Kelley is a 7th-generation Tennessean and Director of Litson Government Relations, bringing 18 years of Tennessee legislative experience and deep government relations expertise. A University of Memphis graduate, she earned a Master of Public Administration from Tennessee State University with a certificate in Healthcare Administration.
Kelley began her career as a legislative assistant for more than five years, then advanced to advocacy roles with the Tennessee Medical Association and physician specialty groups, developing extensive expertise in healthcare policy. She has established and managed political action committees, led complex advocacy campaigns, and built coalitions across professional organizations, advocacy groups, and business leaders.
Partnering with Litson's litigation team, Kelley has secured key results for clients in highly regulated industries. Her work for the Tennessee hemp industry includes obtaining a legal injunction against the Tennessee Department of Agriculture and mobilizing more than 19,000 public comments during rulemaking. She blends direct legislative advocacy with strategic litigation coordination, grassroots mobilization, and regulatory compliance.
Rooted in West Tennessee and active with her husband and two sons, Kelley leverages long-standing relationships and a sophisticated understanding of the Tennessee General Assembly to convert policy priorities into measurable outcomes for clients.
Key Qualifications
- 18 years of Tennessee legislative and government relations experience; MPA (TSU) with Healthcare Administration certificate
- Led injunction against the Tennessee Department of Agriculture and mobilized 19,000+ public comments in statewide rulemaking
- Proven PAC builder and coalition strategist guiding clients through complex regulatory and political environments
Education
- M.P.A., Public Administration, Tennessee State University
- Graduate Certificate, Healthcare Administration, Tennessee State University
- B.A., University of Memphis
Bar Admissions
Representative Matters
Kelley Hess leads legislative advocacy and regulatory strategy at the Tennessee General Assembly, building coalitions among professional associations, advocacy groups, and business leaders while establishing and managing PACs to advance client priorities. She coordinated key wins for the Tennessee hemp industry, including obtaining a legal injunction against the Tennessee Department of Agriculture and mobilizing 19,000+ public comments during statewide rulemaking.
Featured Case Studies
At Litson PLLC, we have a strong success rate, winning numerous high-stakes cases with our strategic approach and extensive legal expertise.
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