Jesse McCollum
Founding Partner
Jesse McCollum, a native of Memphis, TN, came to Washington in 1996 to complete his degree at The George Washington University and follow a dream dedicated to politics and public service.
After working for re/ring U.S. Representative Harold Ford, Sr. (D – TN) he earned an internship at the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee for U.S. Senator Bob Kerrey (D – NE) that ignited a passion for campaigns that led to a job for U.S. Senator Tim Johnson (D – SD).
McCollum served as the political liaison to 25 members of the U.S. House before starting his career on Capitol Hill with U.S. Rep Edolphus “Ed” Towns (D – NY). He focused on telecommunications, energy, privacy, consumer protection, trade, sports, and other issues under the jurisdiction of the Energy & Commerce Committee and leadership of Chairman John D. Dingell (D – MI).
In 2006, Jesse became the Director of Congressional Affairs for the National Beer Wholesalers Association. Following a return to public service as Deputy Staff Director for the Committee on Oversight & Government Affairs under Chairman Towns, he partnered with Eris Group where he established a practice advocating for interests spanning financial services, technology, biopharma, intellectual property, and alcohol regulatory policies.
For over a decade, McCollum led the Washington office for Nike, Inc., re-energizing one of the world’s most iconic brands in the political arena. Beyond addressing trade, tax, sustainability, digital policy, global labor, supply chain, corporate governance, and geopolitical challenges, he adeptly navigated brand reputational matters, cultivating trust and influence for the company from a broad range of bipartisan stakeholders.
In 2023, Jesse established Tidal Basin Advisors, a nimble, innovative firm with a bespoke approach serving clients while engaging on some of the most controversial and timely issues of the day.
Jesse resides in Chevy Chase, MD, with his family—he’s a proud Wake Forest Dad (Go Deacs)—and enjoys playing golf and volunteering as a Board Member for the First Tee of Greater Washington, D.C.