Huntsville, Alabama, United States
I help organizations navigate government, accelerate growth, and turn complex challenges into strategic opportunities. That focus drives my work today as part of the Government Solutions Group at Maynard Nexsen, where I advise clients on government relations, innovation ecosystems, policy strategy, and economic development. With more than three decades of experience spanning the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, I’ve learned how to bridge the worlds of government, industry, and community to create meaningful, measurable outcomes. My career has included executive and senior leadership roles across Capitol Hill, biotechnology, economic development, and public affairs—experiences that have given me a deep understanding of how policy, innovation, and organizational strategy intersect. From serving as Chief of Staff to former U.S. Congressman Bud Cramer to driving growth and expansion at HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, I’ve worked within and alongside government, industry, and community to advance innovation and support long‑term growth. At Maynard Nexsen, I draw on this background to support clients who need clarity, access, and strategic guidance. I work with leaders and teams from nonprofits and emerging small businesses to large corporations, helping them navigate issues related to: · Government affairs, federal policy, and appropriations · Innovation ecosystems and economic development · Organizational growth and strategic planning · Stakeholder engagement and relationship building · Entrepreneurship, startups, and small business challenges My approach is grounded in listening deeply, understanding the full landscape, and aligning strategy with purpose. I’m at my best when helping organizations solve complex problems, build trusted relationships, and move forward with confidence. In addition to my work at Maynard Nexsen, I remain engaged in a focused advisory capacity through Bankhead Strategy, supporting a small number of clients with strategic guidance. At the core of everything I do is a simple philosophy: connect the right people, create strategic alignment, and deliver results that last.
Advisor in the Government Solutions Practice Group focusing on Public Policy, Regulatory Affairs and Government Affairs. Developing and executing strategies for companies and individuals on issues in Alabama and Washington, DC.
Leads the full service consulting firm serving seasoned businesses, startups, and non-profit organizations. Delivers custom solutions and positions the first-time entrepreneur or the direct-services non-profit for success. Focuses on governmental relations, entrepreneurship, growth strategies, organizational development, workforce recruitment and retention and problem-solving. For more, please visit www.Bankhead.com.
Provides strategic and tactical counsel for the Institute as a member of the Steering Team. Leads the Economic Development Mission for recruiting and retaining life sciences companies and growing a regional biotech hub. Manages economic development, entrepreneurship, governmental affairs and operations. Accomplishments -Crafted and executed the strategy for securing over $60M for 4 facilities on the HudsonAlpha biotech campus -Drove recruitment and entrepreneurship efforts resulting in growth from 7 to 51 resident associate companies -Led strategic efforts to assist entrepreneurs through investor forums, business education activities, networking and collaboration opportunities Initiatives -Navigate: biotech entrepreneur-focused mentoring program utilizing a confidential, team approach and leveraging a network of business executives and subject matter experts (started 2019, ongoing) -HudsonAlpha Tech Challenge (HATCH): genomics “hackathon” bringing together students and professionals to use computer science to solve life science challenges (started 2017, ongoing) -From Idea to Action: Stories from Alabama Innovators (limited series podcast, 2023) -Double Helix Dash: 5k Twilight Run supporting HudsonAlpha’s Research and Educational Outreach Missions (started 2012, ongoing) -Healthy Huntsville Initiative: collaborative, community-wide initiative focused on active lifestyle, nutrition, and education (started 2011, now organized and run by the City of Huntsville) -Gubernatorial Candidate Forum: collaborated with WHNT-TV and the Huntsville Times to host this bipartisan event featuring candidates for Alabama’s highest elected office (2010) Advocates for a variety of community and state organizations. Current board member of the Business Council of Alabama, member of Redstone Community Relations Committee, past chairman and executive committee member of BioAlabama, former board member of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library, and BizTech.
Developed and executed business strategy and corporate vision for molecular diagnostic startup company focused on infectious disease detection. Led diverse team of 20 with backgrounds in molecular biology, microbiology, chemistry, engineering, software development, regulatory affairs, quality assurance and business development. Managed relationships with corporate board of directors and shareholders. Led external finance, accounting, export compliance and legal groups. Accomplishments -Earned two U.S. FDA-cleared and CE IVD-marked molecular diagnostic products for the clinical laboratory market -Received “breakthrough device” designation by the FDA for TB assay -Raised $20M in equity investments from angel and venture capital -Led negotiations for international agreements involving joint venture, investments, licensing, and manufacturing -Received 2019 NAITA Global Trade Award
Advised on legislative, communication, and political strategies, primarily regarding Appropriations and Intelligence Committee assignments. Managed portfolio of legislative areas including defense, agriculture, transportation, energy and veteran’s affairs. Led economic development interaction with local, regional, and state governments, as well as with corporate entities located in and/or with interests in Alabama.