Bentley Graves

Principal, Cozen O'Connor Public Strategies

Minneapolis

612-877-5201

(612) 260-9080

Recent Publication:

Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies Adds Bentley Graves as Principal in Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS, Feb. 2, 2026 — Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, the bipartisan government relations and communications affiliate of international law firm Cozen O’Connor, today announced the addition of Bentley Graves as principal in its Minneapolis office.

With deep legislative, advocacy, and public policy experience, Bentley delivers meaningful results for businesses and communities across Minnesota.

Bentley joined Public Strategies after more than a decade at the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, where he served as director of health care and transportation policy. In that role, he led policy development and advocacy efforts on behalf of more than 6,000 employers statewide, securing bipartisan legislative wins that strengthened Minnesota’s transportation infrastructure and advanced greater stability, transparency, and consumer choice in the state’s health insurance market.

Prior to his work at the chamber, Bentley spent nearly eight years in the U.S. House of Representatives, serving in multiple roles, including legislative assistant, legislative director and, ultimately, chief of staff. His federal policy experience includes appropriations, defense, foreign affairs, health care, tax, and transportation. As chief of staff, he managed all aspects of the congressional office and served as a key liaison to business and government leaders.

Bentley earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Economy, cum laude, from Hillsdale College in Michigan.

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Experience

Publications

Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies Adds Bentley Graves as Principal in Minnesota

February 03, 2026

MINNEAPOLIS, Feb. 2, 2026 — Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, the bipartisan government relations and communications affiliate of international law firm Cozen O’Connor, today announced the addition of Bentley Graves as principal in its Minneapolis office.

Education

  • Hillsdale College, B.A., cum laude, 2005

Board of Directors, Community for the Commons

Board of Directors, MN Community Measurement

Board of Elders, Our Savior Lutheran Church in Excelsior

Fmr. Vice Chair, MN Freight Advisory Committee

Fmr. Member, MN Dept. of Transportation Advisory Committee

Fmr. Member, MNsure Consumer & Small Employer Advisory Committee

Fmr. Member, Own Your Future Advisory Panel