Ambassador David Wilkins Joins Global Public Affairs as Special Advisor

OTTAWA, Nov. 17 /CNW/ - Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP and Global Public Affairs have announced a formal collaboration between their two firms. This partnership, effective immediately, will see Ambassador David Wilkins become a Special Advisor to Global Public Affairs while still retaining his current position as Chairman of the Public Policy and International Law practice group at Nelson Mullins. 

"Randy and his team at Global Public Affairs have shown time and again that they know how to effectively serve their clients, offering the best counsel and strategies, and earning a reputation as the team who gets it done in Canada," David Wilkins said. "I look forward to working with Randy on issues impacting the US-Canada relationship and making a tangible, positive difference wherever we can on both sides of the border." 

Ambassador Wilkins brings with him a wealth of experience in all levels of government both in the US and Canada. Prior to becoming ambassador, David served 25 years in the South Carolina House of Representatives and his 11 years as speaker of the House made him one of the longest serving speakers in the country. He also served as co-chair of the 2000 Bush-Cheney campaign and state chair in 2004. Presently, he has been asked by South Carolina's new governor-elect to serve as chairman of her transition team. Wilkins was appointed Ambassador to Canada in 2005 and his tenure saw a resolution to the softwood lumber dispute. He was also involved in addressing pressing bilateral issues including border security, energy, trade and Canada's role in Afghanistan.

"Global has developed a close, highly valued working relationship with David. Our collaboration to date has primarily focused on issues of importance to Canada's oil and gas sector, a sector in which Global has a well recognized expertise and practice," said Randy Pettipas, CEO of Global Public Affairs. "We are thrilled to welcome someone of David's caliber to our organization. In addition to his own personal accomplishments and the high regard in which he is held in Canada, David's firm has a long reputation of excellence and will add tremendous value to our team and clients. I look forward to working together."

Global Public Affairs is Canada's premier government relations firm. Headquartered in Ottawa with offices in Toronto and Calgary, Global serves corporate leaders within Canada as well as internationally based corporate entities. Global specializes in strategic research and counsel, government advocacy and issues management. For more information on Global, go to www.globalpublicaffairs.ca.

Established in 1897, Nelson Mullins has more than 400 attorneys and government relations professionals practicing from 12 offices in the fastest-growing and most dynamic cities in the US, including Washington, D.C., Boston, Atlanta, Charlotte, and others. For more information on the Firm, go to www.nelsonmullins.com.

For further information:

For additional information or to coordinate interviews please contact:

Sarah Koskie, Global Public Affairs
403-476-6921, [email protected]

Christy Cox, Nelson Mullins
803-255-9470, [email protected]