"We respect our clients' business goals and marketing objectives. We see them not merely as clients, but as long-term partners."
As former chair of Baker Donelson's state public policy group, veteran lobbyist Betty Anderson brings her more than 25 years' experience to bear in leading a multi-state team of public policy advisors. With lobbyists located in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee, Betty is uniquely able to assist businesses in developing and implementing legislative and regulatory strategies throughout the Southeast.
Betty's focus is on strategic planning for businesses. She works with clients to identify the legislative or regulatory issues that may be inhibiting them from accomplishing their business goals in a state. She then helps them develop a plan of action to address the issues. Once the plan is in place, she assembles the team of policy advisors and lawyers best suited to carry it out. "We serve as the quarterback for our clients," Betty says, "whether they need major legislation or a subtle rule change."
Knowing the best way to tackle a public policy issue is a skill Betty honed through high-level experience. She started in the public policy field in 1977 with the 44,000-member Tennessee Education Association, where she oversaw legislation, political action, public relations and publications. In 1987, Gov. Ned McWherter tapped Betty to be his legislative liaison – making her the first woman to serve as chief lobbyist for a Tennessee governor. In 1996, she founded Betty Anderson Consulting, focusing on personal service and strategic planning in the public policy arena. Five years later, her firm became Baker Donelson Public Strategies, a wholly owned subsidiary of Baker Donelson law firm, where she served as president and chief executive officer.
Betty believes in protecting her clients' interests before problems arise. Her group carefully monitors legislative and regulatory developments and sends her clients a written report every week. She immerses herself in learning about a client's business and then educates lawmakers and regulators. "We want a long-term relationship with our clients," she explains.
- Listed in Best Lawyers in America® in the area of Government Relations Law since 2008
- Member – American, Tennessee and Nashville Bar Associations
- Athena Award nominee – Nashville Women's Political Caucus
- Member – Tennessee Lobbyists' Association
- Named one of the Nashville Business Journal's 2008 "Women of Influence" in the area of Public Policy
- Advisory Board Member – Monroe Harding Children's Home
- Served in various roles with the 44,000- member Tennessee Education Association, an organization of classroom teachers, principals, school administrators and higher education professionals, including:
- Managing Editor, Tennessee Teacher
- Director of Legislation
- Assistant Executive Secretary in charge of legislation, political action, public relations, and publications
- Nashville School of Law, J.D., 2001
- Middle Tennessee State University, B.S.