CONSISTENTLY DELIVERS

McGuireWoods Consulting Celebrates 20 Years, Transitions to New Leaders

Jan. 12 marks the 20th anniversary of McGuireWoods Consulting, and it enters its third decade with a leadership transition. Mark T. Bowles replaces Frank B. Atkinson as chairman and Gov. James H. Hodges succeeds L.F. Payne Jr. as president and chief executive officer.

MWC opened its doors in Richmond in 1998, with a team of four full-time employees. Atkinson, Payne and Richard Cullen were instrumental in the launch and early growth of MWC, which now has 118 professionals and offices in seven state capitals, Washington, D.C., and Europe. Over the past two decades, the bipartisan firm has provided federal, state, international and multistate government relations, infrastructure and economic development, grassroots, communications and advocacy services to more than 2,000 clients.

“Frank and L.F. established a strong tradition of leadership, integrity and relentless client service — one that Gov. Hodges and I, and our whole team, are determined to continue,” said Bowles. “With a strong foundation in place, we will continue to build McGuireWoods Consulting with our clients’ needs and goals foremost in mind.”

Hodges said the innovative, client-focused approach that led McGuireWoods to launch MWC 20 years ago will continue to guide the firm. “Our focus is crafting strategies that achieve positive solutions for our clients, and that often means doing things in new and creative ways. That has been the hallmark of McGuireWoods Consulting in the past and is the key to our future.”

“I came to the firm the same year that Consulting was started,” said Tracy Walker, the law firm’s managing partner. “Consulting’s growth since that time has been truly remarkable. It has become such an important part of the firm and our ability to find innovative solutions for clients. Jon Harmon and I look forward to working with Gov. Hodges and Mark as they shape Consulting’s path forward.”

Atkinson and Payne remain active in McGuireWoods Consulting, serving clients as senior advisors. Cullen, who was chairman of the law firm for 11 years, will serve as chair of the law firm’s governance committee for MWC. Bowles, Hodges and Atkinson also are partners in the law firm.