July 10, 2007 G. PAYNE JOINS RALEIGH OFFICE OF MCGUIREWOODS CONSULTING McGuireWoods Consulting is pleased to announce that Gardner Payne has joined the firm as a Vice President in the State Government Relations Department. Gardner has worked in the governmental and public affairs arena for the past 12 years, beginning his career in the public information office of the North Carolina Department of Transportation. “We are very excited to have Gardner join our growing Raleigh office,” said L.F. Payne, President of McGuireWoods Consulting. “Gardner’s government and public affairs experience, along with the relationships he possesses, will add great value for our current and future clients in North Carolina.” Gardner gained valuable political and communication experience as Assistant Press Secretary for former North Carolina Governor Jim Hunt. He later moved to Governor Hunt’s legislative office where he worked on numerous high profile initiatives before the North Carolina General Assembly. In 2004, he served as Lt. Governor Beverly Perdue’s Finance Director for her successful re-election bid. “Gardner is a well respected lobbyist and a welcome addition to our North Carolina government relations practice,” said Harry Kaplan, a Senior Vice President who oversees day-to-day operations of the Raleigh office. “His experience and credentials are impressive and he has a proven track record of attaining the desired outcomes for his clients’ initiatives.” After leaving the public sector, Gardner has served as an attorney and lobbyist for the past six years. He has represented numerous Fortune 500 companies as well as national nonprofit and trade associations before all branches of North Carolina state government, the North Carolina University Board of Governors and the North Carolina Community College System. He has also represented organizations before local and state governments in South Carolina, Virginia and Alabama. Gardner specializes in state procurement representation and representing clients during administrative hearings before state agencies and boards and commissions. Consulting News and Press Releases 804.775.1900 info@mwcllc.com