Government Relations
Our Team
Robert Gowan
Robert Gowan returned to contract lobbying in 2007 after serving as Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen’s Senior Advisor for Policy and Legislation. In his role as Senior Advisor, Robert gained unique insight and developed expertise in a wide variety of issues including: education, health care, state budgeting, tax policy, professional regulation, and economic development.
In addition to being responsible for developing and coordinating Governor Bredesen’s legislative initiatives with the Tennessee General Assembly, Robert was responsible for coordinating the legislative packages of over 20 state departments. With this experience, along with many years as a contract lobbyist, Robert provides his clients with a unique understanding of the legislative process, having worked closely with the leaders in both the administrative and legislative branches of Tennessee government.
Robert also has a great deal of experience and expertise related to local government, having served as a department head and later as Policy Advisor for then-Nashville Mayor Phil Bredesen.
Robert is a licensed attorney. From 1999 through 2003, he was a lobbyist for several corporations, associations, and individuals while a member of the government relations practice group at the Nashville law firm of Stokes & Bartholomew.
email: robert@millsapsgowan.com
phone: (615) 418-9219
Elizabeth Millsaps
Elizabeth Milllsaps returned to state and local lobbying in 2010 after serving as the legislative director for the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance. As legislative director, Elizabeth developed legislative initiatives for the department and served as chief liaison to the state legislature. Elizabeth lobbied issues relating to over 30 regulated industries, including architecture, building contractors, engineers, insurance, mixed martial arts, and real estate. Elizabeth also represented the Division of Consumer Affairs, Police Officer Standards and Training Commission, and State Fire Marshal’s Office. Elizabeth worked with Governor Bredesen, Fire Marshal, and the building industry to develop and pass legislation to establish statewide minimum building and energy codes.
Elizabeth also served as the legislative liaison for the Tennessee Department of Safety. Elizabeth negotiated the politics of policies relating to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, as well as issues related to driver’s licenses, driver’s safety, immigration, and vehicle registration. Elizabeth was able to forge strong relationships with legislators across the state by working diligently with them though a difficult period for the Department.
Elizabeth has also done lobbying, marketing and fundraising for a number of not for profit clients, including the American Cancer Society and the ASPCA. Elizabeth began her career in politics, raising money for candidates across the country. While based in Washington, DC, Elizabeth consulted on over 70 congressional, senatorial, and gubernatorial campaigns.
email: elizabeth@millsapsgowan.com
phone: (615) 310-1121