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JAMES Magazine is the only Georgia media outlet that encourages readers to vote online to rank Georgia’s 1,000-plus registered lobbyists. A bipartisan group (including top state legislators) also advises JAMES on the rankings. Many of these lobbyists, of course, are involved in public policy issues that require working with public servants ranging from members of the General Assembly to state, county and city officials as well as agency heads.

The statewide magazine published its “2023 Top Lobbyists” rankings in its Sept.-October 2023 issue and, at a January 17th reception at Atlanta’s Buckhead Club, James CEO and Publisher Phil Kent presented awards to the recipients. Veteran lobbyists Brian Hudson, Karen Pope, Cindy Shepherd and Barry Schrenk were inducted into the JAMES “Lobbyist Hall of Fame.” David Moellering received the “Top Business or Trade Association Award” on behalf of the Georgia Highway Contractors Association. And Olivia Buckner of the Nelson Mullins firm was named the No. 1 2023 “Rising Star” Lobbyist.

Furthermore, accompanying this article are event pictures of the previously mentioned winners as well as the award recipients from all of the magazine’s different lobbyist categories.

Special thanks to event co-sponsors Peachtree Government Relations, Lexicon Strategies, Georgia Link Public Affairs Group and Hall Booth Smith. Photo credits to Ross Henderson.