MEET OUR BOARD MEMBERS

When the organization was founded in the fall of 2019, the vision was rooted in a simple but powerful truth: talented Black lobbyists were too often overlooked for opportunities to grow, lead, and advance within the government affairs profession. What began as the National Black Professional Lobbyists Association has since evolved into the National Professional Lobbyists Association (NPLA)—an organization built to expand access, elevate excellence, and strengthen the influence of diverse professionals across the advocacy landscape.

 United by purpose, our founders committed to building a national pipeline that cultivates and showcases African American talent within the lobbying arena, while creating pathways for Corporate America to engage with and support Black lobbyists and Black-owned government affairs firms nationwide. Today, NPLA continues that legacy by serving as a platform for professional growth, collaboration, and meaningful opportunity within the industry.

NPLA CHAIR

Gregory Jones is President and CEO of The Jones Group, one of the southeast’s premier strategic consulting firms. With over 25 years of leadership experience in government affairs, business development, and political advocacy, Mr. Jones and his team have served top business and political professionals locally, nationally and internationally. He launched The Jones Group in 2005 and has built a rolodex of "Who's Who" among Alabama's top business leaders, elected officials, and agency heads, who rely on him for his keen business sense and political acumen.


NPLA VICE CHAIR

Yolanda Cash Jackson is an experienced Government Law attorney with Becker & Poliakoff who has established a national reputation for her leadership and commitment to civic, charitable and professional organizations. She concentrates her practice in the area of Governmental Relations and has developed a proficiency in state government funding and appropriations. Ms. Jackson has excellent working relationships with many of Florida's leading elected officials and policymakers. She was elected to Becker’s Management Committee in 2010. 
 

NPLA SECRETARY/TREASURER

John A. Heath serves as the Senior Manager of Government Relations and External Affairs at Turo. He previously was Director of Government and External Affairs for the Rock Family of Companies at the state level for the Western US. He has an extensive background in government affairs, having held senior positions in both the executive and legislative branches of the State of Maryland. He also held a leadership role with the California Community Action Partnership Association. Mr. Heath has served as a minister in the African-American church for 29 years.

NPLA BOARD MEMBER

David Dix is the Co-Founder and CEO of Luminous Strategies. He is a nationally-recognized advocate, strategist, political commentator, and social entrepreneur. His successes span three decades, and he continues to build solid foundations for political and public advocacy while forging broad and meaningful relationships with government, corporate, and community leaders. He passionately supports his clients, providing laser-focused consulting and government relations for regional and international campaigns.
 
CORPORATE SPONSORS

 SGAC   Alabama Power   Amazon    Jones Group     CapitalOne        Becker                                     

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