Sen. Joe Donnelly, a former U.S. Congressman and Senator, brings a distinguished career in public and private-sector service to his role as a senior consultant in Akin’s lobbying & public policy practice. Most recently, he served as the U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See, representing U.S. interests before the Holy See. Prior to his ambassadorship, Donnelly was a partner at Akin from 2019 to 2022.

During his tenure in the Senate (2013–2019), Sen. Donnelly was a prominent member of several influential committees. On the Senate Armed Services Committee, he shaped U.S. national security and defense policy as chair of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee. His leadership extended to the Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee, where he chaired the Subcommittee on Commodities, Markets, Trade and Risk Management. Additionally, he served on the Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee and the Special Committee on Aging. His legislative accomplishments reflect a dedication to bolstering economic resilience, advocating for American farmers and safeguarding retirees’ interests.

Sen. Donnelly also represented Indiana’s 2nd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives (2007–2013), where he earned a reputation as a pragmatic problem-solver. A member of the Blue Dog Coalition, he championed initiatives to strengthen American manufacturing, create jobs and improve infrastructure. His service included roles on the Financial Services and Veterans’ Affairs Committees, where he was Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. Sen. Donnelly’s collaborative approach helped him address critical issues, including health care reform and veterans' affairs, while fostering bipartisan support.

Sen. Donnelly’s career spans roles as a legal advisor, small business advocate and community leader, ensuring that local voices are amplified at the national level. His ability to navigate the intersection of public policy, business and law—paired with deep experience, an extensive network and a bipartisan mindset—makes him a trusted counselor for clients navigating today’s complex political and regulatory landscape.