A Fresh Approach
Berton Brown is focused, success-driven professional with sharp political instincts learned from years spent in and around government and campaigns. We have managed and directed research and development programs to meet organizational needs and to capitalize on potential new campaigns, products, and clients.
Berton Brown
Owner/Principal
I have a keen understanding of the political landscape with over 20 years of experience in Michigan politics. I have developed a savvy for the written and spoken word from an educational background in public relations, speech-making and journalism. I am the a fresh approach to lobbying because I am about results for my client-partners.
Political
I started my career working as an intern for Congressman Dale Kildee at 18 and have worked for Republicans and Democrats. In 2006, I was responsible for the sole Republican statewide victory in Tennessee as a field marshall for Sen. Bob Corker. In addition, since 2008 I have worked directly for Democratic political leadership in Michigan.
Lobbying
I most recently worked as a lobbyist with Karoub Associates, where I worked in municipal government for the County Executive Warren Evans. I was also assigned to several education vendors, where I led a team to help procure more than a million dollars in state appropriations.
Leadership
I have experience in building teams of volunteers and employees, while leading them to organizational success. I focus on goal-oriented achievements and strategies. Servicing clients isn’t a job, it is a partnership.
Community
I have developed and implemented issue-oriented campaigns that further the creation of an Inclusive Community Partnership with long-term goals and objectives directly relating to the economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. Take a look at the "my projects" page for more information.
Melanie Hawkins
Legislative Director
Miss Hawkins is a graduate of the University of Michigan- Ann Arbor, with a B.A in International Relations and a minor in linguistics. She has extensive U.S. based and international program development, consulting, data analysis, and legal experience. Melanie is fluent in Spanish and has a working knowledge of Haitian Kreyol.
Most recently, she received an academic fellowship at a non-profit in the Dominican Republic where she studied the Dominican legal system and worked with members of the legal department in the NGO to create deliverable solutions to the national documentation crisis. In addition to that work she assisted in the creation and implementation of logical frameworks for each program.
Melanie has been a team member at Brown Consulting Group since October 2019. She has a passion for non profit and small business development. Along with her hands-on approach, she will continue to bring fresh ideas, discernment, and confidence to make sure the needs of our clients are met.