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Sandy S. Ray brings nearly 25 years of experience in the political arena in both state government and politics in the state of Mississippi and throughout southeast. Sandy is a registered lobbyist and has assisted clients in legislative lobbying spanning throughout many sectors including insurance, economic development, state bond acquisition, state agency management and regulatory issues. In addition to lobbying and regulatory affairs, Mrs. Ray specializes in human resource management, non-profit organization, campaign management, grass roots organization and fund raising. Mrs. Ray, a native of Cleveland, MS, began Southern Consulting Associates in the summer of 2004. In 2007 as part of her business, Sandy assisted with the campaign for Mississippi's Insurance Commissioner and was asked to come aboard the administration after a successful election. Shortly thereafter, she was named Chief of Staff for State Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney. It would be a role she would occupy until 2018 before she decided to again devote her full attention to her personal business, Southern Consulting Associates, Inc.Prior to opening her consulting business, Mrs. Ray served as Executive Director for Boys and Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Delta, Children's Division Liaison for the Office of the Attorney General, and as a Coordinator in the Division of Continuing Education at Delta State University in Cleveland, MS. Named as one of the "Top 50 under 50" by the Delta Business Journal.

20+ years

Former Chief of Staff for the MS Department of Insurance
Campaign Manager for Attorney General, Lynn Fitch
Finance Director Commissioner of Insurance, Mike Chaney

  • Sandy Ray has always been a solid political resource for me. She's a hard worker and diligent in seeking successful results. Well respected. - Cindy Hyde-Smith, US Senator
  • A very intelligent, highly motivated, respected, charismatic rain maker. I have called her 'shortstop' since she came to work for me. That nickname is perfect for her because, one, she is short, but really I call her that because there isn't much that gets past her. Sandy will succeed at whatever she sets her mind to. I have no doubt about that. I have seen her decision-making abilities, and she will decide what needs to be done and then go straight ahead to accomplish it. - Mike Chaney, MS Commissioner of Insurance and State Fire Marshal
  • Collaborating with Sandy Ray and her firm to help the Congress of Country Music project seek and secure state bond funds was truly a game changer. She worked so hard for us. She put her heart into the task and I suspect she would do the same for anybody she chose to work with. I have no doubt that we will be calling upon Sandy Ray for years to come. - Marty Stuart, Multiple Grammy Award winner, American Country Music Singer-Songwriter
  • I have known Sandy since she first appeared in our state capitol over 20 years ago. She has worked her way up with integrity. She is absolutely one of the most trustworthy lobbyists and public policy professionals in Mississippi. We have all depended on her knowledge and guidance at some point. I am glad to know her and call her friend. - Willie Simmons, Transportation Commissioner (Central District)
  • I have worked with Sandy for many years in various capacities in state government. She has always been diligent, thorough, and prepared. It is a pleasure to work with her - Philip Gunn, MS Speaker of the House
  • Subjects: All Subjects

    Links:Website

    0-5 years

    Sara joined McGuireWoods Consulting after six years with the SC Association of REALTORS as their director of political affairs. In that capacity, she managed the SC REALTORS Political Action Committee Board of Trustees, fundraising, finances, disbursements, ethics reporting, independent expenditure campaigns, and public policy campaigns.

    Prior to that she served as executive assistant/scheduler to U.S. Congressman Tom Rice in Washington, DC. Her previous experience also includes campaign fundraising for multiple members of the South Carolina General Assembly and members of Congress.

    Sara has a public relations degree from the University of South Carolina and is currently pursuing her Master's in business administration at the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina.

    In 2010, after 20 years as a State Capitol lobbyist, Mike Dugan established Capitol Consulting a full-service government relations firm. Capitol Consulting provides the experience, integrity, access and respect one achieves through years of successful representation of our clients' issues. Capitol Consulting is well respected with a proven network of legislative and state agency contacts to navigate the often-complex halls of state government. Capitol Consulting is founded on the simple principle that there is no substitute for hard work.

    20+ years

    Josh Hughes is a Senior Vice President, lobbyist and attorney at Capitol Consulting. He brings to Capitol Consulting a solid reputation with over 15-years of experience as a Capitol insider with extensive knowledge of the legislative process and policymakers. Over the years, Josh's network of contacts has provided his clients with access to all levels of state government in the legislative, administrative and executive branches. He has a reputation of working tirelessly to achieve successful results for the clients he is privileged to serve.

    During his State Capitol lobbying career Josh has provided leadership and strategic advice to numerous corporations, state and national associations as well as nonprofit organizations including Tesla Motors Inc., Caterpillar, the National Association of Insurance & Financial Advisors (NAIFA), Greenskies Renewable Energy, the Association of American Publishers, the Corporation for Battery Recycling (Duracell, Panasonic and Energizer), the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), Splunk Inc., alcohol retailers, distillers and wholesalers. Josh also continues to work with legislative campaigns in both parties bolstering the bipartisan connections of the firm.

    Before becoming a State Capitol lobbyist, while in law school Josh was an intern with CB Richard Ellis commercial real estate in New York City. Prior to that Josh worked in the sales department of John Hancock Mutual Funds in Boston. In addition, he was on the account team of Ingall's Advertising.

    Josh received his Bachelor of Arts degree in American Literature with a minor in Environmental Studies from Hartwick College. He received a Juris Doctorate degree from Quinnipiac University School of Law.

    In 2010, after 20 years as a State Capitol lobbyist, Mike Dugan established Capitol Consulting a full-service government relations firm. Capitol Consulting provides the experience, integrity, access and respect one achieves through years of successful representation of our clients' issues. Capitol Consulting is well respected with a proven network of legislative and state agency contacts to navigate the often-complex halls of state government. Capitol Consulting is founded on the simple principle that there is no substitute for hard work.

    20+ years

    Liz Connelly joins Capitol Consulting as a Government Relations Associate after more than six years on staff in the Connecticut General Assembly. Liz began her tenure with House Democrats as a top advisor to then House Majority Leader Joe Aresimowicz (Berlin and Southington). When Rep. Aresimowicz was elected Speaker of the House, Liz was then promoted to Senior Legislative and Communications Advisor to Speaker of the House. During her time as a senior advisor to the Speaker, Liz developed and maintains a wide network of legislators, state agency, staff and advocacy organizations. In addition, she was responsible for dealing and negotiating with numerous business and industry representatives on behalf of the Speaker. Liz brings to Capitol Consulting a strong work ethic and a clear understanding of the legislative process to immediately assist Capitol Consulting's clients. In addition to lobbying directly for the firm's numerous clients, Liz will manage the firm's social media presence, assist in the firm's marketing for new business and maintain the firm's bill tracking system.

    Prior to working in the legislature, Liz served as a Communications and Media Coordinator at The Governor's Prevention Partnership, a nonprofit organization that builds and offers youth prevention programs to prevent substance misuse and bullying.

    Liz received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Connecticut, where she double majored in political science and journalism.

    Trusted. Advocate. Ethical. Leader.

    John Powell & Associates, Inc. is a full service bi-partisan public affairs and government relations firm. The firm was founded in 1984 and since its inception has represented and advocated on behalf of Fortune 500 companies, non-profit organizations, and public & private sector trade associations. The firm prides itself on its well-earned reputation for integrity, hard work and client service; which has led to producing a long track record of results for satisfied clients. John C. Powell is a lawyer / lobbyist who takes pride in understanding each client's business and then making sure the client's voice is heard in the halls of the Capitol.

    11-15 years

    JD, Willamette University School of Law, Salem, OR (Oregon State Bar # 094769)
    MBA, Atkinson Graduate School of Management, Willamette University, Salem, OR
    BA, Political Science, Westmont College, Santa Barbara, CA

    John C. Powell and wife Abby Powell live in Lake Oswego, OR with their three children

    ROBERT BRADSHAW

    (Virginia)

    RUSSELL BRITT

    (Georgia)

    SALLIE BRYANT

    (Alabama)
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    SCOTT COLE

    (Georgia)

    ROBERT HENDERSON

    (Florida)
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    JOSEPH HUDGINS

    (Virginia)