6-10 years

Annie Beckstrom is an attorney and government affairs professional who advises clients on legislative, regulatory and public policy matters before the Tennessee General Assembly, state executive branch, state and federal regulatory agencies, and local governments.

Annie brings extensive experience in state government advocacy, helping clients navigate the legislative and regulatory process to address complex policy challenges. In her dual role as policy counsel and registered lobbyist, she works to educate lawmakers regarding the impact of proposed legislative changes on client operations. Utilizing her prior experience serving in the legal departments of the Tennessee General Assembly and Louisiana State Legislature, she drafts legislation on behalf of client-driven policy initiatives and in response to legislative engagement.

Drawing from her background in building and managing coalitions for a variety of state industry groups, Annie frequently collaborates with key stakeholders to develop solutions to multifaceted political issues and execute strategic communications campaigns to advance related advocacy efforts. Her legal practice centers on advising clients regarding matters of state and federal public policy, campaign finance, governmental ethics and administrative law, in addition to assisting clients with management of state and federal political action committees.

Prior to her roles in state government and private practice, Annie gained valuable experience with a Washington, D.C., government affairs firm, where she drafted an amendment to the Stark Law on behalf of a coalition of major healthcare and technology corporations designed to provide regulatory relief for cybersecurity software donations from large health systems to smaller physician groups. The amendment has been incorporated into a rule promulgated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Annie is also a Partner at Holtzman Vogel Baran Josefiak & Torchinsky PLLC.

Annie earned her B.A. in Political Science from Southeastern Louisiana University and her J.D. from Louisiana State University, Paul M. Hebert Law Center.

15-20 years

Mack Cooper is a senior government affairs advisor with more than 20 years of experience shaping public policy in Tennessee. Having served under two Tennessee governors, Mack brings deep institutional knowledge, long-standing relationships across both parties, and a strong track record advising clients on high-stakes public policy and economic development issues.

As a registered lobbyist, Mack assists clients with strategic planning involving the executive and legislative branches of government, as well as legislative, lobbying, contract, regulatory, and administrative matters. He has represented clients on critical issues ranging from zoning and permitting to tax incentives and environmental regulations and has a proven record of protecting client interests before state and local legislative bodies and government agencies in Tennessee.

Over his career, Mack has provided counsel to a wide range of clients, including aggregates producers, business services providers, education institutions, financial institutions, healthcare providers, hospitality companies, manufacturers, and others.

Mack earned a B.S. from Tusculum University.

Eagle Scout

Tennessee Bar Association Young Lawyers Division - President's Special Recognition Award (2019)

Ross Smith advises clients before the Tennessee General Assembly and the various branches, departments, agencies and commissions of state government. In this role, he represents companies, organizations and associations related to regulatory issues and to advocate for their business interests within the state of Tennessee.

Prior to joining the firm, Ross was an attorney and lobbyist at Farrar Bates Berexa, LLP, where he created and executed state and local government affairs objectives on behalf of cities, professional associations, and private business groups. He also litigated matters related to municipal liability, civil rights, police liability, and governmental tort liability. After law school, Ross clerked for the Honorable Jimmy L. Croom in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the Western District of Tennessee.

15-20 years

The Best Lawyers in America - Government Relations Practice (2025-2026)
Nashville Post "In Charge" - Government/Politics Sector (2021-2024)
Nashville Business Journal - Women of Influence (2019)
Commissioner - Nashville Transportation Licensing Commission (2024-2026)
Law Clerk to the Hon. Diane K. Vescovo, Magistrate Judge, Western District of Tennessee (2003-2004)
Tennessee Law Review - Research Editor
Order of the Coif
Phi Alpha Delta
John F. Schrankel Scholar

Erica Vick Penley is practice leader of the firm's Government Advocacy & Public Policy Practice Group. She has worked on multiple landmark public policy initiatives, including enactment of the Civil Justice Act of 2011, the Tennessee Broadband Accessibility Act of 2017, the repeal of Tennessee's gift and inheritance taxes, and passage of a constitutional amendment resolution regarding judicial selection. Erica is legislative counsel to a number of businesses and trade associations and is a registered lobbyist with extensive experience representing the interests of financial institutions, healthcare providers, utilities, energy sector, pharmaceutical industry, medical cannabis, nuclear industry services, higher education, agricultural services, and distilled spirits before the Tennessee General Assembly and Executive Branch.

Erica's practice includes:

Government Advocacy & Public Affairs - Representing clients concerning new legislation, legal definitions and restrictions, business tax exemptions, rule-making proceedings, public-private partnerships, the needs of entrepreneurs and small businesses, taxpayer-funded grants, elected representative awareness; participates in various administrative rule-making proceedings and appears before state agencies and commissions; manages and coordinates fundraising and campaign contributions for clients and the firm's political action committee.

Business Disputes - Representing companies in an assortment of cases involving breach of contract, defects in title, employment disputes, fraud and misrepresentation, violations of fiduciary duty, and other business torts.

Utilities - Representing and advising electric cooperatives and other utilities in high-profile government relations matters.

With extensive knowledge of Tennessee campaign finance law, Erica co-authored the Tennessee chapter of the Thomson/West Lobbying, PACs and Campaign Finance: 50 State Handbook. She has represented several pro bono clients in cases involving landlord-tenant disputes, consumer fraud, and general legal matters.

6-10 years

George Peach Taylor Trial Advocacy Award

Mallorie Kerby represents clients before the Tennessee General Assembly and the various departments, agencies and commissions of state government. In this capacity, she works with clients to advocate for their business interests related to new legislation and policies within the state. Mallorie also advises clients on range of compliance, litigation, and regulatory issues related to state and federal environmental laws.

Prior to joining the firm, Mallorie was the Associate Vice President for Environment & Energy Affairs at the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry where she represented businesses and industry groups as a registered lobbyist before the Tennessee General Assembly and state regulators. She previously served as a Legislative Liaison at both the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and at the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance. During law school, she served as an intern at the Federal Bureau of Investigation and for the Honorable L. Scott Coogler of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama.

15-20 years

The Best Lawyers in America guide, Government Relations Practice, 2026 and 2027

Women of Influence, Nashville Business Journal, 2025

Catie Lane Bailey is a leading government affairs attorney and lobbyist in Tennessee, representing corporate and association clients before the Tennessee General Assembly, executive branch agencies, and local governments. She advises clients on legislative strategy, regulatory engagement, and political positioning, with a focus on delivering results in complex, high-stakes policy environments. At Vogel Group, she helps lead the firm's Tennessee practice alongside Brandon Smith.

Catie Lane brings deep, end-to-end knowledge of the legislative process and is known for her ability to move initiatives from initial concept through enactment. She has built strong, trusted relationships across legislative leadership and the executive branch, and is widely recognized for her credibility, responsiveness, and effectiveness in advancing client priorities.

She has played a central role in representing a large portfolio of clients before the Tennessee General Assembly and state agencies, advising on a broad range of policy matters and managing sophisticated, multi-issue advocacy efforts. Her work includes securing state and local appropriations to support business expansion and relocation, navigating government procurement processes, and shaping regulatory frameworks impacting key industries.

Prior to joining Vogel Group, Catie Lane led and developed the Tennessee state government affairs practice at an AM Law 100 law firm. She began her public policy career as a congressional intern for then-Tennessee Senator Lamar Alexander while pursuing her undergraduate degree.

Catie Lane is also a Partner at Holtzman Vogel Baran Josefiak & Torchinsky PLLC.

Catie Lane earned her B.A. in Political Science and Communication Studies from Western Kentucky University, summa cum laude, and her J.D. from the Nashville School of Law.

0-5 years

Chase Ingle advises clients on legislative and regulatory matters in Tennessee, with a focus on state public policy and regulation. He brings extensive knowledge of the legislative and regulatory processes in state government, gained through his time working in both chambers of the Tennessee General Assembly.

Chase developed a deep understanding of the legislative process during his time at the Tennessee General Assembly, where he began his career as a Legislative Assistant. Most recently, he served as senior legislative advisor to Tennessee House Majority Leader William Lamberth, where he assisted with appropriations and other policy matters. In this role, Chase worked extensively on notable pieces of state legislation, including the Transportation Modernization Act, Franchise and Excise Tax reforms, and the Ensuring Likeness, Voice and Image Security (ELVIS) Act, which protects musicians' and songwriters' intellectual property.

Chase previously served as Director of External Affairs for the Tennessee Public Charter School Commission.

Chase earned his B.A. from the University of Tennessee, summa cum laude.