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Michael W. Reynolds*

Senior Public Policy Advisor

Michael Reynolds is a strategic advisor in Baker Donelson's Washington, D.C. office, where he offers clients a clear understanding of federal policies and programs based upon his career in the public and private sectors.

Professional Biography


As a member of the Firm's Government Relations and Public Policy Group, Mr. Reynolds relies upon his 25-year career in the public and private sectors and his deep knowledge of federal policy and programs to offer clients strategic guidance on public policy decisions. He provides clients the insight needed to effectively navigate and influence the development of federal aerospace laws and policies.

Mr. Reynolds previously served as the Deputy Policy Director and Team Lead for Aviation on the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation for Ranking Member Roger Wicker (R-MS). Prior to joining the Commerce Committee in 2015 as aviation counsel, Mr. Reynolds lived in the Netherlands.

In 2009, Mr. Reynolds worked for the consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton as an Executive Advisor to the firm's transportation team. Before Booz Allen, Mr. Reynolds was the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Transportation for Aviation and International Affairs from 2002 – 2009. While at the Department of Transportation (DOT), he served as the Acting Assistant Secretary for more than two years. Before joining the DOT, Mr. Reynolds spent seven-and-a-half years serving as aviation counsel to the Senate Commerce Committee. In 1997, Mr. Reynolds took a six-month leave of absence from his Senate position to serve as General Counsel to the National Civil Aviation Review Commission (also known as the Mineta Commission). He was instrumental in drafting the following major legislation:

  • Federal Aviation Act of 1996;
  • Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century (AIR-21);
  • Aviation and Transportation Security Act;
  • Vision 100 – Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act;
  • FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016;
  • FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018;
  • Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), Title IV;
  • Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act;
  • Airline Worker Support Extension (Consolidation Appropriations Act, 2021; Division N; Title IV); and
  • Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (FAA Programs).

During his career, Mr. Reynolds has been a featured speaker or panelist at many prominent aviation industry events, including testifying before Congress multiple times.

Prior to joining the public sector, Mr. Reynolds worked as a litigator in a prominent law firm in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Education

  • William and Mary Law School, J.D., 1992
  • Stanford University, B.A., 1987

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