Michael Richards is a Principal at Monument Advocacy, where he advises clients on federal policy matters at the intersection of technology, data privacy, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies. He specializes in helping companies and trade associations navigate the rapidly evolving regulatory landscape, with a particular focus on clients in the technology, telecommunications, and innovation sectors.
Michael has been at the forefront of the technology debate with combined experience in policy advocacy and Capitol Hill operations. He joins Monument from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where he served as Executive Director of Policy at the Chamber’s Technology Engagement Center (C_TEC). In that role, he led the Chamber’s artificial intelligence, chips and science, and IT modernization portfolio, analyzing federal and state policies impacting U.S. businesses and shaping industry positions on some of the most consequential technology issues facing Congress and the administration. Michael also directed the Chamber’s AI Policy Working Group—a coalition of more than 250 companies and trade associations—as well as leading the Chamber’s AI Commission work.
Prior to joining the Chamber, Michael spent close to a decade on Capitol Hill. He served as Deputy Chief Staff and Legislative Director for Representative Scott Franklin (FL-15), and previously held the same role for Representative Pete Olson (TX-22). For Congressman Olson, Michael was the lead staffer supporting his work as co-chair of the bipartisan House AI Caucus and the Victims’ Rights Caucus, and he managed the Communications and Technology portfolio on the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
Michael earned a Master of Public Policy from the Pepperdine School of Public Policy and a Bachelor’s degree from Texas State University.