Brent W. Gattis is a Senior Policy Advisor at OFW Law and a leading advocate for animal, agriculture and technology groups. His work often involves promoting the use of sound science, innovation and entrepreneurship to feed, clothe and entertain the world. Mr. Gattis provides business, trade and strategic advice to clients on administrative, legislative and public relations opportunities to solve problems and gain market share. Mr. Gattis has extensive experience developing and executing action plans to influence Congress, the Administration and the public to achieve these goals. This often includes grassroots organizing, coalition building, and lobbying key decision-makers and the business community.

Mr. Gattis previously served as Deputy Chief of Staff for the House Committee on Agriculture where he was instrumental in negotiating multiple Farm Bills throughout his tenure. Starting with the Committee in 1996, Mr. Gattis served as Deputy Chief and under four different Committee Chairmen, including Pat Roberts, Bob Smith, Larry Combest, and Bob Goodlatte. Here, Mr. Gattis served as the Chairman's key political advisor on agriculture policy, developing legislative strategy and managing a variety of complex issues falling under the Committee's broad jurisdiction. As a senior staffer, Mr. Gattis often lead Members of the House of Representatives and staff on trade missions to more than 50 countries, including Iraq and Afghanistan. Before becoming Deputy Chief, Mr. Gattis worked as Staff Director for the House Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight, Nutrition and Forestry. In this role, Mr. Gattis cultivated an in-depth understanding of federal agencies, as well as domestic and international nutrition programs and forestry policy.

Growing up in Texas, Mr. Gattis was born into an agriculture family. His father, Dan A. Gattis is currently the Williamson County, Texas Judge, serving the second fastest-growing County in the State. He also served as the Chief Operating Officer of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for nearly three decades. The Gattis family owns and operates Gattis Cattle Company L.L.C. in Williamson County, Texas, where they run registered Beef Master Cattle and Quarter Horses. Mr. Gattis's early introduction to agriculture instilled in him a lifelong passion, extending from his involvement in 4H and FFA projects, to working at exotic animal parks and showing horses. Mr. Gattis proudly served as President of the Texas A&M Polo Club (national champions) and currently serves as Second Vice President of the American Federation of Aviculture. In his work for and with zoos, has also become a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

As the son of two former teachers (Karen Gattis taught Home Economics, while Dan Gattis taught Agriculture Education), Mr. Gattis is a proud graduate of Texas A&M University. His brother, Dan M. Gattis, is a former state representative and founder of Gattis Law Firm PC in Texas.

Areas of Expertise:Agriculture

Education:

Texas A&M University, 1995
Bachelor of Arts

Articles

Iowa "Ag Gag" Bill Protects Animals and Animal Owners - March 12, 2012

Activists Sue for Protection of 14 Species, AFA Watchbird, Volume 36, Numbers 1 & 2, at 7

Memoranda

USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Holds Stakeholder Meeting on Agency's Budget, Modernization and Process Improvement Initiatives - February 27, 2012

Memorandum re AWA Retail Pet Stores and Licensing Exemptions - June 13, 2012

APHIS AWA Retail Pet Stores and Licensing Exemption Flowchart - June 13, 2012