Mr. Hyjek provides legislative and government relations guidance to his clients, focusing on procurement policy, military base enhancement, defense policy, export controls on military technologies and public policy matters. Mr. Hyjek has been formally recognized by state and federal agencies for his government relations achievements.
Prior to joining Baker Donelson's Government Relations and Public Policy Group, Mr. Hyjek was a principal in a federal marketing and lobbying firm for 24 years. During that time, he was selected to represent an array of defense technology developers and manufacturers on defense policy and government procurement matters.
Mr. Hyjek has successfully advised multiple public sector clients as the lead consultant during each of the base realignment and closure rounds dating back to 1991. He has developed and executed strategies for his military base clients which resulted in the gain of over 50,000 full-time equivalent positions and helped secure over $700 million in Congressionally-approved Military Construction funding (over 90 percent of which remains in local communities). In the most recent BRAC round in 2005, he represented over 20 installations that experienced gains or remained intact when the process concluded. He was also successful in representing communities in conjunction with force structure adjustments conducted by the Department of Defense.
In addition, Mr. Hyjek has successfully represented a number of U.S. and international corporations, serving as an advocate for their interests with Congress and federal agencies. Mr. Hyjek maintains an active U.S. Government Security Clearance and a Pentagon Access Badge, which ensure his access to critical decision-makers on behalf of clients in the challenging budget environment.
From 1981 to 1986, Mr. Hyjek served as a Congressional Liaison Representative for the Secretary of the Army. During his tenure with the Department of the Army, he represented the Army's interests to Congress on procurement, environmental, privatization and chemical demilitarization issues, as well as base closures and realignments. He advised the Army leadership on the impact of Department interests on Congressional interests, as well as facilitated discussions between Congressional leaders and Army principals to secure legislative support for the service's initiatives.
Mr. Hyjek began his career in Washington with the Senate, where he gained experience in the legislative process. He is a graduate of the American University with a Bachelor's degree in International Relations and a Master's degree in International Law.