WASHINGTON (April 17, 2026) – Rich Gold, the longtime leader of Holland & Knight's acclaimed Public Policy & Regulation Group, was honored last night at the 45th annual Bryce Harlow Foundation Awards reception, where he received the 2026 Business-Government Relations Award.
The Bryce Harlow Business-Government Relations Award is given annually to a leader in government advocacy in recognition of an exemplary career in the profession. This prestigious honor recognizes those who embody the principles of integrity and professionalism that Bryce Harlow championed. Mr. Harlow served under four U.S. presidents, established the first White House Congressional Liaison Office and served as its director during the Eisenhower and Nixon administrations.
"Rich leads with honor, expertise and a strong commitment to sound public policy," Foundation Awards Dinner Chair Heidi Brock said. "He models what integrity in advocacy looks like, and we are so pleased to be recognizing him with this award."
"We are extremely proud of Rich and the many contributions he has made to the lobbying profession and our Firm," said Bob Grammig, chair and CEO of Holland & Knight. "He brings extraordinary vision to everything he does, as well as unmatched technical and policy knowledge. Under his leadership, our public policy team has grown to more than 180 professionals who bring value to clients across the spectrum of corporate, litigation and lobbying engagements. We are grateful for his steady leadership throughout his career at Holland & Knight and look forward to many more accomplishments to come."
Mr. Gold has spent more than three decades at the forefront of public policy, transforming the practice of advocacy and building one of Washington's most respected and innovative public policy practices. From his early service in the U.S. Senate and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to his leadership in private practice, Mr. Gold has shaped landmark policies in energy, environment, healthcare, trade and infrastructure. He is among a select few ranked Band 1 in government relations nationwide by the Chambers USA legal guide and has earned accolades from The Hill, Washingtonian and Legal 500.
Mr. Gold became the leader of Holland & Knight's policy group in 1999 and has grown it into one of the top advocacy organizations in Washington. In 2025, the Firm was ranked sixth on the Open Secrets list of Top Lobbying Firms by revenue.
Beyond his professional achievements, Mr. Gold's commitment to the Bryce Harlow Foundation spans decades. As a board member emeritus, mentor and tireless advocate for the foundation's mission, he has championed the profession of advocacy and personally mentored dozens of young professionals pursuing careers in public policy.
The Bryce Harlow Foundation was established in 1981 in honor of the late Bryce Harlow to promote integrity within the lobbying profession and to increase understanding of its essential role in the development of sound public policy. The foundation is the nation's premier organization promoting ethics and integrity in the profession of lobbying and government advocacy.