I am a veteran lobbyist with a proven track record. Key to my longevity and success is having earned the respect of legislators, policy makers and staff. I have strong relationships that are invaluable, and I can navigate across party lines. I am a consensus builder when needed and am one of the best at passing controversial or untested legislation.

I have extensive experience working with regulatory boards and commissions, as well as the executive branch of state and local governments. When asked lawmakers and clients will say I am honest, intelligent, respectful and make lobbying look easy.

Nashville 2020 ATHENA Award, Nominee
Tennessee Senior Olympics Ambassador 2020
HRC Exceptional Individual Achievement in Support of a State or Local Political Initiative, 2017 and 2018
Tennessee Association of Marriage and Family Therapy, Appreciation Award for Contribution to Mental Health Policy
Tennessee Licensed Professional Counselors Association Community Service Award
2016 and 2017 Track and Field Regional Finals, Gold Medalist, 1500m Racewalking
2017 and 2018 Tennessee Track and State Finals, and District Finals, Gold Medalist, 1500m Racewalking
2014-2018 Human Rights Campaign, Board of Governors

20+ years

Lt. Governor Randy McNally
Senator Steve Dickerson
Senator Sara Kyle
Rep. Bill Beck
Rep. Matthew Hill

Professional Experience
Owner, Principal, JFGovernment Strategies, Nashville, TN; current
Represent businesses and associations as lobbyist on the state and local government levels in Tennessee. JFGS focuses on integrating clients' legislative agendas in supporting business development; Negotiating with legislative and administrative branches of government; Developing and implementing legislative strategies, coalition and alliance building, and crafting compromises in lobbying efforts; Working with the private and public sector in developing campaign contribution strategy; assist nonprofit clients with revenue development planning.
Client representation has included representation with county governments, post-secondary colleges and training institutes, major technology corporations, worker's compensation PPO, international rehabilitation corporations, management and consulting firms, utilities association, international real estate investment trusts association, healthcare and mental health professionals associations, statewide trial lawyers association, post-secondary technical college corporation, and casino interests.

Current clients include association of specialized physicians, LGBT advocacy association, licensed professional counselors, licensed marriage and family therapists, non-profit organization focused on preventative health care and family planning, national association of massage therapy, political action committees, equal rights education foundation, disaster recovery corporation and substance abuse consulting interests.


Senior Advisor, Baker Donelson Public Strategies, Nashville, TN
Developed and co-founded lobbying subsidiary of a major law firm with offices across the South. Responsible for implementation of goal-oriented strategy, and developing short-term and long-term government relations strategies for clients; Brief legislators and administration staff on client issues, actively lobby on behalf of clients and work to amend or defeat legislation or regulations adverse to clients' interests; Monitor and track policy, rules and legislation potentially impacting clients; Draft issue briefs, client newsletters and prepare public relations statements; Coalition building in support of clients' legislative agendas.

Representative clients included non-profit hospital system, state chiropractic association, prescription drug distributor, healthcare professional association, a major airline, wireless service company, major international manufacturer, major city governments, liquor manufacturer and distributor, health insurance company, utilities company, and management consulting company.

Senior Advisor, Baker Donelson Law Firm, Nashville, TN
Developed Tennessee State Public Policy sub-practice of firm's Corporate Practice division; Responsible for developing lobbying business with existing clients as well as developing new client business; Work with attorneys in developing legislative and regulatory strategies avoiding more expensive legal remedies; Seek regulatory relief for clients adversely impacted by state regulations, such as taxes and vendor restrictions; Develop legislative strategies in making major policy changes; Negotiate tax breaks for major industries; Work with legislative and administrative branches of government; Research and draft legislation; and, treasurer of firm's political action committee.

Representative clients included state hospital networks, pharmaceutical companies, rehabilitation corporation, health insurance company, developmentally disabled services, major industrial manufacturers, a major airline, water utility company, shipping and warehouse companies, trucking companies, real estate investment trusts, energy production company, water bottling company, trade school, private college, and a technology consortium.

Vice President, Government Relations, Hospital Alliance of Tennessee, Inc., Nashville, TN
Primary lobbyist for 45-member association; Developed and executed legislative agenda as directed by the organization's board; Coordinated lobbying efforts with other healthcare groups; Monitored committee hearings, administrative hearings and task force meetings; treasurer of organization's political action committee; Edited and published weekly legislative updates, and monthly member newsletter; and, assisted clients in community relations projects.

Education

The University of Montevallo, Montevallo, Alabama, BS, Speech and Mass Communications

Auburn University, candidate post-graduate studies, MSEd, Justice and Public Safety

Center for Nonprofit Management, Revenue Development Certification candidate