Overview
David H. Mann is a senior policy advisor in Holland & Knight's Washington, D.C., office and a member of the firm's Public Policy & Regulation Group. Mr. Mann works at the intersection of business strategy and government policy, helping clients shape the rules that shape their markets.
Mr. Mann partners with clients to turn regulatory challenges into strategic opportunities. He works closely with innovators, energy companies, manufacturers and trade associations to advance solutions that matter – whether entering new markets, securing federal funding or shaping policy frameworks that enable long-term success.
With more than two decades of experience at the nexus of business and government, Mr. Mann brings the ability to align technical, business and political realities.
Mr. Mann's approach is deeply collaborative. He engages with client teams to understand internal drivers and constraints, then crafts realistic strategies with clear performance goals. Leveraging Holland & Knight's legal and government affairs capabilities, he executes with precision and foresight – often spotting issues "over the hill and around corners" before they arise. Known for his sound judgment and entrepreneurial thinking, Mr. Mann is sought after for his ability to translate complex technical and regulatory landscapes into policy outcomes that support growth.
As an American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) Certified Association Executive, Mr. Mann also brings specific knowledge and experience in association advocacy and governance, making him a trusted advisor to member-driven organizations. He helps associations to create, formalize, grow, transition or implement government affairs functions, including advocacy within standards-setting bodies such as ASTM International and the International Code Council (ICC), with an orientation to resource-efficient strategy, member-service and stakeholder leadership.
Mr. Mann's background includes leadership roles in industry and advocacy: vice president of external affairs for a renewable fuels and chemicals company, senior director for building and construction at a major trade association and founder of a fire safety for construction materials association, treasury department at a global renewable energy developer, and policy positions with hydrogen and energy efficiency nonprofits.
Credentials
- Duke University, MBA, Energy Finance
- Swarthmore College, B.A., Religion
- Associate Partner, Energy and Climate, The Truman National Security Project, 2014-Present
- American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), Certified Association Executive, 2020-2023, 2025-Present