WASHINGTON, D.C., April 4—No public affairs firm in Washington has enjoyed more success recruiting top-level government officials than APCO Associates, so in many ways this week’s announcement that former Michigan Senator Don Riegle is joining the firm came as no surprise. Riegle, who resigned from his position as deputy chairman of Weber Shandwick Worldwide last month will be chairman of APCO Government Affairs.

Riegle, a Democrat, will join a team of former federal legislators that includes former Republican Congressmen Matt Salmon of Arizona and Mickey Edwards of Oklahoma, as well as former Democratic Congressmen Don Bonker of Washington and Steve Solarz of New York as well as several high-ranking government officials such as Richard Allen, former national security advisor to Ronald Reagan; B. Jay Cooper, former deputy press secretary to Presidents Reagan and George H.W. Bush; and two former U.S. ambassadors, Arthur Hartman and Mark Ginsberg.

According to APCO president Margery Kraus, “Don understands how Washington works and he knows how that work fits into the globalization of our business.” Riegle, for his part, said he was attracted by APCO’s “collegial” culture and work environment.
Reigle served 28 years in Congress, including 18 years on the Senate banking committee, 16 years on the budget committee, and 12 years on commerce. He also has experience in healthcare, trade, and transportation issues.