Singleton McAllister, former general counsel to USAID; Jon Christensen, former U.S. Representative
Husch Blackwell continues to attract national public policy leaders in D.C., welcoming two new attorneys recently. Singleton B. McAllister joined the firm as a Partner, and Jon L. Christensen joined the firm as Of Counsel; both are members of the firm’s Technology, Manufacturing and Transportation industry group.
With the addition of these two attorneys, Husch Blackwell has welcomed 11 new attorneys to the D.C. office since January 1, 2013.
“The experience that Singleton and Jon bring to Husch Blackwell can certainly benefit our clients,” said Kyle Gilster, leader of the firm’s Public Policy, Regulatory and Government Affairs group. “Singleton’s international experience and Washington contacts, along with Jon’s experience as a member of Congress, allow us to bring more business solutions to our clients faster and more efficiently.” The additions continue the bipartisan strength and tradition of Husch Blackwell’s public policy group; McAllister is a Democrat, and Christensen is a Republican.
About Singleton McAllister
McAllister has been a leader in governmental relations and public policy law for more than 20 years. She has held several senior positions with the U.S. House of Representatives, including serving as senior counsel to the House Committee on the Budget. President Clinton appointed McAllister in 1996 as General Counsel for the U.S. Agency for International Development. In her five years there, she served as chief legal advisor to 60 U.S. missions around the world.
McAllister worked on legislation that created the African Development Foundation, a government agency that supports African-led development and community growth through the provision of seed capital and technical support. She later served on its Advisory Board for 10 years.
She has served as a member of the board of directors of public utility holding company Alliant Energy since 2001 and equipment rental company United Rentals since 2004. McAllister has been a Chair of the National Women’s Business Center and a past president of Women in Government Relations, Inc.
In 2012, McAllister was named one of the nation’s “Top Black Lawyers With Influence” by On Being a Black Lawyer and in 2013 she was recognized as a Washington Power Player by Washington Smart CEOs.
McAllister received her J.D. from Howard University School of Law and her B.A. from the University of Maryland.
About Jon Christensen
Christensen’s extensive experience as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Nebraska’s 2nd District (1994-1998), and an entrepreneur provide a firm foundation from which he has worked to bridge the gap between government and business. He has been a shareholder in several startups and currently serves as the Managing Partner of another business, Appo-G, LLC.
During his time in Congress, Christensen served on the U.S. House Ways & Means Committee overseeing tax, trade, healthcare and Social Security issues; he was also active in matters affecting businesses, including authoring the Independent Contractor Tax Simplification Act.
In his public policy practice, Christensen has worked with many large and international entities, including the largest publicly traded telecommunications manufacturing firm in China, America’s fastest-growing Hispanic company, and formerly the world’s largest energy company. He navigates the intricacies of bureaucratic agencies for clients seeking to participate in government-sponsored programs.
Christensen received his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston. He received his B.S.B.A. from Midland University in Fremont, Neb.
Husch Blackwell’s Public Policy, Regulatory & Government Affairs attorneys and lobbyists communicate with legislative, administrative and regulatory decision-makers to help clients advocate for favorable solutions when government decisions are being made. Taking into account both short-term imperatives and long-term strategic solutions, the team works side-by-side with clients to understand their issues, ensure a timely response and develop an action plan to counter potential problems and maximize opportunities. The group of seasoned attorneys has comprehensive government relations strategies and years of experience working in government and representing companies and organizations at the state and federal level. With experience in every aspect of the legislative process, Husch Blackwell understands how to best achieve clients’ objectives.