As a senior advisor* in the firm's Governmental Affairs and Economic Development practice groups, Josh Blades represents clients before the executive and legislative branches of government in Alabama and has consistently been named one of Alabama’s “most powerful and influential political leaders” by Yellowhammer Multimedia.

Josh helps his clients — which range from small businesses based in Alabama to Fortune 500 companies — navigate Alabama state and local government. He maintains strong working relationships with public officials throughout the state and has deep experiential knowledge of government processes. Josh represents numerous clients on matters related to appropriations, banking, construction, economic development, healthcare, real estate, procurement, taxation, technology, and transportation, among others.

Prior to joining Bradley in 2014, Josh held senior positions in both the legislative and executive branches of Alabama state government. Josh served as chief of staff to Alabama’s speaker of the house where he played an essential role in budget and policy development and implementation for the state legislature. Josh also served as deputy chief of staff to Alabama’s former two-term governor. In this position, he assisted the chief of staff in the management of the governor’s staff and cabinet, while directing the appointment process for all political appointees. As a senior staffer in the administration, he advised the governor on policy, legislative, and political matters.

Josh has experience in political campaigns, having served as communications director for a successful Alabama gubernatorial campaign, campaign manager for a successful race for Alabama Republican Party chairman, and a top staffer in multiple statewide campaigns in Mississippi.

Born in Sylacauga, Alabama, Josh was named the city’s youngest entrepreneur after starting a full-service archery shop at the age of 15. He attended Mississippi State University, where he was elected student body president and earned a political science degree with honors.

Josh received the Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship, which enabled him to earn an MBA from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland, where he graduated with distinction.

*Josh Blades is not an attorney.

Education

• The University of Strathclyde, M.B.A., 2008
• Mississippi State University, B.A., Political Science, 2004