Policy discussions, industry briefings, and operational visits
Effective policy work starts with an understanding of the people and operations affected. Diakon Partners helps clients bring practical questions to public officials, connect industry expertise with policy decisions, and build informed discussions across organizations.
These selected engagements illustrate that work. Each summary identifies the organizing client and Michael Taylor’s role.
Inside Air Cargo: AfA’s Fourth Annual Congressional Staff Visit to BWI
Participants in AfA’s fourth annual congressional staff visit to BWI Marshall Airport, October 22, 2026.
Congressional staff visited Southwest Cargo and Amazon Air to examine the operations behind aviation, trade, and security policy. October 22, 2026 · BWI Marshall Airport.
Original AfA town hall promotional graphic featuring Chairman Laura DiBella. Source: Airforwarders Association.
On August 20, 2026, the Airforwarders Association joined the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA), Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA), and Customized Logistics and Delivery Association (CLDA) for a virtual town hall with FMC Chairman Laura DiBella. The discussion brought perspectives from across the supply chain into an exchange on industry conditions and member questions.
Cargo Theft: Connecting Federal Oversight with Industry Action
Jesse Elison, FMCSA Deputy Administrator. Official portrait: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation.Original AfA promotional banner for the October 20, 2026 cargo theft webinar. Source: Airforwarders Association.
Michael Taylor moderated AfA’s discussion with FMCSA Deputy Administrator Jesse Elison and retired FBI Supervisory Special Agent Angel Martinez. October 20, 2026.
Michael Taylor moderated a discussion on who should bear the costs and risks of expanding electricity infrastructure for data centers.
Knowledge Networks and RegulatingAI are Diakon Partners clients. RegulatingAI is a separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit under the Knowledge Networks umbrella; Taylor serves as its Executive Director.
Who Pays for the Grid panel · October 15, 2026
The panel included Ted Trabue, Stephen Haner, Michael Giberson, and Andrew Major. The discussion examined power availability, the responsibility for grid upgrades, and who bears the risk when anticipated demand changes.
June 4, 2026 · Washington, D.C.
Congressional Engagement with CLDA
Diakon Partners was pleased to support the Customized Logistics and Delivery Association (CLDA)’s recent advocacy engagement in Washington, helping facilitate discussions between industry stakeholders and policymakers on issues affecting customized logistics, final-mile delivery, and supply chain operations.
Meaningful policy development depends on informed dialogue. Bringing operational perspectives directly into the policymaking process helps identify challenges, opportunities, and practical solutions before decisions are finalized.
Thank you to CLDA leadership, participating and supporting members Openforce, GigSafe and SCI LLC, and congressional offices for a productive series of conversations.
CLDA congressional engagement with Rep. Brad Knott.
Connect policy with practical priorities
To discuss a policy briefing, industry roundtable, or operational visit, contact Diakon Partners.
