With 35+ years working in Washington D.C., Paul Kelly is a veteran lobbyist whose expertise includes pharmacy, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, health providers, nutrition, retail, labor, transportation issues and more. His experience in all areas of government advocacy and political affairs is credited with numerous legislative and regulatory achievements.
Mr. Kelly joined The Livingston Group following six years as a Principal with The Federal Group. Prior to that, he served as Vice President of Government Affairs for the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, representing both Fortune 500 companies and small and regional retail pharmacy businesses. While there, he lobbied Congress and the Executive Branch on the Affordable Care Act, the Medicare Improvement and Patient Protection Act, the Medicare Modernization Act (aka, Part D) and other major legislation. In recognition of his leadership, he was selected to testify before Congress during the hearings on Obamacare. He also developed and directed the group’s political action and grassroots programs.
Previously, Mr. Kelly was Senior Vice President for federal and state government affairs at the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), an alliance of large retail chains including Walmart, Target and Home Depot. During his tenure, he significantly elevated the association’s profile in Washington, earning the group its first invitations to testify before Congress and participate in White House bill signing ceremonies. While at RILA, he led a national business coalition that won favorable supply chain security provisions in the Safe Ports Act of 2006. He also represented the industry on state health insurance mandates, testifying before the US House Education and Workforce Committee on the issue.
Mr. Kelly has served as Senior Federal Lobbyist for the American Dietetic Association, representing registered dietitians and licensed nutritionists. He led the successful campaign to cover medical nutrition therapy in Medicare. Prior to that, he was Director of Government Relations at the American Chiropractic Association, improving coverage for chiropractic services in Medicare and the military.
An experienced public spokesman, he has made numerous appearances on TV, radio and in print media on behalf of various industries he’s represented.
Early in his career, he worked in the US Senate and the US House of Representatives while pursing college and graduate school studies.