6-10 years

John Morgan Hughes is known for his high-energy, creative approach to advocacy with an emphasis on providing elite customer service to the firm's clients. Prior to his work in governmental relations, he served as general consultant and strategist to numerous political campaigns and campaign committees across the state of Mississippi. Since 2013, he has focused his work on advocating policies on behalf of firm clients before the Mississippi legislature.

In 2015, he founded the JM Hughes Group to assist corporations, non-profits, and governmental entities in their interactions with state government leaders. Since its inception, the firm has become Mississippi's fastest-growing governmental affairs firm with a reputation for delivering results and going the extra mile for clients. In addition to his professional work, John Morgan has served on the board of directors for many community organizations such as the Mississippi Children's Advocacy Center, Leadership Greater Jackson, Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership Vision 2022 Committee, the Mississippi State Chapter of Kappa Sigma Alumni Association, and Refill Cafe. In 2019, he was appointed by the Hinds County Board of Supervisors to serve on the Central Mississippi Planning and Development District board of directors. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science Public Administration from Mississippi State University and a master's in Business Administration from the University of Mississippi.

He and his wife Brittany have one daughter, Charlie, and two dogs; a Labradoodle named Huck and a rescue Yorkie named Kona. He currently serves as an adjunct professor at Millsaps College where he teaches an undergraduate course on advocacy and the legislative process. He is a proud veteran who currently serves in the 183rd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, United States Air Force, Mississippi Air National Guard where he holds the rank of Captain.

Why Did You Choose Lobbying?
I chose government relations because it provided me an avenue to stay in my home state and work on policies to improve our economic condition. As a first-generation college graduate, education and opportunity have been the difference in my life and I hope my work expands these opportunities to others. I love the diversity of our clients. No two days are the same.

Practice Areas (Specialties)
Procurement and appropriation
Non-profits
Trade associations
Complex financial legislation
Regulatory relief

6-10 years

LaDarion Ammons is a Jackson, MS native. After graduating from Mississippi State University, where he received a bachelor's degree in Political Science, LaDarion returned home to help run his family businesses.

During the 2014 Legislative Session, LaDarion served as a Policy Assistant for the Mississippi Speaker of the House. Shortly thereafter, Ammons attended the Mississippi College School of Law. After graduating in 2017, he began his career in Governmental Relations and Lobbying.

In addition to his career, LaDarion is very active in his community. He serves as a Board Member on the City of Jackson Planning Board, The Refill Jackson Initiative, and is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. In 2014, he became the co-founder and CEO of the non-profit mentoring program, Brothers of Mississippi, Inc., with the vision to "Empower the youth through education, service, and leadership." LaDarion also is an Adjunct Professor at Millsaps College, where he teaches Local and State Politics.?LaDarion and his wife, Courtney, have one "child" named Zoey, which is a Boston Terrier. Some of his hobbies are golfing, traveling, reading, parasailing, and spending time with family.

In work and life LaDarion follows a saying by Margaret Mead, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world, indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."

Why Did You Choose Lobbying?
I could have never imagined having the honor of working in governmental relations and representing so many diverse groups and interests. Having a passion for policy and government interfacing drove my interest for jumping into this field, but more importantly the need of some many Mississippians from all walks of life.

Practice Areas (Specialties)
Association Management
Non- Profits/Trade Associations
Procurement
Rules, Regulations, and Compliance
Federal Advocacy

15-20 years

Kelly Davis Cress has spent the past twenty years cultivating relationships with legislative members that make up the backbone of effective advocacy. She began her lobbying career as the Government Relations Coordinator for the Partnership for a Healthy Mississippi. As a contract lobbyist, she represented a diverse group of nonprofit organizations, private businesses, and trade associations. In 2021, Kelly partnered with JM Hughes Group to form Ten One Strategies.

In addition to her professional work, Kelly was a gubernatorial appointee to the Mississippi Leadership Council on Aging, past member of Junior League of Jackson and Junior Auxiliary of Cleveland, Magnolia Luncheon Club, Jackson Ladies Tennis Association, Metro Area Tri Delta Alumnae and Delta State University Alumni Association. Kelly spends most of her free time serving at her children's schools and watching them play sports.

Kelly holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with an emphasis in Management from Delta State University and is a graduate of the Mississippi Realtors Institute. Kelly is married to Blake, a Real Estate Broker/Developer and they reside in Ridgeland, MS with their sons, Davis and Cole.

Why Did You Choose Lobbying?
Growing up in the Mississippi Delta, I saw firsthand how policies can affect the quality of life in local communities. I love the diversity of clients we get to work with. No two days are the same.

Practice Areas (Specialties)
Offensive legislation
Defensive legislation
Economic Development
501c3