Go-to political strategist for House Democratic engagement. Well-respected advocate on Capitol Hill. Deep knowledge of financial services policy.
With over 17 years of experience in government, politics, and advocacy, Zach Pfister has built a large network of personal relationships with his former peers on Capitol Hill that extend across the House Democratic Caucus. Zach’s reputation as a trusted intermediary and advocate, coupled with his substantive policy expertise and political instinct, have created a long record of success in shaping client outcomes in Congress. As co-chair of Brownstein's financial services practice, Zach has extensive experience in cooperative finance, agricultural finance, retail banking, payments technology, and housing.
Zach leverages his experience serving for moderate members of Congress from competitive districts to engage vital decision-makers who make or break legislation, now more than ever. Regarded as a straight shooter by colleagues and clients alike, Zach’s solutions-driven approach offers policymakers viable solutions for real-world challenges. The ultimate utility player, Zach’s advocacy and expertise extend well beyond his practice group into the pharmaceutical industry, veterans’ health services sector, agribusiness, and niche technology issues in the homeland security space.
Zach creates lasting bonds between clients and stakeholders across the Democratic Caucus from leadership to committee chairs to senior staff and tailors client messaging to the perspectives of inter-caucus coalitions, including the Blue Dogs, New Dems and House Leadership. A prolific fundraiser for Democrats, he devotes significant time to supporting the party’s future generation of leaders and positions clients before rising stars as Congress continues to experience a generational shift.
Zach served as legislative director for Rep. Larry Kissell (D-NC), in various positions for Rep. Brad Ellsworth (D-IN), with Sen. Evan Bayh’s (D-IN) presidential exploratory committee and with the Carter-Baker Commission on Federal Election Reform. After leaving Capitol Hill, Zach served as the senior House Democratic lobbyist for the Credit Union National Association.