John B. Jennings
Washington
Summary
Dynamic government affairs executive with a track record of advancing retirement security initiatives through strategic coalition building and effective congressional advocacy. Key contributor to the successful preservation of tax-deferred retirement savings during federal tax reform, and instrumental in advancing multiple legislative proposals through bipartisan support. Engages with senior leaders and policymakers to shape impactful policy solutions.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, Government & Political Affairs
INSURED RETIREMENT INSTITUTE (IRI)
Washington
03.2023 - Current
- Lead development and execution of IRI’s federal legislative and advocacy strategy on retirement security, lifetime income, tax, and financial services policy priorities.
- Directed development of IRI’s Federal Retirement Security Blueprints by coordinating member company policy input, building consensus across stakeholders, and overseeing drafting and approval of legislative and regulatory proposals.
- Co-led congressional advocacy efforts that preserved tax-deferred treatment of retirement savings during federal tax reform negotiations in 2025.
- Supported advocacy efforts that advanced 18 of 33 proposals in the 2025 Blueprint and 19 of 33 proposals in the 2024 Blueprint, including bipartisan committee advancement of key retirement legislation.
- Served as lead strategist and congressional liaison supporting IRI participation in congressional hearings related to the Department of Labor fiduciary rule, including coordinating witness preparation, drafting hearing materials, developing proposed committee questions, and conducting member outreach.
- Secured first congressional hearing invitations in IRI history related to Department of Labor’s Retirement Security Rule.
- Represented IRI at congressional meetings and political engagement events to advance retirement security and lifetime income policy priorities.
- Advise senior IRI leadership and member company executives on legislative strategy related to ERISA fiduciary policy, retirement security reform, tax policy, and financial services regulation.
- Manage coalition engagement efforts involving member companies, congressional offices, and national trade associations to advance federal retirement security legislation and financial services advocacy priorities.
- Organized and moderated Capitol Hill briefing on lifetime income solutions, establishing a model replicated by peer trade associations.
- Assisted in raising more than $280,000 through congressional fundraising and IRIPAC events supporting strategic political engagement initiatives.
- Represent IRI across major industry coalitions and advocacy organizations focused on retirement security, cybersecurity, data privacy, remote notarization, and artificial intelligence policy.
- Invited speaker and panelist at industry conferences and congressional briefings, including the Public Affairs Council Advocacy Conference, the Congressional Financial Security Caucus, and Advocacy Association discussions on PAC strategy.
Assistant Director, Government Affairs
Insured Retirement Institute
03.2020 - 03.2023
- Partnered with senior leadership to shape federal government affairs and public policy strategies.
- Cultivated relationships with congressional offices, executive officials, and financial services stakeholders to advance legislative priorities.
- Directed grassroots advocacy efforts, mobilizing member company support for legislative priorities.
- Facilitated congressional fly-ins, advocacy meetings, and member engagement events to strengthen stakeholder relationships and align efforts with legislative objectives.
- Coordinated industry coalition initiatives supporting retirement savings, lifetime income, and financial services legislation.
- Composed policy memos, legislative summaries, advocacy materials, and congressional correspondence to inform decision-makers and support policy initiatives.
- Managed publication of the government affairs update newsletter on federal legislative and regulatory developments.
Manager, Government Affairs
INSURED RETIREMENT INSTITUTE (IRI)
03.2018 - 03.2020
- Drafted congressional testimony, coalition letters, policy statements, and advocacy communications.
- Monitored legislative and regulatory developments influencing retirement and financial services policy.
- Coordinated outreach with congressional offices, member firms, and coalition partners to strengthen relationships.
- Led IRI’s grassroots advocacy program, enhancing member engagement initiatives.
Government & Public Affairs Specialist
INSURED RETIREMENT INSTITUTE (IRI)
11.2017 - 03.2018
- Authored IRI’s Government Affairs Update newsletter covering congressional and regulatory developments.
- Managed National Retirement Planning Week initiatives and coordinated engagement with coalition partners and external stakeholders.
- Supported advocacy communications and member engagement initiatives.
Public Affairs Specialist
INSURED RETIREMENT INSTITUTE (IRI)
01.2017 - 11.2017
- Coordinated media relations efforts and strategic communications initiatives to enhance public image.
- Facilitated public affairs outreach and refined organizational messaging to strengthen stakeholder engagement.
- Drafted press releases, talking points, speeches, and external communications materials.
Staff Assistant | Office of Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC)
UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Managed constituent engagement and communications on federal legislative and regulatory issues to enhance awareness and understanding.
- Conducted legislative research and policy analysis to inform decision-making in congressional operations.
- Coordinated with stakeholders, advocacy organizations, and government officials to address constituent concerns and advance policy initiatives.
- Drafted constituent correspondence and briefing materials.
Staff Assistant | Office of Rep. John Campbell (R-CA)
UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
06.2014 - 12.2014
- Advised Congressman on education, agriculture, and environmental policies to inform decision-making.
- Addressed constituent inquiries, delivering timely information and assistance to enhance community engagement.
- Directed internship program operations, including recruitment, training, and supervision.
Intern | Office of Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC)
UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
01.2014 - 06.2014
Education
Bachelor of Arts - History
Hampden-Sydney College
Hampden Sydney, VA05-2012
Skills
- Federal government affairs
- Legislative and regulatory strategy
- Retirement and financial services policy
- Coalition building
- Congressional relations
- Political advocacy and PAC strategy
- Grassroots advocacy
- Policy analysis
- Strategic communications
- Executive communication
- Public speaking
- Hearing and witness preparation
- Event planning
Leadership Honors
- The Hill’s Top Lobbyist
- Association Trends Leading Lobbyist
- Member, ASAE PAC Board
- Certificate in Government Relations & Lobbying, Public Affairs Council
- Public Affairs Council Leadership Summit
- Invited Speaker, Public Affairs Council Advocacy Conference
- Member, Alumni Board, Hampden-Sydney College
Timeline
Director, Government & Political Affairs
INSURED RETIREMENT INSTITUTE (IRI)
03.2023 - Current
Assistant Director, Government Affairs
Insured Retirement Institute
03.2020 - 03.2023
Manager, Government Affairs
INSURED RETIREMENT INSTITUTE (IRI)
03.2018 - 03.2020
Government & Public Affairs Specialist
INSURED RETIREMENT INSTITUTE (IRI)
11.2017 - 03.2018
Public Affairs Specialist
INSURED RETIREMENT INSTITUTE (IRI)
01.2017 - 11.2017
Staff Assistant | Office of Rep. John Campbell (R-CA)
UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
06.2014 - 12.2014
Staff Assistant | Office of Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC)
UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
01.2014 - 01.2016
Intern | Office of Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC)
UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
01.2014 - 06.2014
Bachelor of Arts - History
Hampden-Sydney College