HBS adds former USDA chief of staff Andrew Fisher to federal lobbying team

HBS said Tuesday it hired Andrew Fisher as a principal on its federal team, expanding its lobbying bench with a former USDA chief of staff who worked on farm programs, disaster relief and risk protection. The move strengthens HBS Federal as the firm competes for clients navigating Congress and the executive branch on agriculture policy and related issues.

Why it matters: - HBS is adding a senior agriculture-policy operator to its federal lobbying practice at a time when Farm Bill, crop insurance and disaster relief decisions remain central to producers and agribusiness clients. - Fisher’s USDA and Capitol Hill background gives HBS Federal more direct experience with the programs and agencies that shape day-to-day farm policy.

What happened: - HBS announced the addition of Andrew Fisher as principal on the HBS Federal team. - Fisher joins HBS after serving as chief of staff for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Production and Conservation mission area. - The mission area includes the Farm Service Agency, the Risk Management Agency and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. - HBS CEO Andy Blunt said Fisher’s experience inside USDA and on Capitol Hill gives clients an advantage on fast-moving issues.

The details: - As chief of staff, Fisher oversaw policy strategy, congressional engagement, regulatory implementation and media for the mission area. - Fisher worked on implementation of the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program. - Fisher also worked on Supplemental Disaster Relief Program payments to producers. - His USDA portfolio included the Expanding Access to Risk Protection effort. - Before USDA, Fisher served as a legislative assistant to U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell. - Fisher previously held the same role with former U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt, now chairman of HBS Leadership Strategies Advisory Services. - Fisher also was manager of congressional relations at the National Pork Producers Council. - Earlier roles included legislative positions with Reps. Sam Graves and Kristi Noem. - Fisher also served as a policy advisor and confidential assistant in USDA’s Farm Production and Conservation mission area during the first Trump administration. - Fisher grew up on a farrow-to-wean hog operation and helped his grandfather background cattle. - Fisher earned a Bachelor of Science in agricultural economics from the University of Missouri. - HBS Federal represents clients before Congress and the executive branch on issues affecting their industries and operations. - HBS said the practice ranks among the top performing lobbying firms in Washington and is supported by the firm’s broader national platform.

Between the lines: - HBS is signaling that agriculture remains a priority lane for federal lobbying growth. - Fisher’s mix of USDA, Senate and industry experience suggests the firm wants someone who can translate policy process into practical client access. - The hire also deepens ties to Republican-leaning agricultural and congressional networks.

What’s next: - Fisher is expected to support HBS Federal clients on agriculture and other federal policy issues. - The addition may help HBS pitch for work tied to farm programs, disaster aid, risk management and congressional engagement. - HBS is likely to lean on Fisher’s experience as federal policy debates continue to move through Congress and USDA.

The bottom line: - HBS is betting that a former USDA chief of staff with Capitol Hill and farm-industry credentials can sharpen its edge in Washington lobbying.