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John's past representation of counties and municipalities brings a solid knowledge of legislative issues that can affect local government. Additionally, his experience with healthcare organizations, communications and other industries lends to his broad spectrum of expertise in many fields. John is not afraid of a challenge, and will work hard for you.

20+ years

Georgia State University 40 under 40, Member of 2022 Leadership Georgia

Gov Kemp Inaugural Committee in 2018 and 2022

John began his career in government in the Georgia House Appropriations Office. After leaving the legislative staff, Clayton went on to serve as Deputy Finance Director to former Governor Roy Barnes. John returned to the House where he played an important role in the 2002 election of Terry Coleman as Speaker of the House.

While in government, he served at the highest levels in the Georgia House of Representatives as Chief of Staff to former Speaker of the House Terry Coleman. In that position, Clayton demonstrated his deft touch as he worked behind the scenes to shepherd controversial bills into law at a time of political acrimony and upheaval within state government. Once Speaker Coleman left office, Clayton assisted in the transition for the first Republican Speaker in Georgia's history.

Clayton maintains strong relationships with key decision makers, in both parties, within the executive branch and legislative branch. He also has a proven ability to shape policy decisions within state agencies. His firm, Georgia Public Affairs, often represents Fortune 500 companies as well as public interests in front of all facets of state government. From transportation to healthcare Georgia Public Affairs has made an essential impact on policy in favor of their clients.

He is a graduate of the University of Georgia with a B.A. in Political Science and an M.A in Public Relations, and he also has his J.D. from Georgia State University. Clayton is a member of the Georgia Bar Association, Cartersville Zoning Board, as well as several boards at the state and local level.

Clayton was an original member of the Finance Committee for Governor Brian Kemp. He also has served on the Inaugural Executive Committee for Brian Kemp for Governor.

John is a proud member of the University of Georgia Alumni Association, as well as the Georgia State Alumni Association where he was selected as a member of their 40 under 40 class.
John and his wife Kate attend Macedonia Baptist Church and reside in Cartersville, GA with their two boys, Thomas and Jack, and daughter, Evie.

My name is Danica Thompson and I am a lobbyist at McGuireWoods Consulting. I work on behalf of companies and organizations to advocate for and to influence policy while educating elected officials about the interests of my clients on the state and local levels. I would love to earn your business.

0-5 years

Voted as a Top and Rising Star Lobbyist by the James Magazine

Recognized as a Top Fierce and Fabulous 40 Under 40 Alumni by Spelman College

Executive Director, Georgia Legislative Black Caucus (2003-2016)
Chair, National Black Caucus of State Legislators, Corporate Roundtable Sports, Entertainment and Gaming Committee
Board Member, Wellroot (formerly known as United Methodist Children's Home)

Danica Thompson is experienced in civic engagement with a focus in government relations. She currently serves as a vice president of state government relations where she provides strategic advice and lobbying services to help clients meet their corporate and public affairs objectives. She has extensive experience working with clients in the areas of education, healthcare, diagnostic laboratories, procurement and transportation on both the state and local levels.

Prior to joining McGuireWoods Consulting, Danica worked with state elected officials for 13 years at the Atlanta-based Georgia Legislative Black Caucus, Inc. Starting as a legislative intern, she seamlessly rose through the organization's ranks to the position of executive director where she managed the daily operations of the caucus, coordinated legislative conferences, spearheaded the legislative intern program and ensured that the caucus fulfilled its mission to protect the general welfare of people of color, the disadvantaged and the underserved citizens throughout the state of Georgia.

Throughout her professional career Danica has committed herself to making a difference at work and within her community. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and the Georgia Women's Policy Institute. Presently, Danica serves as chair of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators Corporate Roundtable Gaming, Sports and Entertainment Policy Committee, serves as a board member for the United Methodist Children's Home (WellRoot), and volunteers as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) to support children in foster care. She is a Council for Quality Growth Emerging Leader and serves as an ambassador with the Grady Ambassador Force, which consists of nearly 100 community leaders creating awareness and community support for the Grady Health System and chairs the Marsy's Law for Georgia Advisory Committee to ensure victims of crime receive their constitutional rights in court proceedings.

Danica has been recognized by her peers as a Top and Rising Star lobbyist in the James magazine, acknowledged by the Daily Report for providing pro bono services related to changing age requirements in Georgia's child marriage law, and named as Spelman College's Fierce 40 Under 40 Alumni. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Spelman College and a Juris Doctorate from Birmingham School of Law.

Danica is a native from Birmingham, Alabama. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, dogs and traveling.

After ten years serving the State of Georgia, Stuart Wilkinson is a seasoned public official with a proven track record of success. He recently comes from the Office of Governor Brian Kemp where he served as a top advisor to the Governor. Stuart covers a broad range of topics and specializes in Executive and Legislative branch relations.

0-5 years

James Magazine Rising Star 2015, 2016, 2017

Stuart Wilkinson is a vice president with McGuireWoods Consulting in Atlanta. Over the past decade, he has earned extensive experience working with both the Executive and Legislative branches in Georgia.

Prior to joining McGuireWoods Consulting, Stuart served as a top advisor to Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, most recently as his Deputy Director of External Affairs. In this role, Stuart helped craft and advance the Governor's legislative agenda. Additionally, he has held a number of other key positions with Governor Kemp including Deputy Director of the Gubernatorial transition team, as well as managing then Secretary of State Brian Kemp's legislative and external affairs team.

Stuart began his career in Governor Nathan Deal's administration for six years where he managed the Governor's local government relations program before joining the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities government relations team.

Stuart has been recognized as a Rising Star lobbyist in James magazine. An avid runner, Stuart currently serves as a Board Member of the Atlanta Track Club. Previously, he was appointed to the Georgia Commission for Service and Volunteerism by Governor Deal. He is a native of Sandy Springs, Georgia and a graduate of Georgia College. Stuart currently lives in Atlanta with his wife Kathleen.

KIMBERLY HUDGINS

(Georgia)
Clients:

CHRIS RILEY

(Georgia)
  • (770) 527-1510

  • 1660 PALMOUR DRIVEAA 7GAINESVILLEGA30501