted to practice in Florida and before the U.S. Supreme Court and currently serves on the Global Health Council board of directors following his role as interim president in 2021.
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GrayRobinson is a multidimensional team of attorneys, advisors, and consultants recognized as one of the most influential firms in Florida. Its nearly 300 professionals partner with successful businesses and enterprising individuals to resolve disputes, anticipate industry shifts, and harness forward momentum. The firm serves clients nationally from 15 offices across Florida and Washington, D.C. Learn more at Gray-Robinson.com.
CONTACT
Kristen Bridges, kristen.bridges@gray-robinson.com, 850.545.1917