The Nelson Mullins government relations group recently strengthened its state lobbying capabilities by adding on attorneys and professionals in North Carolina and Tennessee. Nelson Mullins, which has state lobbying practices in Georgia, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia, recently earned recognition from Bloomberg Government as one of the top-performing lobbying firms. Prominent state lobbyists Drew Heath, Tom Lee, and Debra Maggart recently joined its state government relations lineup.

Heath joined the firm in April as a partner and a lobbyist in North Carolina alongside George Teague, a longtime partner with the firm who manages a legislative practice in Raleigh. Heath brings a wealth of knowledge of the highest levels of government. He formerly served as the North Carolina Supreme Court chief justice's director of the administrative office of the courts, the state budget director on the North Carolina governor's senior leadership team, the secretary for the council of state, chairman of the North Carolina industrial commission, and as a Superior Court judge.

Lee joined Nelson Mullins in March as a partner in the Nashville office and focuses his practice on government relations and public-facing litigation in Tennessee. Lee has a decorated professional background and is a renowned political strategist. Lee was senior advisor of two political campaigns, was voted “Political Strategist of the Year” by TenneseePolitics.com, and is a two-time Emmy award-winning journalist. Additionally, Lee started a successful government relations firm and is a co-founder of two public charter schools.

Maggart is a key addition to the Tennessee lobbying operations and serves as a policy advisor in the Nashville office. Prior to joining the firm in March, Maggart was a lawmaker in Tennessee that successfully passed multiple pieces of legislation including the Professional Educators Collaborative Conferencing Act, which gave teachers a stronger voice at the negotiating table. She served as a member of the Tennessee House of Representatives from 2004-2012 where Maggart was elected House Republican Caucus whip and House Republican Caucus chair. Maggart also carries a family legacy that stems from her great-great-grandfather, Richard Hancock, and great-grandfather, Jacob Young, who both have portraits hanging in the Tennessee Capitol for their service to the people of Tennessee.

Nelson Mullins is proud to announce these established individuals as the newest additions to the government relations team.

Established in 1897, Nelson Mullins is an Am Law 100 firm of more than 1,000 attorneys, policy advisors, and professionals with 33 offices in 17 states and Washington, D.C. For more information, go to www.nelsonmullins.com.