Our History
June 1, 2006
Stewart Verdery Founds Verdery Consulting Group
Stewart Verdery founds Verdery Consulting Group, operating as a one-person firm from his home in Arlington, Virginia.
Before founding Monument, Stewart served as the first Assistant Secretary for Policy and Planning at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, following his confirmation by the U.S. Senate. Stewart oversaw agencies such as U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Transportation Security Administration and led efforts to develop and implement policies related to immigration and travel facilitation; cargo security and international trade; transportation security; and law enforcement. He worked extensively with foreign governments, testified frequently before Congress, and served on government advisory committees on trade, tourism, and privacy.
Earlier, Stewart served as General Counsel to Senate Assistant Majority Leader Don Nickles, where he played a major role on policy issues including law enforcement, commerce, nominations, constitutional law, campaign finance, and telecommunications. He also oversaw the Senate Republican High Tech Task Force, and served as Counsel to Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch and Senate Committee on Rules and Administration Chairman John Warner.
September 7, 2006
Monument Public Launch
Stewart Verdery publicly launches “Monument Policy Group” – now Monument Advocacy.
October 3, 2006
Washington, DC Office
Monument Advocacy Opens first ever Washington, D.C. Office.
Watch: Washington, D.C. Offices – A Walk Down Memory Lane with Founder Stewart Verdery
January 15, 2007
Bipartisan Expansion with Tim Punke Hire
Expands into a bipartisan consulting firm, adding senior Republican and Democratic policy talent
February 7, 2007
Monument Policy Group Launch Party
July 1, 2007
First Staff Retreat
Monument has since held team-building retreats in Seattle, Charlottesville, Annapolis, Bedford Springs, Williamsburg, Sheperdstown and other locations over the years.
August 3, 2007
Travel Policy Victories
Monument helps secure travel policy victories, including expansion of the Visa Waiver Program and authorization of a new international trusted traveler program.
See our LinkedIn post about travel & transportation policy wins over the years.
July 1, 2008
Seattle Office Opens
Seattle office opens, reflecting the firm’s growing work with Pacific Northwest clients and industries
July 1, 2008
Political Operative Rich Thomas Joins Monument to Focus on Trade Policy
Seasoned political operative Rich Thomas joins Monument. As former Legislative Director to Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ), Rich brings strong ties to the House Ways and Means and Senate Finance Committees, working closely with Democratic House Leadership and the New Democrat Coalition. Rich is also a campaign veteran in New Jersey, Wisconsin, and Illinois.
Today – Rich leads Monument’s Trade Practice.
July 29, 2008
Monument Supports Sirius-XM Merger
The hotly-contested merger between Sirius and XM Satellite Radio is completed after significant Congressional, DOJ and FTC review.
September 8, 2008
Monument Launches Fellowship Program
Our first ever Fellow starts at Monument Advocacy, kicking off a program through which we have since hosted over 200+ early-career professionals.
August 5, 2009
“One of Washington’s Fastest-growing Small Consulting Firms”
The Hill profiles Monument as one of Washington’s fastest-growing small consulting firms – Read More
March 10, 2010
Travel Promotion Act Signed
Monument’s efforts get Travel Promotion Act signed into law – See Video
March 12, 2010
Monument Launches Speakers Series
Monument launches a speaker series featuring Representatives of Congress, leaders in major media outlets, and key Capitol Hill staff.
January 18, 2011
Republican Legislative Strategist Ashley Hoy Joins the Firm
Ashley brings 12+ years of senior Capitol Hill experience to her work advising Monument clients on political and legislative strategy, especially high-profile issues. Before joining Monument in 2011, she served as Director of Coalitions for House Republican Whip Roy Blunt (R-MO), worked in Senate Republican Conference Vice Chair Lisa Murkowski’s (R-AK) office, and was Chief of Staff to Rep. Sue Myrick (R-NC), a member of the Energy and Commerce and Rules Committees.
Today – Ashley is Managing Partner of Government Affairs at Monument Advocacy.
October 10, 2011
Aviation Security Blueprint Support
Supports rollout of a major aviation security blueprint for U.S. Travel, followed by TSA’s announcement of the PreCheck trusted traveler program
December 31, 2011
Launch of the E-Tech Caucus
Monument client Enterntainment Software Association supports the launch of the E-Tech Caucus: giving the interactive entertainment industry a unified voice in federal policy. The group was later rebranded as the Congressional Video Game and Esports Caucus.
February 1, 2012
Kimberly Ellis Joins Monument with Strong Trade & Tax Policy Background
Kimberly Ellis joins Monument in 2012 after serving as Legislative Director for former House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX), in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, and other private sector positions.
Kimberly now leads Monument’s Tax practice area.
December 17, 2012
Video Privacy Legislation
Works with Netflix on federal legislation allowing online video companies to better integrate with social media platforms
October 28, 2013
Capitol Hill Veteran John Mulligan Joins the Firm
John Mulligan joins Monument. Capitol Hill veteran, John previously served as Legislative Director and Chief of Staff to U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA). John also brings a wealth of private sector experience in the energy industry.
Today – John leads Monument’s Energy & Environment practice area. Under his guidance, Monument has achieved critical victories for clients, particularly through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the appropriations process, and the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), helping to advance their strategic business and policy goals.
August 7, 2013
Client Zillow Hosts Roundtable with President Obama
President Obama joins our client Zillow to answer questions from renters, homeowners, and potential buyers.
December 1, 2013
The Hill Names Monument & Stewart Verdery Top Lobbyist – for the 1st time.
The Hill recognizes Stewart Verdery as one of Washington, DC’s top lobbyists. Read More
Since then, Monument & Stewart have received this recognition 12 years in a row.
February 19, 2014
First Seattle Policy Forum
Monument hosts our first Seattle Policy Forum in partnership with Nyhus Communications. The 2014 forum centers around Trade, Technology, and Transportation. Featured speakers and panelists include Rep. Rick Larsen (D-WA), Rep. Denny Heck (D-WA), and Reid Wilson from The Washington Post.
May 22, 2014
Launch of the Reform Government Surveillance Coalition
Monument leads Reform Government Surveillance coalition work.
February 2, 2015
Immigration Policy Expert Kate Mills Starts at Monument
Kate brings deep expertise in homeland security, national security, immigration, and travel sectors. Prior to joining Monument, Kate served as an Assistant Director and a Deputy Assistant Director at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for over five years. ate also served as senior counsel to Representative Zoe Lofgren and as the Assistant Director at the University of Maryland Center for Health and Homeland Security.
Today – Kate co-leads Monument’s Travel & Transportation practice area.
February 9, 2015
T.A. Hawks brings Agriculture & Appropriations Expertise to Monument
T.A. brings food, agriculture, and appropriations expertise as a former Staff Director of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee and previously Chief of Staff, Legislative Director and Legislative Assistant to former Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman, the late Thad Cochran (R-MS). T.A. specifically played a critical role in passing the 2014 Farm Bill.
Today – T.A. leads Monument’s Food & Agriculture practice area.
May 4, 2015
John Murray Joins – Building out Monument’s Public Affairs Arm
John comes to Monument with a strong background in strategic communications, policy, and leadership. Prior to joining the firm, he served as Deputy Chief of Staff to Representative Eric Cantor (R-VA) during his time as Republican Whip and House Majority Leader.
Today – John Murray is CEO of Monument Advocacy.
June 2, 2015
USA Freedom Act Signed
Monument’s work during extensive negotiations among Congress, the Obama Administration, and technology companies leads to the USA Freedom Act being signed into law.
December 18, 2015
Monument Supports Victims of Terrorism
Congress enacts legislation to provide compensation to certain victims of international state-sponsored terrorism who have obtained final U.S. court judgments against designated state sponsors of terrorism.
February 10, 2016
Launch of Public Affairs Practice
New hires with strategic communications expertise allow Monument to build a public affairs branch, combining with existing government relations services to offer maximum value to clients.
February 10, 2016
Monument’s 10th Anniversary
Monument celebrates 10th anniversary
April 5, 2016
Bloomberg Recognition: Top Performing Firm
Bloomberg Government names Monument Top-Performing Firm.
May 24, 2016
First ClifBar “Loop the Lincoln” Annual Run
Monument client ClifBar (now part of Mondelez International) sponsors an annual ‘Fun Run’ around the National Mall.
July 1, 2017
Congress Creates Center for Safe Sport
Following strategic discussions with Monument client USOPC (US Olympic & Paralympic Committee), Congress creates the U.S. Center for Safe Sport to address abuse against amateur athletes through prevention, education, and accountability.
October 2, 2017
Matt McAlvanah Brings Policy Communications Expertise to Monument
Matt joins Monument prepared to dive in at the intersection of policy and communications. Prior to joining Monument, Matt served in the Obama Administration as Assistant U.S. Trade Representative, spearheading policy communications for the Administration on trade and international investment issues. Prior to USTR, Matt served as Communications Director to U.S. Senator Patty Murray, the senior Senator from Washington state and Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman.
Today – Matt McAlvanah is a Partner on our Public Affairs team.
May 1, 2018
Supreme Court Legalizes Sports Betting
The Supreme Court rules against PASPA, legalizing sports betting across the country. This decision comes after Monument’s focused advocacy on the critical need to find a legal solution to regulated sports betting at a national level. Monument Advocacy’s government relations and public affairs team worked together to build the American Sports Betting Coalition (ASBC) and launch an integrated advocacy campaign, engaging key stakeholders and champions of the issue – contributing to this key policy win for our clients.
June 12, 2018
Seattle City Council Defeats New Company Head Tax
Monument Seattle team leads communications for the successful No Tax on Jobs campaign.
January 7, 2019
Monument Advocacy Re-brand
Monument Policy Group changes name to Monument Advocacy to reflect broader suite of firm capabilities.
May 1, 2019
Outdoor Industry Association Fly-In
Monument runs a fly-in for our client, the Outdoor Industry Association, to make key connections on Capitol Hill and across Washignton DC.
October 1, 2019
Expedia Opens New HQ
Monument’s Seattle office supports communications, community engagement and hard hat tours for new HQ in Elliott Bay in downtown Seattle.
March 10, 2020
Transition to a Virtual Work Environment
Monument moves to a virtual work environment and helps clients respond to rapid federal policy changes tied to public health, economic relief, travel, and essential work designations.
May 15, 2020
Monument Launches Travel Management Coalition
A group of TMC’s retains Monument to work on issues related to business travel, including COVID policies
October 30, 2020
The Empowering Olympic, Paralympic, and Amateur Athletes Act of 2020 Signed into Law
In support of client USOPC’s need for US Olympic governance changes and athlete protections, the Empowering Olympic, Paralympic, and Amateur Athletes Act of 2020 was signed into law
November 2, 2020
Seasoned Policy Advocate Lawrence Duncan III Comes to Monument
Larry joins Monument, bringing three decades of government affairs and legal experience with Fortune 500 clients. Prior to joining Monument, Larry founded Potomac Policy Advisors, a boutique consultancy advising Silicon Valley innovators on federal affairs. He previously served in a senior executive role at Lockheed Martin, where he directed federal and state government affairs and managed a $5 million political action committee. Earlier in his career, Larry practiced law at two of Washington’s premier firms—Patton Boggs and Verner Liipfert—representing major media and telecommunications clients.
Today – Larry Duncan is a Partner at Monument Advocacy.
December 21, 2020
Crisis & Strategic Communications Expert Jill Jackson Joins Our Team
Jill joins Monument’s Public Affairs team with an award-winning journalism background and expertise in crisis and litigation communications. Prior to joining Monument, Jill spent more than a decade on Capitol Hill covering health care, financial and tax reforms, and immigration overhaul efforts, working with CBS News’ Evening News, CBS This Morning, Face the Nation, and 60 Minutes. She also served as news director at National Public Radio-member station KUOW in Seattle.
Today – Jill Jackson is a Managing Partner at Monument, leading the firm’s public affairs, policy communications, and digital teams.
June 15, 2020
100 Speaker Milestone
Monument Speakers Series reaches 100 speakers.
April 4, 2022
Bloomberg Revenue Recognition: Top 20 Lobbying Firms
Bloomberg Government ranks Monument as a Top-Performing firm; enters the Top 20 lobbying firms by revenue for the first time
April 12, 2022
Operational Technology Cybersecurity Coalition Created
Monument launches OTCC to work sensitive cybersecurity issues, which has since grown to 20+ members.
May 1, 2022
King County COVID Campaign & Silver Anvil Award
August 16, 2022
$20B Investment in Climate-Smart Agriculture
Monument works on a coalition effort to obtain conservation funding for farmers and ranchers as part of the Inflation Reduction Act.
December 6, 2023
A Top Lobbying Firm from The Hill
The Hill names Monument to the top lobbying list and cites the firm as one of the 20 largest lobbying firms – Read More
July 1, 2024
John Murray Named CEO
John Murray steps up into the CEO role, guiding the firm through growth and transition. John shares that it is meaningful “having all my partners support me as the next CEO and Stewart ultimately giving me a shot.”
Founder and former CEO, Stewart Verdery, shares, “After 18 years, it is appropriate to allow a new CEO to bring a fresh vision and new approaches to the firm and our clients… a recognition that all leaders need to cultivate an environment where their successors can achieve even more.”
October 9, 2024
Announcement of Partnership with Everlane Equity Partners to Expand Capabilities & Reach
Announces partnership with Everlane Equity Partners to expand capabilities and reach.
The investment allows Monument to continue to provide best-in-class integrated services to clients while supporting growth to deliver results in additional geographic markets and policy areas.
Monument Advocacy CEO, John Murray shares, “When we began this process, our goal was to find a partner that would align with our business goals and entrepreneurial culture. The Lakeside team embedded with us and developed a deep understanding of what makes Monument tick. Then they worked tirelessly alongside our management team to get to close. We are very excited to partner with Everlane Equity Partners and appreciate Lakeside’s help and guidance throughout this process.”
February 28, 2025
Appalachian Trail Stamp Series Unveiled by USPS
Appalachian Trail Conservancy and Monument collaborate with Postal Service to release series of 15 AT stamps.
July 4, 2025
Client Flex Association Celebrates No Tax on Tips Legislation
Advocacy is successful to include app-based workers as eligible for the ‘no tax on tips’ provision in the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill”.
July 8, 2025
Horizon Government Affairs Acquisition Bolsters Health Care Policy Practice
Monument Advocacy acquires Horizon Government Affairs.
CEO John Murray shares, ”
For nearly 20 years, Joel White and his team have counseled Fortune 500 companies, trade associations, and health policy coalitions on how to navigate the U.S. health care system and its complex policy and political landscape.
Horizon is the first in a series of strategic partnerships designed to bolster our platform’s government relations and public affairs offerings.”
Politico – “Horizon Merges with Monument”
June 11, 2025
Appalachian Trail Conservancy Centennial Gala in Union Station
Monument organizes a gala at Union Station in Washington, D.C. for our client the Appalachian Trail Conservancy to celebrate their 100 years of stewardship. The powerful evening honors the Trail’s legacy and ATC’s work to protect it. Several individuals are recognized as Trail Champions at the event, including Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA), Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), and Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY).
December 11, 2025
Top Lobbying Firm 13th Year in a Row
The Hill names 4 Monument women as top lobbyists: Kimberly Ellis, Ashley Hoy, Sloane Salzburg, and Lilia McFarland Horder.
March 11, 2026
Blueberry Hill Climb
Monument supports our client, the North American Blueberry Council, by managing a Blueberry Hill Climb including brand activations, events, and meetings with key officials across the government. Pictured here is Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and the NABC team.
July 1, 2026
Monument Partners with World Cup Host Cities
Monument assists Kansas City and Seattle with their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including obtaining $625M in federal security funding and developing a playbook for Seattle businesses.
July 1, 2026
Expansion into Texas with Anne Macdonald Grace Hiring
Monument expands footprint to Texas with hiring of Anne MacDonald Grace – Read More
August 21, 2026
Awarded 2026 Public Policy and Affairs Services of the Year
Gov Business Review recognizes Monument Advocacy with the 2026 Public Policy and Affairs Services of the Year award.
Read more about our integrated public affairs & government relations model on Gov Business Review.
Monument’s Origin Story
Twenty years is a long time in Washington. Firms rise quickly, disappear quietly, and too often mistake access for impact. Monument Advocacy’s story is different.
As Monument marks its 20th anniversary in 2026, the milestone reflects two decades of steady growth, trusted relationships, and results for clients navigating some of the most complex issues in public policy. Founded in 2006 by Stewart Verdery, Monument has grown from a one-person startup into a bipartisan advocacy and public affairs firm with national reach.
From the start, Monument focused on issues where security, commerce, technology, and mobility intersect. Growth followed quickly. Within a year, Monument had expanded into a five-person firm. That early period established a model that continues today: combine deep policy expertise with the speed and flexibility to solve problems.
Over time, Monument became known for helping clients operate where public policy and private-sector growth meet. It built a bipartisan approach designed to work across administrations, changes in congressional control, and shifting political environments. For emerging and fast-growing companies in particular, Monument often became more than an outside firm. It served as their bridge to Washington.
The firm also looked beyond Washington early, building a strong West Coast presence and eventually establishing a Seattle office. As its work expanded, so did its capabilities. The 2019 rebrand from Monument Policy Group to Monument Advocacy reflected a broader approach encompassing government relations, communications, public affairs, coalition building, and strategic counsel.
Recent years have brought another period of expansion. In 2024, John Murray became CEO while Stewart shifted his focus to business development, long-term strategy, and client engagement. In July 2025, Monument joined forces with Horizon Government Affairs, adding health care policy and regulatory capabilities. That growth continued in 2026 with expansion into Texas.
Those additions reflect how Monument itself has evolved. Advocacy today is not confined to lobbying. Clients increasingly need help anticipating political risk, managing crises, communicating with stakeholders, navigating regulations, and building coalitions. Monument has continued to broaden its capabilities around those needs.
Through economic downturns, government shutdowns, the COVID era, political transitions, and rapidly changing policy debates, the firm has remained focused on the same basic principle: help clients understand what is changing and determine what to do about it.