WASHINGTON—Michael McKenna, a respected leader in government affairs, public policy, and media, is joining The Heritage Foundation as a visiting fellow. 

McKenna, president of MWR Strategies and a contributing editor at The Washington Times, will support several Heritage initiatives, including Project 2025’s efforts to develop policy ideas and personnel recommendations for the next conservative president. He will also provide policy and communications support for Heritage’s Center for Energy, Climate, and Environment. 

“I am honored and pleased to join The Heritage Foundation,” McKenna said. “I look forward to helping Heritage improve the lives of Americans, make government less expansive and more responsive, and draw us ever nearer to the ideals and aspirations of the Founders.” 

During the Trump administration, McKenna served as deputy assistant to the president and deputy director of the Office of Legislative Affairs at the White House. He previously worked in senior positions at the state and federal levels, including the U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Department of Transportation, and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. 

“We’re thrilled to have Michael McKenna join the Heritage team,” said Derrick Morgan, Heritage’s executive vice president. “He has a strong track record developing meaningful relationships and sharing his deep knowledge of many important policy issues, including energy. His savvy communications skills and messaging expertise will be important assets to Heritage.” 

McKenna has degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and George Mason University and has been a fellow at the Dole Institute at the University of Kansas and the Institute for Public Policy Studies at the University of Denver.