Whitaker Askew

Whit has two decades of experience in campaign politics, lobbying and integrated advocacy at the highest levels. He leverages his extensive relationships and proactive strategic mindset to drive successful outcomes on a diversified range of issues in the commerce, financial services, energy, workforce, technology and hospitality sectors.

Whit has effectively managed the Economic Investment Alliance, a diverse industry coalition supporting full expensing tax policy to spur U.S. business investment. During the pandemic, he advised many clients to successfully pursue critical resources necessary to protect essential services and small business jobs. He has developed and executed multiple campaigns on behalf of the integrated gaming resort industry that led to successful policy outcomes in Congress and within the U.S. Treasury, FinCEN, Internal Revenue Service and Federal Trade Commission. Whit frequently plays a leading role in preparing C-suite executives and other client officials for witness testimony and hearing participation. And he is regularly called on to present political briefings and analysis to client executives, boards and various industry leaders.

Prior to joining Avoq, Whit served as vice president of government relations at the American Gaming Association (AGA), where he was a senior leader and top lobbyist representing the $240 billion U.S. casino industry before Congress, federal agencies and state/local governments. Prior to AGA, he served Speaker of the House John A. Boehner of Ohio, over multiple election cycles, as executive director of The Freedom Project/Team Boehner. He led the national political operation that played a critical role in the GOP’s historic 2010 takeover of the House. Whit was PAC director of the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America in 2005, following service in several capacities at the National Republican Congressional Committee during the 2003-04 cycle.

Whit, who rocks a bow tie every day, owns far more clothes than his wife and two daughters combined. An overly passionate Tennessee Volunteers football fan, he has slept at least one night in all of the lower 48 states.