Member Listing
Ben L. McMakin
Washington, DC
(202) 298-1956
Email
Education
B.A., University of Oregon, 1987
Professional Experience
Ben McMakin spent 17 years as a senior political and legislative advisor to members of the Washington and Oregon congressional delegations. In that capacity, he worked with business and community leaders on innovative solutions to the region’s many public policy challenges. Today, Mr. McMakin uses his comprehensive knowledge of Congress and the legislative process to advance client interests on an array of issues including appropriations, cleantech, energy, transportation, defense and homeland security, and technology.
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 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 as Chairman of the Senate Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee.
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
