Martin R. Van Valkenburg, Jr.
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Mr. Van Valkenburg is a senior lobbyist with Capitol Affairs, L.L.C., a Michigan-based, multi-client government relations consulting firm. Mr. Van Valkenburg brings to Capitol Affairs a wealth of experience from having served in senior level positions in the United States Congress, the Michigan Senate and the Michigan House of Representatives. Mr. Van Valkenburg is a weekly contributor to Campaign and Elections Politics magazine’s focus group of political experts.
Prior to joining Capitol Affairs, Mr. Van Valkenburg served Congressman Thaddeus McCotter (MI-11) as his Washington, D.C. Chief of Staff for nearly three years. Following the 2006 elections, Congressman McCotter was elected Chairman of the Republican House Policy Committee making him the fourth highest ranking Member in the House Republican Conference. Mr. Van Valkenburg assisted Congressman McCotter with his positions on various policy committees including the House Financial Services Committee, the Foreign Affairs Committee, the Budget Committee, and the joint Economic Committee. In 2006, Mr. Van Valkenburg was honored as the Federal Legislative Staffer of the Year by a prominent Michigan association of financial institutions.
Prior to his Capitol Hill position, Mr. Van Valkenburg served as the Director of Government Affairs for Michigan’s largest association representing the licensed beverage industry. In this role, Mr. Van Valkenburg was successful in achieving several legislative victories for the members of the association and more than tripled the size of its political action committee. In addition to this advocacy experience, he has directed numerous political campaigns and grassroots initiatives.
Mr. Van Valkenburg also served for nearly a decade in the Michigan Legislature as the Chief of Staff in the office of the chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Corrections and the Judiciary.
Mr. Van Valkenburg combines extensive political, fundraising, grassroots, and campaign experience with this legislative expertise. Mr. Van Valkenburg’s experience in Lansing and Washington, D.C. offers the clients of Capitol Affairs a unique perspective on the state and federal government relations landscape.
Mr. Van Valkenburg holds a Bachelors degree from Calvin College and a Masters degree in Communications from Michigan State University.
