The Honorable Alan Wheat

Alan Wheat is Chairman and Co-Founder of Wheat Shroyer Government Relations, one of Washington's premier bipartisan government relations and public affairs firms. A nationally respected strategist with decades of experience in Congress, presidential politics, and public policy, he helps clients navigate the federal legislative and regulatory landscape while building the bipartisan relationships necessary to achieve meaningful results.

 

Widely recognized as one of Washington's most influential advocates, Mr. Wheat counsels Fortune 500 companies, trade associations, nonprofit organizations, and institutions on complex public policy challenges. His reputation for integrity, strategic insight, and consensus-building has made him a trusted advisor to leaders across government and the private sector.

 

Mr. Wheat's effectiveness as an advocate is built on an exceptional record of public service. He served four terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he made history as the youngest African American ever elected to Congress and one of the first to represent a majority-white congressional district. During his tenure, he became the youngest member appointed to the powerful House Rules Committee, where every major piece of legislation passed before reaching the House floor, and later served as Chief Deputy Whip in the House Democratic leadership.

 

Prior to his election to Congress, Mr. Wheat served three terms in the Missouri House of Representatives, earning recognition as both "Best Freshman Legislator" and one of Missouri's "Ten Best Legislators."

 

Following his congressional service, Mr. Wheat served as Vice President for Public Policy and Government Relations at CARE and later as Deputy Campaign Manager and Director of Public Liaison for President Bill Clinton's successful 1996 reelection campaign. In 1997, he founded Wheat Government Relations, establishing a firm known for delivering results through bipartisan engagement and trusted relationships. He subsequently served as Chairman of Public Policy at Polsinelli before co-founding Wheat Shroyer Government Relations in 2021. Wheat Shroyer Government Relations has been named a Top-Performing Lobbying Firm by Bloomberg Government four years in a row. 

 

Throughout his career, Mr. Wheat has earned a reputation for bringing people together across political divides to advance thoughtful, practical public policy solutions. His unique combination of legislative leadership, political strategy, and executive experience gives clients unparalleled insight into the policymaking process and access to the relationships that matter most.

​

Mr. Wheat is a graduate of Grinnell College and continues to serve in leadership roles with non-profit organizations and corporations.