At Schmidt Government Solutions, we strive to empower our clients by creating a voice for their interests at the Tennessee State Capitol.
With over 35 years of combined experience working with state government, we know the ins and outs of maneuvering through the legislature and departments alike. We advocate for our clients with policymakers of all political persuasions and maintain key relationships with a number of interest groups. We ensure that our clients are kept in the loop by delivering timely information that matches the pace of the legislature itself. Our knowledge, experience, integrity, and dedication form a strong foundation to assist our clients in affecting the public policy that matters to them most.
Location
511 Union Street
Suite 710
Nashville, TN 37219
Phone
(615) 248-3621
ABOUT US
Jim Schmidt | President
A veteran of working with policymakers at all levels of government, Jim Schmidt has the experience to be a strong voice for any interest at the Hill. Schmidt began his career in state government during his college years as an intern of the staff of State Senator Jim Kyle in 1995. After graduating, he joined Betty Anderson Consulting and later Advance Public Strategies, both times working with Anderson, his mentor and one of the Hill’s most experienced and respected lobbyists.
From there, Schmidt joined Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz as a Senior Public Policy Advisor. He continued to expand and build their state public policy practice in Tennessee throughout his tenure. In September of 2011, he left Baker Donelson to start his own firm, Schmidt Government Solutions LLC. Many of his longtime clients followed him to his new firm and continue to value his experience on the Hill.
Schmidt is a native of Memphis, TN and a graduate of Christian Brothers High School and the University of Memphis. A resident of Nashville for 21 years, he has served on a number of local community and non-profit boards, including the Metropolitan Nashville Arts Commission, the Nashville Children’s Theatre Board of Trustees, Nashville CARES and the Davidson County Mental Health Court Foundation Board. He is an alumni of 2014 Class of Leadership Nashville and the Young Leaders Council program.
Amelia Mitchell
Prior to joining Schmidt Government Solutions, Amelia served as the Senior Policy Advisor in the Tennessee General Assembly for House Majority Leader Rep. William Lamberth. During her time in this position, she was responsible for the management of legislation which ranged from identifying and researching possible legislative issues to filing amendments and scheduling bills to be heard in House Committees. Amelia also played a key role in intergovernmental communication as she worked closely with the Governor’s staff and liaisons from various state agencies to fulfill legislative asks.
Before moving into her Senior Policy Advisor position, Amelia spent over 10 years gaining insight into the legislative process as a Research Analyst for various committees within the Tennessee General Assembly. She worked with a wide array of policy subject areas during this time as she served on committees such as Local Government, Criminal Justice, and Children & Family Affairs. Amelia also served as a Fiscal Analyst for the General Assembly’s Fiscal Review Committee where she was responsible for the collection of data from agencies as well as the estimation and communication of the impacts of proposed legislation.
Amelia earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communication from Middle Tennessee State University and lives in Nashville.
Services
Schmidt Government Solutions provides a number of services to address our clients’ needs with Tennessee state government. Whether helping clients understand complicated policy issues, working through a regulatory problem, or passing or defeating legislation, our team has the expertise to meet our clients’ goals. Our services include:
Legislative Lobbying
Our key service is helping organizations and businesses protect their interests throughout the legislative process at the Tennessee General Assembly. We have a breadth of knowledge, experience, and skill, all necessary to pass, defeat, or amend legislation according to our clients’ interests. We pride ourselves on working with both sides of the political spectrum, and we maintain positive working relationships with the many legislative committees of the House and Senate.
Local Government Lobbying
Throughout our careers in politics, we have built strong relationships with many members of the Metro Council of Nashville- Davidson County and within mayors' administrations. We can provide political and lobbying assistance for those clients interested in policy issues important to them within Nashville City Hall.
Legislative Monitoring
Current and reliable information is vital to protecting your interests and to have input in the shaping of public policy. Our firm monitors all legislation introduced at the General Assembly, combing through for bills that will impact our clients. We then collaborate with them to build weekly reports on that legislation, continuing through all steps of the legislative process. We also provide a weekly narrative report that highlights the flavor of the Hill during the legislative session, from landmark bills and major events to broader themes and trends.
Regulatory Assistance
State government regulates much of what goes on in any industry. Our experience with various state departments and officials within those departments helps our clients work through regulatory issues that matter to them most.
Relationship Building
Much of politics and government affairs revolve around building relationships with those that determine public policy. Our firm introduces our clients to the elected and appointed officials who shape public policy in Tennessee, and we help to maintain those relationships in a positive and productive manner going forward.
State Procurement
When our clients are interested, our firm keeps track of state-issued RFPs (Requests for Proposals) and informs clients of opportunities to partner with the state government on projects in their industries. And when that perfect opportunity arises to increase business and further strengthen relations with the state, we can help to guide clients through the complexities of state government procurement, increasing their odds of a successful bid.
Our Clients
Schmidt Government Solutions has experience representing a number of industries and organizations before the Tennessee General Assembly and Tennessee State Government. Below are some of the examples of our current and previous clients’ areas of interest. A full listing of our current clients is publicly available at the Tennessee Ethics Commission website.