Former Colorado legislator Greg Brophy has joined the Denver office of Michael Best Strategies, LLC, as western region vice-president. Michael Best Strategies is the lobbying and regulatory-consulting arm of law firm Michael Best & Friedrich, LLP.

The ex-state representative and senator will focus on facilitating communications between regionally based U.S. companies and organizations and the federal government in Washington, D.C., through collaboration with Michael Best Strategies’ teams in the nation’s capital.

Described as an authority on the Colorado lawmaking body in a company news release, Brophy brings what the company called “an uncommon blend of legislative and issues management experience in several key industries,” including agriculture, energy, natural resources, outdoor recreation, and technology.

“The Michael Best Strategies’ business model has always fascinated me in its ability to possess a profound understanding of the connectedness between federal and state affairs,” said Brophy in the news release. “My government background working with large, Colorado-based industries such as energy, agricultural, and healthcare, will provide a foundation for the firm’s growing client base as a one-stop shop for their consulting, regulatory and government relations needs.”

“Greg has been a positive force in the Colorado legislature, and now he’ll bring that energy and experience in the agriculture and natural resources sectors to our firm,” said Ted Kanavas, president of Michael Best Strategies. “I’m confident he will be a great asset to advancing our work in the state as it relates to activities of our nation’s federal government.”

Brophy served 12 years in the Colorado House of Representatives and Senate. During his 10-year tenure as state senator representing District 1 – a position he was first appointed to in 2005 – he held various leadership positions, including assistant minority leader and ranking member of the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. He was also a member of the finance, legal services, appropriations, information and technology and judiciary committees.

In 2014, Brophy sought the Republican nomination for governor, but failed to qualify for a place on the primary ballot. He served in the state House from 2002-05. From 2000-02, Brophy was area representative for U.S. Sen. Wayne Allard, R-Colorado, and has been owner/operator of Greg Brophy Farm since 1992.

Most recently, Brophy was president of Brophy Strategies, where he spearheaded grassroots and community relations practices around renewable energy, and in 2015 became the chief of staff to Republican U.S. Rep. Ken Buck of Colorado.

“Greg has managed a significant scope of issues at the state level,” said David Krutz, Michael Best’s firm managing partner. “It’s that depth of knowledge and drive to succeed that makes him a great candidate to generate opportunities in the Western United States and foster meaningful connections in D.C. that are important to our clients.”

Brophy received his Bachelor of Science degree from Colorado State University. Among other honors are the State Legislative Award from CropLife America in 2011. He is also a member of the Colorado Farm Bureau.