Brian Nienaber

Brian Nienaber is a vice president of The Tarrance Group, one of the most respected and successful Republican survey research and strategy firms in American politics.

Brian produces both quantitative and qualitative analysis for a variety of projects, including political campaigns and ballot initiatives, and reputation management and strategic counsel for corporations and trade associations, as well as survey research and guidance for international campaigns. For the 2008 election cycle, Brian coordinated the firm’s research projects for the Rudy Giuliani presidential campaign.

In addition, Brian serves as lead analyst under company CEO and President Ed Goeas on The George Washington University Battleground Poll, among the most respected bipartisan national polls in the country. The Tarrance Group’s official prediction on the 2004 presidential election, based on this polling, was the country’s most accurate prediction.

His political work includes providing strategic research and counsel to candidates at all levels of politics, most notably Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour and U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin of Oklahoma.

Brian also has contributed to numerous ballot initiates and referendums, with a special emphasis on gaming issues. He has worked on research projects related to gaming in Arkansas, California, Kentucky, Missouri, Michigan and Ohio.

Brian also has managed projects for associations and professional organizations, providing guidance for reputation management as well as political goals for such enterprises as Miller Brewing, the National Association of Realtors, PhRMA and the American Institute of Architects. Prior to joining The Tarrance Group, Brian worked for Sen. Mike DeWine, R-Ohio, for more than five years, rising to legislative assistant. He has a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and a master’s degree in political management from George Washington University. He graduated with honors from both institutions.

Brian lives in Alexandria, Va., with his wife, Kelli, and sons, Kyle and Travis.

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