James D. Reilly

Jim is held in high regard for his ability to work with both sides of the aisle to pass key legislation in Congress, a skill he honed as chief of staff for Senator Tom Carper (D-DE). In that capacity, he facilitated bipartisan and other partnerships to achieve the senator's objectives related to committee assignments on finance, environment and public works, and homeland security and government affairs. As chief of staff, Jim worked to ensure Delaware's small federal delegation, including then Senator Biden, worked side by side to deliver results. Jim co-chaired the weekly Senate chiefs of staff meeting and established bipartisan relationships throughout Washington. A Delaware native, Jim previously served as a legislative assistant to Senator Carper, responsible for all environmental, energy, agriculture legislation, and related appropriations matters, including climate change, renewable energy, water quality, and air pollution. He also was the staff lead overseeing passage of clean air, PURPA reform, nuclear safety, and Army Corps legislation.

Prior to joining Venable, Jim served as the vice president of a trade association that represents owners, developers, equipment and service providers, financiers, utilities, and customers involved in the wind industry. During his tenure, he maximized a $21 million budget and the influence of 1,000 member companies to convey the wind energy industry's priorities to U.S. federal and state governments, enabling the industry's 48% growth over a four-year period.

Jim's influence as an energy and environmental policy advisor extends to the international stage. In addition to his experience advocating on behalf of numerous international energy organizations, he served as the senior energy and environment advisor at the British Embassy in Washington, DC. He advised the prime minister and cabinet members on transatlantic energy, environmental, and trade matters and implemented strategies for political engagement between the U.S. and Britain, the G8, and the European Union, and with the private sector.