Growing up in Western New York, Brent Gardner’s interest in politics led him to began working and volunteering on political campaigns from a very young age. Upon graduation from Keuka College where he earned a BA in political science with a concentration in public administration, Brent joined the Leadership Institute’s Conservative Leadership Program (CLP) as a Field Representative and later served as a coordinator for LI's Student Publications division. At Leadership Institute Brent assisted in conservative political development on college campuses and helped identify, recruit train and place conservative students in campus organizations and throughout the public policy process. Following his time at the Leadership Institute Brent accepted a position with the National Rifle Association’s Institute for Legislative Action as a National Grassroots Coordinator and later as an NRA State and Local Lobbyist. During his time at NRA-ILA Brent directed the grassroots, legislative, electoral and PAC efforts for 26 states and the District of Columbia on behalf of the association, scoring major victories for gun owners and sportsman on a wide range of policy objectives. Recently Brent announced his departure from NRA to pursue a new opportunity as the Director of Federal Affairs for Americans for Prosperity.