Grant Leslie

Grant Leslie is the Global head of the FGS Global Food team where she works with a wide array of corporate, non-profit and coalition clients, helping them manage advocacy and reputational campaigns as well as providing them with public policy and strategic communications advice.

Grant joined FGS Global from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, where she served as Senior Advisor to Secretary Tom Vilsack. As a Senior Advisor at USDA, Grant was part of the Secretary’s small, inner team, where she helped oversee and manage one of the Executive Branch’s largest Agencies. In the role, she acted as a liaison between USDA, the White House and other Federal Departments; oversaw the Senate confirmation of high-level political appointees for the Agency; and advised the Secretary and coordinated Departmental activity on issues related to the farm bill, sustainability, climate, nutrition and rural development, among others. She began her work for the Administration right after the 2008 election on the Obama transition team as the team leader for Secretary Vilsack’s confirmation process in the Senate.

Prior to USDA, Grant served as Legislative Director for then-Senator Ken Salazar (D-CO), where she developed and oversaw execution of the Senator’s full legislative agenda and Senate floor activities. Grant also served as Legislative Assistant to former Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD). Grant advised the Senator—and acted as liaison to the Democratic Caucus—on issues related to food and agriculture.

Originally from Georgia, Grant attended Boston University and holds a dual degree in Political Science and Broadcast Journalism.