Made in Elements
Tom Hanson brings a proven track record of engaging government officials on behalf of clients—both in formal bilateral dialogues and in targeted advocacy to advance commercial interests. These high-stakes engagements demand discretion, disciplined adherence to government and corporate messaging, and a constant focus on achieving balanced, win–win outcomes.
Commercial diplomacy is a catalyst for accelerating the global energy transition. Within the European Union, Romania has taken a leadership role by advancing EU renewable energy mandates while moving decisively away from coal-based power generation toward cleaner, more resilient alternatives, including small modular nuclear reactors.
In support of the U.S.–Romania Intergovernmental Agreement on Nuclear Power, Tom helped advance government adoption of U.S. small modular reactor technology as part of Romania’s long-term energy transition strategy. This work supported decarbonization goals, strengthened grid reliability, and enabled a sustainable path toward energy independence amid a rapidly evolving energy landscape.
Commercial subnational diplomacy is a powerful driver of economic resilience at the state and local level. While serving in São Paulo, Tom Hanson connected senior economic development and diplomatic leaders from the states of California and São Paulo to advance shared commercial priorities.
The result was the California–São Paulo Roundtable, hosted in San Francisco by the Consulate General of Brazil. The forum spotlighted the two mega-states’ leadership in emerging technology, entertainment, agribusiness, and travel and tourism—strengthening bilateral ties and opening new pathways for trade and investment.
Effective advocacy in foreign government tenders is often decisive in successful global expansion. Through direct engagement with host-nation ministers and senior officials, Tom Hanson has consistently advanced the interests of U.S. manufacturers and technology companies—strengthening trade relationships while improving competitive outcomes.
In one case, a U.S.-based provider of specialty aircraft for emergency services faced severe cash-flow pressure when a host-nation ministry unexpectedly extended a public tender deadline, threatening supplier commitments and escalating costs. Tom partnered with the company and U.S. state officials to secure bridge financing, mitigate late-delivery penalties, and negotiate directly with ministry leadership.
The result: the company sustained operations, fulfilled its obligations, and successfully delivered aircraft now in active service with the host nation’s rescue and emergency medical transport agency.