The National Democratic Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working to support and strengthen democratic institutions worldwide through citizen participation, openness and accountability in government.

Patrick Griffin is a partner in Griffin/Williams, a management consulting firm that helps public and private sector leaders navigate developmental transitions, organizational crisis and political challenges of Washington, D.C.

Mr. Griffin has 30 years of experience on Capitol Hill, in the White House and in the private sector. He has served as the assistant to the president and director for legislative affairs under President Clinton. His public service career also includes serving as senior policy/political advisor to two Senate Democratic leaders, Senator Robert C. Byrd (D-WV) and Senator Tom Daschle (D-SD).

Earlier in his private sector career, Mr. Griffin was the co-founder and president of the government relations firm of Griffin, Johnson, Madigan and Peck. This company continues to design and implement legislative strategies for a broad range of for-profit and non-profit organizations. Before starting this firm, he was senior vice president and managing director for the government relations division of Burson-Marsteller.

Mr. Griffin is also a Congressional scholar in residence at American University where he serves as the academic director for the Public Affairs and Advocacy Institute in the School of Government. Before coming to Washington, D.C., Mr. Griffin was an assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. Mr. Griffin's education background includes a Ph.D. in education, as well as Master's and Bachelor’s degrees in urban affairs and policy.