Ben L. McMakin

Ben McMakin served for almost two decades on Capitol Hill as a senior political and legislative advisor to Members of Congress from the Pacific Northwest.  As chair of Van Ness Feldman’s Public Policy practice,  Mr. McMakin uses his comprehensive knowledge of Congress and the legislative process to advance client interests on an array of issues including cleantech, energy, biofuels, appropriations, transportation, defense and homeland security, and technology.  Mr. McMakin's clients include venture capitalists, startups, technology providers, utilities, and manufacturers.

Professional Background

Prior to joining Van Ness Feldman in 2005, Mr. McMakin served as the Legislative Director for Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), the senior Senator from Washington state and a member of the Senate Democratic leadership team. In this position, Mr. McMakin developed and implemented the Senator’s legislative agenda, including her work at Senate Appropriations Committee.

Over his 17 year Capitol Hill career, Mr. McMakin served as Legislative Director for Representative/Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) and as Legislative Director for Representative Mike Kopetski (D-OR).  Ben’s experience included extensive work with Members who served on key Congressional committee including the Appropriations Committee in the Senate and the Ways and Means Committee and Energy and Commerce Committee in the House of Representatives.

Government Service

• Legislative Assistant/Legislative Director, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), U.S. Senate, 1996-2005
• Legislative Director, Representative Ron Wyden (D-OR), U.S. House of Representatives, 1995-1996
• Legislative Director, Representative Mike Kopetski (D-OR), U.S. House of Representatives, 1990-1994
• Staff Assistant, Senator Alan Cranston (D-CA), U.S. Senate 1988-1989
  

Articles

• U.S. Climate Change Policy Will Drive Significant Investment Opportunities in Traditional and Alternative Energy
• Clean tech depends on federal policy

Speaking Engagements

• National Biodiesel Conference & Expo 2012, February 7, 2012
• 4th Annual Algae Biomass Summit, September 28, 2010
• Southwestern Biofuels Association Annual Policy Summit, April 13, 2010
• Energy, Climate Change, and Cleantech: 2009 Review and 2010 Forecast, January 26, 2010
• Webinar: 2010 Outlook for U.S. Energy and Environmental Policy, January 13, 2010

News

• Ben McMakin to Head Van Ness Feldman’s Public Policy Practice
• Van Ness Feldman Elevates Clean Energy Policy Professional To Firm Membership
• VNF's Curt Rich and Ben McMakin Offer Insights on Clean Tech and Federal Policy