Obie Chinemere, Former Regional Director for US Senator Chris Van Hollen, Joins RWL

OBIE CHINEMERE JOINS RIFKIN WEINER LIVINGSTON LLC

Regional Director for United States Senator Chris Van Hollen and Former Campaign Manager for Maryland State Senator Cory McCray Adds to RWL’s Government Relations Division

Rifkin Weiner Livingston LLC (RWL) is pleased to announce the addition of Obie Chinemere to our Annapolis office. Prior to joining RWL, Obie most recently served as Regional Director for US Senator Chris Van Hollen. His robust resume in politics also includes work as Campaign Manager for State Senator Cory McCray (D-45), Deputy Field Director for Ben Jealous’ gubernatorial campaign, and Community Liaison for Baltimore City Councilman Eric Costello.

“Obie has been a key member of our team and a dedicated public servant for Maryland. His deep Baltimore roots shaped his work on behalf of a city that he loves – and he’s worked tirelessly to help local residents, small business owners, and civic groups. That spirit will serve him well as he embarks on this exciting new endeavor,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen.

The addition of Obie adds yet another layer of political acumen and experience to a lobbying group that has been a fixture in Maryland for over 30 years. Co-chaired by Camille Fesche and Brad Rifkin, Obie joins a team of lobbyists with a combined track record that exceeds 125 years of work interfacing with state and local governments.

“As the co-chairs of the RWL’s Government Relations Group, we are delighted that Obie will be joining the Firm. In addition to his extraordinary resume in public policy at the highest ranks of government, Obie has earned a reputation for his effective leadership and his ability to resolve complex stakeholder initiatives,” noted Mrs. Fesche and Mr. Rifkin.

Obie’s diverse background also includes work at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C. developing analysis on metropolitan infrastructure initiatives as well as time spent serving as Director of Operations for a Maryland-based public safety corporation, managing local, state, and federal contracts.

“Obie is one of the brightest, most dedicated, energetic, and caring people I know. He was my campaign manager during my first race and is a good friend,” said Maryland Senator Cory McCray (D-45). “His work ethic, hunger for change, and commonsense approach have earned him a reputation as a doer who can win the tough battles. Obie will make a great addition to the well-established team of Rifkin Weiner Livingston LLC.”

Obie was born and raised in Baltimore County. Obie has a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Public Administration from Villanova University. He can be reached at ochinemere@rwllaw.com and  443.875.7274.