FRANKFORT, Ky. (October 18, 2012) – Ellen Williams, former chairman of the Republican Party of Kentucky and respected business leader and owner of Capital Network, is joining MML&K (McBrayer, McGinnis, Leslie and Kirkland) Government Solutions.
Williams’ addition to the team brings together two leading Kentucky political figures in one firm, creating the state’s largest, bi-partisan government affairs lobbying firm. She joins a team that includes former Kentucky Democratic Party Chairman W. Terry McBrayer, who is recognized as a leader in both the legal and government affairs arenas.
“We are excited and honored to have Ellen join our firm,” said Sean Cutter, MML&K Government Solutions Director. “It was something that made a lot of business sense for both of us. Ellen is a friend and consummate professional who brings a very strong blend of political and professional expertise to our already very strong government relations practice.”
Williams has been active in state and national politics since 1980. She served as Chairman of the Republican Party of Kentucky from 1999-2004. Under her leadership, the Kentucky Republican Party experienced unparalleled success, winning a Republican majority in the Kentucky Senate for the first time in the history of the state and electing the first Republican governor of Kentucky in 32 years. Williams also held various national leadership roles, including being elected by her peers as chair of the Southern Chairmen’s Association and being chosen chairman of the Site Selection Committee for the 2004 Republican National Convention.
“I am very excited and honored to have the opportunity to merge my firm with McBrayer’s group,” she said. “To be part of such a great team of talented, hardworking professionals will allow us to provide even better services to clients. We view this as a real opportunity to play a major role in public policy initiatives for our commonwealth.”
McBrayer has deep roots in Democratic Party politics, dating back to his days as a young attorney and member of the House Representatives from Greenup County. As chairman of the Kentucky Democratic Party, McBrayer was instrumental in orchestrating Paul Patton’s 1995 gubernatorial victory. He is the founder of the McBrayer Law Firm, which includes 55 attorneys located in Lexington, Louisville, Frankfort and Greenup, Ky. In 1989, McBrayer co-founded the State Capital Group, a legal network of government affairs practitioners in all 50 state capitols and more than 80 countries, with a total of 450 offices and 11,500 attorneys around the world.
“I have the highest respect for Ellen Williams. We have been both personal and professional friends for many years and I am more than just delighted to have her on our team,” McBrayer said. “Our government relations office has always been built on a bi-partisan approach, and having Ellen on the team further supports that effort.”
Williams launched her own government affairs consulting business, Capital Network, in 2006, after spending more than 25 years in government and politics. Her practice has become well respected by those in both political parties.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to step up our efforts on behalf of the clients we represent, allowing us to provide even better services,” she said. “This bi-partisan team will be a breath of fresh air and we look forward to enhancing the ability to strategize client issues from all perspectives.”
Williams, who represents many Kentucky-based entities including Houchens Industries and the Kentucky Association of Counties, draws upon her experience and previous service as vice chairwoman of the Kentucky Public Service Commission and as commissioner of the Governor’s Office for Local Development. She also has more than a decade of service in Washington, D.C., where she worked in Congress for the House and Senate, the White House for Vice President George H.W. Bush, and helped run two presidential inaugurations, three national conventions and many other high profile events during her time in Washington, D.C.
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