Former Rep. Dale Kildee heads to K St.

Former Rep. Dale Kildee (D-Mich.) has joined one of K Street’s biggest names.

Kildee will be a senior consultant at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, one of the influence industry’s biggest earners. He will work in the firm’s American Indian law and policy practice.

{mosads}In addition, Kildee will be a policy adviser to Ietan Consulting, a lobby shop that specializes in advocating for tribal governments and businesses. Ietan has a strategic alliance with Akin Gump.

“For most of my public career, both in the Michigan State Legislature and in the U.S. Congress, I have had the honor and privilege to work with Indian tribes to bring some justice to Indian Country,” Kildee said in a statement. “I look forward to continuing my role in advocating for the inherent sovereignty of tribal governments.”

Kildee helped found the Congressional Native American Caucus. He served 18 terms in the House before deciding to retire last Congress. His nephew, Rep. Dan Kildee (D-Mich.), was elected last year to take his seat.

“Congressman Kildee is an icon in Indian Country, and we are very pleased to be able to tap into his experience and wisdom on behalf of our clients. We look forward to working with him in his new endeavor — we know he will continue to be a tremendous asset for Indian Country,” said Donald Pongrace, head of Akin Gump’s public law and policy practice, in a statement.