Dave Hildenbrand Joins Kelley Cawthorne

LANSING, Mich., Jan. 14, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Kelley Cawthorne, Michigan's leading lobbying firm, announced today that Lansing veteran Dave Hildenbrand will join its team of government relations professionals.

Hildenbrand was a member of the Michigan Senate from 2011 through 2018. He served as Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee for four years beginning in 2015. As Chair, he oversaw the state's $56 billion annual budget. Dave was widely recognized for his ability to navigate the legislative process to produce a balanced state budget months ahead of schedule. Under his leadership, Michigan saw record funding in education, health care, roads, and public health and safety. Prior to serving as Senate Appropriations Chair, Dave was the Assistant Senate Majority Leader and a member of the Michigan House of Representatives from 2005 through 2010 where he also served in several key leadership positions.

"No one knows the state budget process better than Dave Hildenbrand," said Rob Elhenicky, a principal of the firm. "He worked across the aisle to fund important projects, move legislation, and serve the people of Michigan. Having his insight and work ethic on our team will be a tremendous asset for our clients." 

Hildenbrand still lives in his hometown of Lowell, Michigan, with his wife Sarah and their two young children. He began his career in public service under his mentor, Dick Posthumus, during his tenure as Senate Majority Leader and Lieutenant Governor. Before running for office, Hildenbrand  served as an agriculture policy advisor  to former Michigan Governor John Engler. In addition to his state budget work, Hildenbrand served on the following policy committees: Economic Development, Commerce, Insurance, Outdoor Recreation and Tourism and Government Operations.

"Kelley Cawthorne has an outstanding reputation of working tirelessly to get results for its clients," said Hildenbrand. "My goal is to help the firm's clients better understand how to succeed in a term-limited legislative environment. I also hope to use my relationships to help the firm grow in new markets and practice areas."

Hildenbrand officially will join the firm on January 14.

Kelly Cawthorne is the only lobbying firm in Michigan with permanent offices in Lansing and Detroit. The firm's growing client list includes: ATT, Deloitte, DTE Energy, Ford Motor Company, the McLaren-Karmanos Cancer Center, the Michigan Association of Broadcasters, the Michigan Professional Firefighters Union, Wal-Mart, and Wayne State University.

About Kelly Cawthorne
Kelley Cawthorne, a multi-client firm, is consistently rated as one of Michigan's top lobbying organizations by Inside Michigan Politics and MIRS News, as are many of its individual lobbyist.  The firm's principals are Rob Elhenicky, David Gregory, Dave Ladd, and Melissa McKinley.  Its highly-diverse, 10-person lobbying team, broad client base, and campaign finance expertise ensure that it can open doors and drive change for its clients in Lansing and Detroit.

SOURCE Kelley Cawthorne