Washington Office (W.O.), a DC-based strategy firm specializing in emerging technology and national security, announced today that Daniel P. Fata has joined its leadership team as Senior Advisor and Director of Strategic Services. Fata brings nearly 30 years of experience in defense policy, international relations, and government affairs, having served in senior roles in Congress, the Department of Defense, and the aerospace and defense industry. The firm also welcomed two new strategic partners and advisors: Melody Neil and Selena Hayes.
Daniel Fata
“Dan is a recognized powerhouse in national security strategy with a significant record of success in both the public and private sectors,” said W.O. co-founder Josh Baer. “His ability to bridge the worlds of government, industry, and innovation makes him a vital addition to our team as we continue to help breakthrough companies succeed in Washington.”
Fata served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for European and NATO Policy from 2005 to 2008, advising two Secretaries of Defense on U.S. defense policy across Europe, Russia, and Eurasia. He was instrumental in strengthening NATO partnerships and driving U.S. engagement with international organizations such as the European Union and the OSCE.
In the private sector, Fata held leadership roles at Lockheed Martin, including as Vice President for Policy and Strategy Engagement, where he oversaw the company’s Executive Branch engagement, managed relationships with think tanks and industry associations, and supported both the corporate strategy and ventures teams. At The Cohen Group, Fata advised Fortune 500 clients on defense, aerospace, and international government affairs strategies, helping them navigate complex regulatory and market landscapes.
Fata is also a U.S. Senate-appointed Commissioner on the Afghanistan War Commission, tasked with assessing America’s 20-year involvement in Afghanistan and developing lessons for future conflicts.
“Dan’s career has been defined by his ability to deliver results in complex, high-stakes environments,” added W.O. co-founder Evan Burfield. “He brings strategic expertise that will help our clients navigate Washington’s challenges and unlock new opportunities to align their innovations with national security priorities.”
Melody Neil
Melody Neil joins Washington Office as an Advisor and Strategic Tech Liaison. Neil has 15+ years of experience in federal, state, and local government advocacy, providing strategic counsel to Fortune 500 companies, venture capital firms, startups, nonprofits, and trade groups. She specializes in navigating complex regulatory and political environments to achieve legislative and regulatory success. With deep expertise at the intersection of technology and government, Neil excels at building strategic partnerships and helping businesses achieve their goals with lawmakers, regulators, and the public sector.
Previously, Neil built and led the government affairs department for the world’s largest global data center company. She also served on the U.S. House Appropriations Committee as a professional staff member and senior advisor, gaining extensive experience with federal funding for national defense programs and foreign operations. Earlier in her career, Neil worked as Deputy Press Secretary for a U.S. congresswoman, managing press relations and communications. Neil holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Florida and an M.A. in International Business from Georgetown University.
Selina Hayes
Selina Hayes joins Washington Office as an advisor. She is the CEO/President of Hayes Group International (HGI) and the founder of Seyah Space, specializing in emerging and frontier markets. With expertise in security, cultural intelligence, ISR/PED/geospatial, and space technologies, she has successfully launched multiple technologies in the DoD ecosystem and Africa’s emerging tech space. Hayes has worked extensively across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East with SOCOM, AFRICOM, and other key organizations, focusing on counter-terrorism, economic development, and post-conflict stabilization.
She contributes to the African Leaders’ Critical Minerals Global Supply Chain Diplomatic Roundtable and leads discussions on space opportunities in Africa. Previously, she led SOCOM’s Global Media efforts (2010–2015) and co-founded Project H.O.W., a nonprofit supporting women in Northern Nigeria. Hayes holds a B.A. in International Relations from George Washington University and advanced degrees from the University of San Diego. Originally from Sydney, Australia, she brings a unique perspective blending military, civilian, and commercial expertise.
A Growing Team
This year Washington Office announced a bipartisan roster of new team members. The group includes revered technologists, Capitol Hill leaders, and former officials who served under the presidential administrations of Donald Trump, Joe Biden, Barack Obama, and George W. Bush, such as: Alfred Abramson III, Charlie Burgoyne, Troy Clair, Sai Dhanak, Luke Finney, Brett Freedman, Tim Gallaudet, Camille Stewart Gloster, Bobbye Jo Green, Selena Hayes, Hannah Hummelberg, Bob Kadlec, Sean Kirkpatrick, Colleen Laughlin, Caitlin Legacki, Seth Lloyd, Mike MacKay, Ellen McCarthy, Drew McDowell, Jason Mello, Jeff Modisett, Halimah Najieb-Locke, Melody Neil, Mary Monica Palmer, Casey Plew, Brandon Pollak, Dan Prieto, Dhruva Rajendra, Denver Riggleman, Greg Schultz, Ian Seltzer, Rina Shah, Lara Stein, Miles Taylor, Natalie Timpone, Lauren Tomlinson, Shawn Usman, Brad Viator, Patrick Weninger, Mike Wettlaufer, and more.
About the Firm
Washington Office “represents the future” by serving as the DC team for innovative companies. W.O. clients are working to harness emerging technology – including artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, energy, materials sciences, robotics, space systems, synthetic biology, quantum computing, and beyond – to advance security and prosperity. The firm boasts a bipartisan team with deep expertise in tech and public policy and supports clients through government relations, business development, and strategic communications.
For more information on the firm and team, please visit www.yourWashingtonOffice.com.
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