Chaka is a veteran government affairs professional with more than twenty years of experience leading and managing government and public affairs for Fortune 500 companies, trade associations, and nonprofit organizations. He is a trusted advisor and corporate strategist who is widely regarded for his expertise in developing novel approaches to advance client policy agendas and successfully taking on complex issues.

As Chief Executive Officer of Nation Strategies, Chaka leads the development of multidisciplinary government and public affairs strategies, with an emphasis on coalition building, securing key legislative champions, and stakeholder engagement. He established the Washington, D.C.-based strategic engagement consulting firm, Nation Strategies, to provide integrated and innovative strategies and campaigns, corporate development, and political consulting services. Chaka’s executive leadership includes overseeing business development, financial management, and client acquisition and engagement for the firm. Prior to forming Nation Strategies, Chaka was managing partner at Empire Consulting Group, where he managed government and public affairs for major clients, including leading healthcare entities, academic institutions, and international biopharmaceutical companies.

Chaka’s approach to client engagement is enhanced by his remarkable career experience, including senior leadership experience within several Fortune 500 corporations and trade associations, which enhances his approach to client engagement. Additionally, Chaka has significant experience building public affairs capabilities and navigating the dynamic landscape of industry disrupting organizations, leveraging his expertise in driving innovation and challenging traditional norms.

As a multi-industry expert, Chaka provides counsel on industry trends and public policy implications to members of Congress and senior Administration officials and is a regular advisor to corporate leadership teams on political and regulatory developments at the federal level. Chaka’s strategic acumen has been instrumental in shaping major legislation that redefined industries and led to landmark policy changes. Throughout his career, Chaka has spearheaded efforts to engage communities of color in legislative, third-party, and corporate endeavors of mutual interest, resulting in new opportunities for collaborative partnership.

Chaka is a long-time member of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) Board of Directors, a nonprofit, nonpartisan public policy, research and educational institute committed to advancing the global black community. He currently serves as vice chair of the governing board. His notable accomplishments on the Board include expansion of the CBCF internship program, and establishing a C-suite internship program to facilitate internship opportunities in private corporations, as well as leading the establishment of the John R. Lewis Social Justice Policy Fellowship program, focused on racial equity policy research and analysis.

Chaka serves on the Board of Directors for the Congressional Black Caucus Political Action Committee (CBC PAC). His leadership and engagement on the Board has been vital to strengthening the organization’s capacity and operations. As chair of the Independent Expenditure Program, Chaka guided aggressive fundraising campaigns to increase the number of Black and Non-black Allies in Congress. He also led the implementation of a digital fundraising platform to modernize and expand CBC PAC’s visibility and capacity to engage and secure new donors.

Chaka is a graduate of Howard University with a degree in Public Administration and Public Policy and is a member of the Howard Alumni Association. His connection and commitment to HBCUs is woven into his family, as 2 of his sons are both also proud HBCU alums.