As Lathrop & Gage’s government relations coordinator and chair of the firm's government relations practice area, Mary Birch tracks issues and developments that may affect businesses on the local, state and national levels, and consults with clients as to how they may participate in the decision-making process. Ms. Birch also consults with clients who have obstacles in administrative and regulatory affairs.
During her time with the Chamber, Ms. Birch facilitated the government relations efforts for the organization and its members at the local, regional, state and federal level. She has established relationships with elected officials and staff at various levels and worked primarily in the area of strategic issue management.
Ms. Birch has nearly two decades of experience in government relations and consulting, particularly at the local level. From 1984 to 2002, she served as president of the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce, where she directed efforts to attract an unprecedented level of business to the city. During her tenure, 62,000 jobs and 4,000 new companies were created in Overland Park. In 2002, she was named “Johnson Countian of the Year” by Johnson County Community College.
Prior to joining Lathrop & Gage, Ms. Birch served as an independent consultant to local and national chambers of commerce and other not-for-profit organizations.
CURRENT COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
- Community Foundation of Johnson County Board
- Johnson County Community College Foundation Board
- KU Advancement Board
- KU Edwards Campus Business Advisory Board
- Heart of America Boy Scouts Trailhead District Committee
- Shawnee Mission Committee for Excellence
- Several Local Chambers of Commerce
- KDOT Transportation Economic Impact Group