Listen to this articleThe basics:
- Montclair-based MAD Global Strategy launches Washington, DC, presence
- Expansion boosts the firm’s federal policy, regulatory, public affairs capabilities
- Veteran lobbyist Mimi Braniff joins as managing director to lead DC operations
- Firm now operates in five states plus DC
MAD Global Strategy announced an expansion of its national footprint with the launch of a Washington, D.C., presence.
In a Jan. 8 press release, the Montclair-headquartered, bipartisan firm said the move strengthens its ability to serve clients with federal policy, regulatory and public affairs needs. It also builds on MAD Global’s momentum in the nation’s capital, as well as the deep federal experience of its leadership team.
Nationally recognized lobbyist Mimi Braniff joins the firm as managing director and will serve as a senior leader in its D.C. operations. Braniff most recently served as head of federal government and regulatory affairs for Exxon Mobil Corp. Her extensive Capitol Hill experience includes leadership positions with several Senate committees.
“MAD Global’s expansion to Washington is a natural evolution for the firm,” said founder and CEO Mike DuHaime. “We have been active in DC for years, advising clients at the federal level, and establishing a formal presence allows us to scale that work.”
Branching out
In a September 2025 profile with NJBIZ, DuHaime talked about the firm’s rapid growth since its launch in 2022, and hinted at the Wasington expansion.
“We’ve basically tripled in size in terms of headcount. We’ve gone from about eight people to almost 25 now in one year. I feel really good about that. And that’s across multiple geographies. We’ve grown in New Jersey. We’ve grown in Ohio,” DuHaime told NJBIZ at the time, continuing, “We’ve opened an office in West Virginia. We’ll soon be opening an office in Washington, D.C. That’s not done yet – but that’s going to happen soon. So, we can continue to grow.”
DuHaime boasts extensive federal experience, including senior roles at the Republican National Committee, for President George W. Bush and U.S. Sen. John McCain, and his tenure as a partner at Mercury Public Affairs.
The firm said its Washington operation will bridge federal decision-making with state and local strategies nationwide. MAD Global Strategy now operates in New Jersey, New York, Ohio, West Virginia and Washington, D.C.
Meet the DC team
Partner Jai Chabria further anchors MAD Global’s Washington expansion. He previously served as a senior advisor to Vice President J.D. Vance and brings extensive federal experience as well.
“I am excited to join MAD Global at such an important moment in the firm’s growth,” Braniff said. “MAD Global has built a strong reputation for results-driven public affairs work, and the opportunity to help expand its Washington presence alongside a leadership team with deep federal experience is compelling.
“I look forward to partnering with the team to deliver meaningful outcomes for clients navigating complex federal issues.”
Chabria said MAD Global has always been about results – not just access.
“We bring firsthand experience running national political strategy and advising senior federal leaders, and Mimi brings a rare perspective shaped by her time in the Senate and at Fortune 100 companies,” said Chabria. “Together, we understand how decisions are really made in Washington.
“Bringing Mimi on board sharpens our ability to help clients win in high-stakes federal environments.”
