Washington, DC – MAD Global Strategy, a leading bipartisan public affairs firm, is announcing a significant milestone in its national expansion with the launch of a Washington, DC presence, strengthening its ability to serve a growing roster of clients with federal facing policy, regulatory, and public affairs needs. The expansion builds on the firm’s momentum in the nation’s capital and the deep federal experience of its leadership team. As part of this growth, nationally recognized lobbyist Mimi Braniff has joined MAD Global as Managing Director and will serve as a senior leader in the firm’s Washington, DC operations.
“MAD Global’s expansion to Washington is a natural evolution for the firm,” said Mike DuHaime, founder and CEO, MAD Global Strategy. “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.”
The move formalizes work MAD Global has already been doing at the federal level and reflects its ability to bridge Washington decision making with state and local strategies nationwide. DuHaime has extensive Washington experience, previously serving as Political Director at the Republican National Committee (RNC), in senior roles for President George W. Bush and U.S. Senator John McCain, and later as a partner at Mercury Public Affairs, where he advised clients on federal strategy, advocacy, and crisis communications.
The addition of Braniff to the firm further strengthens MAD Global’s DC credentials. Braniff joins MAD Global after serving as Head of Federal Government and Regulatory Affairs for Exxon Mobil Corporation from 2022 to 2025, and previously as the company’s head of U.S. Policy. Earlier in her career, she served as Managing Director for Government Affairs and Policy Counsel at Delta Air Lines, along with senior roles at NRG Energy. Her Capitol Hill experience includes leadership positions with the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, and the Senate Appropriations Committee.
MAD Global’s Washington expansion is further anchored by Partner Jai Chabria, who has served as a senior advisor to Vice President J.D. Vance. Chabria brings extensive federal experience from his time as a Managing Director at Mercury Public Affairs, where he was a leader in federal facing work and advised corporate, political, and nonprofit clients on Washington strategy.
“MAD Global has always been about results, not just access,” said Chabria. “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. 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.”
Braniff has been recognized as a Top Lobbyist by The Hill from 2022 – 2025. She currently serves as a Board Member, VP Membership for Scouting America – Capitol Area Council (formerly the Boy Scouts of America) and previously served on the Board of Governors for Ford’s Theatre.
“I am excited to join MAD Global at such an important moment in the firm’s growth,” said Braniff. “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.”
MAD Global Strategy now operates in New Jersey, New York, Ohio, West Virginia, and Washington, DC, continuing its expansion as a trusted partner for organizations facing political, regulatory, and reputational challenges nationwide.
To learn more about MAD Global, visit www.madglobalstrategy.com.
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About MAD Global
MAD Global is a bipartisan public affairs firm with professionals who have worked at the highest level of U.S. politics, government, and journalism, providing solutions for clients that span across a wide range of industries including healthcare, energy, sports, and tech. The firm has operations in New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Washington, DC, and West Virginia. To learn more please visit: www.madglobalstrategy.com.
