John B. Montgomery, Partner
Practice Concentration
John Montgomery is Chair of the Firm's Government Relations Practice Group. He represents public and private clients before the legislative and executive branches of the Federal Government primarily in the areas of acquisition policy, national defense and homeland security programs, research and development, renewable energy, military uniforms, ship repair, and authorization and appropriations matters. His clients have run the gamut from top-five defense contractors to start-up technology companies. He has ten years experience representing Guam and Hawaii businesses and organizations, and currently assists U.S. mainland and foreign companies seeking to participate in the DOD build-up on Guam.
In addition, Mr. Montgomery has extensive experience assisting companies with facility (security) clearances under the National Industrial Security Program, with particular emphasis on businesses having foreign ownership, control, or influence (FOCI). He advises foreign companies in connection with establishment of U.S. subsidiaries, and mergers and acquisitions of cleared U.S. companies.
Career Highlights
Mr. Montgomery regularly lectures on the subject of federal acquisition policy, including for the Lobbying Certificate Program of the American League of Lobbyists. He has testified before congress, and has represented clients during numerous congressional hearings and investigations.
He serves on the boards of several companies that do business with the Federal Government, including two cleared companies. He is Co-Founder of the firm's consulting entity, Montgomery-Patton Consulting, LLC. In addition, he founded and later sold a successful company that provided strategic gaming and simulation, and acquisition program support services to the Department of Defense.
Prior Experience
Before becoming a member of Butzel Long Tighe Patton, Mr. Montgomery served 25 years as a Navy Judge Advocate, the last nine of which were in the Pentagon, where he held senior legal, legislative, and acquisition positions, including senior advisor to the Secretary of Defense and Special Assistant for Strategy to the Under Secretary of Defense (AT&L). He directed the Department's congressional relations efforts in the areas of acquisition and technology, procurement policy, logistics, industrial security, international programs, military installations, and environmental policy. He was twice assigned to the Department of the Navy's Office of Legislative Affairs, first as Legislative Counsel for acquisition, and later as Director of Legislation, where he managed the overall legislative programs of the Navy and Marine Corps. He also served as Special Counsel to the Navy General Counsel.
Educational Background and Civic Involvement
Mr. Montgomery is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and has law degrees from the University of Missouri and Georgetown University. He is a graduate of the Defense Systems Management College, Program Managers Course, and was a Senior Executive Fellow at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University. He is active with numerous professional and civic organizations, including the National Capital Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, where he serves on the Executive Board, and as Chairman of its Camping Committee. He is a recipient of the Silver Beaver award for distinguished service to youth.
