history of ssg
Our History
Our roots have always been in Louisiana, and we look like Louisiana. Since the beginning, our partners and staff have always valued living and working in a state that treasures its diverse people, culture and traditions. Learn about our firm’s journey through the years!
2000s
2000s
SSG formed as Southern Strategy Group in 2004 after rival political campaign consultants Liz Mangham and Brad Mittendorf, along with legislative & legal expert Rodney Braxton, joined forces to launch a governmental relations firm built on experience and expertise. Later on, governmental and public affairs veterans Randal Johnson and Kevin Cunningham joined the firm to round out our five
partners.
2010s
2010s
SSG continued its trendsetting work in the Louisiana political world by bringing on clients from a variety of industries with a stake in the goings-on at the Tall Building. The firm’s steady growth allowed us to continue adding talented staff to handle the nuanced needs of each organization we serve.
2020s
2020s
The 2020s marked another new era for SSG, as the firm recruited several more high-caliber young professionals entering the political world. The added staff bolstered our governmental affairs and communications expertise while positioning the firm for the future.
20th ANNIVERSARY
20th ANNIVERSARY
SSG celebrated its 20th anniversary as a firm in 2024 and completed a full-scale rebrand to look toward the future. In recent years, the firm augmented its ranks through the addition of Jaci Juneau in 2022, who brings formidable political affairs skills to the team, and Lauren Hadden in early 2025, who brings over a decade of governmental affairs and legal expertise. We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished over 20 years, but the next 20 are just beginning.
history of ssg
Our roots have always been in Louisiana, and we look like Louisiana. Since the beginning, our partners and staff have always valued living and working in a state that treasures its diverse people, culture and traditions. Learn about our firm’s journey through the years!
2000s
SSG formed as Southern Strategy Group in 2004 after rival political campaign consultants Liz Mangham and Brad Mittendorf, along with legislative & legal expert Rodney Braxton, joined forces to launch a governmental relations firm built on experience and expertise. Later on, governmental and public affairs veterans Randal Johnson and Kevin Cunningham joined the firm to round out our five
partners.
2010s
SSG continued its trendsetting work in the Louisiana political world by bringing on clients from a variety of industries with a stake in the goings-on at the Tall Building. The firm’s steady growth allowed us to continue adding talented staff to handle the nuanced needs of each organization we serve.
2020s
The 2020s marked another new era for SSG, as the firm recruited several more high-caliber young professionals entering the political world. The added staff bolstered our governmental affairs and communications expertise while positioning the firm for the future.
20th ANNIVERSARY
SSG celebrated its 20th anniversary as a firm in 2024 and completed a full-scale rebrand to look toward the future. In recent years, the firm augmented its ranks through the addition of Jaci Juneau in 2022, who brings formidable political affairs skills to the team, and Lauren Hadden in early 2025, who brings over a decade of governmental affairs and legal expertise. We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished over 20 years, but the next 20 are just beginning.
OUR EXPERIENCE IS YOUR ADVANTAGE
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TOTAL CLIENTS
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WORDS FROM OUR CLIENTS
As a seasoned public relations professional, I value SSG’s ability to not only lead in legislative strategy, but also provide thoughtful guidance on building stronger stakeholder relationships and navigating complex issue management throughout the year. The SSG partners are among the most trusted, influential and knowledgeable lobbyists at the state capitol. Their commitment to quality advice and trusting relationships with state officials results in strongly positive outcomes in state policy. Beyond providing excellent service, they spend extra time mentoring and guiding clients. This extra effort results in stronger collaborations between Louisiana’s business community and state officials. Over the past several years as an SSG client, I’ve seen Liz Mangham educate, advise and collaborate with top state officials, legislative committee heads, and agency leaders to generate statewide initiatives and champion causes that make our state a better place to live and work.”
Stephanie Cargile
ExxonMobil
Whether we needed their team to impact policy, provide us with increased access or offer strategic counsel, they were there for us from the start. SSG offers clients a trusted boutique approach, but with the strength and experience of a global firm. Working with SSG has positioned us at a professional advantage in Louisiana.”
Matthew Van Name
Lyft
Randal Johnson and SSG is what you need when it comes to maneuvering the legislative process. Randal is extremely knowledgeable about the intricate working of the process, his bifurcated approach to problem solving always has a plan B. His positive attitude and never give up approach helped the Louisiana Probation and Parole Officers Association pass legislation that many believed would never happen. Thank You SSG!!!”
Danny Barras
LPPOA Legislative Liaison / Past President
As a client of SSG from near their beginning, I can say I'm proud to have been a part of the decision to associate the Louisiana Independent Pharmacies Association with their firm. Time has reinforced to us their commitment to provide results through their knowledge, relationships, availability, communication, homework, and consistent attention to detail with time invested regardless of when duty calls.”
David H. Osborn, RPh
LIPA
There is no one better in terms of political acumen, strategy, and results. I can’t imagine navigating the political minefields of Louisiana without them!”
Hillary Segura
APCIA (American Property Casualty Insurance Association)
I have been extremely impressed with SSG and their commitment to address legislators, The Louisiana Department of Health & Hospitals along with outreach to the previous and new Governors Administration. The firm has an incredible reputation and relationships with LA state government.”