Alan Wheat was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1982. He quickly became part of the House leadership as the youngest member in Congressional history to be appointed to the powerful Rules Committee. Because every major piece of legislation must go through the Rules Committee before it can go to the House floor, Congressman Wheat was able to influence all major bills considered by the House. His work on the Rules Committee also allowed him to develop an extensive and bipartisan network of contacts in Washington.

Congressman Wheat made history by becoming one of the nation's first African-Americans to represent a district with a majority white population. He proved his skills as a strong political leader (he served as Chief Deputy Whip), coalition builder, and an effective legislator. The Wall Street Journal hailed Congressman Wheat as a "political star" and Time Magazine pointed to him as a "bright and able leader for the new generation of African-American elected officials."

Congressman Wheat left the House in 1994 to run for a seat in the United States Senate. He made history by becoming the first minority candidate selected as a major party nominee for statewide office in Missouri.

After his Senate race, Mr. Wheat accepted the position of vice president of Public Policy and Government Relations with CARE, one of the largest and most vital global relief and development organizations. He remains associated with CARE today as a member of its board of directors.

In 1996, President Clinton called on former Congressman Wheat to assist in his re-election campaign. He was named deputy campaign manager and director of public liaison for Clinton-Gore '96 where he developed and executed plans that mobilized more than twenty essential constituency groups to support the president's re-election. In addition, he traveled across the country as a spokesperson for the president and vice president.

In 1997, Mr. Wheat formed Wheat Government Relations. With its unparalleled knowledge of the legislative process and its ability to build bipartisan support, the firm has a proven record of accomplishment of delivering results to its clients.

Mr. Wheat holds a Bachelor of Arts from Grinnell College.