NBCC is proud to welcome Brian D. Banks as Chief Government Affairs Officer and inaugural Executive Director of the Policy, Advocacy, and Research in Counseling Center (PARC).

Banks has over 20 years of government affairs experience, during which he has worked for nongovernmental organizations, businesses, the U.S. Air Force, and Congress. His work has focused on issues including health care, education, tax policy, healthy food access, and the environment. He holds a bachelor’s degree in communication studies and master’s degree in politics with a focus on congressional studies from The Catholic University of America.

Banks began his work for the counseling profession over 5 years ago.

“I truly believe in the counseling profession, what it stands for, what counselors do on a daily basis to support communities,” says Banks. “I also saw a need to support the counselor's own well-being. And I thought, with my background, my expertise, and my contacts, I could be supportive of those needs in a very well-rounded way.”

Banks previously served as Chief of Government Affairs and Public Policy Officer for the American Counseling Association. During his tenure with ACA, Banks received the Lobbyist of the Year award from the National Institute for Lobbying & Ethics three times. During this period, The Hill also recognized him as Lobbyist of the Year for two consecutive years.

In his role at ACA, Banks regularly collaborated with NBCC’s Government Affairs team on issues such as Medicare recognition for counselors.

“I knew there were issues with counselors not having a counseling compact or access to Medicare, and coming into the role gave me an opportunity to actually work on those issues,” says Banks. “My work included tons of support and collaboration through the Medicare Mental Health Workforce Coalition. The joint efforts of all of the coalition members contribute to its success, and I am happy for the opportunity to continue to support that mission. Counseling has become a profession that I quite frankly enjoy working for and with, and I am excited to see that grow here at NBCC.”

Banks will lead NBCC’s new Policy, Advocacy, and Research in Counseling Center, an initiative that grew out of conversations with NBCC leadership.

“About 3 years ago, I had a thought of taking counselor research and using it in a bigger way to influence legislation and public policy,” explains Banks. “There are counselors out there already doing some awesome research. We're going to make sure people know about it. We want to provide the platform to elevate its visibility and impact to ensure that it makes a true difference in mental health care across the nation. I would welcome all counselors to stay focused on the work that we're doing and to be a part of it.”

Banks lives in his hometown of Washington, D.C. In his free time, he enjoys cooking, boating, and spending time with his family. Once an avid motorcycle rider, he’s currently undertaking a new adventure. Banks is a pilot in training, an experience that might even enhance his appreciation for rigorous counseling training standards.

“My goal right now is to get 50 hours of flight time so I can take the test,” Banks explains. “If you want to keep flying, it's kind of like counseling: You do continuing credits and you have to get hours, which is the most important thing. The focus on continued education and understanding of your craft helps prepare you for any turbulence that you might encounter.”

More information about PARC and how NCCs can become involved will be available soon.