October 23, 2025
GrayRobinson is pleased to announce Washington, D.C. Managing Director John Ariale and Washington, D.C. Deputy Managing Director Chris McCannell have been honored by the National Institute for Lobbying & Ethics (NILE) as 2025 Top Lobbyists.
The NILE Top Lobbyist distinction is awarded annually to 100 professionals – lobbyists, PAC managers, and grassroots advocates – who demonstrate outstanding performance, innovation, and ethical leadership in the field. Nominations are submitted by peers, clients, or congressional/agency staff, and the winners are selected through a blind evaluation process to ensure the recognition is entirely merit-based.
John brings 40 years of senior-level experience in congressional relations, legislative politics, and advocacy. In 2025, he and his team helped advance the Secure U.S. Leadership in Space Act, ensuring its provisions were included in the One Big Beautiful Bill and signed into law, opening new financing tools that strengthen U.S. competitiveness in the global space economy. He was also recognized for his long-standing work successfully advocating for the ABLE bill, which expanded access and equity for individuals with disabilities through ABLE accounts. Florida Phoenix reported that more than 14,000 Floridians have saved over $130 million through these accounts since the bill was enacted. His coalition-driven, bipartisan approach and thought leadership in federal advocacy reflect both immediate impact and enduring influence on public policy.
Chris brings more than 20 years of Washington experience and insight to the clients of GrayRobinson. In 2025, Chris worked with clients to secure reforms in the One Big Beautiful Bill, including changes to Section 1202, permanence of the Section 174 R&D credit, and preservation of carried interest, one of the most significant tax wins for startups and angel investors in years. He also helped advance transportation and infrastructure priorities for national associations, leveraging his experience and deep relationships in Congress. Recognized as a thought leader in tax, infrastructure and trade association advocacy, Chris continues to shape tax and workforce policy through innovative, coalition-based strategies that deliver lasting results.