THE BURNHAM GROUP
YOUR PARTNER
IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
Comprehensive Federal Relations Advocacy Tailored to Your Needs
Executive Management Coaching, Strategic Planning, Advocacy, and Thought Leadership
20-Year Track Record of Achievement
With Unique Experience in Higher Education, Research Funding, Major Research Facilities, and Associations
PRACTICE
AREAS
APPROPRIATIONS/
RESEARCH FUNDING
We have extensive experience working to support the research budgets and projects at NIH, NSF, DOE, DOD, NASA, NIST, NOAA and USDA.
Executive Coaching/Planning
Our Team has 25 years of experience and expertise in helping academic institutions and non-profit associations strengthen executive leadership performance and guide them through thoughtful and disciplined strategic planning and dialogue.
MAJOR RESEARCH FACILITIES/PROJECTS
We have a deep understanding of how to manage major research facilities and projects through both federal agencies and Congress. Past successes include a bioenergy research institute, a composite materials research center, and a $700 million Department of Energy nuclear physics user facility.
DEFENSE
We have extensive knowledge and understanding of the Department of Defense and related agencies, including staff who have had direct oversight responsibility for several DOD projects and programs.
HIGHER EDUCATION ACT
The basis of the relationship between universities and the federal government is governed by the HEA. Our staff has participated in the last three HEA revisions, and we have a full understanding of both the process and the policy implications of the HEA reauthorization.
RENEWABLE ENERGY
Our staff has significant experience working on energy efficiency, bioenergy, and solar energy projects, particularly with the Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE).
OUR VISION
The Burnham Group is a Washington, D.C. based advocacy and strategic consulting firm with Michigan roots. Our mission is to provide clients with the highest level of service, expert advice, and most importantly, the accomplishment of goals, in these challenging political times. Built on more than 20 years' experience working successfully on both sides of the political aisle, we have the knowledge, foresight, and bandwidth to assist our clients make better decisions, improve their leadership positions, think strategically, plan and execute effectively. Our advocacy team has decades of experience successfully navigating Congress and the Federal Agencies in a truly bipartisan approach.
In today’s volatile environment, it is imperative you have a thought partner that understands you, your institution, and how to successfully navigate a path forward. We take the time to get to know you, your strategic strengths, and your pressing concerns rather than rely on cookie-cutter solutions. Moreover, our deep understanding of academic institutions, associations and advocacy groups gives our firm unique insight into how your institutional needs differ from other stakeholders.
OUR TEAM
MARK BURNHAM
PRESIDENT
The Burnham Group
Mark Burnham founded The Burnham Group after more than 20 years advocating for universities, large research facilities, and associations in Washington. Mark is a thought partner, who helps associations, non-profits and universities develop strong leadership, strategic thinking, planning and action. He is an experienced advocate and educator.
Mark has started a new association, led strategic planning efforts, trained new executives, developed and executed advocacy plans and provided sound leadership advice both as an internal executive and an external consultant.
As just one example of his leadership, he devised the winning strategy for a university to be selected to build the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) and successfully managed the advocacy campaign to secure the $730 million in state and federal funds to construct it. FRIB is forecast to create over $4 Billion in economic activity for the State of Michigan over 20 years.
DAVID CHERINGTON
DC GOVERNMENT RELATIONS, LLC
David Cherington has more than 25 years of experience working on and off Capitol Hill, where he developed a breadth of knowledge focused on impacting federal budgets and policy. Cherington has worked on Capitol Hill for a Congressman on the Appropriations Committee, on the Professional Staff of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and for an Ivy League University. Off the Hill, Cherington worked on behalf of science and technology giant Battelle, where he worked to increase federal funding for key science and technology programs, changed laws to drive competitive advantage for his employer, and raised Battelle's profile on Capitol Hill, at the White House and across the key agencies....
Deb Muchmore is president and CEO of Deb Muchmore Consulting, a Midwest-based public affairs, communications and strategies practice. She is a respected go-to expert for organizations that seek help developing effective and comprehensive solutions to difficult situations.
She has counseled dozens of organizations with public, crisis and complicated regulatory challenges to achieve crucial business objectives and respond appropriately to public interests. Her portfolio of work throughout Michigan and the Midwest spans diverse industries, issues and communities. For her work, Deb has been ranked among Michigan’s top five most effective public relations professionals in Michigan’s annual MIRS/EPIC-MRA Michigan Capitol Insiders survey.
JEAN S. FRANKEL
IDEAS FOR ACTION
Jean S. Frankel is founder and principal of Ideas for Action, LLC. She is an internationally known and
respected management consultant, educator, facilitator, and executive coach, and is a trusted thought partner to senior academic and administrative leaders in colleges and universities, as well as CEOs and executive directors of professional and philanthropic nonprofit organizations.
As an experienced consultant, Frankel also helps organizations find solutions to critical issues and challenges. She is a proven strategist, with group process and analytical skills enhancing her ability to develop collaborative solutions with clients in the areas of strategic planning, leadership development, and organizational structure, process and culture change....
LISA ARAFUNE
(202) 412-2809
Lisa Arafune is at the intersection of industry, government, and academia, she is an organizational innovator and industry thought leader dedicated to transforming STEM-sector capacity, visibility, and impact. As a consultant and collaborator, Lisa empowers scientists and technologists to change the world by organizing and advocating their mission in a way that maximizes resonance within and outside the STEM community.
Prior to consulting, Lisa spent more than 10 years as Director of Federal Relations for Purdue University, launching and leading the University’s engagement across Washington, DC. A natural relationship builder, Lisa developed new bonds for the University in Federal research agencies, on Capitol Hill, and non-profit organizations & advocacy groups. She advanced the University’s organizational objectives in visibility and funding – with a highlight of securing an annual average of $18M for congressionally directed projects. She also previously served on Capitol Hill as Chief Clerk for the US House of Representatives Committee on Government Reform.
CONTACT
THE BURNHAM GROUP
OUR ADDRESS
In Washington:
1717 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Suite 1025
Washington, D.C. 20006
In Michigan:
9864 East Grand River
Suite 110-294
Brighton, MI 48116
Email: mark@theburnhamgroup.net
Tel: (202) 559-8559
For general inquiries, please fill in the following contact form:
