Kelley Cawthorne names Melissa Yutzey as first woman partner in the lobbying firm
LANSING, Mich., May 31, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The leading Michigan Lobbying firm of Kelley Cawthorne announced today that Melissa Yutzey has been named a partner in the multi-client organization.
Ms. Yutzey, who has been with the firm since 2005, was named one of Michigan's top five (5) women lobbyists in surveys by both MIRS News and Inside Michigan Politics and one of the Top 10 overall in the state.
"We're thrilled to have Melissa become a partner in Kelley Cawthorne," said Rob Elhenicky, a principal of the firm. "She has truly earned this promotion. She is well known in the Capitol as a relentless fighter on behalf of our clients."
Ms. Yutzey specializes in Fire Safety and Services, Transportation and Infrastructure, Higher Education/Graduate Medical Education, Healthcare, Appropriations, Procurement and State Contracts, and PAC Development Strategy.
"I'm proud to join the leadership team at Kelley Cawthorne," says Ms. Yutzey. "Lansing lobbying is changing rapidly. I'm excited to help shape the firm's strategic direction in addition to providing client service."
Ms. Yutzey is an experienced Lansing hand having worked for a Democratic House Speaker and two (2) Senate Democratic Leaders. She also served as Assistant Vice President of Government Affairs at Western Michigan University before joining the firm.
"Whether it's a roomful of firefighters – or legislators – Melissa has a commanding presence," says Elhenicky. "That's why she's on the front lines of Kelley Cawthorne's toughest issues. It's also why she's consistently recognized as one of Michigan's top (female) lobbyists."
Ms. Yutzey, a native of Grand Blanc, earned her Bachelor's degree in International Relations and Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy from Michigan State University's prestigious James Madison College.
When Ms. Yutzey is not fighting for her clients in the Capitol, she is active in a host of volunteer activities including Habitat for Humanity and the Special Olympics in Michigan, where she serves as the event coordinator for the Legislative Polar Plunge, the only event of its kind in the nation. She also serves as Co-Chair of the Auction Committee for the Children's Trust Fund.
The well respected lobbying firm, which opened a Detroit office in 2015 headed by Dr. Oscar W. King III, has a growing roster of clients including: DTE Energy, Wayne State University, Deloitte, Ford Motor Company, the Detroit Police and Firefighters Retirement System, the Michigan Professional Firefighters, and McLaren-Karmanos Cancer Center, among others.
Kelley Cawthorne is consistently rated as one of Michigan's leading lobbying organizations, by Inside Michigan Politics and MIRS News as are many of its individual lobbyists including Dennis Cawthorne, Dave Ladd, Rob Elhenicky, and Melissa Yutzey. It is the only statewide lobbying firm with offices in Lansing and Detroit. The bi-partisan firm was co-founded by former Michigan Attorney General Frank Kelley. It has a highly diverse nine (9) person lobbying team with the policy and advocacy expertise necessary to open doors and create value for its local, state and national clients.
Editor's Note: a high-resolution, four-color headshot of Ms. Yutzey is available for publication. Please photo credit courtesy of Kelley Cawthorne. Thank you.
SOURCE Kelley Cawthorne
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