Ami Sanchez and Jenny Larsen enhance S360’s D.C. federal affairs practice

Washington, D.C. – Strategies 360’s federal affairs practice in Washington, D.C. is adding to its government affairs capacity with the addition of Ami Sanchez as Director of Federal Relations and Jenny Larsen as Senior Associate. The D.C. practice supports clients across the firm’s footprint and beyond with federal relations, media strategy and public relations, and national coordination on important projects. Recently, the D.C. team has taken the lead in helping firm-wide clients navigate the federal government’s response to COVID-19.

“With so much uncertainty at the federal level right now, clients who have the S360 team on their side can rest assured that they will have experts to guide them through their priority issues.” said Ron Dotzauer, Founder and CEO of Strategies 360. “Ami and Jenny enhance our D.C. team’s services by adding new industry perspectives, legal expertise, and insider knowledge that diversifies the range of support we can offer to clients.”

As Director of Federal Relations, Ami Sanchez will focus primarily on federal contracting and innovation. With expertise in small business operations, Ami will help clients navigate complex federal acquisition and innovation programs across the federal government. She has particular knowledge of the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) and defense supply chains, helping clients access small business programs including the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and 8(a) Business Development programs.

Prior to joining Strategies 360, Ami served as Senior Policy Advisor for U.Group. There she supported the Office of Small Business Programs, within the Office of the Secretary of Defense’s Office of Industrial Policy (Acquisition & Sustainment).  In this role, she advised leadership across the Department of Defense on issues facing small and non-traditional firms in the defense industrial and innovation base. She also led the development of the Department of Defense’s Small Business Strategy, mandated by Congress in Section 801 of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2018, providing important expertise on small businesses’ role in the health of the defense industrial base.

After earning her law degree, Ami she served as General Counsel with the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship for nearly a decade.  She advised Senators and staff, under Senators Mary Landrieu, Maria Cantwell, Ben Cardin, and Jeanne Shaheen, on small business policy. She helped craft small business related provisions in large, complex legislation related to health care reform, the federal rulemaking process and regulatory reform, immigration reform, and innovation. As the only Latina General Counsel for any of the standing U.S. Senate Committees during her tenure, Ami has been a vocal advocate for the Hispanic community and increasing opportunities for Latinos in Congress and federal service.

“Ami’s deep knowledge of federal institutions – including the Department of Defense – and the needs of small businesses provide our clients unique insights on policy and programs needed to move their goals forward,”said Tylynn Gordon, Executive Vice President, Washington D.C. “Combined with Jenny’s ability to communicate nuanced policy points to both lawmakers and their constituents, we have gained two expert strategists who will perfectly complement our already robust federal team.”

Jenny Larsen has worked with S360 clients as an intern and then as a consultant for the past year while earning her J.D. from Georgetown Law School, which she completed in May. As Senior Associate, Jenny will regularly support clients through memo drafting, in-depth policy research, and providing guidance on Congressional hearings, pending legislation, and appropriations.

While in Law school, Jenny also served as a Legislative Intern, Legislative Fellow, and eventually a Law Clerk for Representatives Ted Deutch and Jason Crow, and Senator Brian Schatz. In these roles, Jenny researched legislation, provided detailed memos on hearings and meetings, and provided analysis on upcoming votes. Her primary focus areas were immigration, impeachment and the insurance industry.

In addition, Jenny has expertise on criminal justice reform. She worked with the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law where she worked on research related to mental health and the criminal justice system. Jenny first engaged in policy as an undergrad when she lobbied the Utah State legislature on behalf of a bill that would have provided reproductive education to female inmates in the Utah jail/prison system.

“Our team in Washington D.C. have been working round the clock to support clients at this unprecedented time in our nation’s history,” said Andy Winer, Executive Vice President, Washington, D.C. “Ami and Jenny bring unique experiences from their time on the Hill. They will enhance our team’s ability to provide valuable insights and critical analysis of federal policies and agencies for our clients. We are thrilled to welcome them both to our team.”

You can reach Ami at AmiS@strategies360.com and Jenny at JennyL@strategies360.com.