December 11, 2025
GrayRobinson is pleased to announce Washington, D.C. Managing Director John Ariale, Washington, D.C. Deputy Managing Director Chris McCannell, and Senior Government Affairs Advisor Blair Hancock, have been recognized as “Hired Guns” in The Hill’s 2025 Top Lobbyists list.
Drawn from more than 1,800 nominations, The Hill’s Top Lobbyists list recognizes professionals who deliver measurable results and shape policy and political outcomes for a broad range of clients, including corporations, small businesses, nonprofits, unions, and trade associations. According to The Hill, this year’s honorees represent the industry’s savviest, most influential, and well-connected advocates on Capitol Hill.
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.
Blair is a strategic government relations professional who guides clients through complex state and federal legislative landscapes. Leveraging her extensive network of relationships and experience in both the executive and legislative branches, she develops actionable strategies that advance client priorities across sectors including housing, transportation, finance, and trade associations. In 2025, Blair helped secure millions in federal Community Project Funding and played a pivotal role in advancing major legislative priorities, including tax and economic development reforms. Known for her practical problem-solving, meticulous attention to detail, and ability to translate complex policy into clear opportunities, she consistently delivers measurable results for her clients.
Both John and Chris were recently honored by the National Institute for Lobbying & Ethics (NILE) as 2025 Top Lobbyists, and Blair recently adorned the cover of the highly anticipated “The Sunshine State Conquers D.C.” edition of INFLUENCE Magazine.