20+ years

Dr. Pierre is the 2018 recipient of the coveted Virginia K. Shehee "Most Influential Woman" Award. She is an alumna of the 2003 CABL Leadership Louisiana Class, Dr. Pierre and has served in multiple capacities of leadership such as overseeing, directing and participating in lobbying efforts at the federal, state and local levels to support and successfully pass legislative priorities. She has worked on transition teams for past Governors and was the 2008 Chairman of the Board for the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce and the 2006 Chairman of the Board for the Independence Bowl.

I have 20+ years of experience with all branches of government from the Governor to school board members and everything in between.

Serving in a unique and valuable capacity for the Southern Strategy Group team, Dr. Markey Pierre successfully bridges the gap between north and south Louisiana by securing grassroots and political momentum for client initiatives. Markey is the President and managing partner for Southern Strategy Group of North Louisiana and works closely with the partners of the Baton Rouge team. Throughout her extensive career, she has been a strategist and fundraiser for a broad spectrum of highly visible campaigns across north and south Louisiana.

Prior to establishing SSG of North Louisiana, Dr. Pierre served as the Director of Government and Community/Media Affairs for a Louisiana gaming venue routinely representing them before local government, the Legislature and regulatory agencies. In that role, she cemented her reputation as a powerful force and effective advocate. Emerging as a top Louisiana consultant, her savvy in local politics translates to a dynamic, nuanced understanding of local and state government operations.

Dr. Pierre is the 2018 recipient of the coveted Virginia K. Shehee "Most Influential Woman" Award. She is an alumna of the 2003 CABL Leadership Louisiana Class, Dr. Pierre and has served in multiple capacities of leadership such as overseeing, directing and participating in lobbying efforts at the federal, state and local levels to support and successfully pass legislative priorities. She has worked on transition teams for past Governors and was the 2008 Chairman of the Board for the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce and the 2006 Chairman of the Board for the Independence Bowl.

A native of Princeton, LA, Dr. Pierre received her B.S. in Business Administration from Louisiana Tech University, her Masters in Business Administration from Nova Southeastern in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and her Doctorate in Business Administration from Walden University. Markey is a member of Union Mission Baptist Church #1 and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

She has received numerous awards and accolades bestowed on her by the community but beyond all of her honors and accomplishments what she says really matters most is in all that you have done, were you able to help someone in the process, did you make a difference. Dr. Pierre funds two annual college scholarships. One in her grandmother's name, The Essie Mae Winfield "Pursuit of Excellence" scholarship award and one in the name of her deceased husband, Louis Pierre's Kappa Alpha Psi annual scholarship award. These scholarships allow students from traditionally underserved populations to attend college and pursue their dreams. She is also actively engaged in her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and currently serves as the Louisiana Political Coordinator and a member of the Corporate Development team at the regional level. She states that her involvement in various community and professional organizations has afforded her the unique opportunity to grasp an in-depth perspective on the diversity of needs in the Shreveport/Bossier community. Her profession as an executive, legislative and local lobbyist has allowed her to experience the complexities of difficult issues in her effort to address the needs of her community both social and economic. Nevertheless, it is her personal and professional experiences that warrant her drive and tenacity for improving the quality of life for all in our community, as well as in our state and nation.

A native of Louisiana, Brad Mittendorf is also a founding member of Southern Strategy Group (Louisiana). Leveraging expertise in energy and telecommunications policy, Brad represents clients before the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC). In addition, he coordinates issues management and media relations services for SSG clients.

The former campaign manager of Republican Jimmy Field's successful bid for public service commissioner, Brad also served as Commissioner Field's executive assistant. During his 7-year tenure with the LPSC, Brad advised on energy, telecommunications and transportation policies. In addition to serving as the commissioner's representative at regulatory hearings and workshops, Brad was also principal liaison to other elected officials and agencies.

In addition to his work in the political and regulatory arenas, Brad founded In Focus, LL -- a private research company. As president, Brad directed focus group research to test issues for a variety of political candidates and organizations and for law firms seeking to evaluate trial and mediation strategies.

Brad is a Phi Beta Kappa and summa cum laude graduate of Louisiana State University and served as co-editor of the Oxford Book of the American South (1997).

A founding member of Southern Strategy Group (Louisiana), Liz Mangham serves as its managing partner. She primarily represents clients before the legislative and executive branches of state government, focusing on issues related to commerce and industry, civil law, criminal justice, education, health care and transportation.

With keen political skills acquired from managing numerous elections, Liz applies winning campaign strategies to complex lobbying battles. She combines essential grassroots and coalition- based support with the media to deliver comprehensive, effective strategies.

A graduate of Brenau Women's College, Liz has been recognized as one of the top 100 "Louisiana Influencers" and a "National Rising Star" by Campaigns & Elections' Politics magazine and an "Up and Comer in Louisiana Politics" by the Times of Acadiana. Her consulting work has earned award-winning recognition for various political and public policy firms.