Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck is pleased to announce its expansion into Georgia by adding government relations veterans Amy Odom and Chuck McMullen from Atlanta-based MCO Group, a leading government relations and strategic public affairs consulting firm. This expansion strengthens Brownstein’s 50-state approach and public policy advising throughout the Southeast. Odom and McMullen’s start date is Nov. 2, 2026.

The move reflects Brownstein’s continued investment in its state government relations capabilities and builds on the firm’s position as one of the nation’s leading lobbying practices while extending its reach into a state that significantly shapes policy, economic development and political trends across the South. As companies relocate operations and invest across the Southeast in pursuit of a favorable business climate, a growing workforce and expanding economic opportunities, Georgia has become a critical hub for business and public policy and was recently named the No. 1 state to do business in for the 13th consecutive year.

“We continue to see opportunity in the Southeast as it becomes one of the country’s most important political and economic centers, making it a natural place for Brownstein to grow,” said Rich Benenson, managing partner of Brownstein.

“Amy and Chuck have built remarkable reputations as trusted advisors and advocates in Atlanta and throughout the state. Their experience, relationships and deep understanding of Georgia’s political landscape will create tremendous value,” said Melissa Kuipers Blake, co-chair of Brownstein’s State Government Relations Group and Tampa office managing partner.

State Government Relations Co-Chair Doug Friednash added, “Our clients increasingly need coordinated multistate strategies to address their most pressing business issues. Adding Chuck and Amy to our team further strengthens our 50-state approach, allowing us to tap into established strategic relationships with key leaders.”

Odom has more than 30 years of multistate, national and federal government affairs advocacy, strategy and tactical grassroots experience in both the private and public sectors. She brings more than three decades of experience in state and federal government affairs, public policy, public affairs and grassroots advocacy. Throughout her career, she has advised clients across a range of industries, helping organizations navigate complex legislative and regulatory environments while developing successful public affairs campaigns that advance business objectives. Prior to co-founding MCO Group, Odom held leadership roles at Anthem, where she led government relations and public affairs efforts at the state, national and federal levels, and at regional and international law firms where she led the development of a fifty-state government relations platform.

McMullen brings more than 25 years of experience in government relations, public policy and political strategy, building deep political and business networks at the local, state and federal levels. He advises public and private sector clients across industries including healthcare, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and energy infrastructure on complex legislative and regulatory matters. McMullen leverages strategic relationships and public policy expertise to deliver successful advocacy and government affairs results across Georgia and the nation. Prior to co-founding MCO Group, he held senior leadership roles at regional and international law firms, led state government affairs teams, served as a regional political director for the American Medical Association and was chief of staff to former Congressman and U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price, when he was Georgia’s first Republican majority leader of the state Senate.

“We are excited to join Brownstein and connect Georgia clients to one of the most respected government relations platforms in the country,” said Odom. “Brownstein’s bipartisan approach, national reach and commitment to delivering results make it an ideal fit for the next chapter of our practice.”

“By combining our deep relationships and experience in Georgia with Brownstein’s 50-state approach to government relations, we can help clients navigate policy challenges and opportunities seamlessly across the Southeast,” said McMullen.