COLUMBIA, S.C. — Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP is pleased to announce the continued expansion of its Government Relations Group with the addition of legislative consultant Thomas McElveen and policy advisor Kristen McKenzie. Their arrival further strengthens the firm’s bipartisan government affairs capabilities and deepens its strategic advisory services across key industry sectors. They join longtime government relations consultant Harry Cato, who has been an integral member of the team representing clients since 2011.

McElveen brings extensive legislative and courtroom experience to the team. He served three terms in the South Carolina Senate, representing Sumter, Kershaw, Richland, and Lee counties, where he built a reputation for pragmatic leadership and bipartisan collaboration. During his 12-year legislative career, McElveen served on numerous committees and sub-committees to include Finance, Judiciary, Transportation, Agriculture and Natural Resources, and Family and Veteran Services.     

McKenzie is a seasoned public affairs professional with more than 15 years of experience guiding legislative strategy, community engagement initiatives, and high-impact communications efforts. Her background spans the energy, healthcare, and higher education sectors, where she has led multimillion-dollar initiatives and advised C-suite executives on legislative risk, crisis management, infrastructure expansion, strategic communications, and complex M&A-related public affairs strategies.

Ambassador David Wilkins, a partner with the firm’s Government Relations Group and former Speaker of the South Carolina House of Representatives, welcomed the additions and said, “Thomas and Kristen each bring a rare combination of experience, judgment, and strategic insight that will immediately benefit our clients.  Their deep understanding of the legislative process and public policy landscape enhances our ability to deliver thoughtful, results-driven advocacy. We are delighted to welcome them to Nelson Mullins.”

Partner James Burns, former Chief of Staff to South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, said, “Our Government Relations Group continues to grow in both depth and sophistication. Thomas’s extensive legislative and political experience, paired with Kristen’s strategic communications and policy expertise, strengthens our ability to guide clients through complex legislative, regulatory and political environments. They are outstanding additions to our growing team.”

Cato was a member of the S.C. House of Representatives for 20 years, representing the northern portion of Greenville County. Prior to affiliating with the firm, Cato served as the Speaker Pro-Tempore to the SC House of Representatives and as the Chairman of the Labor, Commerce and Industry (LCI) Committee of the S.C. House of Representatives for 14 years.

The expansion underscores Nelson Mullins’ continued investment in its Government Relations Group and its commitment to providing comprehensive advocacy and strategic counsel at the local, state, and federal levels.

Established in 1897, Nelson Mullins is a full-service Am Law 100 firm of more than 1,000 attorneys, policy advisors, and professionals with offices across the United States. For more information, go to www.nelsonmullins.com.