Mr. Gardner brings an extensive background of working with congressional policymakers to the firm. Before joining Baker Donelson, Mr. Gardner served on the legislative staff of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) for nearly seven years where he covered tax, trade, and certain appropriations issues. He worked with members of both the House and Senate Democratic Caucuses, as well as the relevant congressional committees to advance legislative priorities. He also has helped negotiate and pass multiple bipartisan pieces of legislation.
Mr. Gardner is a trusted advisor to board members and C-suite executives on a variety of emerging policy issues. He applies his experience and knowledge to helping clients advance their goals with key policymakers. He advises a diverse group of companies, drawing on relationships with bipartisan congressional and administration staff to lead the development and implementation of legislative and regulatory strategies on a wide range of issues, including health, appropriations, clean energy incentives, supply chain, trade, and tax issues.
Mr. Gardner has helped multiple advanced battery, solar, and electric vehicle charging companies navigate Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) incentives. Mr. Gardner has deep knowledge of clean energy tax programs and has advised clients on compliance and advocacy concerning the Department of Treasury's guidance on IRA tax programs. He has also helped clients secure Department of Energy grant funding provided by the IIJA.