Manatt Continues To Deepen Strategic Capabilities In Washington, D.C.

Former Aegis LLC president and CEO, Kristi M. Rogers brings defense and homeland security depth to expanding government practice

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Manatt, Phelps & Phillips LLP

Feb 27, 2013, 07:00 ET

WASHINGTON, Feb. 27, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, announced today that Kristi M. Rogers has joined its growing Federal Government Affairs and Public Policy team as a managing director in its Washington office. Rogers brings extensive leadership and knowledge in the defense, intelligence, and international business arenas, honed through her experiences in both the public and private sectors.

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Rogers is the most recent in a string of key hires by the long-standing Washington powerhouse firm, including former U.S. Rep. Dennis Cardoza (D-CA) and former NRCC executive director Scott Hatch, among others. Highly experienced in the national and homeland security sectors, Rogers will focus on positioning defense and security firms to successfully do business with the United States government, whether it is a new company, a company in transition or a seasoned federal contractor.

"Kristi is entering the market at a time when defense and security firms are keenly focused on their relations with the federal government because of sequestration combined with the ongoing threat to Americans overseas and at home," said James Bonham, chair of Manatt's Federal Government Affairs and Public Policy practice. "Kristi can be a lifeline for many companies that are struggling to plan for the next decade's worth of annual sequestrations. Her leadership, her firsthand experience navigating these issues as a CEO, and her extensive relationships will be tremendous assets for clients."

Rogers will provide critical strategic positioning counsel and support to companies as they navigate the federal and international marketplaces. She will also advise on issues relating to the role of business in complex and dynamic environments, including stabilization efforts and markets emerging from conflict.

According to Rogers, "Today's corporate and government environment is rapidly changing, requiring firms to be agile, responsive and yet comprehensive in their approach to winning business. Manatt is at the forefront of providing companies with the full spectrum of support services; this unique approach attracted me to Manatt, and I am excited to be joining the team."

Prior to joining Manatt, Rogers served in multiple senior leadership roles, including as president, CEO and vice chair of the board of directors at Aegis Defense Services, LLC, a risk management and private security company. Rogers planned and executed a multiyear business strategy that led Aegis LLC's growth from a startup office to a premier provider of security and support services to the U.S. government, including winning a task order on a five-year, $10 billion Department of State protective services contract.

A proven crisis and public communicator, Rogers served as the assistant commissioner of public affairs at U.S. Customs & Border Protection. From 2003 to 2004, she was Ambassador L. Paul Bremer's strategic communications liaison in Baghdad, Iraq, to his cabinet of senior advisors, as well as the Coalition Provisional Authority's director of the Strategic Communications' Press Office.

Rogers began her career in Michigan politics working for Gov. John Engler and, later, the state's senate majority leader. She later became vice president of government and community affairs with the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce and subsequently joined the U.S. Small Business Administration — first at the Office of Entrepreneurial Development and later as the senior legislative advisor at the Office of Congressional Affairs.

"Kristi is very well-connected, with a global network of key stakeholders within the federal government and numerous U.S. agencies," said Bonham. "Her relationships, along with her deep understanding of foreign affairs and experience in corporate leadership and executive-level problem solving, make her a valuable resource to our clients."

Rogers joins an impressive national government team at Manatt, with professionals who develop, advocate and implement integrated business, legal and government strategies and activities in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, New York City, Sacramento and Albany. Members of the practice have served in leadership positions as U.S. ambassadors; members of Congress; presidential appointees; senior career federal and state government officials; senior congressional staff; state legislators, leaders and staff; as well as in positions in city and county governments.

A native of Lansing, Mich., Rogers earned her bachelor's degree in political science from Michigan State University and is an avid follower of the Spartans.

About Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP
Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, is one of the nation's leading law firms, with offices strategically located in California (Los Angeles, Orange County, Palo Alto, San Francisco and Sacramento), New York (New York City and Albany) and Washington, D.C. The firm represents a sophisticated client base — including Fortune 500, middle-market and emerging companies — across a range of practice areas and industry sectors. For more information, visit www.manatt.com.