Orion Advocates is a full service government relations consulting firm with a proven track record of helping corporate and association clients succeed in Washington. Our advocacy mission is bottom-line simple:  Deliver Results. Whether it’s formulating legislation and executing strategies for enactment or simply gathering intelligence on emerging policy issues of interest, we welcome a challenge and absolutely will not be outworked. Three standards guide our day to day approach:  Excellence. Integrity. Value.

At Orion, we keep our overhead to a minimum so we can deliver quality services that fit your budget. Unlike larger firms, we don’t delegate critical client work to a bull pen of junior staff. All work is performed by the principals with a laser focus on your policy objectives and driving successful outcomes. We have found that staying lean and remaining close to the client results in higher quality service and better value.

In short, we have been very effective in serving as the "Washington Office" for companies and associations that are looking to establish an immediate presence among policy makers in our nation's capital.

Leadership

Orion Advocates was founded in 2008 by Patrick Rita, who brings over 30 years of experience with public policy on a wide range of issues. Pat started his career working on Capitol Hill, including positions in House and Senate personal offices, as well as serving as Professional Staff for the U.S. Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee. In addition to his Hill background and federal lobbying experience, Pat has an accomplished track record of advocating at the state level before state legislatures and state executive branch officials.

Before founding Orion Advocates, Pat headed the American Forest & Paper Association’s government affairs program, where he was responsible for formulating and executing lobbying campaigns at the international, federal, state and local levels of government.

From two tours of duty working government affairs in different trade associations to his Hill experience to state and local lobbying campaigns, Pat has seen and experienced government affairs—what works and what doesn’t—at every level and from virtually every angle.

prita@orionadvocates.com

Services

Orion Advocates provides the highest quality government affairs support across the full spectrum of advocacy needs, including

• Direct lobbying the U.S. Congress and the federal Executive branch
• Formulating and executing strategic government affairs plans
• Planning, organizing and leading Capitol Hill “fly in” events for clients
• Writing testimony and preparing witnesses for appearances before Congressional committees and regulatory bodies
• Preparing and submitting comments for clients on regulatory proceedings
• Identifying emerging policy issues that may present opportunities or threats
• Forging strategic relationships with allied companies and organizations to “connect the dots” necessary for success in Washington

Clients

American Biogas Council
American Building Materials Alliance
American Chemistry Council
American Forest & Paper Association
Biomass Thermal Energy Council
Domtar Corporation
KeLa Energy
Forestar Corporation
Forest Resources Association
General Electric Energy
Hardwood Federation
Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association
Lignetics
National Turfgrass Federation
Outdoor Power Equipment Institute
Pellet Fuels Institute
Renewable Bag Council
Temple-Inland, Inc.
Wood Industry Association

Connect With Us

8 E Street, SE
Washington, D.C.  20003
T: (703) 887-3131
E: prita@orionadvocates.com