Jan 23, 2018
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.