40 under 40 — Andy O’Brien

Phi Epsilon, 2002 — Recognized in: 2020

Andy O’Brien, a Partner at DCI Group, manages high profile multi-faceted issue advocacy campaigns for the firm’s clients in a variety of industries. Specializing in energy and environmental matters, Andy has extensive experience in state based grassroots outreach, coalition building, and governmental relations strategies involving a number of high profile issues. His recent work includes leading a multi-state grassroots campaign which resulted in the successful reversal of a final U.S. EPA environmental regulation as well as managing the grassroots engagement campaign in support of a successful private equity transaction involving a major energy company. Andy has also developed and managed several grassroots advocacy campaigns focused on legislative and regulatory issues in both the regulated and competitive energy markets on behalf of several of the firm’s clients.

Prior to joining DCI Group in 2006, Andy served as the Executive Director for Zeta Psi. He had previously started as a traveling education consultant in spring of 2002 and moved up to Assistant Executive Director before being named Executive Director.

While an undergraduate at the University of Maryland-College Park (Phi Epsilon), Andy served as the Phi during his senior year and as undergrad representative to the Board of Directors for Zeta Psi. He also served as a member of the IFC, a member of the University of Maryland Student Judiciary and was named to the Kalegethos Society.

Additional leadership experience includes time spent at the Heritage Foundation working directly under Former Attorney General Edwin Meese as well as with the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Small Business when former Senator Jim Talent (R-MO) was Chairman. His first exposure to the legislative process was all the way back in high school where he served as a page in the Maryland General Assembly.

An Eagle Scout, Andy is a graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Government and Politics. Andy ran his second full marathon –the Marine Corps Marathon — in 2013 and holds the unofficial distinction of the fastest marathon time among partners at DCI Group. He also serves as the President of the Board of Directors of the Conduit Road Fire Board Inc. which operates the Glen Echo Fire Department in Bethesda, MD. He currently resides in Bethesda, MD with his family.