Influence Alley

Former Assistant Homeland Security Secretary for Legislative Affairs Chani Wiggins announced this morning that she is launching a new firm, Winn Strategies.

The firm, which will focus on a range of homeland security issues, will be partnering with McAllister & Quinn, Wiggins told the Alley.

"Winn Strategies has strong expertise in homeland security, telecommunications, technology and energy policies and in communications, crisis management and Congressional oversight," she said. 

Wiggins is no stranger to Capitol Hill. She's served as legislative director to former Democratic Rep. Bart Stupak of Michigan as well as to Missouri Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill. She also served as deputy chief of staff to former Democratic Sen. Mark Dayton of Minnesota among other posts. 

"All of those members were great. I learned a ton from them. I also think it's what gives me a leg up. I've worked for liberals, they'd claim they're populists, and moderates both in the House and Senate. 

Elsewhere on K Street, Kountoupes Consulting is becoming Kountoupes | Denham, Lisa Kountoupes announced today. 

Lori Denham joined Kountoupes in 2008 and served as a senior aide to former California Democratic Rep. Cal Dooley for 14 years.

“Our clients get huge value from Lori’s aggregate experience in Congress, at a trade association and working on political campaigns,” Kountoupes said in a statement..  “Those different experiences help her approach issues from a variety of perspectives.”

Also today, the Keelen Group hired Frank McCarthy as its senior vice president, the firm announced. A veteran of Capitol Hill, McCarthy will continue to work with the National Air Traffic Controllers Association and other transportation and labor clients for the firm.