Wolff Joins Versant Strategies

Chris Torres
Staff Writer

Dennis Wolff is staying in Harrisburg. This time, as a lobbyist.

Wolff has joined Versant Strategies as its newest partner after spending the last six and a half years as Pennsylvania’s secretary of agriculture.

Reached by phone Wednesday, Wolff said he has been in discussions about joining the lobbying firm for about a month.

But the idea of Wolff joining the firm started some time before that, according to John Barley, CEO of Versant, through mutual, casual discussions with the firm’s third partner, Dr. MeeCee Baker.

Considering the summer is about to come to an end and Farm Show is still several months away, Wolff said the time was right to leave the department to pursue another opportunity.

“It just felt like it was the right time to transition to new leadership,” Wolff said. “It’s a way to continue to represent agriculture. There are so many issues and challenges out there as it relates to the future of agriculture.”

John Barley, CEO of Versant, said the decision to bring Wolff in comes from his experience as a farmer and from his work in government.

“We’re very excited to have someone of the caliber of Secretary Wolff join the firm as a partner,” Barley said. “You consider the long history of very successful ag enterprises that Wolff has enjoyed throughout life, it brings a background that is very difficult to find.”

Growing the firm, Barley said, was also a factor in bringing Wolff in, since his background is in dairy and the firm would like to represent more dairy organizations.

The firm already represents a diverse group of clients including the Grange, Monsanto and Pennsylvania Winery Association.

“Someone of Secretary Wolff’s experience can be a real benefit to us,” he said.

Wolff said he is excited for the opportunity as it will enable him to work from his home in Columbia County.

Having just turned 58-years-old, Wolff said he is ready for a change of pace from the daily grind of working in state government.

“It’s a great opportunity and I think they have been doing a great job representing agriculture,” he said. “As I look back at my career for six and a half years, I look at the lobbyists as effective and good representatives of the ag community.”