Brian Nienaber, Vice President

Brian Nienaber is a vice president at The Tarrance Group, one of the most respected and successful Republican survey research and strategy firms in American politics today. 

Brian produces both quantitative and qualitative analysis on a variety of projects, including political campaigns and ballot initiatives, reputation management and strategic counsel for corporations and trade associations as well as survey research and guidance for international campaigns.  For the 2008 election cycle, Brian is coordinating all of the firm’s research projects conducted on behalf of the Rudy Giuliani Presidential campaign.   

In addition, Brian serves as the lead analyst under firm CEO and President Ed Goeas on The George Washington University Battleground Poll, one of the most respected bipartisan national polls in the country.  The Tarrance Group’s official prediction on the 2004 Presidential Election, based on this polling, was the most accurate prediction in the country.    

His political work includes providing strategic research and counsel to candidates at all levels of politics, most notably Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour and U.S. Representative Mary Fallin (OK-5). 

Brian has also done a considerable amount of work related to ballot initiates and referendums, with a special emphasis on gaming issues.  He has worked on research projects related to gaming issues in Arkansas, California, Kentucky, Missouri, Michigan, and Ohio

Brian has also managed several projects for associations and professional organizations providing guidance for their reputation management as well as their political goals.  These projects include work for the Miller Brewing, the National Association of Realtors, PhRMA, and the American Institute of Architects. 

Brian also has worked on numerous international projects for the firm.  In 2006, he served as lead pollster for the successful independence referendum in Montenegro. 

Prior to joining The Tarrance Group, Brian worked in the United States Senate for over five years.  He worked for Senator Mike DeWine (R-OH) in a variety of roles rising to the position of legislative assistant. 

Brian holds a Bachelor of Arts from Purdue University and a Master of Arts in Political Management from The Graduate School of Political Management at The George Washington University.  He graduated with honors from both institutions. 

Brian currently resides in Alexandria, Virginia with his wife, Kelli, and sons, Kyle and Travis.