Walt Smith, Founder/President

The Mallard Group, LLC

www.themallardgroup.net

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Walt Smith has nearly two decades of experience working in both the government and government-relations field representing various clients before Congress, the administration, and state and local governments. He has worked with major land grant universities, national scientific societies, agricultural policy professionals, national trade associations, a top 50 law firm, chambers of commerce, municipalities and private businesses. This dedication to customer service on behalf of clients and subject matter expertise, coupled with his relationships with policymakers earned Mr. Smith the designation as the number 17 “Rising Star” on the 2013 by Capitol Insider.

Before entering the private sector, Mr. Smith worked in both the Legislative and Executive Branches of the federal government. He began his career on Capitol Hill intern, later moving on to the House Agriculture Committee, under the leadership of then-Chairman, Larry Combest of Texas.

After working for the Vice-Chairman of the Committee, Bill Barrett, until his retirement, he represented the National Cattleman’s Beef Association (NCBA) on environmental policy issues before leaving to serve as a Congressional Liaison at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). In this role, Mr. Smith led negotiations of provisions related to everything from water, conservation and agriculture program assistance, to research and nutrition during the passage and implementation of the 2002 Farm Bill. Mr. Smith then headed back to Capitol Hill to work for the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee. As the Appropriations Associate for Rep. Henry Bonilla (R-TX), then-Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Walt served as the Chairman’s liaison to the Committee for almost five years. Mr. Smith was the primary staffer for multiple issues including the Corp of Engineers, energy, transportation, natural resources, agriculture, environment, trade, taxes, finance and small business. It was during this time Mr. Smith gained a reputation within the delegation as a subject matter expert in the realm of appropriations and worked directly with many local governments and communities to identify, pursue, and achieve outcomes to their benefit. Specifically, Mr. Smith served the Chairman as his liaison working on issues of the highest importance related to crisis management including Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Walt left public service in 2006 and founded The Mallard Group, LLC, a full service federal relations firm. Maintaining strong relationships in Washington and Austin, Mr. Smith has become a trusted advisor on issues related to agriculture and water on both a personal and professional level. He currently serves on a number of advisory committees for Members of Congress and the Texas Legislature.

 

Walt has been actively involved in many charitable groups and organizations in both Texas and Washington. A resident of Dripping Springs, he serves in organizations such as the Lions Club, the DS Wildgame Dinner, and the DSISD Education Foundation Board of Directors.  He has also served as executive office in the past for a number of groups including the Texas State Society of Washington, the National Capitol Texas A&M Club, the Black Tie and Boots Inaugural Ball and the Taste of The South Charity Gala. 

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