Brian D. Banks is the Chief of Government Affairs & Public Policy Officer for the American Counseling Association. He has over twenty years of government relations experience. His range of professional experience is with non-governmental organizations, associations, the Federal government, for-profit organizations.   

Within his career he has focused on local, state and federal policy issues that primarily focus on improving the lives of people. Brian has been seen on many networks including the Food Network, BBC, NPR, and BET for issues relating to the Federal safety net, education, health care and the environment. 

He has spent his career as a government relations professional where he has educated and empowered legislators to make informed decisions that support their constituents in the areas of mental health; access to healthy foods; education; gaming and resorts; environmental issues; and tax issues to name a few. He has had the honor of serving as a lead for government affairs at many prestigious organizations including serving at the pleasure of the Secretary of the Air Force. 

Brian was also chosen as a community leader by the Obama Administration, where he primarily focused on the nation’s safety-net programs. Brian has received several awards for his undying commitment to service, including being recognized by the U.S. Department of State for providing his expertise to the international U.S. and African Leaders Program, the Top Lobbyist Honor in 2021 and 2023 from the National Institute for Lobbying and Ethics, and The Hill Newspaper Top Lobbyist in 2023. He also received the Professional and Community Excellence Award from Porsche in 2016. 

Brian earned his undergraduate degree in communication studies, where he focused on media affairs and business communication. He then earned his MA in politics with a focus on congressional studies from The Catholic University of America.