20+ years

Jim Grace advises and advocates for a wide variety of clients on federal, state, and local public policy matters. His deep knowledge of and experience with governments and political campaigns at virtually all levels allow him to assist with complex government relations matters. Jim enhances and protects his clients' business opportunities by monitoring political developments and formulating and implementing strategies to help clients achieve their government relations objectives.

In addition to operating Grace & McEwan, in 2019, Jim and Jennifer McEwan were co-founders of Datum Tech, Inc., a mobile data advertising company. Datum ingested the location data from mobile devices at scale from around the United States and organized that data at the household level using parcel data. Once sorted, the location data could be matched to voter files and other address lists and utilized for highly targeted multiplatform advertising. Jim and Jennifer grew Datum to sixteen employees and yearly revenues of $9 million. They successfully exited in 2024 when Datum was acquired by a publicly traded gaming company.

Prior to forming Grace & McEwan Consulting, Jim chaired the Texas government relations practice at Baker Botts L.L.P. and served as director of Texas state relations and senior counsel at CenterPoint Energy, Inc. Before serving in an in-house counsel capacity, he was a member of a Houston-based international law firm where his practice concentrated on merger and acquisition transactions, securities offerings and general corporate matters for companies involved in oil and gas exploration and production; oil field and energy services; natural gas liquid processing; propane and heating oil and chemical production and distribution.

Jim holds a J.D., cum laude, from the University of Houston Law Center and a B.A. in History from the University of Notre Dame. In 2020, Jim received the University of Houston Law Alumni Association's Pro Bono/Community Service and Leadership Award for his pro bono efforts to secure $45 million in funding for a new building for the Law Center.

From 2016-2019, Jim was the Chair of the Board of Directors for Undies for Everyone, a charity that provides new underwear to underprivileged children, and he continues to serve on that organization's Board. He also currently is on the Board of Directors of the Houston Area Women's Center.

In 2007, the day before he turned 40, Jim took a commission in the United States Navy Reserve, and in 2011-12, he deployed to Afghanistan for nine months, where he served as an intelligence officer with a unit that conducted counterinsurgency operations.

Oscar Anderson, a native of Central Florida, has extensive background in government. Prior to joining Southern Strategy Group, Oscar served at the highest capacities in the Florida legislative and executive branches on the local, state, and federal levels. Oscar became a government expert that understands firsthand how to move bureaucracy to effect change. After more than a decade of government service, Oscar was dubbed "politically connected" by the St. Petersburg Times.

From 1998 to 2000, Oscar served as the chief lobbyist for Orange County Chairman Mel Martinez. In 2000, when President Bush asked Chairman Martinez to serve as U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary, Oscar moved to Washington, DC. As an integral part of Secretary Martinez's senior staff, Oscar managed the Congressional office and later was promoted to Deputy Chief of Staff. Oscar specialized in the appropriations process and negotiated the passage of $75 million for the Administration's American Dream Downpayment Initiative. Returning to Florida was important to Oscar, and in 2003, he was offered a position as Chief of Staff and Assistant Secretary at the Department of Community Affairs (DCA). During Oscar's tenure at DCA, he directed passage of the landmark Wekiva Parkway and Protection Act legislation and had a key role in the passage of the first overhaul to the state's growth management laws in 20 years.

For almost a decade, Oscar has represented hundreds of businesses at the local and state level of Florida government, specializing in government budgets/appropriations, procurement, and land use matters. Oscar is an active member of the Florida Wildlife Corridor. Oscar lives in Orlando with his wife Carin and their three children.

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.

Adnelis Perez supports Grace & McEwan Consulting and its clients with matters related to government relations, public policy, research, and administration.

Before joining Grace & McEwan Consulting, Adnelis served as a Legislative Aide for State Representative Kronda Thimesch (R-Carrolton), where she managed constituent services and communications, as well as conducted research and policy analysis. She began her career as a Legislative Intern for the Association of Electric Companies of Texas (AECT), where she contributed to advocacy efforts on behalf of the state's electric industry in the legislature.

Ahead of the 89th legislative session, Adnelis was a panelist at UT Austin's 2025 Legislative Internship Seminar to speak on her experience navigating a legislative session to interns and new staff members working in and around the Texas Legislature.

In 2017, she represented the Escuela del Deporte de San Juan at the Federación de Atletismo de Puerto Rico's National Competition and the AAJI Juvenile Championship, in the event of 100-meter hurdles, where she earned an individual third-place national title and won multiple national titles as part of the 100-meter relay team.

Adnelis is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Government and a minor in Law, Justice, and Society. She holds an Associate of Arts Degree with a focus in Political Science and Philosophy from Tarrant County College and is fluent in Spanish.

Jay Williamson advocates on behalf of clients at the state and local levels. He is experienced in developing effective legislative strategies, navigating complex policy needs, analyzing policy, and supporting appropriations initiatives.

Jay has represented clients across a diverse range of issues, including telecommunications, county government, voting rights, business liability, tort reform, appropriations, public safety, and workforce development. He has helped clients navigate Texas state government and Austin City Hall while serving as a policy analyst for a Central Texas-based public safety 501(c)(3) organization.

Before joining Grace & McEwan Consulting, Jay spent five years as an associate at a boutique government relations firm in Austin and served as a legislative aide for Rep. Travis Clardy.

Jay is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with a McCombs Business Honors Degree and a minor in business and public policy.

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.

Andrea Chavez advises clients on state and local public policy matters. She is experienced in devising effective policy strategies, drafting, analyzing, and monitoring legislation, and navigating clients through the legislative process and government agencies. Andrea has lived in Brazil, London, and Mexico and is deeply invested in furthering Texas-Mexico commercial ties by locating and helping develop beneficial projects for Grace & McEwan Consulting's clients.

Prior to joining Grace & McEwan Consulting, Andrea was a member of the government relations sections at both Greenberg Traurig, LLP, and Baker Botts L.L.P. and began her career as a legislative aide to Rep. David M. Leibowitz (D-San Antonio). During the 87th legislative session, she served as policy advisor to the Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, Dade Phelan (R-Beaumont), her areas of expertise included county affairs, local government, transportation, and urban affairs. Andrea also has deep political campaign experience, having served as a Bexar County field representative for the Republican Party of Texas during the 2014 election cycle.

Andrea holds a B.A. in Economics and Political Science from St. Mary's University, and she is fluent in Spanish and French.

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.