Welcome to the Washington Government Relations Group (WGRG).

For over a quarter century, the Washington Government Relations Group (WGRG) has been fortunate to serve as the premier organization dedicated to the professional enrichment of African-American government relations advocates. As a non-partisan, independent, volunteer association, our members represent a diverse cross section of corporations, financial institutions, law firms, trade associations and non-profit organizations on various policy matters in the state, federal, and international arena. The organization endeavors to increase dialogue between our members and key senior-level policy makers in an effort to foster meaningful public policy solutions. The WGRG works to facilitate both professional and social advancement amongst its membership through regularly scheduled programming and events that bring together stakeholders and key leaders from the public and private sectors. These individuals provide insight into the priorities and direction of officials and staff of the Administration, Congress and government agencies of interest.

As the non-profit charitable giving arm, the WGRG Foundation administers the Terri Grier Memorial Scholarship Program for African–American students pursuing undergraduate or graduate study in political science or public/government affairs. We welcome your engagement in WGRG and look forward to your active participation.

Sincerely,

Danielle McBeth
President

Realizing the value of networking and the need to collaborate, African-American lobbyists in our nation’s capital, formed the “The Second Wednesdays Group.” During the seventies and eighties, this group was instrumental in providing educational seminars and events for its membership that promoted professional advancement in the public affairs arena.

Acknowledging the changing face of politics in the nation’s capital, many members decided that it was time to establish a more formal structure to ensure longevity and continued growth and progress. In an effort to do just that, in February 1997, the group reorganized its structure to become the Washington Government Relations Group (WGRG).

WGRG is a non-partisan, independent, volunteer association founded to enrich the careers and leadership abilities of African-American government relations professionals. Members represent corporations, financial institutions, law firms, trade associations and non-profit organizations on a broad range of policy areas in the state, federal, and international arenas.

WGRG schedules programs featuring Members of Congress, congressional staff, as well as officials from the Administration who provide insight regarding legislative and regulatory priorities of the Administration, Congress and government agencies of interest.

The Washington Government Relations Group (WGRG) is a non-partisan, independent, volunteer association that was founded to enrich the careers and leadership abilities of African-American government relations professionals. Members represent corporations, financial institutions, law firms, trade associations and non-profit organizations on a broad range of policy areas in state, federal, and international arenas. The organization aims to foster meaningful dialogue between its members and pertinent, senior-level policymakers to facilitate superior public policy solutions.

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The WGRG Foundation was established to administer and promote the charitable and educational activities of the Washington Government Relations Group. Contributions raised through the Foundation primarily support the Terri Grier Memorial Scholarship Program and provides an opportunity for the membership of Washington Government Relations Group to remember the organization’s beloved former Secretary. The Terri Grier Memorial Scholarship Program awards scholarships to minority students either entering full-time undergraduate studies or currently enrolled as a full-time student in good academic standing at an accredited college or university.

Leadership

  • Danielle McBeth

    President

    After a career primarily in the private sector, Danielle McBeth transitioned to Florida A&M University (FAMU) to join the President’s Senior Leadership Team as Director of Government Relations

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  • E. Lance Williams

    Vice President

    Edward Lawrence Williams II “Lance” serves as a Director on BP America’s U.S. Government Affairs team based in Washington, D.C. As one of BP’s federal lobbyists

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  • Ben Tesfazghi

    Secretary

    Ben Tesfazghi is the Manager of Legislative Affairs for the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), a trade association representing nearly 16,500 franchised new car and truck dealers in the United States

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  • Tiffani V. Williams

    Treasurer

    Tiffani V. Williams is a Senior Vice President and Public Policy Advisor with the Daschle Group, a Public Policy Advisory of Baker Donelson, and Of Counsel with Baker Donelson

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