TEAM / David Pratt
David Pratt joined The Southern Group’s Atlanta office in 2009. After nearly two decades as a lobbyist, David enjoys strong relationships at the Capitol across the ideological spectrum. He has developed expertise in numerous policy areas, including appropriations, business development, economic development, energy, health care, local government, medical marijuana, military, public-private partnerships, and public safety.
David served in the enlisted ranks of the U.S. Army from 1990 to 1993. After receiving a commission in 1996, he served as an Army Reserve Officer until being honorably discharged in 2003. David began his political career in 1998 as a legislative aide to Georgia Representative Ben Harbin, Chairman Emeritus of House Appropriations.
His first lobbying experience was with the Georgia Society of Ophthalmology, where he was named deputy director before the end of his first year. In 2002, David became a contract lobbyist and has since then successfully lobbied on behalf of corporations in numerous policy areas.
Civically, David is an active member and former board member of the University of Georgia Rugby Alumni Association; he also served as vice-chairman of the Sons of Marion Military Institute Foundation Board. David is also a member at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, in September of 2019, David was appointed to the Board of the Indian-American International Chamber of Commerce.
David was valedictorian at Marion Military Institute before transferring to the University of Georgia and earning his BS in political science. David has also earned his Certificate of Negotiation from Harvard University Kennedy School of Government. David is from Saint Marys, Georgia, and now lives in Atlanta with his wife, Jessica, and their two sons.
