WASHINGTON, D.C.– January 6, 2022: SMI announces that Leigh Maiden has joined the firm as a Director. Maiden is a former Capitol Hill defense policy staffer and most recently a 
member of the government relations team at Anduril Industries.
“Leigh has earned a well-deserved reputation as an effective national security government affairs professional,” said SMI CEO Bill McCann. “We are thrilled that she’s joining the SMI team. Current and future clients are going to greatly benefit from Leigh’s understanding of the legislative process and her effectiveness as an advocate.”
Prior to her work at Anduril Industries, Maiden served as the Legislative Director to Congressman Filemon Vela (TX), a Member of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC). She also served as the Military Legislative Assistant (MLA) to HASC Cyber, Innovative Technologies and Information Systems Chairman Jim Langevin (RI). Maiden began her career on Capitol Hill working for Senator Joe Manchin (WV), a Member of both the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Appropriations Committee, as his Defense Legislative Correspondent, covering the national security, intelligence and veterans’ affairs portfolios.
Maiden received her Bachelor of Arts degrees in Politics and International Affairs and in Economics from Wake Forest University and holds a Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College.
Founded in 1993, SMI has been the premier choice in Washington for companies, universities, nonprofits, and industry associations for federal marketing and lobbying services focused on national security, defense, clean energy, life sciences, advanced manufacturing and research and development.
