Leading Government Affairs, Communications, and Advocacy Firm HBW Resources Appoints Jeff Ostermayer as Senior Vice President of Public Affairs and Communications
Leading government affairs, communications, and advocacy firm HBW Resources today announced the appointment of Jeff Ostermayer as Senior Vice President of Public Affairs and Communications, a strategic hire that significantly strengthens the firm’s leadership bench at a pivotal moment for the U.S. energy sector. In this senior leadership role, Ostermayer will be responsible for shaping and executing HBW’s comprehensive communications strategy, advancing its public affairs and advocacy initiatives, and supporting clients as they navigate an increasingly complex and dynamic policy environment.
As Senior Vice President, Ostermayer will lead integrated communications and public affairs efforts across HBW’s national client portfolio, with a strong emphasis on energy policy, infrastructure development, regulatory strategy, and stakeholder engagement. His role will encompass overseeing high-impact advocacy campaigns, guiding strategic messaging, managing crisis and reputational communications, and helping clients align policy objectives with effective public narratives. With energy issues moving rapidly to the center of economic, environmental, and political debate, Ostermayer’s leadership is expected to play a critical role in expanding HBW’s capabilities and influence.
Ostermayer brings more than 20 years of experience in strategic communications, government affairs, and public policy advocacy, much of it focused squarely on the energy and utilities sectors. Throughout his career, he has worked at the intersection of policy, politics, and public opinion, helping organizations and elected officials address contentious issues, engage diverse stakeholders, and deliver measurable outcomes. His background uniquely positions him to help HBW clients address the challenges posed by evolving energy markets, electrification trends, grid reliability concerns, and the growing intersection between energy infrastructure and economic development.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jeff to HBW Resources at such a consequential time for the energy industry,” said David Holt, Managing Partner at HBW Resources. “Energy policy is at the forefront of national and state-level debates, from grid reliability and affordability to clean energy deployment and the rapid expansion of data centers. Jeff’s deep expertise in utilities and energy issues, combined with his proven ability to build and execute winning advocacy campaigns, will significantly enhance our ability to deliver results for clients across the country.”
Holt also highlighted Ostermayer’s experience with emerging energy-related challenges, noting that the rapid growth of data centers, electrification, and digital infrastructure has created new pressure points for utilities, regulators, and policymakers alike. “With data centers becoming one of the latest energy battlegrounds, Jeff’s experience in stakeholder engagement and policy advocacy will be invaluable,” Holt added.
Prior to joining HBW Resources, Ostermayer served as Managing Director of Public Affairs at the Edison Electric Institute (EEI), the national association representing all U.S. investor-owned electric companies. In that role, he led public affairs, strategic communications, and grassroots advocacy initiatives on behalf of the nation’s electric utility sector. His work at EEI involved coordinating complex, multi-state advocacy efforts, developing messaging on critical industry issues, and engaging with policymakers, community leaders, and the public to advance policies that support a reliable, affordable, and resilient electric grid.
During his tenure at EEI, Ostermayer played a key role in campaigns addressing some of the most sensitive and high-stakes issues facing utilities and their customers. He helped lead efforts to defeat local ballot initiatives aimed at government takeovers of utility systems, working closely with member companies and community stakeholders to articulate the economic, operational, and customer impacts of such proposals. He also supported numerous state and local campaigns focused on regulatory reform, infrastructure investment, and customer protection, gaining firsthand experience in navigating politically charged environments and delivering outcomes under intense public scrutiny.
Before his time at EEI, Ostermayer held a corporate communications role at NextEra Energy’s Florida Power & Light Company, one of the largest electric utilities in the United States. There, he gained valuable insight into utility operations, customer communications, and corporate reputation management within a highly regulated industry. His experience working inside a major energy company further deepened his understanding of the practical and regulatory realities facing utilities, complementing his later advocacy and association leadership roles.
Ostermayer’s career also includes significant experience in national policy and political communications. Earlier in his career, he worked at the National Association of Manufacturers, where he supported advocacy and communications efforts on behalf of U.S. manufacturers across a range of policy issues. He also served on Capitol Hill in the U.S. House of Representatives, working for Representatives Mark Foley and Tom Rooney. Notably, Ostermayer helped lead Representative Rooney’s first successful campaign for Congress, gaining early experience in political strategy, messaging, and grassroots engagement.
Under the administration of President George W. Bush, Ostermayer served as Assistant Press Secretary at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. In this role, he worked on national-level communications related to public safety, security, and emergency preparedness, further broadening his experience in high-pressure communications environments and complex federal policy issues.
Reflecting on his new role, Ostermayer expressed enthusiasm about joining HBW Resources and contributing to its growing portfolio of energy and infrastructure clients. “I’m excited to join HBW at such an important moment for the energy industry,” Ostermayer said. “The policy landscape is evolving rapidly, and organizations need smart, strategic, and results-oriented approaches to communications and advocacy. HBW has built a strong reputation for delivering exactly that, and I look forward to working with the team to help clients navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and achieve their goals.”
Ostermayer holds an MBA in Finance and Marketing from the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Auburn University. He is also a graduate of Leadership Florida and remains actively involved with the organization, reflecting his ongoing commitment to civic engagement and leadership development. Ostermayer is based in West Palm Beach, Florida, and will work closely with HBW Resources’ national team and clients across the country.
With Ostermayer’s appointment, HBW Resources continues to expand its senior leadership team and reinforce its position as a leading firm at the intersection of government affairs, communications, and advocacy—particularly in the fast-evolving energy sector.
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