Erik Berdy Photo

Erik M. Berdy*

Partner, Government & Public Affairs
Chair, Defense & National Security Practice

*Names that appear with an asterisk indicate a Michael Best professional not admitted to practice law.

Washington, D.C.
The Wharf
1000 Maine Avenue SW
Suite 400
Washington, D.C. 20024

Overview

In Erik’s three-decade career in the U.S. Army, the Pentagon, and on Capitol Hill, he served as a trusted advisor, strategist, connector, and leader. He brings a wealth of experience and insight to his role as a Partner with Michael Best Strategies.

Most recently, Erik served as Special Assistant for Legislative Affairs to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during both the Trump and Biden Administrations. He was the principal advisor to the Chairman and Joint Staff for all Congressional matters, significantly improving Congress-Joint Staff relations while connecting disparate staffs and departments to enable stronger collaboration for better outcomes. Previously, Erik served the Joint Chiefs of Staff as Director for Strategy, Plans and Policy, where he was the principal strategist advising on military strategies to combat violent extremists in the Middle East. In his prior role as Legislative Assistant to the Chief of Staff of the Army (CSA), Erik was the key advisor to the CSA for all Congressional affairs related to the U.S. Army. He developed and executed the CSA’s Congressional engagement strategy, working directly with members of Congress and their staffs.

Erik served in the U.S. Army both domestically and abroad in both peacetime and during peace-keeping and combat operations, as a small unit leader, an operations officer, an airborne infantry Battalion Commander, and a Brigade Commander. In the latter capacity, Erik commanded the United States Army Garrison in Italy, overseeing a workforce of 500 U.S. and Italian employees and managing an annual operating budget of $125 million to meet U.S. national security objectives in Europe. In this role Erik leveraged his skills engaging and bringing together stakeholders to optimize local and national relations.

Experience

    
Erik’s prior experience also includes positions as a Deputy Military Advisor to Senator James M. Inhofe on U.S. Military and Veterans’ matters, and as a Political-Military Strategist for the U.S. Department of Defense.

Education

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