Lee R. Godown

LEE R. GODOWN

Lee R. Godown serves as a Senior Advisor at HillStaffer, bringing over four decades of experience in public policy, government affairs, and crisis management across the private and public sectors. Lee’s extensive network of policymakers and business leaders across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia enhances HillStaffer’s ability to guide clients through facing high-stakes challenges in both domestic and international arenas, successfully navigating complex legislative, regulatory, and geopolitical challenges.

Lee’s career bridges the worlds of business and government. Whether guiding multinational corporations through crises, managing high-profile legislative inquiries, or crafting innovative strategies for market opportunities, Lee has consistently delivered results that protect and enhance organizational performance.

Previously Lee served as Vice President of Global Markets, Policy and Executive Director of U.S. Federal Affairs, at General Motors, where he played a pivotal role navigating critical challenges such as the 2014 ignition switch crisis and GM’s federal outreach during its emergence from bankruptcy and successful 2010 IPO. Lee’s leadership in crisis management set industry standards for transparency and proactive engagement with regulators and legislators. He managed GM’s response to key industry issues such as the Volt battery pack fire allegations, the global diesel emissions scandal, and the profitable sale of GM’s Opel/Vauxhall subsidiary to Groupe PSA of France, preparing GM’s senior leadership team for Congressional testimony.

Prior to GM, Lee was Managing Director at Public Strategies, a global crisis management and corporate advisory firm owned by WPP Group, where he advised global companies on government relations and crisis management. Lee began his career on Capitol Hill, working over 25 years for five members of Congress included being Chief of Staff for Rep. Loretta Sanchez and Legislative Director for Rep. Bob Wise. He also held senior staff positions on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Government Operations Committee’s Subcommittee.

Lee has shared his expertise as an instructor at leading institutions including the University of California Irvine’s Paul Merage School of Business, the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, and George Mason University’s Schar Graduate School of Policy and Government. Named a Distinguished Alumnus of California State University, Pomona (2015), he holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Foreign Affairs. Outside work, Lee enjoys Formula auto racing, SCUBA diving, equitation, and exploring new cultures through travel. He resides in Fairfax, Virginia.