Ray Cole, a Vice President at Van Scoyoc Associates, Inc., specializes in Federal legislative policy issues, specifically in the areas of transportation, defense, higher education, and financial services. Mr. Cole brings conceptual clarity and tactical effectiveness to complex budget and legislative matters involving technology, corporations, higher education, government entities, and associations. Mr. Cole helps craft and execute government relations campaigns to align clients’ needs with Administration and Congressional priorities, as well as to manage unavoidable crises. Mr. Cole provides strategic counsel across a full range of legislative issues, helping clients use policy initiatives to leverage new programs and projects, including regulatory and policy changes, Government contracts and grants, research projects, and other opportunities that emerge through the legislative process. Mr. Cole served as the State Director for U. S. Sen. Richard Shelby of Alabama from 1993 until 1999. He served as Campaign Manager and Finance Director for the Senator’s 1998 reelection campaign. In 2001, the Bush-Cheney Transition Team picked Mr. Cole as an advisor on the U.S. Department of Commerce. Mr. Cole worked as a consultant to Bush for President 2000 and for Bush-Cheney 2004, Inc. In 2004, Mr. Cole achieved Ranger status as a Bush-Cheney 2004 fundraiser. Mr. Cole graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce and Business Administration from The University of Alabama. He currently serves on the UA President’s Cabinet and is a member of the Advisory Board for the Blackburn Institute.