23 September 2021

TFG Builds Expert Staff, Enhances Client Services

Chris Cummins, Alexandra Yiannoutsos, and Sarah Hofman-Graham join The Ferguson Group, expanding TFG’s Legislative, Communications, and Grants services.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Ferguson Group (TFG), a leading lobbying and consulting firm representing local government, public agency, private industry, and special district interests in Washington, DC, is pleased to announce the recent hiring of a new Legislative and Policy Director, Chris Cummins, Communications Director, Alexandra Yiannoutsos, and Grants Analyst, Sarah Hofman-Graham.  

Over the firm’s nearly 40-year history representing communities in Washington DC, TFG has consistently developed and implemented innovative approaches to ensuring their clients’ needs are met at the federal level.  

The firm’s specialized, collaborative approach has helped their clients remain at the forefront of legislative and policy conversations on the Hill and in the federal agencies. The same proactive approach has helped TFG clients secure over $890 million in competitive federal funding for its clients since 2015.  

“TFG is preparing for the future, which is why we created new Legislative and Policy Director, Communications Director, and Grants Analyst positions to build out our federal advocacy and grants strategies,” said Roger Gwinn, TFG CEO. “Chris, Alex, and Sarah’s impressive federal advocacy, communications, and grants skills are critical to not only inform but predict future opportunities for our clients.” 

Federal Advocacy and Policy Specialist, Chris Cummins, Joins TFG as Legislative and Policy Director 

 Chris Cummins joins TFG as the firm’s first Legislative and Policy Director with seven years of government relations experience at the local, state, and federal levels. During his time in Washington, DC, Chris has represented Florida International University and Georgetown University as a higher education lobbyist facilitating relationships in Congress, federal agencies, and organizations. With Chris at the helm, clients will have unparalleled access to legislative resources and proactive federal advocacy on an array of policy priorities—particularly congressional appropriations. 

“I see joining The Ferguson Group as an excellent opportunity to advance local government priorities at the federal level,” Chris said. “I look forward to expanding my experience working between Congress, federal agencies, and other organizations and working across diverse portfolios to advance TFG’s impressive objectives.” 

“Chris is a highly sought-after federal affairs professional and we’re lucky to have him join our team,” said Jennifer Imo, TFG Managing Partner for Client Services. “With a wide breadth of experience and strong advocacy skills, Chris’ expertise will further enhance TFG’s proactive federal advocacy on behalf of our clients.”  

Additional Background on Chris 

Through analyzing policy and political trends, Chris has found success planning and promoting advocacy strategies for federal research priorities in 6 of the 12 annual federal appropriations bills. These research priority areas include transportation, health disparities, disaster mitigation, environmental resilience, and defense technologies. Chris has coordinated and led meetings with key administration officials, Members of Congress and their staff, and industry leaders, a network he maintains to this day. Chris holds a B.A. in Political Science & International Relations from Florida International University, where he also played football. 

Political Communications and Digital Professional, Alexandra Yiannoutsos, Joins TFG as Communications Director 

 Alexandra Yiannoutsos, a political communications professional with congressional, local government, advocacy, journalism, and private sector experience, joins TFG as the firm’s first Communications Director. In this role, Alexandra will assist clients develop advocacy materials, support client outreach campaigns, and lead press and digital operations at the firm. Alexandra has nearly a decade of writing experience, producing a wide range of content. She also boasts extensive digital and graphic design expertise having managed websites and social media accounts on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for the public and private sectors. Most recently, Alexandra served as the Press and Digital Assistant for the Office of Congressman David Price (D-NC). 

“I am thrilled to join The Ferguson Group and for the opportunity to advance local government projects that have a meaningful impact in their communities,” Alexandra said. “Having worked with both local and federal government, it’s clear that effective communication is necessary for lawmakers to obtain the resources needed to develop critical community programs and successfully deliver services to constituents. TFG has an impressive track record, and I am excited to advance this work as a part of the team.” 

“Alexandra’s role as the firm’s first-ever Communications Director will not only improve TFG’s online presence, but enhance client engagement with the federal government,” said Kristi More, TFG Managing Partner for Strategic Development. “Her extensive background in political communications at both the local and federal levels will benefit our clients immensely in advancing their goals. We look forward to Alexandra providing a new, exceptional service to our clients.” 

Additional Background on Alexandra 

Prior to her work at the House of Representatives, Alexandra was a Communications Associate for AKB Strategies with previous experience as a National Issue Advocacy Intern at BerlinRosen, Congressional Intern at the District Office of Representative Andre Carson (D-IN), and Public Health and Safety Intern at the Indianapolis Mayor’s Office. For four years, Alexandra wrote opinion pieces on global policy issues as a Staff Writer and Editor of the McGill International Review. Alexandra is originally from Indiana with roots in Greece and rural Illinois. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Economics from McGill University. 

Environmental Policy and Fundraising Expert, Sarah Hofman-Graham, joins TFG as Grants Analyst 

 Sarah Hofman-Graham is a Grants Analyst at TFG with a focus on identifying and securing funding for public agencies and nonprofit organizations on a wide variety of funding and program operations. Sarah specializes in researching funding opportunities and providing project coordination in the grants writing process. She also brings expertise in burgeoning application evaluation criteria including environmental sustainability, climate change adaptation, and environmental justice.  

Prior to joining the team at TFG, Sarah spent five years working in development and institutional fundraising for both international and domestic nonprofits on topics including public health, environmental health, governance, and capacity-building, and human rights. 

“The Ferguson Group has an excellent track record of supporting successful grant applications and an exceptional wealth of experience in grant writing,” Sarah said. “I am excited to join this effort to help connect public agencies and non-profits with the resources they need to provide exemplary services and pursue community priorities.” 

“We are very pleased to have Sarah join TFG to increase and amplify the capacity of our expert grants team,” said Heidi Schott, TFG Director of Grant Services. “Sarah brings energy and experience to this role that we believe will help our clients achieve their grants funding objectives.”  

Additional Background on Sarah 

Sarah graduated from Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan with degrees in Environmental Studies and Economics. She is currently completing a Master’s of Public Administration with a concentration in Environmental Policy at The George Washington University’s Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration. Sarah serves on the board of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) Student Chapter at GW, meeting frequently with local government leaders regarding governance structures, initiatives, and planning. She was recently inducted into Pi Alpha Alpha, the national public affairs and administration honors society. 

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Grant Due: FY 2024 Vehicle Technologies Office Batteries Funding

FY 2024 Vehicle Technologies Office Batteries Funding

WHAT DOES IT FUND? This program advances research, development, demonstration, and deployment (RD&D) in several areas critical to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050, including: development of innovative battery chemistries and component materials, reduction of cascading battery fires, and battery electrode, cell, and pack manufacturing cost reduction. Click here for more information.

WHO'S ELIGIBLE? State and local governments, nonprofits, for-profits, institutions of higher education, and Indian Tribes 

TOTAL FUNDING AMOUNT? $42.9 million

WHEN'S IT DUE? October 30, 2024 (Full Application) 

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WHAT DOES IT FUND? The purpose of this program is to fund direct work with communities to reduce environmental risks, protect and improve human health and improve quality of life. Click here for more information.

WHO'S ELIGIBLE? State and local governments, nonprofits, federally recognized Indian Tribal governments, K-12 schools or school districts, all which do not need to be within EPA Region 1 but must propose projects within that area

TOTAL FUNDING AMOUNT? $500,000

WHEN'S IT DUE? November 1, 2024

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Grant Due: FY 2024 Offshore Wind National and Regional Research and Development

FY 2024 Offshore Wind National and Regional Research and Development

WHAT DOES IT FUND? The purpose of this program is to apply basic research, education/outreach, and feasibility study activities to be funded under this program will support the government-wide approach to the climate crisis by driving the innovation that can lead to the deployment of clean energy technologies. Click here for more information.

WHO'S ELIGIBLE? State and local governments, institutions of higher education, nonprofits, forprofit entities, and federally recognized Indian Tribes 

TOTAL FUNDING AMOUNT? $48.6 million

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Grant Due: FY 2025 Service Area Competition (Third Solicitation)

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WHO'S ELIGIBLE? Special district governments, city or township governments, state governments, county governments, Native American tribal governments and organizations, urban Indian organizations, nonprofit organizations, and independent school districts

TOTAL FUNDING AMOUNT? $244.4 million

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Grant Due: FY 2024 Continuum of Care (CoC) Builds

FY 2024 Continuum of Care (CoC) Builds

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WHO'S ELIGIBLE? State governments, county governments, city or township governments, special district governments, federally recognized Native American tribal governments, public housing authorities (PHAs)/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments), and nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, and faith-based organizations

TOTAL FUNDING AMOUNT? $175 million

WHEN'S IT DUE? November 21, 2024

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US Congressional Calendar

27 November 2023

TFG Presents 2024 Congressional Calendar

The Ferguson Group (TFG) compiled a 2024 Congressional Calendar with session and recess dates for the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate 118th congressional session. 

Latest TFG News

Kristen H. Long Promoted to Grants Principal at TFG 24 July 2024

Kristen H. Long Promoted to Grants Principal at TFG

TFG strengthens leadership team amidst explosive growth in grants division.

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The TFG Grants Division is pleased to announce the promotion of Kristen H. Long to Grants Principal. Kristen has been an integral part of the TFG Grants Division since 2022.

Meet a Team Member

David Hoover

David Hoover

Principal

Latest Coronavirus Updates