Whether your interest is long-term advocacy or a one-time issue, deGraffenried & Company’s staff has over 70 years of combined experience working with state policymakers and leaders.
PRESIDENT
Ryan deGraffenried III's roots in Alabama politics are well established having grown up in a family of public servants. His father, Ryan deGraffenried, Jr., was a member of the Alabama State Senate from 1978 to 1994 and served as President Pro Tempore of the Senate from 1986 to 1994. His grandfather, Ryan deGraffenried, Sr., served in the Alabama House of Representatives, the Alabama State Senate and was also an Alabama Gubernatorial candidate in 1962 and 1966. Ryan’s great-grandfather, Edward deGraffenried, served in the United States Congress and his father, also named Edward, served on the Alabama Supreme Court and the Alabama Constitutional Convention of 1901. Ryan’s work ethic, relationships with decision makers and understanding of politics and the legislative process are an asset to our team and serves our clients well.
Ryan received his Juris Doctorate and Masters of Law Degree (LLM) in Business Transactions from the University of Alabama School of Law. Upon graduating from law school, Ryan served as a law clerk on the Alabama Supreme Court for former Associate Justice Bernard Harwood, Jr. Following his clerkship, Ryan practiced law at Watson, deGraffenried, Hardin & Tyra. In 2005, Ryan and his father founded the law firm, deGraffenried & Associates, where Ryan is a partner today. Ryan joined Franklin Resources Group (FRG) in 2008, became President of FRG in 2016 and in 2018 he transitioned FRG into deGraffenried & Company.
Ryan and his wife, Christy, have two daughters.
governmental relations
Kim Robertson joined deGraffenried & Company in 2021 after spending over a decade as executive assistant for Senator Tom Whatley and as the clerk for the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry Committee. Kim was also the clerk for the Joint State Parks Committee, on which members of both the Senate and House of Representatives served. Kim’s experience at the Statehouse gives her institutional knowledge, insight into politics, and an understanding of the policy-making process. While at the Statehouse, Kim developed strong relationships with legislators and legislative staff, which are beneficial for our clients.
Kim attended Troy University. She and her husband, Brian, have four children.
GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS
Johnny Crawford founded FRG, formerly John Crawford & Associates in 1996. Johnny has more than 40 years of experience in handling government relations. Prior to starting FRG, he was President of WMX of Alabama, an external affairs corporation servicing the family of WMX Companies.
Johnny is recognized as a complete external affairs manager. His many projects encompass strategic planning, research, message development and stakeholder engagement. In 1995, Johnny was instrumental in developing the rewrite of Alabama's ethics law. Johnny has consulted with both public and private sector organizations, foundations and associations.
Johnny was elected Assistant Secretary of the Alabama Senate in 1979 and re-elected in 1983 and 1987. During this time he served as Chairman of the National Conference of State Legislatures’ “Legislative Organization & Management Committee” in 1987 and 1988. In 1985 he was elected to serve as Vice President of the American Society of Legislative Clerks and Secretaries and is an active member of the American Institute of Parliamentarians. Johnny is a graduate of Auburn University where he received a B.S. in Business Administration in 1973.
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Associate
David Rogers joined the firm in 2011. He manages the day-to-day operation of our office including tracking legislation, preparing and distributing our session newsletter, creating and maintaining all legislative and client files. He also manages our campaign databases and election services.
Prior to joining deGraffenried & Company, David worked for ten years as a land surveyor. His company specialized in utilities, commercial development and planning. He is an active grant writer and manager for several county and municipal governments. His knowledge of grant management and planning make him an asset to the overall strategies of deGraffenried & Company.
A native of Tallassee, AL, David attended Troy University. He also serves as Assistant Fire Chief responsible for training and grants for the City of Tallassee. David and his wife Allison Osborn, an Insurance Underwriting Supervisor, reside in Emerald Mountain and have a daughter, Ansley and son, Andrew.
