(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – American Continental Group is proud to announce that Shawn Smeallie has been named Top Lobbyists by the National Institute of Lobbying & Ethics (NILE). This annual list celebrates the significant legislative success and community service of 75 lobbyists, PAC managers, and grassroots professionals nominated by their colleagues or clients. The Top Lobbyist Awards are chosen via a blind judging process, with the identifying information of each nominee redacted before review.
Shawn Smeallie founded American Continental Group in 1994, bringing his extensive experience on Capitol Hill, the Executive Branch, and in the private sector to the firm. His knowledge of the regulatory and legislative process and his work on defense, trade, energy, tax, and environmental issues over the course of his 35 years in Washington, D.C. provides the firm and its clients a significant resource.
Prior to ACG, Mr. Smeallie served as a Special Assistant to President Bush for Legislative Affairs from 1990 to 1993, as well as having worked at the Office of Management and Budget in the Executive Office of the President, and for U.S. Senator Alfonse D’Amato of New York.
“I have truly enjoyed every year that I have worked in this town,” said Smeallie, “so this is a great honor to be recognized by my peers. The most rewarding aspect of this profession is the close friendships that I have made with my colleagues, our clients, and the diligent and devoted policy-makers in Congress and the Administration that share my enthusiasm to get things done. I would not trade this profession for any other.”
NILE is committed to recognizing the accomplishments of lobbyists – through uphill battles and often with limited resources. “Our profession is filled with outstanding people who don’t get recognized on other lists because they aren’t a household name or don’t work for the biggest organization or corporation. Our list recognizes all the faces of our profession, not just the big names,” stated Paul Miller, board member, NILE. Manus Cooney, one of ACG’s Managing Partners noted that, “Shawn is among the most respected and accomplished of our peers. His leadership at ACG and in our profession is unsurpassed and it is so fitting for NILE to acknowledge him.”
Chris Israel, who has been with ACG since 2010 shared, “The nature of this award speaks to Shawn’s success as a lobbyist and a leader. He’s got the experience and insight to see the big picture, but I also think his success is based on a commitment to the substantive things that matter the most. It’s about building a great culture within our firm, stressing the smallest details for clients, maintaining trusted relationships and, taking the time to be a mentor and a friend. He is the example of what we all strive to be and I’m lucky to work with him every day.”
“During the pandemic, many leaders in our profession have done remarkable work to ensure that Washington, DC responded to the public health and economic impacts of COVID-19,” said Tommy Goodwin, NILE’s volunteer president. “It is great to see NILE bring the lobbying community together to recognize our peers and colleagues who have gone above and beyond, both for those they serve and the profession more broadly.”