Founder

Holly L. McDaniel

Holly L. McDaniel is the founder of the H. Lee Group, established in 2024 with a mission to leverage her 23 years of experience in government relations and public service to help businesses, non-profit organizations, and local governments build strategic relationships, solve challenges, and create opportunities for success.

Before founding the H. Lee Group, Holly served as a government affairs advisor at Adams & Reese law firm in Nashville, Tennessee. In this role, she specialized in navigating the intricacies of state legislation, working closely with state legislators, key members of the executive branch, state agencies, and other public policymakers to effectively advocate for and advance her clients’ interests.

Holly’s extensive lobbying experience spans multiple industries, including healthcare, telecommunications, fuel supply distribution, liquor laws, and education. She is known for her ability to demystify the legislative process, breaking it down into clear, actionable strategies that empower her clients to engage confidently in their advocacy efforts.

Holly is an active member of the Tennessee Lobbyists Association and a member of the National League of Women Lobbyists. She serves on the Keep Tennessee Beautiful Advisory Council, as well as TeamChad, a patient assistance program for individuals diagnosed with leukemia. 

Notable Experience:

  • Successfully advocated for and secured state budget funding to support literacy programs for early intervention education.

  • Routinely lobbied before the Tennessee General Assembly, facilitating client interactions with relevant state agencies.

  • Served as the director of legislation for the Bureau of TennCare during a pivotal period of reform, where TennCare provided healthcare to approximately 1.5 million Tennessee residents.

  • Successfully lobbied for the enactment of the Hospital Assessment Fee, which secured an additional billion dollars in funding for Tennessee healthcare programs.

Education:

  • B.A. from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.

Government Relations Advisor 

Sam B. Coleman III

As a government affairs specialist with experience in shaping policy and navigating the complex intersection of government and business, Sam excels in advocating for effective legislation and regulatory frameworks that align with organizational goals and public interest.

Sam has built a career marked by successful engagements with policymakers, stakeholders, and community leaders. His expertise spans transportation, energy, healthcare, economic development, professional sports teams, education, and construction, where he has a proven track record of influencing policy outcomes and fostering productive government-business relationships.

Throughout his career, Sam has been successful in using his legal background to craft strategic advocacy campaigns, conduct detailed policy analysis, and represent numerous businesses and associations at key legislative forums at the state and local levels.

Notable Experience:

  • Intern for the United States Foreign Relations Committee majority staff under Senator Bob Corker

  • Gained experience at Nashville law offices Adams & Reese and Holland & Knight

Education:

  • B.A. from the University of Mississippi

  • J.D. from Lincoln Memorial University, Duncan School of Law