Leading global strategic communications advisory firm Finsbury Glover Hering (FGH) announced Karla Thieman has joined the firm as a Partner in the Government Relations division in the Washington, DC office.
Thieman joins FGH’s food and agriculture practice from consulting firm The Russell Group, where she advised a variety of clients on strategy and policy. Prior to joining The Russell Group, Thieman served as Chief of Staff to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. She first joined the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 2014, serving as a Senior Policy Advisor to Secretary Vilsack and later as Chief of Staff to Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden.
“Karla is one of the most thoughtful, knowledgeable and exciting leaders in food and agriculture today. We are thrilled to have her help lead the FGH food and agriculture practice,” said FGH Partner and Global Head of Food Grant Leslie. “Her deep experience in policy and politics adds to the existing strength of our growing food and agriculture team and will support our clients in navigating increasingly complex communications, policy and regulatory challenges.”
Previously, Thieman spent more than five years working for the U.S Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, & Forestry, serving under three Chairs: Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA), Blanche Lincoln (D-AR), and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI). As senior staff on the Committee, she focused on issues including livestock, dairy, consumer safety, as well as energy and climate change. Prior to her time with the Committee, Thieman held leadership positions on multiple Democratic Senatorial campaigns for Senators Claire McCaskill (D-MO), Mark Udall (D-CO) and Michael Bennet (D-CO).
Thieman has a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics from the University of Missouri. She lives with her family in Washington, DC.
