Today, Taylor Uhe, one of Illinois’ most trusted government affairs firms, announced the promotion and addition of team members as part of its enhanced advocacy strategy.
The realignment includes the addition of former Illinois House Representative Litesa Wallace, along with a heightened role for Rebecca Mason, and promotion of Ryan Taylor to Partner, where he will now implement the firm’s new strategic vision.
Serving in the Illinois House from 2014 to 2019, Rep. Wallace earned the respect of her colleagues for a policy-driven, bipartisan approach in which she passed scores of meaningful pieces of legislation and built lasting professional relationships with key staff in executive agencies and government affairs.
She also has influenced public policy and opinion as a legislative staffer, energy consultant and, most recently, through her groundbreaking grassroots campaign for Congress in Illinois’ 17th Congressional District. Along with her experience and strategic and policy expertise, Litesa brings a clear-eyed vision to advancing campaigns for progress and winning collaborative victories for legislators, clients, and constituents.
“I’m proud to join the Taylor Uhe team and use my hard-won knowledge of policy, strategy and government to bring change,” Litesa said. “Lobbying and policy advocacy are another space where women, particularly Black women, are underrepresented, though we bring valuable perspective and ability. A little broken glass can go a long way to do something good, so I’m grateful for this new opportunity and ready for the challenge.”
Taylor Uhe is also elevating team member Rebecca Mason where she will take a more active role in coalition building and grassroots advocacy. Based in the Springfield office, in her new role Rebecca will ensure that clients and legislators have access to the most up-to-date information and analysis. Her many successes include leading the negotiations for the Illinois Chamber of Commerce on the Rebuild Illinois Capital Bill, safeguarding the business community’s priorities into the final bill, and solidifying bipartisan support for the final package.
A bright and dynamic communicator, Rebecca uses her active seat at the table to incorporate clients’ needs and contributions throughout vital negotiations.
“I am looking forward to helping clients increase their impact in Illinois in new ways, and to cultivating new coalitions to find where businesses and stakeholders can meet for success,” Rebecca said. “Most of all, I want to continue to provide legislators with the data-driven, substantive information they need to make the best decisions for their constituencies.”
Litesa’s addition and Rebecca’s promotion are instrumental in the new executive strategy, led by Partners Mark and Ryan Taylor, designed to boldly lead the firm into the future of Illinois policymaking.
Ryan’s fresh approach for the firm is based on his learnings from extensively immersing himself in aspects of the legislative process - from campaigns to committees. He has actively participated in each milestone of policymaking, from candidate recruitment to project ribbon cuttings secured by collaborative, bipartisan initiatives, to solidify his understanding of the complicated Illinois system of government. Ryan’s deep respect for the detailed role the lobbying industry plays in crafting sound, representative public policy, has set the stage for firm’s realignment around growing their advocacy in public opinion.
“I think people can forget how vital government affairs and advocacy is to our democratic system,” Ryan said. “We give a voice to industry experts and community advocates so they can help our legislators and regulators make the best choices for all Illinoisans. At Taylor Uhe, we immerse ourselves in the issues, not just to pass important legislation, but to also understand how policy changes will affect the broader community, to set legislators and stakeholders up for success far beyond the end of session.”
Founding partner Mark Taylor’s more than 35 years of legislative and political experience and 17 years as a partner in the law firm of Mayer Brown LLP, managing its Government and Global Trade Practice Group and its Illinois Legislative practice, will continue to provide the trusted foundation for Taylor Uhe’s operations.
“As a firm we have always prioritized evolution to be captains, rather than passengers, steering our clients through the ebbs and flows of our ever-changing political landscape,” Mark said. “For us, that doesn’t just mean creating a seat at the legislative table but bringing multiple perspectives to the client’s table as well. We are proud to have been a part of some of the legislature’s most impactful public policy and will continue to find new ways to contribute to the success of our clients, legislators, and the great state of Illinois.”
Founding partner Rob Uhe will also continue to provide legal and legislative strategic guidance as Of Counsel for the firm.
Taylor Uhe’s realignment will also include website update, integrated communications initiatives, and additional services to provide clients a more holistic approach to managing their complicated Illinois regulatory, legislative, and political challenges. You can find out more about their team at: https://www.tayloruhe.com/.
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