Joseph Samora

Joseph Samora is Founder of the Samora Group LLC, an international lobbying and consulting firm. Joseph has a proven track record of developing and implementing government related programs to drive business opportunities in markets around the globe. Partnering with its clients, the Samora Group brings decades of strategic experience in growing profits and minimizing risk, including in emerging and challenging markets. Joseph Samora is a lawyer, lobbyist, and change agent. As a knowledgeable DC insider, leader, and advisor with extensive private, non-profit, and public sector experience, he has been a key advocate at the intersection of international business issues and “official Washington and New Mexico” for well over three decades.

Joseph came to Washington in 1990, when he was appointed by President George H. W. Bush to serve as a White House Fellow in the Office of Public Liaison. After leaving the White House, Joseph joined the International Mass Retail Association (IMRA), later renamed the Retail Industry Leaders Association, as Senior Vice President of Congressional Affairs & Communications. During his time at IMRA, he took a leave of absence to help run the 1996 Republican National Convention in San Diego, CA, where he was an Assistant Convention Manager.

In May 1997, Joseph established the Washington office for Case Corporation of Racine, WI, now CNH Industrial [NYSE: CNHI], a multinational Fortune 200 manufacturing company located in 190 countries. For seventeen years, as the head of government relations and chief lobbyist, Joseph developed and implemented engagement strategy with federal, state, and local elected officials, appointed policymakers, government agencies, embassies, trade associations, coalitions, business councils, and financial institutions. He also directed the company’s political action committee. While at CNH Industrial, Joseph was appointed by President George W. Bush to serve as a Commissioner on the President’s Commission on White House Fellowships.

Joseph serves or has served as an officer or member of the board or advisory board of several international or national organizations, including the National Association of Manufacturers, the Business Industry Political Action Committee, the Organization for International Investment, Coalition for Employment through Exports, the Hispanic Alliance for Progress, PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center, the Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta/FIJI, Equality of New Mexico, and NM LGBTQ Bar Association. He also was appointed and served on the U.S. Department of State’s Advisory Committee on International Economic Policy, the Advisory Committee to the U.S. Export-Import Bank, and the U.S. Department of Commerce’s U.S.-Iraq Business Dialogue.

Prior to coming to Washington, Joseph was appointed by Governor Garrey Carruthers to serve as Chairman of the New Mexico Public Service Commission. In New Mexico, Joseph also worked as General Counsel and Administrative Assistant to New Mexico Supreme Court Chief Justice William Riordan for whom he clerked after law school, and was engaged in private practice with Butt Thornton and Baehr PC, an Albuquerque law firm.

Joseph’s family is at least ninth-generation New Mexican and is from Northern New Mexico. He was born and raised in Albuquerque near Wells Park and Old Town. Joseph is the youngest of nine children and the first in his family to graduate from college. He graduated from the University of New Mexico with his B.A. in Communications and received his J.D. from the University of New Mexico School of Law. Joseph is a member of the District of Columbia Bar, State Bar of New Mexico, the Bar of the Supreme Court of the United States, and the NM LGBTQ Bar Association. He enjoys travel, golf, fishing, hunting, and singing - - and is an avid fan of DC & NM sports teams. Joseph currently lives in Albuquerque’s North Valley. Joseph is an active volunteer, advocate, and fundraiser for LGBTQ and Stop Bullying causes, organizations, and campaigns