#United States #Washington #Tristan Southard #Top Lobbyist #Merchant McIntyre

Tristan Southard Named 2025 Top Lobbyist

Merchant McIntyre & Associates is thrilled to announce that its Vice President, Tristan Southard, has been honored as one of the Top Lobbyists for 2025 by the National Institute for Lobbying & Ethics (NILE). This prestigious recognition highlights not only his commitment to exceptional advocacy but also his invaluable impact on his clients and the communities they serve.

In 2025, the awards program saw an impressive 550 nominations submitted from across the United States, with only 100 lobbyists chosen from a pool of nearly 50,000 registered professionals at both state and federal levels. This distinction serves to underscore Tristan's significant contributions and the ethical leadership he embodies within the lobbying profession. The NILE's selection process ensures that nominees are evaluated anonymously to promote merit-based decisions, which further validates the honor.

Tristan Southard expressed his sentiments regarding this accolade, stating, "Our democratic process functions optimally when individuals from all spheres can engage with, understand, and access their government. Merchant McIntyre is dedicated to empowering nonprofits by equipping them with the tools necessary to advocate effectively and secure investments for their communities at the federal level. It is a privilege to be part of this mission and to achieve impactful results for our clients across healthcare, municipal governance, and higher education."

Brent Merchant, Co-founder and Partner at Merchant McIntyre Associates, remarked, "Tristan exemplifies the dedication and service ethos of our firm, perfectly aligning with NILE's standards. The achievements he has facilitated at the federal level are positively affecting countless lives nationwide."

In his role as Vice President of Legislative Strategy, Southard plays a critical role in assisting municipal governments, nonprofit healthcare organizations, and higher education institutions in devising and executing strategies to obtain federal funding and promote their respective initiatives. Before joining Merchant McIntyre Associates, he held influential positions in the office of former U.S. Congressman John Katko (NY-24), serving as Legislative Director and Deputy Chief of Staff. His expertise in navigating key issues within the House Homeland Security and Transportation and Infrastructure Committees has been pivotal to his clients’ success.

Tristan's recognition among the nation’s elite lobbyists is a testament to his thorough understanding of policy, governance, and advocacy. It also reflects his unwavering commitment to fostering substantial federal collaborations that can fortify communities across America.

Founded in 1994, Merchant McIntyre Associates stands as a premier federal government relations firm serving both nonprofits and for-profit entities that align with their core values. Over the years, MM's professionals have excelled in meeting clients’ federal funding requirements, navigating legislative matters, regulatory challenges, and policy objectives.

The agency's bipartisan team comprises former Congressional staff members, Executive Branch officials, grant writers, subject matter experts, and marketing professionals. This diverse skill set allows them to adeptly facilitate their clients' needs within the complexities of the Washington political landscape.

As the political climate continues to shift, the role of lobbyists like Tristan Southard is increasingly crucial in advocating for significant community funding and advancements in vital sectors, including healthcare and education. The recognition of his accomplishments serves as an inspiration for emerging lobbyists and advocates, showcasing the importance of ethical practice and community engagement in shaping policy and governance in the United States.