Dave Cooley guides the team with a mind for strategy and a relentless determination to succeed for our clients. With more than 35 years in public affairs, market positioning, politics and government, Cooley has established a national reputation as a political strategist. Cooley’s primary focus is in the healthcare, energy, and infrastructure sectors. He served in state government as Governor Phil Bredesen’s Deputy Governor & Chief of Staff after holding the position of Chief of Staff for the Mayor of Nashville and earlier, Chief of Staff to the chairman of the Tennessee Public Service Commission. Cooley also spent twelve years as a Partner at McNeely Pigott & Fox Public Relations.

Areas of Expertise

• C-level Consulting

• National Government Relations Networking

• Public-Private Partnerships

• Issue Management

• Crisis Communications

Activities & Affiliations
Chair of the Southeast Truman Scholarship Selection Committee (1993-present)
Tennessee Tech Foundation Board, past Chair (2007-present)
Music City Bowl Board (2005-present)
Nashville Sports Council Board of Directors, past Chair (1992-present)
Metro Gender Equity Council Member
ReVIDA Recovery Centers, Board of Directors

Education
B.S. Tennessee Tech University
M.A. University of West Florida, Rayburn-Dirksen Institute

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Contact: dcooley@cooleyps.com