MEET THE TEAM

George S. McElwee is the President and Founder of The Reserve Component (TRC), a federal government relations and strategic consulting firm headquartered in Washington, D.C. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience in public policy, government affairs, and public service, George helps municipalities, associations, nonprofit organizations, and private-sector companies navigate the federal government, secure funding, advance legislative priorities, and build effective relationships with policymakers.

George launched TRC in 2025 after a distinguished career spanning Capitol Hill, the private sector, military service, and federal advocacy. Throughout his career, he has represented corporations, associations, municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and state governments before Congress and federal agencies. Among his most significant engagements was representing the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in Washington from 2015 through 2022, advancing the state’s priorities before Congress and federal agencies.

Before launching TRC, George held senior government affairs positions representing leading national trade associations. In those roles, he led advocacy efforts before Congress and federal agencies, built industry coalitions, and helped shape public policy on a range of complex national issues. His work provided him with firsthand experience navigating both the legislative and regulatory processes on behalf of diverse stakeholder communities.

George’s public service career began on Capitol Hill as a staff assistant to U.S. Senator Rick Santorum. He later joined the staff of Congressman Charlie Dent, ultimately serving nearly a decade as Chief of Staff. During his congressional service, George advised on legislative and political strategy, managed congressional operations, and built extensive relationships throughout Congress and the executive branch. His peers elected him President of the House Chiefs of Staff Association for three terms.

A recognized leader in the government relations profession, George was named one of The Hill’s Top Lobbyists from 2021 through 2025 and was named a Top Lobbyist by the National Institute for Lobbying & Ethics in 2024 and 2025.

In addition to his civilian career, George has served for more than sixteen years as an officer in the United States Navy Reserve and currently holds the rank of Lieutenant Commander. As a Public Affairs Officer, he has supported strategic communications, public affairs, and operational planning efforts across the Navy. In 2022, he served on active duty as Deputy Assistant Chief of Information for Community Outreach, providing strategic counsel and support for high-profile Navy events and outreach initiatives nationwide.

George remains actively engaged in leadership development, higher education, and veteran service. He serves as Chair of the Shippensburg University Council of Trustees and is a Senior Stennis Fellow who mentors congressional staff through the Stennis Center’s Emerging Leaders Program. He also serves as Co-Chairman of the Capitol Hill Wardroom, a professional community of active-duty, reserve, retired, and veteran Navy and Marine Corps personnel who have served or currently serve on Capitol Hill. George is a life member of the American Legion, the Military Officers Association of America, and the Reserve Organization of America, where he served on the National Executive Committee.

George holds a Master of Arts in Strategic Security Studies from the National Defense University, a Certificate in PACs and Political Management from George Washington University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Shippensburg University.