Michael Best is pleased to announce that Dan Forest has joined the firm’s Government Relations group as a Senior Advisor in the Raleigh office. Prior to joining Michael Best, Forest served as Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina from 2013 to 2021. During his tenure, he was also the President of the North Carolina Senate, Chairman of the Energy Policy Council, and Chairman of the Digital Technology Committee as a member of the State Board of Education.

In his role at Michael Best Strategies, Dan leads the development of a strong bipartisan team of professionals focused on serving clients with government relations and public affairs needs in North Carolina’s State Capitol. “Dan is a proven leader, and we welcome him to our team,” said Rob Marchant, President of Michael Best Strategies. “We know that his experience and commitment to the state of North Carolina will be of great value to our clients.”

In addition to his work with Michael Best Strategies, Dan assists in driving forward the law firm’s strategic growth plan in North Carolina, with a focus on client development and talent acquisition. “We’re excited to add Dan to our leadership team in North Carolina,” said Andy Jones, North Carolina Managing Partner for Michael Best & Friedrich, LLP. “Dan’s record of service and deep network across the State will help us continue to build our entrepreneurial-minded team of professionals and round out our ability to provide full-service solutions to our clients.”

During his eight-year term as Lieutenant Governor, Forest became the first Republican in the state’s history to serve two terms in office. His leadership lead to numerous legislative accomplishments including a first-in-the-nation, University Campus Free Speech Bill, numerous School Choice Bills, opportunity scholarships for disadvantaged schools, and a novel digital connectivity plan that connected every single classroom in North Carolina to high-speed broadband. Additionally, he served on the Economic Development Board, and was Chairman of the Postsecondary Educational Credentials Board.

Prior to his time in government, Forest spent his early career as an architect, ultimately reaching senior partner status in one of the nation’s largest architecture firms. He managed design teams in Corporate, Education, College and University, and Cultural Projects for numerous clients across the nation.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the accomplished team at Michael Best,” said Forest. “It’s an honor to be part of a dynamic and growing group of professionals serving clients at the highest level, and I look forward to bringing my insight and experience to the table and doing great work on behalf of our clients.”

Forest earned his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

About Michael Best Strategies LLC
Michael Best Strategies (Strategies) helps companies accelerate their success through a combination of strategic business consulting, lobbying, government relations, public affairs, and communications. The firm has thrived by providing a diverse team of professionals with the experience, skills, and relationships necessary to help each client achieve their goals more quickly and fully. Strategies has nationwide reach with offices across several states and the District of Columbia. For more information, visit michaelbeststrategies.com.

Michael Best Strategies (Strategies) helps companies accelerate their success through a combination of strategic business consulting, lobbying, government relations, public affairs, and communications. The firm has thrived by providing a diverse team of professionals with the experience, skills, and relationships necessary to help each client achieve their goals more quickly and fully.
Bio Link Dan leads Michael Best Strategies’ bipartisan government relations, public affairs, and lobbying work throughout North Carolina. A former Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina, he also provides clients with strategic advice and counsel, tapping into his extensive experience and knowledge of North Carolina public policy and politics. Expertise: Education, Government Relations, Legislative Process, Policy Advocacy, Strategic Political Relationships