Industry Leaders Dan Elwell and Holly Woodruff Lyons Announce Addition of Ascent Public Policy & Strategic Communications, LLC To Their Strategic Aerospace Alliance
Washington, D.C. – December 3, 2024 – Thomas (Tom) M. Culligan, Jr., a seasoned leader with 20 years of experience in government relations and aerospace, has launched Ascent Public Policy & Strategic Communications, LLC. Ascent will be a key partner in the Strategic Aerospace Alliance, a network of firms founded by aerospace veterans Dan Elwell and Holly Woodruff Lyons to provide strategic communications, lobbying, and advocacy services to aerospace clients.
Ascent will focus on policy advocacy across civil, commercial, and defense aerospace, helping clients secure authorizations, appropriations, and strategic outcomes in areas like space, aviation, UAS, AAM, sustainability, spectrum and acquisition policy.
Culligan’s addition strengthens the Strategic Aerospace Alliance's ability to offer integrated solutions for navigating the complex aerospace policy landscape, combining his deep Capitol Hill expertise with industry insights gained at Boeing and RTX with Dan and Holly's extensive operational, regulatory, legislative and policy development expertise.
“I’m excited to join forces with Dan and Holly,” said Culligan. “The Strategic Aerospace Alliance is uniquely positioned to help clients address the evolving challenges of government policy and funding. My experience in both the public and private sectors will complement the Alliance’s existing strengths in regulatory and legislative strategy, and I look forward to helping our clients achieve impactful results in both civil and defense aerospace.”
Dan Elwell, President of Elwell & Associates, LLC and Co-Founder of the Strategic Aerospace Alliance, remarked: “We’re thrilled to welcome Tom Culligan to our team. Widely respected for his expertise in government affairs and industry relations, Tom is a perfect fit for our Alliance. His extensive experience, from Capitol Hill to leading aerospace industry advocacy at Boeing and RTX, will enhance our ability to offer our clients strategic insights and advocacy across the full spectrum of aerospace policy.”
Holly Woodruff Lyons, President of HWL Aerospace Policy, LLC and Co-Founder of the Strategic Aerospace Alliance, added, “Having worked with Tom for years, I can attest to his exceptional policy acumen and work ethic, and his ability to navigate complex political and regulatory landscapes. Dan and I are excited to collaborate with him to deliver a full range of policy, strategy, and advocacy services to our clients."
“Having worked with Tom for nearly 20 years,” said former Rep. Frank R. Wolf (R-VA), “first as my Legislative Director and Associate Staff to the House Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations Subcommittee that I chaired, as well as his work over the last decade as a government affairs executive, I know firsthand how effective he is at driving results through the Congressional appropriations and authorization process.
“Tom was instrumental in helping me secure my priorities in the appropriations bill and develop innovative strategies to get public attention on key issues and coalition building in the House and Senate. He was a highly valued employee who helped make a difference in promoting and improving NASA's programs, our nation's science programs and developing ideas to "reshore" manufacturing to the U.S.,” said Wolf.
Tim Keating, former Executive Vice President of Government Operations for Boeing, said: “Tom is an accomplished aerospace industry advocate and practitioner, whose detailed knowledge of politics, people and process sets him apart in Washington. I’ve seen firsthand how Tom’s strategic mind and broad experience not only delivers results but builds and grows businesses. Tom knows what it takes to advance aviation and space priorities, gather coalitions, and protect programs. No one works harder, and Tom’s track record speaks for itself.”
A Proven Leader in Aerospace Government Affairs
Culligan’s career has spanned both government and industry. At RTX, he led government relations for Collins Aerospace, as well as Pratt & Whitney and Raytheon’s civil/commercial programs, securing critical provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), appropriations bills for DOD, NASA, and FAA, and driving key initiatives in defense and commercial aerospace. He also led the government relations response to the 2023 Pratt & Whitney GTF powder metal recall and advanced RTX’s advocacy on civil and defense spectrum and acquisition policy.
At Boeing, Culligan led government relations for NASA programs, including securing funding for the Artemis Space Launch System (SLS) and supporting the extension of the International Space Station. He was also integral in rebuilding Boeing’s Capitol Hill relationships post-737 MAX, 787 and Starliner challenges.
Earlier in his career, Culligan built the aerospace practice at Brimley Group, where he helped secure key appropriations and funding for NASA’s Artemis program and for a range of space clients. He began his Washington career working for senior members of Congress, including Rep. Tom Petri (R-WI), Chairman of the Aviation Subcommittee, and Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA), who served as Chairman of both the Transportation and Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations Subcommittees, shaping space and aeronautics funding priorities.
Industry Leadership and Education
Culligan has served on several industry boards, including the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) Space Council and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) Washington Representatives. He holds a BA in International Affairs from James Madison University and a Master of Public Policy (MPP) from George Mason University.