Joel Riethmiller
Joel Riethmiller is a Founding Partner at Imperium Global Advisors, a bipartisan public affairs and lobbying firm headquartered in Washington, D.C. Clients have described Joel as “our shoe-leather, can-ask-anything, will-get-to-the-bottom-of-it, and all-hands-on-deck person.” He has been recognized by The Hill newspaper as one of Washington’s “Top Lobbyists.”
At Imperium, Joel leads advocacy, strategy, and coalition-building efforts for corporations, trade associations, and nonprofit organizations across a range of industries. He is known for his hands-on approach and ability to navigate complex policy environments to deliver meaningful outcomes for clients.
Before founding Imperium in 2016, Joel managed policy development, communications, and government relations for major global clients at APCO Worldwide. His portfolio included one of the largest professional membership associations, the world’s fastest-growing airline, and the world’s largest private medical device manufacturer.
Joel began his career on Capitol Hill as Deputy Chief of Staff to Representative Baron P. Hill (D-IN), a Chief Deputy Whip and Co-Chairman of the House Blue Dog Coalition. In this role, he helped craft and advance key legislative priorities and served as a liaison to the Bush and Obama Administrations. His policy work spanned the House Energy and Commerce, Transportation and Infrastructure, Financial Services, and Appropriations Committees.
On the political side, Joel directed fundraising operations that raised nearly $4 million for Representative Hill’s campaigns and organized high-profile events featuring President Barack Obama, President Bill Clinton, and Vice President Joe Biden. He later served as an adviser to Hill’s 2016 U.S. Senate campaign.
Joel serves on several boards, including the House Blue Dog Steering Committee, the Indiana University Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, and the Indiana Society of Washington, D.C. He is also a member of the Indiana Forum, the Well House Society, and the United States Capitol Historical Society.
Education:
Indiana University, B.S. in Public Affairs
