Who We Are

Gordley Associates provides a full range of government relations services, focused on practice areas related to agriculture. Services include issue monitoring and analysis, lobbying, regulatory affairs, Washington representation, and providing organizational support for trade associations. Our focus on agriculture enables us to specialize in all aspects of farm and international trade policy, renewable energy, biobased products, agricultural research, biotechnology, conservation, and rural transportation, among others.

Gordley Associates works closely with our clients to develop and implement creative and comprehensive strategies that achieve meaningful and measurable results.

Our Team:

John Gordley

“Gordley, a former staffer to Sen. Bob Dole (R-Kan.) and agriculture advisor to President Reagan, has ‘been around a long time’ and knows the ins and outs of ag policy on the Hill.”
— “The Hill,” December 8, 2004

 

John established Gordley Associates in 1987, after serving five years on the staff of Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole, responsible for agriculture and agricultural trade issues. He served as Special Assistant for Policy Development in the Reagan White House, and previously worked to develop foreign markets for U.S. wheat exports. He has played a major role in every farm bill since 1981, including overseeing development of the landmark Food Security Act of 1985. John is a past member of USDA’s Grains, Feed and Oilseeds Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee (ATAC) on trade, and has served as chairman of the Agriculture Biotechnology Forum.

John’s practice areas include agricultural policy, farm support programs, agricultural trade policy, and biotechnology.

Dale Thorenson

Dale Thorenson

Dale joined Gordley Associates from the office of Senator Byron Dorgan of North Dakota, where he was responsible for farm policy and agricultural appropriations.  Before coming to Washington, he managed his family’s farm in North Dakota, and he brings a hands-on perspective to policy considerations.

Dale’s practice areas include farm policy, budget, and appropriations.

Tom Hance

Tom Hance

Before joining Gordley Associates, Tom served as Federal Policy Director for Governor Robert Ehrlich of Maryland.  He previously worked for Representative Virgil Goode of Virginia, including as Chief of Staff, responsible for agriculture, energy and appropriations.  Tom was raised on a small family farm in Maryland.

Tom’s practice areas include biofuels, biobased products, renewable energy programs, transportation & infrastructure, and tax.

Blair Elias

Blair Elias

Blair Elias brings event management and communications experience to the Gordley team. She plans board meetings, Congressional receptions on Capitol Hill, and strategically guides social media activities. She previously worked with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and The Junior Statesmen Foundation to coordinate fundraising events and civic education programs in Washington, DC.

Blair graduated from The College of New Jersey with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and double minor in marketing and deaf studies.