Two of Montgomery’s top lobbyists have teamed up to co-found a new, namesake government relations and public affairs firm: Ross Taylor & Associates.
John Ross and Charlie Taylor are behind the venture, which is launching with a roster of blue chip entities at the highest levels of Alabama’s public and private sectors, including major players in utilities, education, healthcare, and technology.
With offices in Montgomery, Birmingham and Tuscaloosa, the firm is making its debut in the competitive scene through an expansive practice, offering services that include state lobbying, federal government affairs, public affairs, business development strategy, and strategic advisory.
Ross, a young but seasoned veteran of Alabama politics and the State House, brings over two decades of experience in governmental affairs, public policy, and strategic consulting to the new partnership.
He earned his reputation first as a top architect of the Alabama Republican Party’s historic 2010 campaign cycle. As Executive Director of the party, he and colleagues broke through to secure GOP victories on every level of the ticket, ending 136 years of Democrat majorities in both chambers of the Alabama Legislature.
In the time since, Ross has been responsible for continued electoral dominance. He serves as a trusted advisor to officials across government, particularly, the senior leadership of the Alabama Legislature. In 2014, he managed Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter’s (R-Rainsville) initial campaign victory, and continues to be a close friend and advisor.
Ross has led successful campaign efforts on the gubernatorial, senatorial, congressional, and state legislative levels.
Joining him as founding partner is Charlie Taylor, who most recently served as Vice Chancellor for External Affairs for the University of Alabama System. Taylor is among the most high-profile and trusted operators in Alabama politics.
At UA System, Taylor managed lobbying efforts resulting in billions of dollars of state and federal funding for capital projects and operational needs in education and healthcare.
Taylor has also arranged and overseen each recent visit President Donald Trump made to the University of Alabama, including a commencement address to 2025 graduates and a historic gameday between Alabama and Georgia, during which President Trump sat in Taylor’s box in Bryant-Denny Stadium.
With elite relationships among Senate and House leadership, both Ross and Taylor have been, and will continue to be, perennial features of the annual Yellowhammer News Power & Influence list.
“Ross Taylor & Associates is built on the belief that trusted relationships, honest counsel, and proven experience deliver real results,” said Ross.
“We’re excited to help our clients achieve their public affairs goals while contributing to the long-term success of our state.”
Grayson Everett is the editor in chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.
