Virginia Strategies Group

Leveraging Decades of Experience to Empower Clients with Successful Legislative and Executive Branch Advocacy in the Commonwealth.

Founded by Chris Whyte

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About Chris

Chris Whyte founded the Virginia Strategies Group after more than 25 years at The Vectre Corporation, one of Virginia’s longest-standing lobbying firms. His career began in the early 1990s in Virginia state government, serving in the Governor’s Office and later in the Office of the Attorney General before returning to the Governor’s Office as a member of senior staff. In those roles, Chris worked directly with the Governor, gaining first-hand knowledge of the executive branch and its many agencies. He also played key roles in two successful gubernatorial campaigns during the 1990s.

Chris contributed to two gubernatorial transition teams, advising on information technology and healthcare policy. Over the course of three decades, he has built an extensive network within Virginia state government and developed a deep understanding of both the legislative process and the state’s complex budget system. His expertise allows him to guide clients through budget negotiations, legislative strategy, and regulatory issues across a wide range of industries.

Chris advises clients on matters including privacy, telecommunications, financial services, healthcare, higher education, K-12 education, tax policy, manufacturing, public safety, and information technology. His work also extends to business development and procurement projects, where he draws on his knowledge of how Virginia funds and manages large-scale initiatives. In addition to his state-level expertise, Chris maintains strong relationships with Virginia’s Congressional delegation at the federal level.

A Philadelphia native, Chris earned his degree in Political Science from the University of Mary Washington. He remains active in Virginia politics and lives in Richmond with his two children. Outside of work, he enjoys running, cooking, and golf, and he never misses a chance to cheer on his beloved Philadelphia Eagles, Phillies, Sixers, and Flyers!

Core Services & Key Specialties

  • Government Relations

    At its core, Virginia Strategies Group provides comprehensive government relations services. We represent clients before both the Legislative and Executive branches, helping them navigate Virginia’s fast-paced political and regulatory landscape.

  • Direct Lobbying & Advocacy

    • Strategic engagement with lawmakers and executive branch officials

    • Development of persuasive messaging, talking points, one-pagers, and leave-behind materials

    • Legislative and budget advocacy tailored to client priorities

  • Budget Expertise

    Virginia’s budget process is one of the Commonwealth's most complex and influential policy mechanisms. With decades of hands-on experience, VSG helps clients navigate appropriations and funding priorities, draft and advance budget amendments and position initiative within the broader fiscal landscape.

    • Draft and advance budget amendments

    • Navigate appropriations and funding priorities

    • Position initiatives within the broader fiscal landscape

  • Legislative Drafting & Analysis

    • Drafting legislation and budget amendments to advance client agendas

    • Bill review and analysis, with real-time tracking of thousands of bills and amendments introduced each session

    • Committee and commission monitoring, with timely reports on outcomes and implications for clients

  • Compliance

    • VSG ensures all clients meet Virginia’s strict lobbying requirements, including:

    • Timely registration and disclosure filings

    • Gift and entertainment reporting

    • Ongoing compliance guidance to reduce risk and maintain transparency

  • Political Engagement

    We help clients stay engaged in Virginia’s political process, including:

    • Developing contribution budgets and strategies

    • Identifying event participation opportunities

    • Planning and hosting political events

    • Providing timely updates on political races, candidates, and developments

  • Business Development & Procurement

    VSG brings decades of experience guiding clients through Virginia’s business and procurement environment.

    • Identifying state procurement opportunities, with a focus on IT

    • Supporting pre-RFP positioning, decision-maker engagement, and budget alignment

    • Advising companies considering expansion or relocation in Virginia, including navigating VEDP, MEI, and related legislative processes

Who We Serve

Virginia Strategies Group serves a wide range of organizations that need a trusted partner to navigate Virginia’s legislative, regulatory, and political landscape.

Note: VSG is not a law firm and does not provide legal services.

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Corporate Entities and Trade Associations

Small and Mid-Sized Businesses

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Educational Institutions

Non-Profits

Over more than three decades, Virginia Strategies Group has represented clients across a wide spectrum of issue areas. This depth and variety give us the insight to anticipate challenges, identify opportunities, and deliver strategies that work in the real world.

Key Areas of Experience

  • Privacy & Data Protection

  • Telecommunications

  • Financial Services

  • Healthcare

  • Higher Education & K–12 Education

  • Tax Policy

  • Manufacturing & Industry Competitiveness

  • Public Safety & Emergency Response

  • Regulated Water & Wastewater Utilities

  • Information Technology Policy, Legislation, & Procurement

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