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Ellen Williams Reynolds, Esq. Founding Partner, True North Strategies
Ellen Williams Reynolds is a distinguished attorney and legislative expert with 28 years of experience in public policy, government relations, and legal advocacy. Her leadership and deep expertise in legislative matters have earned her recognition and appointments from Georgia’s top elected officials.
Reynolds has been appointed to several prominent roles, including by Governor Barnes to the Georgia Commission on Family Violence and the Office of the Child Advocate Nominating Committee, and by Governor Perdue to chair the DCH Advisory Committee on Women’s Health, where she managed $2 million in grants for breast cancer initiatives. She has also served on the House Study Committee on the budget and chaired the Office of the Child Advocate Advisory Committee.
A veteran in healthcare and family advocacy, Reynolds achieved notable legislative victories, such as leading the successful passage of Georgia’s Smoke-Free Air Act and securing legislative approval for increased tobacco taxes, making Georgia the first tobacco farming state to pass such laws. Her efforts during the subprime mortgage crisis also helped Georgia real estate attorneys secure key legal protections for property closings.
In the 2024 legislative session, Reynolds secured $75 million for subsidized childcare, $38 million for domestic violence and sexual assault centers, and $45 million for Georgia Pre-K programs—marking the largest investment in the program’s 32-year history. These funds will significantly improve class sizes, teacher salaries, and overall classroom resources.
Reynolds earned her B.S. in psychology with honors from the University of Alabama and her J.D. from the University of Georgia School of Law. She began her legal career with Drew, Eckl & Farnham, LLP before transitioning to public policy as an in-house lobbyist for Prevent Child Abuse Georgia. She and her husband, Bernard, founded True North Strategies, where she continues to advocate for her clients at the Georgia General Assembly and across state agencies.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Reynolds has been actively involved in her community, serving in leadership roles with Susan G. Komen for the Cure, The Carter Center, Giving Grace, and other nonprofit organizations.
Bernard Reynolds, MBA Founding Partner, True North Strategies
Bernard Reynolds is a highly accomplished policy and legislative expert with more than 27 years of experience across both the public and private sectors. Renowned for his strategic insights and innovative approach to problem-solving, Reynolds has a distinguished record of contributions to business and government organizations at both the state and national levels.
In 2002, following Governor Sonny Perdue's election, Reynolds was appointed Assistant Commissioner for the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) by Commissioner Mike Beatty. In this role, he directed several pivotal programs, including the Appalachian Regional Commission, the Office of Community Services, and the Governor's Rural Development Council. He also served as the agency’s liaison to the Georgia General Assembly, strengthening relationships with lawmakers to advance critical policy initiatives.
Reynolds later became Manager of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs for the Georgia Electric Membership Corporation (GEMC), where he led government relations for 42 EMC member organizations. Prior to that, his career began in governmental affairs at Georgia Power Company and later progressed into federal legislative affairs at Southern Company, where he oversaw the management of its Political Action Committees.
A committed advocate for education and community development, Reynolds has also advised the Great Promise Partnership (GPP), where he played a significant role in supporting at-risk students to complete high school and gain essential workforce skills. His expertise is widely recognized, particularly in representing clients before the Georgia General Assembly, the Georgia Public Service Commission, and various state agencies.
In addition to his policy work, Reynolds has made notable contributions to organizations such as the Georgia State Housing Trust Fund for the Homeless, the Governor's Commission for a New Georgia, and the Green Building Task Force. He serves on the boards of the Georgia Professional Lobbyist Association and the Epilepsy Foundation of Georgia. In 2018, he graduated from the prestigious Republican Leadership for Georgia program.
As a founding partner of True North Strategies, Reynolds, alongside his wife Ellen Reynolds, continues to provide expert advocacy and consulting services, representing clients before the Georgia General Assembly, the Georgia Public Service Commission, and key state agencies such as the Georgia Department of Community Health, Georgia Department of Community Affairs, Georgia Department of Transportation, Georgia Department of Economic Development, and the Georgia Environmental Protection Division.
Reynolds holds a BA in Political Science from the University of Georgia and an MBA from Brenau University.