Doug Dziak focuses his practice on strategic planning and execution of legislative and regulatory policy strategies and congressional advocacy for a variety of companies, including manufacturing, energy, telecommunications, financial services, education, and health care companies. With significant legislative experience, particularly in coalition building, advocacy, negotiation, congressional hearings and investigations, and congressional ethics compliance, Doug assists clients to appreciate fully how government and public policy issues affect the client’s strategic business plans. Doug also has extensive experience related to Congressional ethics compliance, and related political law compliance issues. Doug has represented clients before federal and state regulatory agencies, federal courts, and Congress. He has also prepared clients to testify before Congressional committees and federal agencies. Recently, Doug actively led a coalition of privately-held companies in advocacy efforts related to the passage of the Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act, which was one of the few bipartisan bills signed into law during the 112th Congress, Second Session. Doug has also been recognized for his pro bono government relations efforts related to his work with the Lewis B. Puller, Jr. Veterans Benefits Clinic, located at the William & Mary School of Law. As a result of these efforts and his service, Doug was presented a “challenge coin” from the William and Mary Veterans Benefits Clinic.
Before joining Nixon Peabody, Doug worked as Legislative Director and Chief Counsel for now-retired Senator George V. Voinovich (OH). Doug was part of a four-person leadership team, collaborating with the Senator’s Chief of Staff, Communications Director, and State Director to develop and implement legislative and communication strategies. As Legislative Director, Doug oversaw Senator Voinovich’s office policy staff, regularly advised the Senator regarding legislative issues, and acted as a liaison to Senate leadership and other Senator offices.
Before becoming Senator Voinovich’s Legislative Director, Doug served as General Counsel to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Doug was responsible for developing strategic plans, planning and staffing subcommittee hearings, prioritizing legislative resources, and formulating policy responses and legislative initiatives.
During Senator Voinovich’s tenure as Chairman of the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Ethics, Doug advised the Senator on all ethics matters, including the Senate’s consideration of lobbying reform legislation, and served as Senator Voinovich’s attorney-advisor and liaison to the Ethics Committee. Doug participated in the legislative process, which eventually resulted in the passage of the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act of 2007.
Doug also acted as Senator Voinovich’s intellectual property enforcement policy advisor, working with members, congressional staff, the executive branch, and outside groups in developing and passing the Prioritizing Resources and Organization for Intellectual Property Act of 2008 (PRO-IP Act). Doug also served as policy advisor on economic and workforce development, automotive industry, manufacturing, labor, trade, immigration, and telecom issues.
Prior to joining the public sector, Doug worked at two international law firms in Washington, DC, on antitrust, telecommunications, energy, and other regulated industry matters.