team

Wes brings two decades of expertise developing and shaping federal policy with a focus on financial services, technology, and energy. As a trained engineer, he quickly understands complex systems and technology which helps him to translate and negotiate solutions for clients and policymakers.

Prior to joining Franklin Square Group, Wes was a vice president of federal affairs at the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) covering cybersecurity, InsurTech, marijuana, transportation, and innovation issues.  There he represented both small and large financial institutions and navigated pressing industry, regulatory, and congressional issues.  He also navigated major dynamics between the U.S. and the European Union.

Wes served as a senior policy advisor for 12 years on Capitol Hill, most recently as senior policy advisor to House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif) on financial services, energy, commerce, science and technology, and natural resources issues. He was responsible for coordinating policy and ushering numerous pieces of legislation through the Congress. Additionally, he served as staff lead for the House Energy Action Team.

Before joining Leader McCarthy’s staff, McClelland served as senior policy advisor to Rep. John Campbell (R-Calif.) advising the House Financial Services Committee member during the 2008 financial crisis and subsequent Dodd-Frank financial regulatory reform debate and legislation.  In addition, he previously served as legislative assistant to former Ways and Means chairman Rep. Bill Thomas (R-Calif.).

Wes holds Bachelor degrees in electrical and biomedical engineering from Duke University and a Master’s Degree in economics from the University of Kansas.  A California native, he splits his time between San Diego, California and Washington, DC.