Dana E. Simpson

Dana Simpson co-chairs the Government Relations practice at Smith Anderson and regularly represents clients before the North Carolina General Assembly and with State agencies.

For over two decades, Dana has advised North Carolina businesses, healthcare providers, trade associations, and nonprofits regarding legislative and regulatory advocacy, strategic issues management, economic development projects, State ethics laws, and campaign finance compliance. During this time, Dana has been consistently rated one of the most influential lobbyists in North Carolina by both the nonpartisan N.C. Center for Public Policy Research and The North State Journal.

Prior to representing clients in the North Carolina public policy process, Dana was part of it himself. Dana began his career working in the Legislative Branch as Special Assistant for Communications and Policy to the Speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives.

Dana also worked on Executive Branch policymaking as a member of the North Carolina Rules Review Commission from 2003-2006. In this role, he was involved with the review and approval of proposed rules from executive branch agencies, boards, and commissions.

Recognition

• "North Carolina’s Top Lobbyists," North State Journal (2020-2024)
• The Best Lawyers in America®
  • Government Relations Practice (2009-2025)
  • Administrative/Regulatory Law (2022-2025)
• Named Number One "Most Influential" Lobbyist in North Carolina, N.C. Center for Public Policy Research
• Business North Carolina Legal Elite
• North Carolina Super Lawyers Rising Star, Government Relations (2010-2013)
• North Carolina Law Review
• Order of the Coif
• Phi Beta Kappa
• Recipient of the Triangle Business Journal's 2012 "40 Under 40" Leadership Award
• Recipient of the Governor's School Foundation's 2017 Jim Hart Award 

Education

• University of North Carolina, J.D., with high honors, 2000
• University of North Carolina, B.A., with highest distinction, 1996

Bar & Court Admissions

• University of North Carolina General Alumni Association (Counsel; Past Chair; Board of Directors)
• University of North Carolina School of Government Foundation (President; Board of Directors)
• NeighborHealth Center (Board of Directors)
• St. David's School (Board of Trustees)
• American Health Lawyers Association
• Wake County Bar Association
• University of North Carolina School of Law Alumni Association (Board of Directors; 2016-2018)
• Alliance Medical Ministry (Chair and Board of Directors; 2007-2016)
• N.C. Sports Hall of Fame (Past Member, Board of Directors)