Andy Winer, a well-known Hawaii political strategist and former chief of staff to U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, has joined the communications and marketing firm Strategies 360.
Winer started work with the firm in its Washington, D.C., office on July 1 as senior vice president for federal relations, and will head that office along with Senior Vice President Tylynn Gordon, who has led Strategies 360’s federal relations practice for the past 12 years.
As a Hawaii political consultant, Winer ran Barack Obama’s presidential campaign in Hawaii in 2007 and 2008, and handled strategy for Schatz’s successful 2014 and 2016 campaigns for the U.S. Senate. He also was a senior adviser to Mazie Hirono’s successful campaign for the U.S. Senate in 2012.
“Andy was essential to my public service success, and I know that his unique combination of skills and knowledge will be an asset anywhere he goes,” said Schatz in a written statement.
Winer will work with Strategies 360’s offices in 12 western states, including Hawaii. He specializes in policies involving appropriations, telecommunications, climate change, health, tourism and indigenous peoples.
“Andy has the perfect mix of campaign savvy, government know-how, issue expertise and western ties to complement and grow our already strong federal relations practice,” said Gordon.
Winer practiced law in Hawaii for more than 20 years, and founded and served as managing partner at Winer, Meheula &Devens. From 2009 to 2012 he was director of external affairs and director of strategic initiatives and partnerships at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in Washington, D.C.
Strategies 360 describes itself as “the leading public affairs, communications, research, and marketing firm in the west.”