Michael Richards Joins Monument Advocacy’s Premier Technology and AI Practice

For Immediate Release
Contact: Ben Tugendstein
[email protected]

Richards Brings Deep Hill Experience and U.S. Chamber Leadership to Monument

WASHINGTON - Monument Advocacy today announced the addition of Michael Richards as a Principal, further strengthening what has become one of Washington's most recognized technology and AI advocacy practices. In this role, based in Monument's Washington, DC office, Michael will advise clients on federal policy matters at the intersection of technology, data privacy, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies.

Michael joins Monument from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where he served as Executive Director of Policy at the Chamber's Technology Engagement Center (C_TEC). In that role, he led the Chamber's artificial intelligence, chips and science, and IT modernization portfolio, shaping industry positions on some of the most consequential technology issues facing Congress and the administration. He also directed the Chamber's AI Policy Working Group - a coalition of more than 250 companies and trade associations - and led the Chamber's AI Commission work.

Prior to the Chamber, Michael spent close to a decade on Capitol Hill, serving as Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director for Representative Scott Franklin from Florida and Representative Pete Olson of Texas. For Congressman Olson, Michael was the lead staffer supporting his co-chairmanship of the bipartisan House AI Caucus and managed the Communications and Technology portfolio on the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

"Michael has exactly the kind of skillset that makes a real difference for clients navigating today's technology policy environment," said Anderson Heiman, Monument Principal and Technology Practice Lead. "His combination of Hill experience, Chamber leadership, and hands-on work building the AI Policy Working Group gives him a vantage point that is genuinely rare in this town. We are thrilled to have him at Monument."

"Monument has earned a reputation as one of Washington's leading technology advocacy firms, and one that delivers results on the issues that matter most," said Michael Richards. "The technology and AI policy landscape is moving faster than ever, and I'm excited to bring my experience helping companies and coalitions navigate that environment to Monument's clients. I look forward to getting to work."