850-321-4112
Arlington, TX,
Subjects: Business/Commerce, Finance/Banking, Public Safety
Links:Website
Barbara O'Brien is a seasoned veteran of financial services public policy. She was the Government Relations Director for Cash America International where she directed and managed contract lobbyists and passed key legislation in several states. Barbara served as Senior Executive Director and Public Affairs Director to Florida Attorney General, Bob Butterworth. Barbara has served on the Board of Directors for the Police Executive Research Foundation (PERF) and Law Enforcement Advisory Board for ecoATM Company. In 1984 she was selected as one of only two in the U.S. as the Law Enforcement Fellow to the National Institute of Justice, Department of Justice. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminology with a minor in Psychology from Florida State University. Barbara is based in Tallahassee, Florida and oversees activities in the Mid Atlantic and Southeast Region.
20+ years
334-264-0508
445 Dexter Avenue, Suite 4025, Montgomery, AL, 36104,
Subjects: All Subjects
Links:Website
Problem solving in the governmental arena depends on a clear understanding of the issues and political process. Christie Strategy Group brings a wealth of direct lobbying and governmental experience to assist clients in achieving complex political, legislative, and regulatory goals.
2) Alabama Cable and Broadband Association
3) Alabama Railway Association
4) Alabama Service Providers Association
5) Assisted Living Association of Alabama (ALAA)
7) Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Alabama
8) Choctaw Resort Development Enterprise
11) GUMBO
12) International Wines and Craft Beers
13) JM Family Enterprises Inc.
14) Reading Horizons
15) RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association
16) Rheem Manufacturing Company
17) Small Magic
19) United States Steel Corporation
20) United Way of Central Alabama
21) Webster,Henry, Lyons,White,Bradwell & Black PC obo AL Municipal Ins.Corp
20+ years
Our firm has the capability to approach any member of the legislature, both Republican and Democrat. We also have strong relationships within the Executive branch and many state agencies. We are confident in our abilities to reach the right person on any issue.
Christie Strategy Group provides clients with a comprehensive, strategic approach to solving problems in the public and governmental arenas through direct representation, political action committee development, and establishments of grassroots lobbying programs and issue management through positive media relations.
Prior to founding his own firm, Christie was Vice President of the Business Council of Alabama. Over a period of several years, his responsibilities included supervision of the association's governmental relations program, development of a comprehensive grassroots structure involving association members and local chambers of commerce, and coordination of the organization's political affairs.
Working with the Business Council of Alabama's ProgressPAC, Christie raised over $2 million on behalf of pro-business candidates in Alabama during a two-year period.
Before joining the Business Council, Christie was a senior Public Affairs Officer with Walter Industries, Inc., a Fortune 200 corporation. He also served in Washington, D.C. on the staff of Congressman John H. Buchanan, Jr. as both Press Secretary and Research Assistant.
A member of numerous public affairs organizations on the state and national levels, Christie served as Chairman of the Business Council Governmental Affairs Committee and on the Executive Committee of United for State Action, a group of state business organizations dedicated to enhancing business' influence through direct participation in the political process.
A graduate of Vanderbilt University, where he received his undergraduate degree in International Relations cum laude, Christie is an accomplished speaker on the subject of political involvement and participation.
Martin and his wife, Stephanie, reside in Montgomery.
334-462-6063
401 Adams Avenue, Suite 710, Montgomery, AL, 36104,
Subjects: All Subjects
Links:Website
ACCESS. ACCOUNTABILITY. INTEGRITY. In the midst of an always-challenging political landscape, a growing number of Alabama business, industrial and municipal clients rely on The Bloom Group to represent their interests in vital dealings with the state's legislative and regulatory communities. Unlike other lobbying firms that come and go, for 30 years, The Bloom Group has been a fixture in Alabama politics. Through our proven track record of success in resolving legislative issues and effectively communicating client needs and positions, we have earned a reputation as one of Alabama's premier governmental relations consultants. Our Mission | Governmental Relations That WorksFor every client and in every situation, The Bloom Group operates in pursuit of these goals: To consistently deliver to each of our clients the highest level of governmental relations services tailored to the client's specific individual needs and based on a firm understanding of their business. To develop and value a personal and professional relationship "based upon mutual trust and respect with clients", legislators, members of the executive branch and others with whom we deal. To always conduct our governmental relations affairs in an ethical and honest manner.
1) 3M Company and Its Affiliates
5) Alabama Association of Conservation Districts
6) Alabama Beverage Licensees Association
7) Alabama League of Municipalities
8) American Council of Engineering Companies of Alabama (ACEC/Alabama)*
11) Capri Theatre
12) City of Wetumpka
13) Coosa Valley Medical Center
14) D. Curt Lee
17) Education Testing Service (ETS)
18) GoodRX
19) Gulf Governmental Partners
21) Jefferson County Department of Health
22) Koch Government Affairs, LLC and Affiliates
25) QuantHub LLC
26) School Superintendents of Alabama (SSA)
27) Seraaj Family Homes, Inc., The
28) Thornton Farrish Incorporated
29) TrueCare
30) Trulieve AL, Inc
0-5 years
Sara Elizabeth Burnham brings a thorough knowledge of government as well as an extensive network of contacts to The Bloom Group thanks to relationships forged and maintained over decades of living and working in Montgomery and her family's deep roots in the capital city. She also has longstanding relationships from her time working on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C.
Her years of experience working in real estate give her a broad perspective on the area's business climate and a track record of success listening to, advocating for and representing the best interests of a diverse range of clients.
Key Experience
Staff Assistant for Senator Jeff Sessions
Staff Assistant at The Dutko Group
Staff Assistant for the U.S. Senate Republican Cloakroom
Active REALTOR with Bell and Corwin, Inc.
Key Areas of Expertise
Proven networking abilities
Strong work ethic
Professional & Community Affiliations
Alabama Dance Theatre Development Committee Member
Past YMCA Britton Board of Directors Member
Family Promise Center Volunteer
Education
BA in Political Science (Minors in Public Relations and English), The University of Alabama
ACCESS. ACCOUNTABILITY. INTEGRITY.
In the midst of an always-challenging political landscape, a growing number of Alabama business, industrial and municipal clients rely on The Bloom Group to represent their interests in vital dealings with the state's legislative and regulatory communities.
Unlike other lobbying firms that come and go, for 30 years, The Bloom Group has been a fixture in Alabama politics. Through our proven track record of success in resolving legislative issues and effectively communicating client needs and positions, we have earned a reputation as one of Alabama's premier governmental relations consultants.
Our Mission | Governmental Relations That Works
For every client and in every situation, The Bloom Group operates in pursuit of these goals:
To consistently deliver to each of our clients the highest level of governmental relations services tailored to the client's specific individual needs and based on a firm understanding of their business.
To develop and value a personal and professional relationship "based upon mutual trust and respect with clients", legislators, members of the executive branch and others with whom we deal.
To always conduct our governmental relations affairs in an ethical and honest manner.
Guthrie brings decades of experience and a proven track record of lobbying for more than 30 local government entities in Jefferson County, including the county and its largest city, Birmingham, to The Bloom Group and its clients. Guthrie began his work with municipal government and governmental relations when he served as administrative assistant and lobbyist for Mayor Richard Arrington Jr. and the City of Birmingham from 1992 to 2000. Since then, he has worked as a contract lobbyist, advocating for his diverse group of clients including government entities like the Birmingham City Council and its President William Bell as well as multiple private sector clients. Thanks to his strong work ethic and networking abilities and longstanding working relationships with members of the Alabama Legislature, he's consistently been able to help his clients meet their goals.
Key Areas of Expertise
Served over thirty local government entities located in Jefferson County including Jefferson County and its largest city, Birmingham
Strong work ethic
Proven networking abilities
Good working relationships with legislative delegation
Key Professional Experience
Registered lobbyist in the State of Alabama since 1992.
2000-Present Contract Lobbyist with wide variety of clients including local government entities as well as private sector clients.
1992-2000 served as administrative assistant and lobbyist for Mayor Richard Arrington Jr. and City of Birmingham.
Key Issue Areas
Municipal Government
International delegation hosting
Education
Jacksonville State University
334-262-2577
423 South Hull Street, Montgomery, AL, 36104,
Fine, Geddie & Associates, Inc. is a well established governmental affairs and legislative services firm located in Montgomery, Alabama. The firm represents a cadre of blue chip corporate clients and business interests before the Alabama legislature and various departments of state government. Fine, Geddie clients are among the nation's most successful businesses. The firm provides a coordinated and reliable approach to issues which contributes to their clients' success and profitability. Each principal and associate has a thorough understanding of issues, process and procedure and gives personal and prompt attention to all clients at all times.
Firm Specialties:
Fine, Geddie and Associates has been an active force in legislative and governmental issues during the last decade. Areas of expertise and experience include legislative lobbying, regulatory and agency advocacy, research, assessment and monitoring, procurement, local government lobbying and economic development. Through excellent research capabilities, the firm can enhance its clients' knowledge of voting patterns, constituent groups, and political contributions to provide a reliable approach to governmental issues.
1) 50 to 1, LLC on behalf of Dell Technologies
2) 68 Ventures
3) Advantage Capital Partners, LLC
4) Alabama Community College System
5) Alabama High School Athletic Association
6) Alabama Interactive, LLC DBA NIC Alabama
7) Alabama Manufactured Housing Association
8) Alabama Nursing Home Association
10) Alabama Road Builders Association
11) Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants
12) Alabama State Port Authority
13) Alabama Trucking Association
14) Alabama Water Utilities, INC
15) Alfa Insurance Group and Affiliates
16) AltaPointe Health Systems, Inc.
17) Altria Client Services LLC and its Affiliates
19) American Family Life Assurance Company (AFLAC)
20) American Petroleum Institute
21) APM Terminals
22) Aronov Realty Management, Inc.
23) Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Alabama
24) BMG Money, Inc.
26) Bragg Farms
28) Broad Metro LLC
29) CHSPSC, LLC
31) City of Gadsden
33) Company-South Central, LLC & its Affiliates DBA Enterprise Mobility Everdriven Technologies LLC
35) Copart Inc.
37) CVS Health and Affiliated Entities
40) East Alabama Medical Center
42) FFFEnterprises, Inc. Fortinet
43) Medical Association of the State of Alabama Menawa Group LLC
44) Navigate Affordable Housing Partners Nucor Corporation
45) Outdoor Advertising Association of Alabama Ozark Striping Company
46) Regions Financial Corporation
47) Retirement Systems of Alabama
48) Sabic Innovative Plastics US LLC
49) Southeast Land Title Association d/b/a Alabama Land Title Association
50) Southeast Oil & Gas Association, The
52) Talladega Superspeedway, LLC
53) The Health Care Authority for Baptist Health, an affiliate of UAB Health System
54) The Water Works Board of the City of Birmingham
BOB GEDDIE grew up in Elmore County and attended public schools in Robinson Springs and Wetumpka. After graduating from Marion Military Institute (A.A.) and Auburn University (BA), he joined the Washington staff of the late U.S. Senator John Sparkman as Sparksman's legislative assistant. He later coordinated Sparkman's Alabama offices. Geddie served for four years as Legislative Liaison and as Executive Assistant to Governor Fob James. He was the Governor's representative to the National Governor's Association, Interstate Mining Compact and the Tennessee-Tombigbee Commission. Prior to forming Fine Geddie & Associates in 1985, he was Director of State Governmental Affairs for Alabama Power Company.
334-240-7400
2 N. Jackson Street, Suite 300, Montgomery, AL, 36104,
20+ years
A founding partner of our Alabama office, Carol Brown has spent more than 25 years lobbying and working within her home state's ever-changing business and health care arenas. Before joining The Southern Group, Carol served as Vice President of Governmental Affairs and Manager of Federal Affairs for the Business Council of Alabama, the state's largest and most diverse business trade organization.Carol has worked on both sides of the political aisle, assisting Republican and Democratic candidates with their re-election bids and developing key relationships throughout the halls of government. A 1985 Auburn University graduate, Carol began her career in journalism covering politics and health care issues for the state's capital city newspaper, The Montgomery Advertiser.Since joining Southern Strategy Group, Carol continues representing clients throughout the business spectrum, including the energy, insurance, and pharmaceutical industries, as well as health care providers, telecommunications, and disaster recovery arenas. Carol has excellent working relationships with both the legislative and executive branches of government as well as strong relationships throughout Alabama's business and trade association communities. Carol's contacts include many of Alabama's regulatory agencies, such as the Insurance Department, Public Health, Medicaid, the State Health Planning and Development Agency, Industrial Relations, Homeland Security, and the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs.
She has most recently played a key role in working toward broadband accessibility for all Alabamians, a policy initiative that helped garner $100 million in CARES Act Funding for low-income students.
334-240-6900
2 N. Jackson Street, Suite 300, Montgomery, AL, 36104,
Subjects: All Subjects, Agencies/Regulations, Alcohol, Appropriations/Budgets, Business/Commerce, City/County Government, Energy/Utilities, Finance/Banking, Health Care, Housing/Real Estate/Development/Construction, Insurance, Manufacturing, Pharmaceuticals, Planning/Land Use/Zoning, Privacy/Internet, Taxes, Telecommunications
20+ years
Logan Gray has a unique background for a lobbyist/governmental consultant. For over 35 years, Logan was employed by SouthTrust Corporation, Alabama's largest bank holding company. During that time, Logan served in various capacities including President/C.E.O. for the Lee County/Macon County market for 13 years and the head of Governmental Affairs from 1990 to 2005. These assignments allowed Logan to fully appreciate what state government can do for and can do to a company.
From 1990 until 2005, Logan also served on the City of Auburn's (City) City Council. In that position, Logan was an effective member of a forward looking team of elected and appointed official who moved the City forward economically, educationally, and financially without losing the City's charm and character.
Logan's first run for office ended in a tie vote. This unusual experience engrained in Logan the importance of each vote during an election.
In 2005, Logan retired from SouthTrust and moved to Montgomery to form Southern Strategy Group's Alabama office. Since that time, the office has successfully served its clients at the legislative, regulatory, and local levels of Alabama government. Legislatively, Logan has passed several bills for clients and has been very instrumental in defeating legislation that would be harmful to them. In the regulatory arena, Logan has successfully represented clients before the Departments of Revenue, Banking, Insurance, Environmental Management, Conservation and Natural Resources, the Governor's Finance Department, and Accountancy. Logan has also opened the doors for clients dealing with various city and county governments, making sure that they were in front of the right person who could make or influence a favorable decision.
205-250-5082
RSA Plaza Building, Suite 150, 770 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, AL, 36104,
Subjects: Agencies/Regulations, Alcohol, Appropriations/Budgets, Business/Commerce, Cannabis/Drug Legalization, City/County Government, Corrections/Criminal Justice, Education, Energy/Utilities, Environment/Recycling, Finance/Banking, Food/Restaurants, Gaming, Health Care, Housing/Real Estate/Development/Construction, Insurance, Manufacturing, Medicare/Medicaid, Non-Profit, Pharmaceuticals, Public Safety, Public Sector, RFP/Procurement, Science/Technology, Taxes, Telecommunications, Tobacco, Tourism/Hospitality, Transportation/Vehicles
The Adams and Reese LLP Government Relations Team is a premier lobbying group in Alabama. Our team includes former members of the executive and legislative branches of government with over 80 years of combined experience working inside and outside of state and local government. We achieve success for our clients as a result of strong personal relationships that we maintain with government officials and leaders. Just as importantly, we know the processes and procedures of the executive and legislative branches inside and out.
We serve a diverse client base with interests ranging from healthcare, education, municipalities, non-profits, associations, manufacturing, defense, infrastructure, alcohol and hospitality.
3) Association of Health Information Outsourcing Services
4) AT&T Alabama
5) Austal USA
11) CGL Companies
12) City of Daphne
13) City of Foley
14) City of Mobile
15) City of Wetumpka
16) Coastal 150
17) Conecuh Ridge Distillers, LLC
20) Energy Institute of Alabama
21) Escambia County Alabama Community Hospitals, Inc.
23) Google LLC and its Affiliates
24) Humana, Inc.
26) Magic Moments
27) National Railroad Passenger Corporation
30) Southeast Cannabis Company LLC
32) Toyota Motor North America, Inc.
33) Troy University
15-20 years
Mark Gaines Named to Alabama Today's 32 Powerful and Influential Alabamians to Know
"Mark Gaines has been around for decades, bringing a wealth of knowledge, decades-long relationships, and a positive attitude to the political arena in Alabama."
Southern Political Report - The South's Top Government Affairs Firms
"The law firm of Adams and Reese placed #1 in the states of Alabama, Louisiana and Tennessee and also ranked in the top five in Mississippi and South Carolina.
Adams and Reese has a long-standing reputation as one of the region's most prominent Government Relations firms now with 16 offices in 15 markets across the Southern United States and Washington, D.C."
Mark Gaines lobbies at the local, state and federal level - in Alabama and Washington, D.C. - advising corporate clients on regulatory, legislative and economic development matters. His clients include companies in the telecommunications, road and bridge construction, infrastructure, financial, pharmaceutical, health care, alcohol, and defense industries as well as municipal governments and educational institutions. Having spent 15 years in state government and more than a decade providing government relations services, Mark has developed long-term personal and professional relationships with important decision makers at every level of government. He is skilled at building political coalitions to achieve client objectives.
Prior to joining Adams and Reese, Mark served as Probate Judge for Jefferson County and was elected to four terms in the Alabama House of Representatives. During his time in the legislature, he served on various legislative committees and commissions and served as the Republican Leader of the House and Chair of the House Republican Caucus. Mark has managed, consulted or counseled dozens of political campaigns, grassroots efforts and ballot initiatives, including races for Governor, U.S. Senate, judicial offices, and state legislative seats.
Prior to joining the firm, Mark was in private law practice concentrating in the areas of real estate, probate, wills, trusts and business entities. He tried many jury and non-jury cases to verdict in courts throughout Alabama.
Professional Affiliations & Memberships:
Alabama House of Representatives, Member, 1990-2005
Jefferson County Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee, Vice Chair, 2004-2005
Jefferson County Coroner and Medical Examiner's Board, Member, 1998-2005
National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws, Commissioner, 1994-2005
Probate Judge of Jefferson County, 2005-2007
334-244-8948
401 Adams Avenue, Suite 710, Montgomery, AL, 36104,
Subjects: All Subjects
Links:Website
ACCESS. ACCOUNTABILITY. INTEGRITY. In the midst of an always-challenging political landscape, a growing number of Alabama business, industrial and municipal clients rely on The Bloom Group to represent their interests in vital dealings with the state's legislative and regulatory communities. Unlike other lobbying firms that come and go, for 30 years, The Bloom Group has been a fixture in Alabama politics. Through our proven track record of success in resolving legislative issues and effectively communicating client needs and positions, we have earned a reputation as one of Alabama's premier governmental relations consultants. Our Mission | Governmental Relations That WorksFor every client and in every situation, The Bloom Group operates in pursuit of these goals: To consistently deliver to each of our clients the highest level of governmental relations services tailored to the client's specific individual needs and based on a firm understanding of their business. To develop and value a personal and professional relationship "based upon mutual trust and respect with clients", legislators, members of the executive branch and others with whom we deal. To always conduct our governmental relations affairs in an ethical and honest manner.
1) 3M Company and Its Affiliates
5) Alabama Association of Conservation Districts
6) Alabama Beverage Licensees Association
7) Alabama League of Municipalities
8) American Council of Engineering Companies of Alabama (ACEC/Alabama)*
11) Capri Theatre
12) City of Wetumpka
13) Coosa Valley Medical Center
14) D. Curt Lee
17) Education Testing Service (ETS)
18) GoodRX
19) Gulf Governmental Partners
21) Jefferson County Department of Health
22) Koch Government Affairs, LLC and Affiliates
25) QuantHub LLC
26) School Superintendents of Alabama (SSA)
27) Seraaj Family Homes, Inc., The
28) Thornton Farrish Incorporated
29) TrueCare
30) Trulieve AL, Inc
6-10 years
Professional & Community Affiliations/Honors
Legislator of the Year, American Cancer Society
State Volunteer of the Year, American Cancer Society
Recipient of the prestigious Wes Nowlin Award, American Cancer Society highest award is given to a volunteer in the state of Alabama
Public Servant of the Year, Alabama Kidney Association
Member, Manufacture Alabama Governmental Affairs Committee
THE ADVOCACY GROUP
(50 states, Federal and DC, )703-597-4276
1201 Wilson Blvd., 27th Floor, Arlington, VA, 22209,
Subjects: All Subjects
TAG is a one-stop, results-oriented network for clients with needs in a single state or multiple jurisdictions. The TAG network consists of one top firm per jurisdiction or specialty. Collectively we are 60+ firms including lobbyists across the US, public affairs specialists in various countries (Australia, Canada, Mexico, Russia, CIS, Central Asia, Central & Eastern Europe, Turkey, Israel, United Kingdom and the European Union) and specialty services (50-state legislative and regulatory tracking, grassroots, jury selection, market entry strategy and social enterprise business development).
Each TAG member offers its clients a tailored strategy that will provide them with a solution. Our TAG members are an integrated team, both near and far throughout the world, yet offering insight within each location.
The TAG network consists of the top lobbying firms across the US, public affairs specialists in various countries and specialty services.
US Members:
50-States
DC Council
US Congress
International:
Profile Consulting (Aust) Pty Ltd (Australia)
Tactix (Canada)
Monarch Global Strategies (Mexico, Central & South America)
Kesarev (Russia, CIS, Central Asia, Central & Eastern Europe, Turkey & Israel)
Instinctif Partners (United Kingdom & the European Union)
Specialty members:
Five Corners Strategies (Grassroots Advocacy & Public Affairs)
FOCUS, a Leonine Business (50-State Legislative & Regulatory Tracking & Analysis)
Select Litigation (Jury Selection)
Bullpen, LLC (Market Entry Strategy)
The Virtuous Cycle Collaboratory (Social Enterprise Business Development)
Law Offices of Mitchell D. Gravo, Inc. (Specialty Member)
ACCESS. ACCOUNTABILITY. INTEGRITY.
In the midst of an always-challenging political landscape, a growing number of Alabama business, industrial and municipal clients rely on The Bloom Group to represent their interests in vital dealings with the state's legislative and regulatory communities.
Unlike other lobbying firms that come and go, for 30 years, The Bloom Group has been a fixture in Alabama politics. Through our proven track record of success in resolving legislative issues and effectively communicating client needs and positions, we have earned a reputation as one of Alabama's premier governmental relations consultants.
Our Mission | Governmental Relations That Works
For every client and in every situation, The Bloom Group operates in pursuit of these goals:
To consistently deliver to each of our clients the highest level of governmental relations services tailored to the client's specific individual needs and based on a firm understanding of their business.
To develop and value a personal and professional relationship "based upon mutual trust and respect with clients", legislators, members of the executive branch and others with whom we deal.
To always conduct our governmental relations affairs in an ethical and honest manner.
1) 3M Company and Its Affiliates
5) Alabama Association of Conservation Districts
6) Alabama Beverage Licensees Association
7) Alabama League of Municipalities
8) American Council of Engineering Companies of Alabama (ACEC/Alabama)*
11) Capri Theatre
12) City of Wetumpka
13) Coosa Valley Medical Center
14) D. Curt Lee
17) Education Testing Service (ETS)
18) GoodRX
19) Gulf Governmental Partners
21) Jefferson County Department of Health
22) Koch Government Affairs, LLC and Affiliates
25) QuantHub LLC
26) School Superintendents of Alabama (SSA)
27) Seraaj Family Homes, Inc., The
28) Thornton Farrish Incorporated
29) TrueCare
30) Trulieve AL, Inc
John W. Floyd offers our clients a wealth of hands-on experience gained in more than 20 years of work in local and state government, including an extensive background in community relations. He previously served as Talladega County Juvenile Court Administrator and as Director of Regional and Community Services and Legislative Liaison for the Alabama Department of Youth Services. He also served as Executive Vice President of the Sylacauga Chamber of Commerce; as Secretary/Treasurer of the Sylacauga Industrial Development Board; as Council President; and later, as Mayor of the City of Sylacauga. He currently serves as Board Chairman of the Coosa Valley Baptist Medical Center.
Key Areas of Expertise
Local and state government management
Human services expertise
Knowledge of the legislative process
Economic development experience
Organizational management
Community and governmental relations
Grant writing experience
Key Issue Areas
Community relations
Government relations
Health care
Legislative affairs
Local government planning, evaluation and financing
State government planning, evaluation and financing
Economic development programs and evaluation
Existing business and industry
State, federal and foundation grants
Industrial development financing
Commercial development
Professional & Community Affiliations
Member, The Alabama Hospital Association
Member, The Independent Automobile Dealers Association of Alabama
Former governor's appointee to the Alabama Department of Youth Services Board
Former governor's appointee to the Region Four Law Enforcement Planning Agency Board
Former member of the Alabama League of Municipalities Utilities, Commerce and Transportation Committee
Former member of the Citizens Advisory Council for the Alabama Department of Human Resources
Education
B.S., Business and Economics, University of West Alabama
Certified Public Manager Program, Auburn University at Montgomery
334-264-0598
445 Dexter Avenue, Suite 4025, Montgomery, AL, 36104,
Subjects: All Subjects
Links:Website
Christie Strategy Group believes that each client deserves personal and prompt attention. We offer you professional experience that is reflected in our relationships and in our reputation with members of the Alabama body politic on the state, federal and local levels. Together, we make your interests a part of Alabama's future.
6-10 years
The daughter of a Baptist music minister and preschool teacher, Maeci Walker grew up in Alabama and graduated from Hewitt-Trussville High School. She went on to Samford University and graduated with a degree in communication studies and then received her master's degree in advertising and public relations from the nationally ranked program at The University of Alabama.
She currently serves as Vice President of Christie Strategy Group. She began as Manager of Public Affairs in 2011 and was named Vice President in 2019. Maeci also serves as Treasurer of the CSG Political Action Committee (PAC), handling all ethics reporting and fundraising, and Executive Director of the Alabama Railway Association.
Maeci serves on the Board of Directors of Gateway, Birmingham's oldest nonprofit, the Service Guild of Birmingham, the Committee for the Future with Children's of Alabama, and volunteers with The Women's Fund of Greater Birmingham. She also serves on the Women's Ministry Leadership Team at Shades Mountain Baptist Church.
Maeci and her husband, R.B. Walker, live in Birmingham with their son, Bo, and two Frenchtons, Zelda and Ruby.
ACCESS. ACCOUNTABILITY. INTEGRITY.
In the midst of an always-challenging political landscape, a growing number of Alabama business, industrial and municipal clients rely on The Bloom Group to represent their interests in vital dealings with the state's legislative and regulatory communities.
Unlike other lobbying firms that come and go, for 30 years, The Bloom Group has been a fixture in Alabama politics. Through our proven track record of success in resolving legislative issues and effectively communicating client needs and positions, we have earned a reputation as one of Alabama's premier governmental relations consultants.
Our Mission | Governmental Relations That Works
For every client and in every situation, The Bloom Group operates in pursuit of these goals:
To consistently deliver to each of our clients the highest level of governmental relations services tailored to the client's specific individual needs and based on a firm understanding of their business.
To develop and value a personal and professional relationship "based upon mutual trust and respect with clients", legislators, members of the executive branch and others with whom we deal.
To always conduct our governmental relations affairs in an ethical and honest manner.
James brings more than 35 years of juvenile justice experience and professional accomplishments to The Bloom Group, and he puts his detailed knowledge of interactions between government and the private sector to work for our clients. He was the CEO of the Alabama Department of Youth Services, and has worked as a consultant on criminal justice and business matters and as management professor at the University of Alabama graduate school.
Key Areas of Expertise
Organizational management
Governmental affairs
Health and human services
Criminal justice
Court testimony and legal proceedings
Education
Public utilities
Community relations
Key Issue Areas
State and federal funding
Licensure and regulation
Facilities planning
Health, mental health and services for youth and adolescents
Legislative affairs
Economic and business development
Professional & Community Affiliations
Advisory Board - Baptist Hospital, Montgomery
Governor's Juvenile Justice Advisory Board
Montgomery Rotary Club
Board of Directors of the Southeast YMCA
Alabama Health Insurance Plan Board
Board of Directors of the American Red Cross of Central Alabama
Senior Consultant with the American Corrections Association
Council of Juvenile Corrections Administrators
Past Vice Chair of the National Commission on Accreditation in Corrections
Past Chair of the Alabama Board of Social Work Examiners
Past President of the Alabama Conference on Social Work
Past Chair of the Alabama Conference AME Church Credit Union
Past member of the Montgomery Family Guidance Center Board
Past member of the Montgomery Group Homes for Children Board
Past member of the American Association of State Social Work Boards
Education
M.S.W., University of Alabama
B.S., Miles College
334-244-8948
401 Adams Avenue, Suite 710, Montgomery, AL, 36104,
Subjects: All Subjects
Links:Website
ACCESS. ACCOUNTABILITY. INTEGRITY.
In the midst of an always-challenging political landscape, a growing number of Alabama business, industrial and municipal clients rely on The Bloom Group to represent their interests in vital dealings with the state's legislative and regulatory communities.
Unlike other lobbying firms that come and go, for 30 years, The Bloom Group has been a fixture in Alabama politics. Through our proven track record of success in resolving legislative issues and effectively communicating client needs and positions, we have earned a reputation as one of Alabama's premier governmental relations consultants.
Our Mission | Governmental Relations That Works
For every client and in every situation, The Bloom Group operates in pursuit of these goals:
To consistently deliver to each of our clients the highest level of governmental relations services tailored to the client's specific individual needs and based on a firm understanding of their business.
To develop and value a personal and professional relationship "based upon mutual trust and respect with clients", legislators, members of the executive branch and others with whom we deal.
To always conduct our governmental relations affairs in an ethical and honest manner.
1) 3M Company and Its Affiliates
5) Alabama Association of Conservation Districts
6) Alabama Beverage Licensees Association
7) Alabama League of Municipalities
8) American Council of Engineering Companies of Alabama (ACEC/Alabama)*
11) Capri Theatre
12) City of Wetumpka
13) Coosa Valley Medical Center
14) D. Curt Lee
17) Education Testing Service (ETS)
18) GoodRX
19) Gulf Governmental Partners
21) Jefferson County Department of Health
22) Koch Government Affairs, LLC and Affiliates
25) QuantHub LLC
26) School Superintendents of Alabama (SSA)
27) Seraaj Family Homes, Inc., The
28) Thornton Farrish Incorporated
29) TrueCare
30) Trulieve AL, Inc
20+ years
As the founding principal of The Bloom Group, Hal Bloom brings our clients more than 25 years of experience in politics, with an in-depth understanding of the legislative process as well as the inner workings of state agencies. His leadership and the qualified team he's assembled ensure that clients always get professional services that yield real results. A seasoned and respected veteran in his field, Hal was chosen as one of the top lobbyists by The Montgomery Advertiser (1999).
Key Areas of Expertise
Insider knowledge of the legislative process
Political coalition building
Public and governmental finance
Strategizing for and managing political campaigns
Key Professional Experience
Key legislative strategist, executive assistant and chief of staff to a two-term Speaker of the House
Senior governmental affairs officer, public finance officer and investment banker supervisor for major statewide bank
Investment banker for top Southeast investment firm
Key Issue Areas
Environmental, particularly solid waste disposal and clean water
Municipal bond issues
Government funding
Banking, investments and finance
Commercial leasing
Industrial relations and labor
Prevailing wage
State budget and taxation - business and municipal
Federal grants
Professional & Community Affiliations/Honors
Member, Alabama Alliance of Business and Industry
Legislative Liaison, League of Municipalities Committee on State and Federal Legislation
Chairman of Advisory Board, Baptist Medical Center-East
Former Board Member, Alabama Industry and Manufacturers Association
Former Board Member, Alabama-Guatemala Partners of the Americas
Consultant, State Tax Reform Study Commission
Who's Who in the South and Southwest
Who's Who in Executives and Professionals
Strathmore's Who's Who
Paul Harris Fellow, Rotary International
Past President, Montgomery Rotary Club
Member, President's Cabinet, The University of Alabama
Member, Board of Visitors, The University of Alabama Honors College
Chairman, Board of Directors, The University of West Alabama Foundation
Alumni Achievement Award, University of West Alabama
Member, The Society of the Golden Key, University of West Alabama
Member, Board of Trustees, University of West Alabama
Education
B.S., Business and Commerce, University of West Alabama
Registered Representative, NASD/New York Stock Exchange
Graduate, Chamber of Commerce Executive Institute, University of Georgia
I have been in government relations for 25 years. I am a partner in a multi-client firm with a broad spectrum of clients in every major sector. Prior to joining Fine Geddie I worked in the Finance Department of both Republican and Democrat governors, where I oversaw procurement, information technology and fiscal/financial legislation. I have worked in the financial services sector in government relations and for the state' largest business association. I have successfully managed a wide array of legislative, regulatory, economic development, and procurement issues in state and local government.
Fine Geddie was established in 1984 as the first contract lobbying firm in the State of Alabama. We are an ethnically, age, gender and disciplinarily diverse firm. We are bipartisan. Our six partners have over 200 years of combined experience in government relations. Fine Geddie has been integrally involved in most every significant legislative issue in Alabama the last 36 years. Our growth has been fueled by consistent results and successful outcomes. The most prominent businesses with a presence in Alabama rely on Fine Geddie as their most trusted advisors for navigating government relations.
1) 50 to 1, LLC on behalf of Dell Technologies
2) 68 Ventures
3) Advantage Capital Partners, LLC
4) Alabama Community College System
5) Alabama High School Athletic Association
6) Alabama Interactive, LLC DBA NIC Alabama
7) Alabama Manufactured Housing Association
8) Alabama Nursing Home Association
10) Alabama Road Builders Association
11) Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants
12) Alabama State Port Authority
13) Alabama Trucking Association
14) Alabama Water Utilities, INC
15) Alfa Insurance Group and Affiliates
16) AltaPointe Health Systems, Inc.
17) Altria Client Services LLC and its Affiliates
19) American Family Life Assurance Company (AFLAC)
20) American Petroleum Institute
21) APM Terminals
22) Aronov Realty Management, Inc.
23) Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Alabama
24) BMG Money, Inc.
26) Bragg Farms
28) Broad Metro LLC
29) CHSPSC, LLC
31) City of Gadsden
33) Company-South Central, LLC & its Affiliates DBA Enterprise Mobility Everdriven Technologies LLC
35) Copart Inc.
37) CVS Health and Affiliated Entities
40) East Alabama Medical Center
42) FFFEnterprises, Inc. Fortinet
43) Medical Association of the State of Alabama Menawa Group LLC
44) Navigate Affordable Housing Partners Nucor Corporation
45) Outdoor Advertising Association of Alabama Ozark Striping Company
46) Regions Financial Corporation
47) Retirement Systems of Alabama
48) Sabic Innovative Plastics US LLC
49) Southeast Land Title Association d/b/a Alabama Land Title Association
50) Southeast Oil & Gas Association, The
52) Talladega Superspeedway, LLC
53) The Health Care Authority for Baptist Health, an affiliate of UAB Health System
54) The Water Works Board of the City of Birmingham
20+ years
We are available to discuss past achievements in many areas of government relations.
We work across branches and across all agencies of state government.
Ben Patterson grew up in Florence, Alabama. He is a graduate of the University of Alabama and earned his Ph.D. from the University of Alabama where he taught seminars in State and Local Government and American Politics until 1996.
Prior to joining Fine Geddie in 2004 he served as the Deputy Finance Director for the State of Alabama under two governors and helped guide both administrations' legislative efforts on fiscal issues. He also held the position of Chief Information Officer, overseeing the state's technology acquisitions in the late 1990s. During his tenures in state government, he gained a thorough understanding of government operations, procurement, information technology, state budgets and controls, and the complexities of Alabama's tax structure.
Ben Patterson also served as the Director of Government Relations for the Alabama Bankers Association from 2000 until 2003 where he was the principal advocate for the state banking industry. He began his lobbying career as a Manager of Legislative Affairs for the Business Council of Alabama in 1996.
Matthew McDonald is a partner in the Litigation and Government Relations practice groups. He advises publicly held clients in civil litigation and government affairs.
Matt's practice focuses on a wide variety of complex civil litigation, including defense of consumer class action lawsuits, high-stakes tort and commercial litigation, and municipal liability. Matt is also frequently retained to handle post-judgment motion practice and appeals involving adverse or large judgments.
For more than 30 years, Matt has served as general counsel of Alabama's statewide tort reform effort, the Alabama Civil Justice Reform Committee, which is made up of premiere business associations and corporate interests in the state.
Matt also represents businesses, public officials and governmental entities with regard to ethics and campaign finance compliance issues.
