Warner Norcross + Judd LLP has welcomed experienced lobbyist and consultant Berton “Bert” Brown to the firm.
In his new role with the Government Advocacy and Affairs Practice, Brown will help connect public interest groups, associations, corporations, nonprofits and others with legislators and resources to turn ideas into action. He brings more than two decades of experience in public policy, strategic planning, forecasting, fundraising, grant writing, grassroots campaigning and volunteer recruitment in the educational, for-profit and nonprofit sectors to the firm. Brown is based in Lansing and will support Warner clients throughout the firm’s footprint.
Prior to joining Warner, Brown was the principal and owner of Brown Consulting Group, a full-service bipartisan firm focused on state government relations, public affairs, medical marijuana consulting and strategic communications. BCG was chosen by the Flint Chamber of Commerce as Minority Business of the Year, and Brown was honored as an Emerging Leader by the Greater Flint Arts Council. BCG merged with Kelley Cawthorne Empower, with Brown continuing to serve as a principal and multiclient lobbyist.
With a strong background in politics, Brown has served in a variety of roles in Michigan and Tennessee, including chief of staff for Michigan Rep. Woodrow Stanley and district representative for Sen. John J. Gleason. In these roles, he managed office operations, created programs, fostered community collaboration, coordinated campaigns and led communications.
Brown has been involved in several election campaigns, both in Michigan and Tennessee, where he led fundraising, community organizing efforts, marketing and budgeting. Additionally, he served as a community coordinator for both AmeriCorps and Flint Community Schools, where he was responsible for grant writing, strategic planning, volunteer recruiting, relationship building and program management.
Brown holds bachelor’s degrees from Clark Atlanta University and Middle Tennessee State University. He also holds an MBA from MTSU.
Brown continues to reside in Flint with his wife, Brandee, and their two children, Kenny and Berton II.
Warner’s Government Advocacy and Affairs Practice Group advocates on behalf of clients by building and promoting relationships with federal, state and local policymakers and stakeholders to ensure legislative funding and policy initiatives reflect the needs of each client. The firm guides businesses through the complexities of state government regulations using its political access to the highest decision-makers in the state, draft legislative and administrative language strong enough to withstand legal challenges and develop campaign strategies and solutions to impact decisions that affect clients’ bottom line.
About Warner
By providing discerning and proactive legal advice, Warner Norcross + Judd LLP builds a better partnership with our clients. One of Michigan’s largest law firms, we’re focused on providing the best legal solutions and exceptional client service to organizations throughout the world. Connect with us on wnj.com, LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook.
# # #
