Marcia Fudge will join the Taft law firm as a partner and its chair of public policy after serving in President Joe Biden’s cabinet as the 18th secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Fudge will dedicate some of her time to the firm’s ongoing efforts to combat the harmful effects of forever chemicals.
“My top priority as a leader has always been to develop effective solutions and results for the people and communities I have been called to serve. In my transition to life as a private citizen and attorney, it was important for me to land among professionals who are similarly dedicated to solutions-driven work,” Fudge said. “Taft’s core values, culture, leadership principles and commitment to its clients strongly align with my personal values, as does its modern approach to service. I greatly look forward to collaborating with my new colleagues in my role as partner and chair of public policy, which will allow me to return to my roots in Ohio and maintain a strong presence in Washington, D.C.”
“I am personally very proud and excited for Taft with this announcement. Bringing someone of Secretary Fudge’s stature and caliber is highly strategic for Taft,” Taft Chairman and Managing Partner Robert Hicks said. “She is a tremendous leader with an astute vision, impeccable integrity and a deep passion for serving our nation’s communities. Taft is very fortunate that she has selected this as her professional home. Secretary Fudge’s service-oriented leadership and vast experience will have an extremely positive impact on our clients and the communities we serve.”
Fudge began her career in public service in the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office in Ohio and served as the first woman and first African American person elected mayor of Warrensville Heights, Ohio. She served as the U.S. representative for the 11th congressional district of Ohio from 2008 until 2021. She is also a past chair of the Congressional Black Caucus where she worked closely with Lacy Johnson, partner-in-charge of Taft’s Washington, D.C., office and a member of Biden’s export council.
“It is an honor and privilege to welcome Secretary Fudge to Taft. What she has achieved in her career is inspirational, and her presence at Taft will be highly impactful for our clients and teams,” Johnson said. “On a personal level, I know firsthand that she is a great leader who is insightful and collaborative in everything she does. Secretary Fudge knows how to bring people together — often with disparate viewpoints and experiences — to accomplish goals and to serve the common good.”
As part of Fudge’s extended team, Imani Edwards (Taft Cleveland) and Garrett McDaniel (Taft Washington, D.C.) will join Taft as directors of public affairs. Fudge will also play a role in recruiting additional legal talent to Taft.
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