Senior Washington counsel, right-sized to fit.
ABOUT BLACKTHORNE
About Blackthorne
Blackthorne Strategies is a boutique advisory firm providing strategic communications, public affairs, government relations, and reputation counsel to clients operating in complex policy and public-facing environments.
We're built for organizations that want senior Washington expertise in a flexible, right-sized model — leaders who need a trusted advisor plugged in alongside their existing team, not a bulky outside firm with overhead to match. Whether you need sustained support on a long-running priority or focused help on a single challenge, Blackthorne is designed to meet you where you are.
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Meet Brian Kaveney
President | Strategic Public Affairs & Government Relations Advisor
Brian Kaveney is a seasoned government affairs and strategic communications professional with more than 18 years of experience across Capitol Hill and the private sector.
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He served as senior communications advisor to two Republican Members of Congress — Rep. Dan Lungren (R-CA) and Rep. Ted Yoho (R-FL) — both members of the conservative House Republican Study Committee and Freedom Caucus. He went on to spend more than three years as Vice President of Public Affairs at Allison Worldwide, a global PR and reputation management firm.
That combination is rare in Washington: deep conservative policy roots paired with the corporate communications discipline of a global PR firm. Brian's expertise lies in crafting persuasive messages, translating complex policy into actionable advocacy strategies, and building durable relationships across Capitol Hill, federal agencies, and industry coalitions — relationships that span both sides of the aisle.
He offers clients a blend of insider political knowledge and external communications expertise, bridging the gap between government relations and message strategy. Years of service on the Hill, corporate reputation work, and a well-established professional network ensure clients not only have a seat at the table — they control the narrative once they get there.
Legislative Strategy
Communications Leadership
Coalition & Stakeholder Management
Crisis & Reputation Counsel
Strategic Network Leverage
Selected Outcomes
Over the course of his career, Brian has helped message and drive results that include:
Repeal of HR4/1099 (Affordable Care Act). Created and implemented messaging that supported the successful repeal of the 1099 reporting provision.
Passage of the SAFE Ports Act. Comprehensive post-9/11 port security legislation.
Modernization of U.S. foreign aid. Helped drive the BUILD Act, which created the Development Finance Corporation (DFC).
Inclusion in the U.S.-Australia Critical Minerals Framework. Directed a targeted government relations and communications campaign for an Australian critical minerals mining company, positioning them for strategic project funding and a formal partnership with the U.S. government.
High-stakes hearing and media preparation. Provided testimony preparation for an international tech company appearing before the House Oversight Committee, a reporter testifying in front of the House Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government, controlling narratives through critical appearances. Prepared C-suite executives and members of Congress for high-visibility national interviews.
Driving consensus inside the House Republican Conference. Built support and political momentum for client initiatives within one of the most fractious blocs in Washington.
How We Work
Every engagement starts with listening. We believe that truly understanding your organizational objectives and current pressure points is the only way to build a path forward with clarity and credibility.
We plug in wherever we are most useful. Whether acting as a high-level strategic advisor to leadership or as an embedded extension of your internal public affairs team, we integrate seamlessly with your operations.
Our goal is simple: making what you have sharper, faster, and more effective. We provide the senior-level execution and Washington insight required to protect your reputation and move your priorities forward.