Squire Patton Boggs is pleased to announce that former U.S. Representative Jack Kingston (R-GA) has joined the firm’s Public Policy Practice as a Principal in the Washington, DC office. In this role he will assist with business development and strategic counseling for the firm’s leadership in specialty areas, including agriculture, defense, education, energy, financial services, healthcare, tax, transportation, trade and international business.
“Public policy issues continue to grow as a concern for global businesses,” said Mark Ruehlmann, Chair and Global CEO of Squire Patton Boggs. “Adding someone with Jack’s vast experience builds upon our ability to address these challenges for clients in legislatures and regulatory agencies around the world.”
“Throughout his career in public service, Jack developed a well-earned reputation as an effective legislator with a keen ability to resolve complex matters by reaching across the aisle,” said Kevin O’Neill, the firm’s Deputy Global Managing Partner for Public Policy, Investigatory and Regulatory Solutions. “Jack’s leadership of the largest domestic appropriations subcommittee and his senior position on the defense appropriations subcommittee give him a deep understanding of the policy and financial challenges our nation faces in the future. His diverse background in industries that are important to our clients around the world, as well as his in-depth understanding of how the government works, will build upon the leadership of our practice.”
Rep. Kingston served Georgia's 1st congressional district in Southeast Georgia from 1993 to 2015. He also served as vice-chairman of the House Republican Conference, the sixth-ranking post among House Republicans, from 2002 – 2006.
During his time in Congress, Rep. Kingston was a leading member of the House Appropriations Committee, serving as Chairman of the Agriculture/FDA and Labor/Health and Human Services/Education subcommittees. Rep. Kingston was also a long-time member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee and spent a great deal of time visiting American troops and installations around the world. Outside of the Appropriations Committee, Rep. Kingston focused on legislation aimed at restraining the growth of the federal government and making it more effective in serving American citizens. He was early supporter of earmark reforms and spending reductions.
Throughout his career in public service, Rep. Kingston received over 40 awards from various non-partisan interest groups on a diversity of issues. He has been named in each term as a "Taxpayer’s Hero,” and has been recognized as "Senior Friendly" and "A Guardian of Small Business." He was also awarded the "Watchdog of the Treasury Award," and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s "Spirit of Enterprise" Award.
“My time as a public servant was dedicated to making policy decisions that would grow economic activity for Georgia and the United States,” commented Rep. Kingston. “There is no firm better known for handling complex policy challenges than Squire Patton Boggs. I’m delighted to join the team and look forward to advising clients on how to best cut through the complex web of federal laws and regulations to grow their business and create jobs.”
Rep. Kingston’s arrival to Squire Patton Boggs follows that of former Utah Congressman Jim Matheson and Dave Schnittger, who served as Deputy Chief of Staff to U.S. House Speaker John Boehner. They both joined the firm in January.