In a significant development, The Southern Group, a prominent lobbying firm, has announced the addition of former North Carolina state Rep. Jason Saine to their team. Saine will be based at the firm’s Raleigh office, further consolidating the Southern Group’s presence in North Carolina.
Former Lawmaker Joins The Southern Group
The recruitment of Saine is a significant coup for The Southern Group. The former lawmaker has had a distinguished career in politics, serving six full terms in the North Carolina General Assembly. His tenure included five years as the Senior Chair of the Appropriations Committee, where he played a crucial role in formulating and passing North Carolina’s annual budget.
Expectations from Saine’s Joining
“The hiring of Jason Saine signifies how The Southern Group is altering the advocacy landscape in North Carolina,” asserted Rachel Cone, Tallahassee Managing Partner for The Southern Group. “Jason brings a wealth of knowledge and an extensive network of relationships that will be unparalleled in Raleigh.”
Saine will be joining Kevin Wilkinson, the founding lobbyist of the North Carolina office. “Our vision when we started this office was to become a major player in North Carolina policy and influence. Representative Saine’s hire exemplifies our strategy: to bring on board top-tier individuals with rich governmental experience who are also passionate advocates of the private sector,” Wilkinson said.
Saine’s Background and Expertise
Before serving as Appropriations Chair, Saine held the position of Senior Chair for the Finance Committee. His work in the General Assembly has been marked by a focus on technology, cyber security, artificial intelligence, and other contemporary issues.
This year, in his final term as a North Carolina lawmaker, Saine served as co-chair of the National Council of State Legislature’s Standing Committee on Technology and Communications.
Saine is eager to begin his new role at Southern. “The Southern Group is clearly seeking homegrown solution providers in the state, and that’s exactly what I aim to do,” he said.
U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson lauded Saine’s service in the North Carolina General Assembly, describing it as “remarkable.” He added, “Jason’s ability to navigate complex policy waters with ease and his proven track record of effective advocacy will continue to benefit our state. I look forward to witnessing the impactful contributions he will make in this new chapter of his professional journey.”
Saine, a North Carolina native, earned his Bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 1995. Prior to public service, Saine owned a tech business in Lincolnton that aimed to help other small businesses thrive. He continues to live in Lincolnton with his wife and son.
