WASHINGTON, March 4, 2026 — Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, the bipartisan government relations and communications affiliate of international law firm Cozen O’Connor, today announced that Alexandra DeRiso has joined the firm as a principal on its health care team.
With more than 15 years of bicameral congressional experience, Robert has held several ranking staff positions with federal legislators. His practice areas include, but are not limited to, technology, defense, homeland security, procurement, appropriations, competitive sourcing, transportation, energy, trade, and foreign relations.
Robert has worked with a wide range of clients on matters before Congress and the administration and is actively engaged in the development and passage of legislation, as well as regulation development and enforcement. Robert has also worked with clients on matters before state and local governments, including passage and implementation of legislation in 46 states.
Prior to entering private practice, Robert served as deputy staff director of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation for Senator John McCain (R-Ariz.), where he was responsible for overseeing the day-to-day activities of the committee staff, including policy development on all issues before the committee.
In addition to work on numerous annual appropriation and authorization bills, Robert’s legislative experience includes the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act, the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, the Norman Y. Mineta Research and Special Programs Act, the USA Patriot Act, and drafting and moving to passage the Maritime Transportation Security Acts of 2002 and 2004. In his tenure with the Senate, he worked closely with the Department of Transportation, the Department of Commerce, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Defense, the Federal Maritime Commission, the Federal Trade Commission, the Federal Communications Commission, and the White House. Robert also served on a number U.S. delegations negotiating and implementing bilateral and international transportation and security agreements.
Prior to his time working in the Senate, Robert served as administrative director for U.S. Representative Ed Whitfield (R-Ky.), where he oversaw the Congressman’s staff and worked on a wide range of issues. Robert also managed a number of the Congressman’s successful campaigns.
A former military officer, Robert is a graduate of the University of Kentucky in Lexington, where he earned a degree in industrial administration and a commission in the U.S. Army. During his service, Robert received numerous awards and citations for distinguished service in positions around the world, including Saudi Arabia for Desert Storm.
Robert is often quoted on transportation regulatory and policy issues by national and trade media, including Law360 and the Wall Street Journal.