In Washington, those who are successful in promoting their agenda note that they play “chess” when the unsuccessful are playing “checkers.”  This week, Greece’s selection of the lobbying firm BGR proved that Athens not only continues to play “chess” but has added a third dimension to its chess game.

This important development was a natural next step in the evolution of Greece’s approach to advocacy in Washington, D.C.  Athens has over the last several years improved the first dimension of its chess game by building on the work of the Greek American diaspora, especially in Congress and in think tanks.

Then it upgraded its diplomatic presence not only through a far more active Embassy, but also with the Prime Minister and several of his Ministers becoming regular visitors to the U.S. and building more and deeper relationships.

Adding a consulting firm adds the “third dimension” for Greece because it gives the Mitsotakis government a major tool in standing out while additional uncertainty is added onto the chaos that follows the beginning of every Administration.

A few weeks earlier, Cyprus also entered into a partnership with BGR, marking the first time that Athens and Nicosia will rely on the same lobbying firm in Washington.

Founded in 1991 by Republican heavyweights — former Mississippi Governor and Republican National Chairman Haley Barbour and former White House aide Ed Rogers — BGR initially prioritized government relations for Republican candidates and causes, being declared the most powerful lobbying firm in America by Fortune magazine after the inauguration of George W. Bush.

After a decline in revenue during the Obama Administration, the firm redirected its attention towards serving both parties in Congress. According to consecutive Bloomberg Government’s Top-Performing Lobbying Firms Reports, BGR is consistently one of the top 4 lobbying firms in Washington.

Of course, in today’s Washington, how close one is to President Trump is of paramount importance.  If this is the measure, BGR scores very well.  When Donald Trump began assembling his cabinet for his return to the White House, he turned to former BGR partner Sean Duffy for the role of transportation secretary.

The firm’s Managing Director — David Urban — was Senior Advisor to Trump’s 2016 campaign, helped run the 2016 Republican National Convention for him, and was a candidate to replace Reince Priebus as chief of staff.  He also advised the 2020 campaign and was a constant presence on cable networks speaking on behalf of Trump during the 2024 campaign.

There are also several other officials from the first Trump Administration at the firm.  Heather Nauert may be the one most familiar to the Greek public, as she served as former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s spokesperson during the previous Administration.

The head of BGR’s Defense Practice, Dan Greenwood, was a Deputy National Security Advisor during the first Trump Administration.  And if Greece has an opportunity to advance a third East Med Act or a big piece of legislation, the BGR team includes Joseph Lai — Trump’s first Special Assistant to the President for Legislative Affairs.

With several confirmation hearings of interest to Greece still to come before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, the guidance of Lester Munson, the head of the firm’s International Practice — will be important.  Munson was Staff Director for the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (including during Trump 1.0); chief of staff for Senator Mark Kirk of Illinois (where he had the opportunity to work with Chicago’s Greek American community); and Deputy Assistant Administrator for USAID.  He has also worked closely with former U.S. Ambassador to Greece George Tsunis.

When it comes to familiarity with Hellenic issues, BGR’s Fred Turner and Mark Tavlarides bring deep connections to the Greek American community. Turner, a former chief of staff to Senator Robert Menendez, played a key role during the passage of both Menendez-Rubio Acts. Tavlarides, who served on President Bill Clinton’s National Security Council, has longstanding ties to the community—his late father, the Reverend Dr. John Tavlarides, was the senior priest of St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Washington for more than 50 years.

Tavlarides, however, has faced criticism from some fellow Greek Americans for his past work representing Azerbaijan, particularly in light of allegations of ethnic cleansing against Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh. BGR Group’s contract with Azerbaijan was terminated at the end of 2024.

It was Turner along with firm President Erskine Wells who were seen in Athens to meet with Prime Minister Mitsotakis, who were present at the Delphi Economic Forum in DC, and who were seen recently walking into the Greek Embassy in Washington DC.  Wells’ activity on the Greece account is particularly important, as he was deputy chief of staff and military legislative assistant for Senator Roger Wicker, the Chairman of the Armed Services Committee.

With an extension of the MDCA, F-35 sales, and other items promised in the now famous “Blinken letter” to PM Mitsotakis, the Armed Services Committee will be of disproportionate importance to Greece over the next few years.  Chairman Wicker’s particular interest and expertise in shipbuilding may make the potential cooperation with Greece over naval shipbuilding even more important.

Finally, given Greece’s investment in the relationship with India and New Delhi’s rise in importance in American strategy, the fact that India is one of BGR’s largest and longest-standing clients – over a period in which U.S.-India relations went from one high to another – is another major advantage that the firm brings to its relationship with Greece.

There is no shortage of individuals and firms who are promoting access to the Trump Administration.  Greece clearly pursued a combination of access and experience.  In the uncertain environment that is now Washington, BGR seems like the ideal guide.  Now Athens has to tell them where it wants to go.