Former Republican Congressman Thomas Reynolds and His Chief of Staff, Sally Vastola, Move to Holland & Knight

WASHINGTON, March 15, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Thomas M. Reynolds, who served 10 years in Congress, and Sally Vastola, his chief of staff for all five terms, have joined Holland & Knight as senior policy advisors in its Public Policy & Regulation Practice Group in Washington, D.C. Joining the firm with them are Douglas Dziak and Jodi Richardson as senior counsel and public affairs advisor respectively. All were previously with Nixon Peabody.

Mr. Reynolds served in Congress from 1999 to 2009 representing western New York's 26^th District, which includes the Buffalo and Rochester areas, a seat once held by Jack Kemp. During his tenure, he was elected to the Republican leadership team and was a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, Rules Committee and Administration Committee, as well as the House Republican Steering Committee. He also served as chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee from 2003-2006.

As chief of staff, Ms. Vastola worked closely with the members and staff of the Ways and Means Committee and of the House leadership. She was named one of The Hill's top 50 staffers four years in a row. In addition, she served as executive director and chief executive officer of the National Republican Congressional Committee during Mr. Reynolds' term as chairman.

"We are delighted to welcome Tom Reynolds to the firm," said Steven Sonberg, Holland & Knight managing partner. "Tom's elected experience at every level of government and political knowledge, combined with his private sector business background, will be a great asset to our clients as they seek assistance dealing with the complexities of navigating the legislative and regulatory process."  

"Tom has a distinguished 35-year career of elected service in public office, with Sally at his side for much of it," said David Whitestone, the leader of Holland & Knight's Government Section. "Their ability to create bipartisan relationships and connections will be invaluable as they advise clients on legislative and regulatory policies in such areas as tax, international trade, healthcare, financial services and energy."

"I came to know Holland & Knight when I served in Congress and have been impressed with it ever since," said Mr. Reynolds. "The firm has a strong bipartisan team with deep ties throughout Washington and a reputation for nurturing longstanding relationships on both sides of the aisle while advocating for clients."

"Tom and I look forward to working alongside such an outstanding group of lawyers and policy professionals to provide strategic counsel to clients as they address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the new administration," added Ms. Vastola.

About the Public Policy & Regulation Practice Group: Holland & Knight's Public Policy & Regulation Practice Group includes more than 100 lawyers and other professionals engaged in federal, state and local government affairs and regulatory counseling and related disciplines. With 13 teams including Government Representation, Environment, Telecommunications, Healthcare & Life Sciences, Transportation, Federal Practice & Appropriations, Government Markets and State and Local Procurement, State Capitals and High-Stakes Communications, our attorneys and professionals manage complex client problems and opportunities involving local, state and federal government regulatory, transactional and legislative matters.

About Holland & Knight LLP:  Holland & Knight is a global law firm with more than 1,200 lawyers and other professionals in 27 offices throughout the world. Our lawyers provide representation in litigation, business, real estate and governmental law. Interdisciplinary practice groups and industry-based teams provide clients with access to attorneys throughout the firm, regardless of location.

SOURCE Holland & Knight LLP