Meredith McGehee

Meredith McGehee is a prominent lobbyist, political consultant, and commentator with a focus on campaign finance reform and public policy. She is the founder of McGehee Strategies, a lobbying firm, and serves as the executive director of Issue One, an advocacy group dedicated to reducing the influence of money in politics. McGehee is recognized for her expertise in Congress, ethics, and the intersection of media and politics, and has been honored as one of Washington's top public interest lobbyists by The Hill.

Education and Early Career

McGehee graduated cum laude from Pomona College in 1978 with a degree in political science and government. Following her graduation, she volunteered with the U.S. Peace Corps in Niger for over two years. Upon returning to the U.S., she worked as a legislative assistant for various Congress members, including Dante Fascell and Lane Evans.

Advocacy and Lobbying Career

In 1987, McGehee joined Common Cause, where she became a senior vice president and chief lobbyist, playing a key role in the passage of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act. In 2002, she founded McGehee Strategies, initially working with clients like the California WIC Association and the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, significantly increasing their federal funding.

McGehee has also been involved with several organizations, including the Campaign Legal Center and Communities in Schools of Chicago, and has consulted for the League of Women Voters on campaign advertising issues. She is known for her ability to navigate complex legislative landscapes and advocate for sound public policy.123