Ben Calkins joined Thorn Run Partners in 2026, bringing a background in policy analysis, legislative operations, and government affairs. At Thorn Run, Ben works on the firm’s Energy and Financial Services practices, leveraging his past experiences across the public and private sectors to help clients advance their priorities. Prior to joining Thorn Run, he served as an intern for the Democratic Staff of the House Science, Space, & Technology Committee and the district and D.C. Offices of Representative Joseph Morelle (NY-25) in Congress, for GQR Research, a polling and campaign consulting firm, and for ML Strategies, a bipartisan government affairs firm.

Ben grew up in Rochester NY, but has spent the last four years in D.C., where he graduated from American University with a master’s in Public Policy Analysis and a bachelor’s in Political Science. In his free time, Ben enjoys playing soccer, photography, going to the movies, and cheering on the Buffalo Bills.