Bipartisan government relations and communications firm Invariant welcomes federal appropriations and budget process expert Dena Baron Smith today. Baron Smith brings more than two decades of appropriations expertise to Invariant’s government relations team. She will leverage her deep knowledge of the federal appropriations process to advise clients on proactive strategic engagement plans.
“Few people in Washington understand the federal funding process better than Dena. She knows the ins and outs of every major spending bill that hit a president’s desk since the late 90s,” said Heather Podesta, founder and CEO of Invariant. “We are excited to have Dena on our team, advising our clients on the language and art of appropriations.”
Baron Smith joins Invariant after serving on the professional staff of the House Appropriations Committee for 24 years where she held senior roles on six subcommittees. Most recently, as the minority clerk for the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, Baron Smith advised Ranking Member Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN) on the fiscal year (FY) 2022 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding bill. She also served as clerk for the Subcommittees on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Financial Services and General Government.
“Dena was an exceptional member of the Appropriations Committee staff for more than twenty years, including three years on my staff where I asked her to work on some of the most divisive issues of the day,” said Rep. Kay Granger (R-TX), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee. “I know she will bring the same professionalism and dedication she showed during her time with the House to this next chapter.”
“I look forward to bolstering Invariant’s stellar government relations practice by helping clients navigate the rhythm of the appropriations process as well as the dedicated committee staff and Members who tirelessly craft the funding bills,” said Baron Smith. “I am excited to join a highly respected bipartisan team with a proven track record.”
Baron Smith earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota and a master’s degree from The George Washington University.
