Phil Hardy
Partner /
Phil Hardy is a partner at Capitol Counsel, LLC, with more than 25 years of experience in lobbying, strategic communications, media relations, and public policy across the public and private sectors. He offers deep expertise in federal, state, and international government procedures, particularly in highly regulated industries. Hardy has strong relationships across the government and key industries, with specialized knowledge in detection, prevention, mitigation, and suppression of wildland fire, with an emphasis on aerial firefighting, fire retardants and thermal imagery, both in low Earth orbit and via uncrewed aerial systems (UAS). He also has extensive experience in cloud-based AI and MI technology for forest and rangeland management, as well as reforestation, timber harvesting, and processing. Hardy holds dual citizenship with the United Kingdom.
Education
- Seton Hall University – B.A.
Positions Held
- Collective Strategies & Communications, Washington, D.C. – Founder and President
- Strategies 360, Washington, D.C. – Senior Vice President. Oversaw federal lobbying as well as communications and media relations activities both in Washington and Idaho for a broad array of regional and national corporate clients.
- Republican National Convention (RNC) – Committee to Elect the President, Donald J. Trump 2016
- Congressman Raul R. Labrador (R-ID), Washington, D.C. – Communications Director and District Coalitions Director
- Labrador for Idaho, Boise, ID – Communications Director
- Lt. Governor Brad Little (R-ID), Boise, ID – Communications Director and Policy Advisor
- Majority Caucus, Idaho State Senate, Boise, ID – Communications Director
Memberships / Recognition
- University Club of Washington – Member
- Seton Hall University – WSOU Hall of Fame
- Best Public Affairs Campaign, Best Editorial Writing and Best Brand Management, Idaho Press Club, 2015 – “Millenkamp Cattle”
- Best Public Affairs Campaign and Best Media Campaign, Idaho Press Club, 2014 – “Catastrophic Wildfire”
Successes
Hardy was the lead lobbyist on the Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025, signed into law by President Trump, allowing the Department of Defense to sell retired military aircraft directly to aerial firefighting operators.
Hardy included vital provisions regarding restricted category aircraft in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024.
In 2023, Hardy founded and created the United Aerial Firefighters Association, the first trade association dedicated to the interests of operators and entities committed to the safety and protection of countries, states, and communities threatened by catastrophic wildfires. The association now has over 100 international members.