ARLINGTON, VA. – One month after stepping away from a 20-year career working for the federal government, Carmen Rottenberg, former administrator of the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and Randy Russell, president of The Russell Group Inc., announced the launch of Groundswell Strategy. With Rottenberg as the managing director and Russell as the chairman, the new company is focused on developing strategies for customers interacting with regulatory agencies. 

Russell said his involvement in Groundswell Strategy is a logical extension of his company, which specializes in food and agriculture government affairs. And partnering with Rottenberg, who will lead the daily operations of the new venture, was a natural fit.

“My equity investment in Groundswell Strategy is an investment in the future of agriculture consulting,” Russell said. “Carmen is uniquely positioned to develop comprehensive strategic approaches to the regulated world in which we live.”

Rottenberg, known for her success updating regulations at the USDA, looks forward to working with clients seeking a strategic approach to regulatory compliance.

“It’s an exciting time in the US food and agriculture sector, as the US government focuses on innovation and modernization, in order to ensure that we can safely feed and clothe a rapidly growing world,” she said. “I look forward to working with stakeholders who want to leverage this movement into strategic success, as they seek to improve and expand their influence across the US government and the world.”