Distinguished Virginia Energy Lobbyist Cathie France Joins Williams Mullen’s State Government Relations Practice
Virginia Beach, VA (PRWEB) August 25, 2013 -- Williams Mullen is pleased to announce that Cathie France, an experienced energy lobbyist, has joined the firm’s State Government Relations practice, working out of the Hampton Roads and Richmond offices. In her new role, which begins on Sept. 9, she will be putting her vast lobbying experience to work on important state issues. She will not be working on issues relating to uranium mining.
“We are excited to have Cathie joining our team,” said Williams Mullen President and CEO Tom Frantz. “She brings an impressive background in government relations for the Commonwealth that will bolster our already-strong State Government Relations practice.”
Ms. France most recently served as deputy director for energy policy in the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy, where she helped to implement Gov. Bob McDonnell’s energy policy initiatives in the Commonwealth. Prior to that, she worked as Director of Government Relations for Virginia Natural Gas, where she handled advocacy to state, local, and federal officials, the company’s civic and charitable sponsorships and donations, as well as overseeing its conservation programs.
“Ms. France will provide a valuable perspective, being familiar with the Hampton Roads area and its particular needs,” said Ralph “Bill” Axselle, head of the State Government Relations group at Williams Mullen. “Having someone designated to the Hampton Roads area will enable us to better represent the state’s interests before the Legislature.”
In addition to her government relations work, she also takes an active role in political and civic life in Hampton Roads. She serves on various Boards and is an active member in several organizations in addition to serving on the steering and finance committees of many candidates for political office. She is a 2005 Fellow of the Sorenson Institute of Political Leadership, a 2009 graduate of LEAD Hampton Roads and has been named in Inside Business as one of the region’s TOP 40 under 40 and Top Women in Business.
About Williams Mullen
Williams Mullen is an AmLaw 200 law firm that blends the law, government relations and economic development to help grow the business of our clients and the economy of our region across North Carolina, Virginia and Washington, D.C. Our attorneys and consultants strive to help connect clients to opportunities and solutions they need. Putting our clients’ needs first has been the foundation of our approach since the firm was founded 103 years ago. Visit us at http://www.williamsmullen.com.
Caitlin Coakley Beckner, Williams Mullen, +1 (804) 420-6312, [email protected]
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