(919) 573-7433
4141 Parklake Avenue, Suite 200, Raleigh, NC, 27612,
Subjects: All Subjects
Links:Website
(919) 921-8123
150 Fayetteville Street, Suite 1130, Raleigh, NC, 27601,
Subjects: All Subjects
Links:Website
Ross Barnhardt's years of experience allow him to offer clients a superior understanding of State Government and help them navigate legislative and executive agency solutions to their particular goals. After graduating from North Carolina State University with a degree in political science, Ross spent several years working in the North Carolina Senate. Working for a Senior Appropriations Chairman, Ross has assisted businesses both big and small to secure State funding and desired legislative outcomes. Ross was a lead staffer in Senate leadership for the State Budget process, regulatory reform, economic development, tort reform, and agriculture policy.
Ross has helped clients meet their goals through lobbying for legislative action at the General Assembly, building legislative strategies and coalitions, and interacting with executive agencies. He has the skills and relationships to present his clients, their needs, and their messaging in front of the correct decision makers. Ross has represented clients involved in the areas of economic development, healthcare, technology, engineering, transportation, education, public safety, finance, local government, entertainment, agriculture, food and beverage, and broad industry associations.
When Ross is not at the legislature, he enjoys saltwater fishing, weight lifting, and home improvement projects.
(919) 821-6680
Post Office Box 2611, Raleigh, NC, 27602,
Smith Anderson is the largest business and litigation law firm headquartered in the Research Triangle region of North Carolina. They are passionate about advising regional, national and global companies and providing them unparalleled client service. It's that client focus which has helped them proudly earn recognition from leading legal publications, including our recognition as a "Client Service A-Team" firm by BTI Consulting Group. They are an unmatched combination of legal and business innovators with a culture and heritage that has been shaped for more than 100 years.
Firm Specialties:
The scope of the Government Relations practice includes virtually any matter involving private interests and government. Smith Anderson's Government Relations professionals specialize in advising clients on how to most effectively communicate with elected officials and others who make public policy decisions. Dave has extensive experience consulting successful political campaigns on media strategy, press relations and election law compliance issues.
1) American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
2) American International Group, Inc.
3) Ecolab, Inc.
4) FMR LLC
7) Kerr-Tar Regional Economic Development Corporation
12) Motorola Solutions, Inc. by MultiState Associates Inc.
13) Nationwide Insurance & Affiliates
14) North Carolina Association of CPAs
15) North Carolina Association of Independent Schools
16) North Carolina Economic Development Association
17) North Carolina Financial Services Association
18) North Carolina Medical Society
19) North Carolina Travel and Tourism Coalition
20) Putterboy, Ltd.
20+ years
The Best Lawyers in America, Administrative/Regulatory Law, Government Regulations Practice (2007-2019)
Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rated
Methodist University- Economics and Business Alumni Award (2003)
B. DAVIS HORNE, JR. manages the Government Relations practice at Smith Anderson and leads a team of professionals in the firm's Corporate Relocation and Expansion practice. Dave has spent nearly 30 years representing private interests - including many non-profit associations, medical groups and businesses - before the North Carolina General Assembly and other state and federal government entities. He has been rated in the top twenty of more than 700 lobbyists registered in the State by an independent survey of his peers, the press, and legislators conducted by the North Carolina Center for Public Policy Research Inc for more than a decade.
Dave also advises clients expanding in or relocating to North Carolina about state and local economic development incentives. He has represented clients in many of the state's largest economic development projects.
After receiving his BA with honors from Methodist University, Dave spent several years in business, returning to law school and receiving a J.D. from Campbell University with distinction. His law practice experience includes serving as Associate General Counsel and State Legislative Director for the North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation and its affiliated entities, which include the largest domestic property and casualty insurer in North Carolina. He also served as Director of Government Affairs for the North Carolina Bar Association for five years.
2) Cash Titan
4) Dealer Services Network, LLC
5) Eviden
7) Foundation for the Carolinas
10) KC NC 1, LLC
13) NC Alliance for Public Charter Schools
14) North Carolina Sports Legacy Foundation
15) North Carolina Troopers Association
16) Public Consulting Group LLC by Multistate Associates LLC
18) simplySOLV
22) Town of Troutman
23) Vapor Technology Association
24) Windstream Services, LLC on behalf of its operating companies in NC
2021 NC Top 25 Lobbyist
2019 NCED Leadership Award
Kevin Wilkinson joined The Southern Group in 2024, expanding the firm's footprint in Raleigh, North Carolina. He brings extensive legislative and executive experience from roles in both the public and private sectors.
As a proud North Carolinian, Kevin's professional path has been largely dedicated to molding and promoting key policies at local, state, and national levels. From 2016 to 2019, he held leadership roles in North Carolina's public education sector. First, as the Chief of Staff and Legislative Director to the N.C. State Superintendent at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, then later as the Executive Director of External Affairs at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke. In these roles, Kevin helped design and gather support for the organization's policy priorities and initiatives.
Before that, Kevin served as a Policy Advisor to Senator Robert Bryan. He led and implemented several education reforms and staffed various committees such as Appropriations, Education, Judiciary, Pension, and Retirement. Kevin also worked on Capitol Hill as a staff member for U.S. Representative Robert Pittenger, supporting and advocating for the needs of constituents across his district.
Most recently, Kevin took his experience in North Carolina's government to the private sector, serving as SVP of Government Affairs at EQV Strategic. In that capacity, Kevin worked directly with policymakers on the state and federal levels to advocate for his clients. His range of policy areas includes education, economic and business development, technology, transportation, telecommunications, healthcare, gaming, sports, and local government.
Outside his day-to-day work, Kevin uses his expertise to give back to his community as Vice Chair of the Board of Visitors for Appalachian State University.
Kevin has received numerous awards and recognition for his work, including being named one of the top lobbyists in North Carolina by the North State Journal since 2020 and receiving the North Carolina Education Leadership Award in 2018.
Kevin studied political science and economics at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and earned an M.B.A. from Liberty University. He resides in Raleigh with his wife Megan and their daughter Margot.
I love what I do as a lobbyist. I enjoy North Carolina politics and the ever-changing political climate. I enjoy my interaction and relationships with legislators and staff. I enjoy working with my clients to bring their goals to reality. But most of all, at the end of a very long day, I enjoy being able to look back and see how I have worked with people on both sides of the aisle to make North Carolina a better place to do business and a better place to live.
11-15 years
Politics and Bone and Associates have been a part of life for as long as I can remember. They are in my blood. My father, a former 2-term legislator and top ranked lobbyist, opened Bone and Associates in 1987. Growing up I served as a House Page and later on the Sergeant-at-Arms staff in the NC General Assembly. I also worked for Bone and Associates off and on during my later college years and after college. Finally, after spending 12 years as an analytical chemist and laboratory auditor for the State of NC, I became a lobbyist with Bone and Associates in 2004. When my father died in 2009 I bought Bone and Associates and the business became Bone and Associates, LLC.
Today, Bone and Associates, LLC represents a wide variety of business interests and associations. While I had one of the best teachers that a lobbyist could have, I have also made my own mark on the lobbying community. In September 2010, I was ranked as the 8th most influential lobbyist in the State of North Carolina by the North Carolina Center for Public Policy Research. These rankings were compiled from legislators, media and fellow lobbyists.
I am a 1991 graduate of North Carolina State University with a major in Chemistry and a minor in Environmental Science. For 2 years I worked at Compu-Chem, a commercial environmental lab in the Research Triangle Park before going to work for the State of North Carolina's Department of Environment & Natural Resources. I spent 12 years traveling and certifying labs across the United States. This in-depth regulatory experience gave me an appreciation for the regulated community as well as the regulations themselves.
(770) 713-0245
4020 Westchase Blvd, Suite 390, Raleigh, NC, 27607,
Subjects: All Subjects, Agencies/Regulations, Alcohol, Animals/Agriculture, Appropriations/Budgets, Ballot Measures/Campaign Finance/Elections, Business/Commerce, Cannabis/Drug Legalization, Children/Family/Women, City/County Government, Civil Rights, Consumer Protection, Corrections/Criminal Justice, Criminal, Education, Energy/Utilities, Environment/Recycling, Finance/Banking, Food/Restaurants, Gaming, Health Care, Housing/Real Estate/Development/Construction, Immigration, Insurance, Manufacturing, Media/Entertainment, Medicare/Medicaid, Non-Profit, Pharmaceuticals, Planning/Land Use/Zoning, Privacy/Internet, Professional/Vocational Licensing, Public Safety, Public Sector, Retail, RFP/Procurement, Science/Technology, Taxes, Telecommunications, Tobacco, Tourism/Hospitality, Transportation/Vehicles
Kairos: a Greek term meaning "the perfect time, an opportune or propitious moment for decisive action, the moment of truth." This articulates the nuanced practices that underlie a successful government affairs campaign and represents the thoughtfulness with which Kairos Government Affairs works for its clients.
2) American Clean Power Association
3) Array Community Development Corporation
5) Ceres, Inc.
11-15 years
Betsy McCorkle has served the clients of Kairos Government Affairs since 2015. Beyond expertise in lobbying, she provides a unique understanding of the policy process with extensive experience navigating complex issues and diverse stakeholders.Before joining the firm, Betsy directed the government affairs work for the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association, a non-profit membership organization, where she gained extensive experience in leading diverse coalitions of businesses and other non-profits toward legislative goals. Betsy also has experience in workforce development, economic development, agricultural policy, and has been responsible for policy analysis and communications for political campaigns across the southeastern United States.Betsy received a Master Degree in Environmental Management from Duke University, and she holds a Bachelor Degree in Environmental Economics from the University of Georgia (UGA),
where she graduated magna cum laude.
Betsy was recognized in 2020 for a 40 Under 40 Award by the Triangle Business Journal. Betsy was a 2013 Recipient of the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Young Alumni Achievement Award and the 2012 Recipient of the J.W. Fanning Distinguished Young Professional Award. Betsy and her husband, Ben, live in Apex with their daughter.
919-961-7042
1416 Granada Drive, Raleigh, NC, 27612,
Subjects: All Subjects, Agencies/Regulations, Alcohol, Appropriations/Budgets, Business/Commerce, Cannabis/Drug Legalization, City/County Government, Education, Finance/Banking, Gaming, Health Care, Labor/Unions, Manufacturing, Media/Entertainment, Non-Profit, Public Safety, RFP/Procurement, Science/Technology, Taxes, Transportation/Vehicles
Links:Twitter
Goal-oriented, highly-ranked government relations professional with 22 years experience at the North Carolina General Assembly, including 16 years lobbying.Specialties: State government appropriations and budget development. North Carolina state tax law, including sales and use, corporate, personal income, franchise, excise, property, privilege license, motor fuels, and unauthorized substance taxes. State tax credits including mill rehabilitation, mill machinery, renewable energy and corporate tax credits and private letter rulings. Economic development and incentives packages. State government IT project development and execution. Emerging Technologies, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.
15-20 years
Former Assistant Secretary of Revenue for Tax Administration for the NC Department of Revenue where I was responsible for over 300 employees statewide and almost 12 million dollar budget.
Strong working and personal relationships with NC House and Senate leadership.
Strong working relationships with NC General Assembly staff.
Strong working and personal relationships with NC Department of Revenue and NC Department of Information Technology staff
North Carolina native with a B.A. in political science from NC State University.
Ranked one of the 50 most effective lobbyists in North Carolina by the NC Center for Public Policy Research.
Eagle Scout.
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)
(919) 836-4006
501 Fayetteville St., 5th Floor, Raleigh, NC, 27601,
Subjects: All Subjects
Links:Twitter
15 years experience in North Carolina, representing a wide array of association and business client base with background from the NC Chamber. Expertise in technology, transportation and association management industries.
1) ACT, Inc.
2) Airbnb, Inc.
3) American Society of Interior Designers
6) Emerald School of Excellence
9) International Aerospace Coatings Limited
10) Koch Companies Public Sector, LLC and Affiliates
6-10 years
Strong working relationship on a bipartisan basis, focusing on Transportation, Commerce and Finance Committees. Strong working relationship with Department of Transportation.
Kerri serves as a senior vice president in the State Government Relations group in the firm's Raleigh office. In addition to her government relations experience, she possesses extensive communcations and grassroots experience from her time with the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce.
Kerri was most recently communications director for the North Carolina Chamber. In that capacity she managed media relations, events marketing and electronic communications; oversaw development and management of the group's website; produced collateral materials; and assisted the vice president of Government Affairs with the Chamber's branding, communications and public relations efforts to support its advocacy mission and policy goals. Prior to joining the Chamber, Kerri worked as a registered lobbyist and legislative intern.
(919) 630-3375
116 North East St, Raleigh, NC, 27601,
Rob Lamme and Associates has decades of experience developing and executing government strategy for some of the largest companies and most influential policymakers in North Carolina. These services include policy strategy and day-to-day advocacy from seasoned lobbyists with a record of success as well as internal and external communications services for a variety of policymakers, private companies and organizations.
6-10 years
Rob Lamme served formerly as Communications Director and Budget Director for the North Carolina Senate as well as Government Relations Director for the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. He has both the "inside" skills and relationships as an experienced lobbyist and the "outside" skills as a communications strategist and manager to provide comprehensive consulting to any client.
919-821-6756
Post Office Box 2611, Raleigh, NC, 27602,
Dana Simpson co-chairs the Government Relations practice at Smith Anderson and regularly represents clients before the North Carolina General Assembly and with State agencies.
Dana advises clients regarding legislative and regulatory advocacy, public relations, issues management, economic development initiatives, ethics, and campaign finance law compliance. Dana has been consistently rated one of the most influential lobbyists in North Carolina by both the nonpartisan N.C. Center for Public Policy Research and The North State Journal.
Prior to law school, Dana served as Special Assistant for Communications and Policy to the Speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives.
Dana also has experience representing clients on rule-making and administrative law matters. He served as a member of the North Carolina Rules Review Commission from 2003-2006.
4) Bellsouth Telecommunications, LLC d/b/a AT&T North Carolina
6) Community Care of North Carolina, Inc.
8) DaVita, Inc.
10) Duke Energy Business Services LLC
11) First Flight Venture Center, Inc.
14) Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc., USA
15) Granville County
17) ID.me, Inc.
21) Massage Envy -- North Carolina Region Co-op
23) Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company
24) NC Museum of Art Foundation
25) North Carolina Biotechnology Center
26) North Carolina Dental Society
27) North Carolina Oncology Association
28) North Carolina Railroad Company
29) North Carolina Society of Anesthesiologists
30) North Carolina Travel and Tourism Coalition
32) Purdue Pharma LP
33) SCI North Carolina Funeral Services, Inc.
34) ServiceNow, Inc.
35) South Granville Water and Sewer Authority
36) VMware LLC and its Affiliates
37) Volvo Group North America, LLC
38) WakeMed Health and Hospitals
39) Wolfspeed, Inc.
20+ years
"North Carolina's Top Lobbyists" - North State Journal (2020)
Best Lawyers Government Relations Practice (2009-2022)
Business North Carolina Legal Elite
Triangle Business Journal "40 Under 40 Leadership Award (2012)
Dylan Reel is a Vice President in state government relations for McGuireWoods' Raleigh office. He assists clients with lobbying and advocacy before the North Carolina General Assembly and state agencies with a focus in healthcare, energy, transportation, and education.
Prior to joining McGuireWoods, Dylan was General Counsel to the North Carolina House Rules Chairman and Redistricting Chairman. In this role, Dylan oversaw the North Carolina House caucus legislative agenda, floor calendar, and bill movement. Further, as counsel for redistricting, Dylan provided legal advice and strategy for the North Carolina House throughout the redistricting processes and subsequent litigation.
2) Associations, Inc. (d.b.a. Associa)
5) Charter One
7) Delaware North Companies, Inc.
13) LKQ Corporation
14) National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing
15) North Carolina Association of Motor Vehicle Registration Contractors, Inc.
16) Professional Fire Fighters and Paramedics of North Carolina
17) Railway Association of North Carolina
18) Rowan County
20) Stericycle, Inc.
21) Stride, Inc.
22) Town of Biscoe
23) Town of Norwood
24) US Term Limits
919-573-7421
4141 Parklake Avenue, Suite 200, Raleigh, NC, 27612,
Subjects: All Subjects
Links:Website
I have lobbied for over 20+ years, before Republican and Democrat legislatures, Governors, and state officials. Lobbying is knowing the players, the rules, the process, where other groups stand on the issue, and the path to success. Being an attorney is a benefit since ultimately the lobbyist is advising clients on whether a legislative change solves the client's problem or creates one. The legislative process is unpredictable and it is beneficial to have someone knowledgeable about the process to help ensure a client's interests are promoted and protected.
1) American Council of Engineering Companies of NC
2) Amplio Learning Technologies
3) Background Investigation Bureau, LLC
4) Cangea LLC
5) Great Trails State Coalition c/o American Council of Engineering Companies of NC
6) HDR Engineering Inc. of the Carolinas
10) North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives Incorporated
11) North Carolina Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors
20+ years
2020-2021 - Recognized as one of North Carolina's top 25 lobbyists in a survey performed by the North State Journal
2017 - Leadership Raleigh - Class of 2017, Raleigh Chamber of Commerce
2009-2011 - North Carolina Super Lawyers "Rising Star"
1999 - Fellow - Washington D.C. Institute of Professional Leadership, Education Policy Fellowship Program
David's government relations experience includes a diverse group of clients and a wide range of issues, which has allowed him to appear in and monitor legislation in most of the standing legislative committees and interim study committees. He also represents clients in public RFP and procurement matters. David has handled state appropriations issues for clients, as well as tax and finance matters. In his over 20 years of lobbying, he has cultivated good relationships with legislators and other government officials across state government without regard for political affiliation. David also works hard to develop relationships with legislative and state agency staff, for staff often can help direct an issue through the process.
David Ferrell is a government affairs attorney and registered lobbyist with more than 20 years' experience in state, local and executive branch lobbying, grass roots campaigns, and regulatory compliance. His government relations experience includes a diverse group of clients and a wide range of issues, which has allowed him to appear in and monitor legislation in most of the standing legislative committees and interim study committees. David represents clients in public RFP and procurement matters. He has handled state appropriations issues for clients, as well as tax and finance matters.David represents energy, electric, water, and other utilities in various matters, including regulatory proceedings, right-of-way acquisition, eminent domain, and general liability matters. He assists local governments and utilities with various legal, regulatory and legislative matters. David also has experience negotiating with renewable energy and other similar companies on behalf of utility providers. He regularly represents clients before the North Carolina Utilities Commission and other regulatory agencies.David's administrative and regulatory practice focuses on representing businesses and individuals before professional licensing boards, state and local regulatory and permitting agencies, and other similar agencies. David also serves as general counsel to North Carolina business and trade associations, as well as to state professional licensing boards.David was recognized in 2020 as one of North Carolina's top 25 lobbyists in a survey performed by the North State Journal. He was selected by the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce for their Leadership Raleigh program - Class of 2017. David was selected by North Carolina Super Lawyers "Rising Star" in 2009 - 2011. He is a Fellow of the Washington D.C. Institute of Professional Leadership, Education Policy Fellowship Program.
(678) 595-4557
888 16th Street NW, Washington, DC, 20006,
Jason Deans is a seasoned political and government relations professional. His unique experience and campaign-like approach have produced a number of successful campaigns for our clients. Jason's must-win attitude combined with his strategic and tactical expertise offer our clients a competitive advantage and have allowed Deans to be ranked among the most influential lobbyists in North Carolina.
6-10 years
Sarah is a vice president of state government relations in McGuireWoods Consulting's Raleigh office. Sarah advises clients on strategies to achieve their state government relations goals and represents clients before the North Carolina General Assembly and state agencies.
11-15 years
(704) 791-2961
501 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, NC, 27601,
Subjects: All Subjects, Agencies/Regulations, Appropriations/Budgets, Children/Family/Women, Corrections/Criminal Justice, Health Care, Manufacturing, Medicare/Medicaid, Non-Profit, Pharmaceuticals, Public Safety, RFP/Procurement, Science/Technology, Taxes, Telecommunications, Tourism/Hospitality, Transportation/Vehicles
Former NC House member for over a decade; former Appropriations Chairman; Health & Human Services Chairman, Extensive Health and Human Services experience
6-10 years
Jeffrey L. Barnhart joined McGuireWoods Consulting in October 2011 as a senior vice president of State Government Relations. He works out of the firm's Raleigh office assisting clients and helping the firm grow its national and multistate practice in the southeast.Representing Cabarrus County, Jeff served 11 years in the North Carolina General Assembly before relinquishing his seat in 2011. He was most recently co-chair of the House Appropriations Committee and was a strong healthcare proponent earning numerous recognitions from many organizations. Before his tenure as a House Representative, Jeff served as a Cabarrus County Commissioner for 10 years. He was also acting County Manager for Cabarrus for eight months and served on the county's Water & Service Authority (six years) and Economic Development Board of Directors (nine years).In addition to his strong local and state public sector experience, Jeff is a former small business owner who possesses significant private sector experience. He recently spent three years at the helm of a local healthcare center and also worked at IBM for 10 years in a number of different capacities from engineering to marketing to management. He is ranked the 13th Most Influential Lobbyist of the 2013 Legislative Session by the North Carolina Center for Public Policy Research in its annual survey of lobbyists, legislators and Capitol Press Corps members.Jeff served in the United States Air Force from 1978 to 1982 working in Communications Security.
Lisa has over 20 years experience in government and private sector work. Prior to joining Capitol Advantage, she served as Director of Government Affairs for a large statewide trade association. She has experience building and executing strategy for a wide range of issues such as environmental, tax, workers compensation, land use and professional licensing. Lisa is highly respected and has a successful track record advocating before the Legislature, Executive Branch agencies and various commissions and licensing boards. She is also consistently ranked on the list of "Most Influential Lobbyists in the General Assembly."
6) Copart
8) Family First
20+ years
(919) 657-1563
8000 Weston Parkway, Cary, NC, 27513,
