September 17, 2026
Grason Wiggins, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs at the Maryland Chamber of Commerce, has quickly emerged as one of the most influential advocates shaping business policy in Annapolis. Wiggins oversees the Chamber’s legislative strategy and advocacy efforts on behalf of thousands of businesses across Maryland. From housing and workforce development to taxes and regulatory policy, his work places him at the center of many of the State’s most consequential business and economic discussions.
Before joining the Chamber in 2024, Wiggins built a wide‑ranging career across state government, industry associations, and private‑sector lobbying. A native of Statesboro, Georgia, Wiggins came to Maryland to attend the University of Baltimore School of Law. He began his professional path at the Maryland Department of Labor, where he worked closely with the Department’s government affairs team and developed an interest in public policy and legislative advocacy. He served on the Governor’s Workforce Development Board as a Policy Director before later becoming the Director of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs. There, he represented the Department before elected officials, guided major policy proposals, and oversaw the advancement of key legislative priorities.
That interest eventually led him to Harris Jones & Malone (HJM). During his time at HJM, Wiggins worked as both an attorney and a lobbyist, helping clients navigate issues involving housing, real estate, financial regulation, workforce development, and grassroots advocacy. He credits HJM with sharpening the skills that continue to guide his work today. Reflecting on the firm’s culture, Wiggins points to its high expectations and commitment to preparation as defining influences on his professional development. “The consistency and the expectations… As a young lobbyist, that structure holds you accountable and makes you better… Their ability to adapt quickly and make things happen was always impressive. Learning their style has helped me tremendously, even after leaving the firm.”
As his career evolved, Wiggins became known for his ability to navigate complex policy landscapes with clarity. This combination of public‑ and private‑sector experience has positioned him as a trusted voice in Annapolis, particularly on issues that require both technical expertise and strategic foresight. With so much of the State’s economic and regulatory future shaped by decisions made in Annapolis, Wiggins’ perspective offers a valuable window into how those decisions take shape.
In this edition of Conversations with HJM, Wiggins reflects on the relationships that shaped his career, the lessons he learned in state government and at HJM, and why preparation, consistency, and taking initiative remain essential to success in public policy and government affairs.
What was life like growing up, and what inspired you to pursue law?
“I grew up in a small town in South Georgia called Statesboro, just outside Savannah. My father was a construction worker, and my mother worked at a daycare. The only lawyer I knew was my godfather, and he inspired me early on. After college, I started seriously considering law school, took the LSAT, and eventually moved to Baltimore to attend the University of Baltimore School of Law.”
What made you decide to move to Maryland?
“My godfather gave me some simple advice: ‘If you don’t go to Harvard, Yale, or Stanford, go where they give you money.’ Baltimore offered me a scholarship, so that’s where I went. It was a practical decision that ended up shaping the rest of my career.”
Was there a defining moment that pushed you toward government affairs?
“After law school, I worked at the Maryland Department of Labor and collaborated closely with the government affairs team. That exposure sparked my interest. Around the same time, I met Tommy Tompset—who used to work at HJM—at a golf tournament. Everyone seemed to like him, , so I reached out on LinkedIn and asked him to get lunch. He explained the path to becoming a lobbyist. Four or five years later, we were colleagues at HJM.”
How has your experience as a college athlete influenced your professional life?
“I’m competitive, and that mindset helps in this field. Lobbying and law are some of the closest professions to athletics—you have wins and losses, and you have to show up every day ready to compete. That competitiveness has made me better at my job.”
What initially drew you to Harris Jones & Malone?
“When I was the Director of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs at the Department of Labor, I kept hearing people speak highly of Lisa Harris Jones, Sean Malone, Tommy, Caitlin, and Ashlie. Their reputation was unmatched. Even before I worked there, I was learning from watching them. It became clear that if I wanted to be successful, I should aspire to work at HJM. Their skill, adaptability, and consistency were the best in Annapolis.”
What aspects of HJM’s work culture did you find most valuable?
“The consistency and the expectations. Lisa and Sean expect you to show up prepared every day. As a young lobbyist, that structure holds you accountable and makes you better. Their ability to adapt quickly and make things happen was always impressive. Learning their style has helped me tremendously, even after leaving the firm.”
How would you describe Lisa and Sean’s leadership style, and what accomplishment from your time at HJM are you most proud of?
“They’re direct, honest, and have high expectations. Those traits are incredibly valuable when you’re learning how to operate in Annapolis. The day-to-day experience at HJM sets you up for long-term success. Besides making Lisa happy, the accomplishment that I am most proud of would have been in my first year, when I brought on clients and delivered results for them. These moments reminded me what this job is about—bringing value to clients. Some of those clients are still with the firm today. Being able to contribute to such an exceptional team is something I’m proud of.”
Who at HJM had the greatest influence on your professional development?
“Sean is going to be mad at me for saying this, but it has to be Lisa. Her expectations, her feedback, and her leadership shaped me significantly. I still use what I learned from her, Sean, and the entire team in my work today.”
You now represent more than 7,000 members at the Maryland Chamber. How do you balance such a wide range of interests?
“We have strong internal systems and processes, many of which I adapted from what I learned at HJM. Our goal is to discern a collective position on issues and be the broadest and loudest voice for Maryland’s business community. Showing up prepared and being proactive—something HJM instilled in me—is essential.”
What attracted you to the Maryland Chamber of Commerce?
“The breadth of issues and the scale of the membership. We have 12 internal policy committees covering everything from housing to healthcare to taxes. The opportunity to work across so many areas and apply the leadership skills I learned at HJM made the Chamber a natural fit.”
What goals are you focused on for the coming year?
“We measure our work through a success rate. My first year, we reached 93%. This past session, we reached 98%. My goal is to continue improving that rate and strengthening our internal operations so we can be an even more effective voice for the business community.”
What advice do you have for students or professionals who want to work in government affairs, lobbying, or public policy in Maryland?
“Any job is what you make of it. Look for opportunities to expand your responsibilities and build connections. Follow up with people. I’m in the position I’m in today because I reached out to Tommy and asked for that lunch. Relationships are everything in this field. Be consistent, be professional, and seize opportunities when they appear.”
By: Caitlin Ralph and Max Fruman
