Kellen, a global provider of management and strategic support services to trade associations and professional societies, has added new leadership to its advocacy practice in Washington. Michael Taylor has joined Kellen as senior director of public affairs, placing him at the helm of one of the leading U.S. lobbying and public advocacy operations representing the interests of organizations in the building and construction, energy, food and nutrition, healthcare, technology, and transportation industries.
One of the largest association management companies in the world, Kellen’s portfolio of more than 130 managed organizations and public affairs clients represents the interests of over 10,000 companies to their respective industries, governments, and trade and regulatory bodies across China, the European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States. As Kellen’s advocacy lead in the U.S., Taylor will oversee client activities on Capitol Hill, in state legislatures and among U.S. regulatory agencies, while partnering with leaders in Brussels and Beijing to coordinate sound international representation for global partners and American associations seeking to expand their influence abroad.
“Kellen’s network of clients and close relationships with governing and regulatory bodies around the world offers a broad platform to help our partners navigate complex regulatory environments while protecting the interests of their constituents and workforces,” commented Taylor. “The associations we serve represent some of the most important segments of the U.S. economy, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to help these organizations amplify their voices to lawmakers and the public at large.”
Taylor brings with him more nearly thirty years of experience in government affairs built during roles with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Plastics Industry Association, and the U.S.-India Business Alliance, along with senior roles serving organizations in the maritime and energy industries. Under his leadership, Taylor’s team will immediately bolster and oversee government and regulatory affairs initiatives on behalf of Kellen’s client portfolio while exploring opportunities for trade associations and professional societies to elevate their presence among relevant governing bodies.
“Michael’s extensive track record of successful advocacy programs aligns closely with the key industries Kellen clients are working to protect and advance,” added Kellen Chairman and CEO Peter Rush. “I’m confident his strategic approach, relationships and deep understanding of the unique positions of associations in the public arena will serve our partners well and provide unmatched visibility among their most important stakeholders.”
In addition to Taylor, Kellen has retained multiple key government, regulatory and public affairs roles in recent months adding even more hitting power to its deep bench of association advocacy professionals. This includes former White House senior advisor Matthew Cornelius, who joined Kellen in December to lead the Alliance for Digital Innovation; Kate Beller, previously with Capitol Counsel and Powers Pyles Sutter & Verville, who succeeded Carolyn Zollar following her retirement to lead advocacy efforts for the American Medical Rehabilitation Providers Association (AMRPA); Alison Watkins, a senior food science and policy lead previously with Ardent Mills and Conagra Brands; along with several others, more than doubling Kellen’s advocacy team in Washington.
