Neil is a communications and government professional with experience working in governments and for clients from Washington, D.C., Europe and across the U.S. West. Neil’s award-winning media, crisis communications, policy and cyber security experience make him a valued member to clients across many disciplines.

A trusted advisor to governors, mayors and corporate executives, Neil recently helped a university client draw down $45 million in federal funds for a technology hub, helped a small municipality become the top appropriations priority of its state’s Congressional delegation and strengthened government relationships for clients in manufacturing and defense, AI, and workforce development.

Within his crisis communications work, Neil has helped clients in healthcare, finance and higher education to prepare for and navigate ransomware attacks and other data privacy incidents. After the 9/11 attacks, Neil was selected as an American Political Science Association Congressional Fellow and among the first legislative aides in the U.S. House working on cybersecurity policy. Neil designed cybersecurity curriculum and tabletop exercises for a global consulting firm, helping Fortune 500 and government security leaders improve their crisis preparedness, detection and response efforts.

As a former journalist and filmmaker, Neil advises clients on strategic communication plans and media relations, helping clients develop new narratives and storylines that resonate and drive revenue.

Neil has held public diplomacy leadership roles for the U.S. government and international organizations. From 2016 to 2022, he helped guide the European Union’s public engagement with the U.S., managing a federal and 50-state partnership strategy that resulted in stronger transatlantic collaboration on issues ranging from data privacy and trade to nuclear energy and space research.

Neil’s policy work has resulted in state and federal laws that increase transparency in the fields of energy, improved port and homeland security, and electoral governance. After drafting the Magnitsky Rule of Law and Accountability Act, the first human rights sanctions the U.S. ever imposed on Russia, Neil went on to serve as a diplomat in Denmark working on international democracy, human rights, and security, economic and environmental cooperation.

He is also an award-winning documentary filmmaker, having produced the first film featuring survivors from an FBI-run World War II Japanese Internment Camp, as well as other productions featuring the rise of women in politics, the power of bipartisanship and municipal smoking bans.

Neil holds bachelor’s degrees in journalism and political science from Northwestern University and a master’s in public administration from Portland State University.

*Neil is not a lawyer and does not provide legal advice.