Brian Teel Baenig

The world lost one of its kindest souls on June 23, 2026. The only child of Linda and David Baenig, Brian was born in Syracuse, New York on December 13, 1975, and attended Central Catholic High School in Lawrence, Massachusetts. He went on to St. Michael's College in Colchester, Vermont, where he earned a degree in political science and was chosen by his classmates to deliver the 1998 commencement address.

Brian built his career in Washington DC, where he spent over two decades working in agriculture policy and government relations. He got his start on Capitol Hill, working for the Senate Agriculture Committee and as a senior policy advisor to Senator Patrick Leahy, after beginning as a legislative assistant to Senator Paul Wellstone. He later joined the USDA, and was honored to serve as Chief of Staff to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, appointed in 2013 under the Obama Administration. After leaving government, he continued his work in food and agriculture policy as an executive with the Biotechnology Innovation Organization, served briefly as President of the U.S. Beet Sugar Association and then worked as a consultant — a career he built one relationship at a time, the same way he showed up for his friends.

Brian loved his life on Capitol Hill. He loved to travel and always enjoyed the beach, especially in New England and Michigan. An avid cyclist, he completed the LoToJa race, and alongside his college roommates, he ran three marathons. Brian was one of those caring friends who was easy to talk to, had a wily sense of humor and had fun with whatever he was doing. He was simply a genuine person. Kind-hearted, he always rooted for the underdog — it was an ethos that drove both his career and his compassion for those around him.

He is survived by his mother, Linda, and so many friends. A celebration of life is planned in Washington, DC and later in Hampstead, New Hampshire. His final resting place will be in New Hampshire. In lieu of donations and to honor his memory, do something kind for someone who needs it. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit: www.carrierfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the care of the Carrier Family Funeral Home, 38 Range Road, Windham, NH 03087.