Patrick G. Martin

Executive Vice President, Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies

Recent Publication:

Patrick Martin Breaks Down Vance-Walz VP Debate on NBC Chicago

Patrick Martin, Executive Vice President of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, joined NBC Chicago to analyze last night’s vice presidential debate between Senator JD Vance and Governor Tim Walz. In contrast to the more personal and combative exchanges between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, the Vance-Walz debate offered a refreshing display of civility, described by Patrick as "Midwest nice," policy-focused, and civil. Watch the full interview here!

Patrick is a national government relations and public affairs strategist based out of the firm’s Chicago and Washington D.C. offices. His practice focuses on advising highly regulated companies across a wide range of industries, and he advocates for clients before Congress, the White House, federal agencies, and state and local governments across the country.

Before joining Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies in 2018, Patrick spent seven years with the consulting arm of another Am Law 100 firm. He previously spent a decade working with former Indiana governor and U.S. Senator Evan Bayh, both as a legislative staffer in his U.S. Senate office and then as his top aide in the private sector following his retirement from the Senate in 2011. Prior to his time with Senator Bayh, he served as special assistant to the Director at the Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services during the initial implementation of the Affordable Care Act. In 2009, he was one of 100 interns chosen to work at the White House during the first summer of the Obama administration. 

Patrick proudly serves as a deputy chair of the National Finance Committee for the Democratic Governors’ Association, working to elect Democratic governors across the country. He is an active member of the University of Illinois Alumni Association, participating in local clubs in both Chicago and in Washington, D.C. — counseling students and interns on how to best pursue careers in government and public policy. He serves on the Board of Directors for the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago and Rainbows for All Children, a national nonprofit organization that provides support for children navigating trauma or loss. He also works with Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago as a member of their Mercy Society and government relations advisory committee.

Patrick has consistently been recognized as one of the country’s “Top Lobbyists” by both The Hill and the National Institute for Lobbying and Ethics. In 2020, he was named to the annual Crain’s Chicago Business “40 under 40” list, and was also honored by his alma mater, the University of Illinois, as one of the year’s “Outstanding Young Alumni.”

Patrick is a native of the Chicago suburbs and earned his bachelor’s degree in international, resource, and consumer economics from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign where he was an Illinois General Assembly scholar. He resides in Glen Ellyn, Illinois with his wife and four children, and they are parishioners at Saint Petronille Catholic Church.

 

Experience

Advises on federal government relations strategy and statewide advocacy for a Fortune 100 energy utility

Represents the world’s largest coffee house chain with federal affairs in Washington D.C. and with state and municipal governments across the Midwest

Represents a Fortune 500 home and security products company before state and federal lawmakers

Advocates on behalf of a national foundation working to preserve the Everglades in southern Florida

Works with the nation’s most famous multi-purpose sports and entertainment area on their federal advocacy efforts

Represents the world’s largest cannabis and hemp companies before various federal, state and local governments

Lobbies on behalf of a Fortune 50 multi-national healthcare company before Congress and the White House

Advocates for leading technology companies including a nationally recognized biometric secure identity platform and a fintech lending company focused on middle income, credit challenged consumers

Represents one of the leading operators of EV chargers in their advocacy efforts in Washington D.C. and across the U.S.

Advises a Midwestern public health system on federal government relations strategy and Medicaid issues before CMS

Managed a multi-million national advocacy campaign on behalf of the nuclear energy industry

Represented the largest association of premium cigar retailers before Congress and the Food and Drug Administration

Worked on behalf of one of the nation’s three largest consumer credit reporting agencies on federal legislative strategy and procurement opportunities 

Represented several medical device companies before Congress and the Obama Administration, which helped bring about the suspension of the medical device excise tax for two years under H.R. 2029

Developed analysis and strategy for a Fortune 50 health insurance company on issues relating to the Affordable Care Act

Represented an NFL sports franchise before Congress and the Obama Administration on issues surrounding the team’s logo and mascot

Advised a national private college and university system on congressional relations strategy and business development opportunities

Represents one of the leading operators of EV chargers in their advocacy efforts in Washington D.C. and across the U.S.

Advocates for leading technology companies including a nationally recognized biometric secure identity platform and a fintech lending company focused on middle income, credit challenged consumers

Works with the nation’s most famous multi-purpose sports and entertainment arena on their federal advocacy efforts

Advocates on behalf of a national foundation working to preserve the Everglades in southern Florida

News

Patrick Martin Analyzes Biden’s Decision to Drop Out and the Endorsement of Kamala Harris on NBC Chicago

July 22, 2024

Patrick Martin, Executive Vice President of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, joined NBC-TV Chicago to discuss President Biden’s recent decision to not seek reelection and his endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Democratic nominee.

Patrick Martin Discusses Trump’s VP Pick and DNC Uncertainty on NBC Chicago

July 18, 2024

Following the Republican National Convention, Patrick Martin, Executive Vice President of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, provided insightful analysis on NBC-TV Chicago, anchored by Marion Brooks and Alex Maragos.

Cozen O’Connor Named A Law360 Cannabis Practice Group of the Year

January 21, 2024

Cozen O’Connor was named a Law360 Cannabis Practice Group of the Year, the 4th time the cannabis team has received this honor. Joseph Bedwick and Patrick Martin spoke with Law360 to discuss the recognition.

Cozen O'Connor Public Strategies’ Patrick Martin, Alexandra Campau & Towner French Named Top Lobbyists 2023

December 08, 2023

Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies’ Executive Vice President Patrick Martin, Director of Health Policy Alexandra Campau, and Managing Director Towner French were named this year’s Top Lobbyists by The Hill under the Hired Guns category.

Why Biden World Cares – a lot - About When He Announces His Reelection

April 23, 2023

Patrick Martin, Public Strategies Executive Vice-President, was quoted in Politico discussing President Biden’s likely announcement of his re-election bid next week and the pros and cons of launching a full campaign about 18 months out from the November 2024 presidential election.

Cannabis Group Of The Year: Cozen O'Connor

January 26, 2023

Cozen O’Connor has been named a Law360 2022 Practice Group of the Year in Cannabis. Joe Bedwick and Patrick Martin spoke with Law360 to discuss the recognition.

Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies’ Patrick Martin Elected to Board of Managers, YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago

January 03, 2023

(CHICAGO, January 2, 2023) - Patrick Martin, Managing Director of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, has been elected to the Board of Managers for the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago.

‘The Clash Between State and Federal Law in the Cannabis Industry’: 4 Key Takeaways on Federal Policy Reform Efforts

June 24, 2022

Joseph Bedwick and Patrick Martin were quoted in Cannabis Business Times discussing the future of federal cannabis policy reform.

Patrick Martin and Towner French Recognized Among the Hill’s Top 2021 Lobbyists

December 02, 2021

Cozen O’Connor is pleased to announce that Patrick Martin and Towner French, respectively managing director and senior principal at the firm’s Public Strategies group, have been named to The Hill’s 2021 Top Lobbyists: Hired Guns list.

Lobbyists Pushing for Cannabis Legalization to Become a Reality

November 02, 2021

Congress is more supportive of cannabis than ever. Last year, for the first time, the Democratic-controlled House passed a sweeping cannabis-decriminalization bill.

These 12 Lobbyists are Fighting to Shape Cryptocurrency's Future on Capitol Hill

October 19, 2021

Howard Schweitzer and Patrick Martin, respectively CEO and Managing Director of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, were featured in Business Insider as two of the 12 influential digital-currency advocates and lobbyists who are shaping the cryptocurrency discourse on Capitol Hill.

Cozen O’Connor Announces Seven New Shareholders

August 31, 2021

Cozen O’Connor is pleased to announce the promotion of seven members to shareholders: Steven P. Katkov, Erick J. Kirker, Cheri L. MacArthur, Alycen A. Moss, Lisa J. Myers, Michael Rafalko, and David A. Shimkin.

Cozen O’Connor’s Patrick Martin Named to Board of Directors of Rainbows for All Children

March 05, 2021

Patrick Martin, Principal and Midwest Director of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, has been named to the Board of Directors of Rainbows for All Children, a national non-profit organization, based in suburban Chicago, focused on providing support for children navigating trauma or loss.

CBD Industry Awaits Action From New Dem-Led Congress

February 01, 2021

Patrick Martin was quoted in Law360 discussing a CBD bill that is about to be reintroduced.

Pot Legalization Still Faces Hurdles After Senate Flip

January 06, 2021

Patrick Martin was quoted in Law360 discussing the future of the cannabis industry now that the Senate is Democrat.

Patrick Martin Named One of the Hill’s Top 2020 Lobbyists

December 11, 2020

Cozen O’Connor is pleased to announce that Patrick Martin, principal and director of the firm’s Public Strategies group in the Midwest, has been named to The Hill’s Top Lobbyists: Hired Guns list.

Cozen O’Connor’s Patrick Martin Receives Outstanding Young Alumni Award from the University of Illinois

December 01, 2020

Patrick Martin, Principal and Midwest Director of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, has been honored by the University of Illinois with a 2020 Outstanding Young Alumni Award.

Patrick Martin Appears on WGN-TV Chicago's "Political Report”

November 15, 2020

Patrick Martin was a guest on WGN-TV Chicago's "Political Report” discussing the speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives, Michael Madigan, and his current state of power.

How U.S. House, Senate Results Could Influence Cannabis Legislation

November 11, 2020

Patrick Martin was quoted in Cannabis Business Times discussing the impact the Senate could have on the cannabis industry.

Cozen O’Connor’s Patrick Martin named to “40 under 40” list by Crain’s Chicago Business

November 06, 2020

Patrick Martin, Principal and Midwest Director of Cozen O'Connor Public Strategies, has been named to the Crain's Chicago Business "40 under 40" list.

Cannabis Industry Awaits U.S. House Vote on the MORE Act

August 03, 2020

Patrick Martin was quoted in Cannabis Dispensary Magazine discussing Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act that would federally decriminalize cannabis by removing it from the Controlled Substances Act, and cannabis industry stakeholders are taking notice.

Bottom Line

June 15, 2020

Cozen O'Connor Public Strategies was mentioned in The Hill on their recent lobbying clients.

Public Strategies Signs Ten New Lobbying Clients

June 11, 2020

Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies has added 10 new lobbying clients, including the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority.

ACES Alumni Spotlight

May 14, 2020

Patrick Martin was featured in a University of Illinois alumni spotlight.

Lobbyists prepare for fight over the next coronavirus bill

May 08, 2020

Patrick Martin was quoted in Politico discussing the industries that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Public Strategies Signs Eight New Lobbying Clients

May 06, 2020

Patrick Martin was quoted in an article by Politico in connection with his lobbying and government relations work on behalf of his client Insurance Auto Auction Inc., an auto salvage company.

Patrick Martin Named One of The Hill’s 2019 Top Lobbyists

December 12, 2019

For the second year in a row, Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies’ Patrick Martin has been named to The Hill’s Top Lobbyists: Hired Guns list.

Publications

Patrick Martin Breaks Down Vance-Walz VP Debate on NBC Chicago

October 02, 2024

Patrick Martin, Executive Vice President of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, joined NBC Chicago to analyze last night’s vice presidential debate between Senator JD Vance and Governor Tim Walz. In contrast to the more personal and combative exchanges between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, the Vance-Walz debate offered a refreshing display of civility, described by Patrick as "Midwest nice," policy-focused, and civil. Watch the full interview here!

DNC Recap: Patrick Martin Analyzes Speeches and Campaign Messages

August 22, 2024

Patrick Martin, Executive Vice President of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, sat down live at the United Center with NBC Chicago to break down key moments from Wednesday night’s speeches at the Democratic National Convention, featuring Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and former President Bill Clinton. In anticipation of Vice President Kamala Harris’ nomination, the Harris-Walz campaign is emphasizing that “elections are a choice between the past and the future.” Watch the full interview here.

Patrick Martin on VP Harris’ Selection of Tim Walz Ahead of the DNC

August 19, 2024

Patrick Martin, executive vice president of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, met with Mary Ann Ahren, an election reporter with NBC-TV Chicago, to discuss Vice President Kamala Harris’ decision to select Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate ahead of the 2024 Democratic National Convention.

Patrick Martin Shares What to Expect at the 2024 DNC

August 19, 2024

Patrick Martin, executive vice president of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, joins NBC Chicago to discuss the 2024 Democratic National Convention, sharing what this week means for the Democratic party and what to expect at the convention, including speeches from President Joe Biden and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Getting to Know Patrick Martin [Glen Ellyn Living]

June 01, 2021

The June 2021 edition, Glen Ellyn Living magazine – a social magazine for the residents of Glen Ellyn community in suburban Chicago – has a wonderful portrait of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies’ Midwest Director Patrick Martin, his practice, his family, and his work as a member of the Board of Rainbows for All Children, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting children navigating trauma or loss.

The Beltway Briefing - Return of the Old-School Political Scandal

February 21, 2021

Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, Patrick Martin, and Stuart Shorenstein discuss the impact of the current scandals and whether they seem to indicate the return to old-school, rough-and-tumble, hardball-style politics.

Trump v. Biden: CANNABIS LEGALIZATION

October 21, 2020

With the 2020 presidential election just days away, the future of cannabis legalization will likely rest on the shoulders of whoever is sitting in the Oval Office on January 20, 2021. So where do Donald Trump and Joe Biden stand with respect to the Cannabis industry? The Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies team brings you perspectives from both sides of the election spectrum.

What Advocacy Business Development Looks Like During COVID-19 [Campaigns & Elections]

May 21, 2020

Patrick Martin wrote about ways to secure business development opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Education

  • University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, B.S., 2009

Awards & Honors

The Hill’s Top Lobbyist (2018-2022)

2021 Top Lobbyist, National Institute for Lobbying and Ethics

2020, “40 Under 40” List by Crain’s Chicago Business

2020, “Outstanding Young Alumni Award”, University of Illinois, College of ACES

  • Board of Managers, YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago
  • Member - Board of Directors, Rainbows for All Children
  • University of Illinois Alumni Association, Member
  • Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, Junior Board Volunteer, Government Relations Executive Board