WASHINGTON, May 19, 2025 – SMI is pleased to announce that David Bortnick, a veteran of the White House Office of Management and Budget and House Appropriations Committee, has joined the firm as vice president.
“David brings extensive experience in federal budgeting, appropriations, and national security policy, making him a valuable addition to our team,” said SMI COO Ken Wetzel. “We look forward to leveraging his expertise on behalf of our clients and the leadership role he will play in SMI’s federal marketing efforts.”
Most recently, Bortnick served as a Professional Staff Member on the House Appropriations Committee, where he spent 11 years shaping investment priorities for the Defense and State Departments and overseeing billions of dollars in annual and emergency funding bills.
He previously spent 12 years in the executive branch, including eight years in senior roles at the White House Office of Management and Budget, where he was a legislative analyst for foreign affairs and trade.
“I’m excited to be joining the SMI team,” Bortnick said. “SMI has an outstanding reputation and a long history of partnering with industry, universities, and nonprofits. I look forward to helping clients navigate the federal budget and appropriations process to support U.S. government
priorities. ”
Bortnick began his public service as a Presidential Management Fellow at the Department of Commerce and in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, where he developed deep expertise in interagency coordination and strategic resource allocation.
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.
