Founder and Managing Principal
Polaris Consulting, LLC
Dan Gans is the founder and managing principal of Polaris Consulting, LLC. Before establishing Polaris, Dan managed the Telecommunications, Technology and Energy practice at a top 20 lobbying firm in Washington, D.C. for three years. Under Dan’s stewardship, Polaris Government Relations has quickly become one of the most in-demand boutique lobbying firms in Washington. Dan in an expert in fintech policy and works closely with the House Financial Services Committee and the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing & Urban Affairs.
Dan is an 11-year veteran of Capitol Hill. Most recently, Dan served as chief of staff to Congressman Bob Riley (R-AL). In addition to serving as Riley’s chief of staff, Gans was a senior advisor (in a volunteer capacity) to Riley’s successful gubernatorial campaign in 2002. Dan worked with the campaign general consultant to develop and implement a successful media, grass roots and fundraising plan.
As chief of staff, Dan served as Congressman Riley’s principal strategist and advisor on all legislative and political matters, including the congressman’s work on the Financial Services, Armed Services and Agriculture Committees. Dan’s responsibilities included oversight and management of the Washington, D.C., and Alabama offices. Dan also served as the congressman’s liaison to House leadership and the Republican Study Committee.
During his tenure as chief of staff, The Wall Street Journal recognized Gans for designing a state-of-the-art interactive Congressional website that implemented an e-video communication platform. Bob Riley was the first member of Congress to communicate with his constituents using video email technology. It was no surprise that “Campaigns and Elections” magazine cited Bob Riley’s campaign website as one of the best in the country and noted it was critical to his 2002 election success. Dan has been a regular speaker on internet communication and e-strategy for the House Republican Conference. Dan also held a Department of Defense security clearance, which he was required to have to handle Riley’s work on the House Armed Services Committee.