SCOTT L. RIEHL
Summary
Strategic government affairs executive with 30+ years of experience in association leadership, legislative advocacy, regulatory strategy, and political fundraising. Proven success in building coalitions, leading high-performing teams, and navigating complex policy landscapes across federal, state, and international arenas. Trusted advisor with deep bipartisan relationships among Congressional leaders, governors, regulatory officials, trade associations, and legal professionals.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
President
RIEHL GROUP, LLC
09.2024 - Current
- Lead boutique government affairs firm advising clients in banking, consumer goods, retail, defense, energy, biotechnology, and packaging.
- Provide strategic counsel and advocacy at international, federal, and state levels.
- Engage with EU policymakers, U.S. decision-makers, and state leaders to advance client agendas.
Vice President, State Government Relations
Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA)
06.2016 - 09.2024
- Chief state lobbyist for the $1 trillion equipment finance industry.
- Directed regional teams and large committees of legal and tax experts.
- Spearheaded policy initiatives on such issues as licensing, government leasing, electronic recycling, data security, tort reform, and business taxes.
- Liaison to major state policy organizations (NCSL, CSG, NGA/DGA/RGA, etc.).
President
RIEHL GROUP, LLC
04.2013 - 06.2016
- Advised clients in consumer goods, homeland security, taxation, energy, and constitutional law.
- Delivered strategic advocacy and brand protection across all 50 states and federal institutions.
Vice President, Government Affairs & Associate Counsel
Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA)
01.2007 - 04.2013
- Led 7-member state government relations team for the $2.1 trillion food, beverage, and CPG industry.
- Oversaw regional offices in DC, New York, Lansing, and Sacramento.
- Designed GMA's first state Political Education Fund, raising $340K+ in 2011.
- Directed policy campaigns on biotechnology, trade, recycling, advertising, and more.
- Managed 20+ consultants and legal advisors across all 50 states.
SVP, Government Affairs & Associate Counsel
Food Products Association
01.2006 - 01.2007
- Chief lobbyist and national spokesperson for the $500 billion food and beverage industry.
- Managed federal and state government relations teams, consultants, and attorneys.
- Developed and advocated policy positions on food safety, trade, biotechnology, and tort reform.
Vice President, Government Affairs & Associate Counsel
Food Products Association
01.1999 - 01.2006
- Lead federal and state lobbyist for tort reform, biotech, and food security issues.
- Built and led state the association government relations division.
- Directed the successful obesity-related tort reform campaign and legislative outreach programs.
Vice President
Stateside Associates
11.1997 - 01.1999
- Senior management team member at the nation's largest state government relations consulting firm.
- Provided strategic counsel to clients, primarily the Food Products Association.
- Led a staff of 45 researchers.
State Government Liaison
National Rifle Association of America
01.1995 - 11.1997
- Chief lobbyist to key battleground states for the nation's largest civil liberties organization.
- Liaison to NGA, RGA, and affiliated state associations.
- Directed media strategy and legislative advocacy in high-profile states.
Attorney
Seyfarth, Shaw, Fairweather & Geraldson
12.1992 - 01.1995
- Member of Government Contracts Group at leading procurement litigation firm.
- Participated in high-stakes bid protests exceeding $500M–$2B.
- Tracked federal procurement legislation and authored client presentations.
Education
J.D. -
Thomas M. Cooley Law School
Lansing, MI09.1992
Bachelor of Science - Political Science
University of Vermont
Burlington, VT05.1988
Fellow - undefined
University of London, Kings College
03.1986
Skills
- Operational & leadership excellence
- Expert crisis management
- Creative strategic planning
- Results-oriented tactical implementation
- Stakeholder engagement
- Brand & business development
- Risk mitigation
Affiliations
- Council of State Governments
- Food Industry Association Executives
- National Governors' Association
- Republican Governors' Association
- Democratic Governors' Association
- American Legislative Exchange Council
- National Conference of State Legislatures
- State Government Affairs Council
- Senate Presidents' Forum
- State Legislative Leaders Foundation
- Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee
- Washington Area State Relations Group
Timeline
President
RIEHL GROUP, LLC
09.2024 - Current
Vice President, State Government Relations
Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA)
06.2016 - 09.2024
President
RIEHL GROUP, LLC
04.2013 - 06.2016
Vice President, Government Affairs & Associate Counsel
Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA)
01.2007 - 04.2013
SVP, Government Affairs & Associate Counsel
Food Products Association
01.2006 - 01.2007
Vice President, Government Affairs & Associate Counsel
Food Products Association
01.1999 - 01.2006
Vice President
Stateside Associates
11.1997 - 01.1999
State Government Liaison
National Rifle Association of America
01.1995 - 11.1997
Attorney
Seyfarth, Shaw, Fairweather & Geraldson
12.1992 - 01.1995
Fellow - undefined
University of London, Kings College
J.D. -
Thomas M. Cooley Law School
Bachelor of Science - Political Science
University of Vermont