Thursday Thought Leaders Luncheon: Understanding Lobbying in Georgia – A Candid Conversation
Name:
Thursday Thought Leaders Luncheon: Understanding Lobbying in Georgia – A Candid Conversation
Date:
August 14, 2025
Time:
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM EDT
Registration:
Register Now
Event Description:
Understanding Lobbying in Georgia – A Candid Conversation
Lobbying is often misunderstood—frequently mischaracterized or oversimplified in public conversation. Yet, lobbyists play a critical role in shaping Georgia’s legislative landscape. Whether representing major industries, nonprofit causes, or grassroots movements, these advocates provide essential input to lawmakers and often help guide the policies that affect all of us.
Join us for a thoughtful, nonpartisan panel discussion with four professionals from across the lobbying spectrum. Moderated by Dale Russell, this panel will explore:
Join us for a thoughtful, nonpartisan panel discussion with four professionals from across the lobbying spectrum. Moderated by Dale Russell, this panel will explore:
- Who lobbyists are and what they actually do
- The difference between corporate, contract, volunteer, and in-house lobbyists
- How individuals enter the lobbying profession
- Legal guidelines and ethical considerations of lobbying in Georgia
- Why lobbying matters to you—even if you’re not political
- Promote public trust in government through education and transparency
- Help citizens and business leaders understand the mechanics and purpose of lobbying
- Clarify misconceptions and offer real-world insights into how advocacy happens
Panelists include:
Lewis Massey
Hunter Loggins
Jamie Lord
Jet Toney
Moderator:
Dale Russell
Lewis Massey
Hunter Loggins
Jamie Lord
Jet Toney
Moderator:
Dale Russell
About Dale Russell
Dale Russell was an investigative reporter for WAGA-TV for 37 years. He reported on major international events, including the Olympic Park bombing, the 9/11 hijackers' connections to Georgia, the Boston Marathon bombing, and the war in Iraq.
His racial profiling by U.S. Customs at Atlanta's airport earned a George Foster Peabody Award and triggered nationwide airport changes.
Dale was inducted into the Atlanta Press Club Hall of Fame and has recently completed a murder mystery based on crimes he covered, which he is now seeking to publish.
Dale was inducted into the Atlanta Press Club Hall of Fame and has recently completed a murder mystery based on crimes he covered, which he is now seeking to publish.
