Howard Franklin
Howard Franklin
Howard Franklin
Publisher. Father.
A highly sought-after political operator and strategist, Howard Franklin has served in government, advised national leaders, and led winning campaigns – including the election of Andre Dickens as the 61st Mayor of Atlanta.
Franklin began his career working for Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson, and went on to build a vertically integrated political empire rooted in the South – foregoing the traditional route to advocacy success in Washington D.C. He is the CEO of Ohio River South, a southern-focused government relations firm, and founder of Firehouse Phones, a political outreach company.
He also publishes Friendly Amendment, a newsletter informing 30,000 readers about southern public policy. An alum of Morehouse College, Franklin was elected the first male president of the Georgia League of Women Voters in their 90-year history at 28, and has held leadership roles with national groups like New Leaders Council and National Small Business Association.
A highly sought-after political operator and strategist, Howard Franklin has served in government, advised national leaders, and led winning campaigns – including the election of Andre Dickens as the 61st Mayor of Atlanta.
Franklin began his career working for Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson, and went on to build a vertically integrated political empire rooted in the South – foregoing the traditional route to advocacy success in Washington D.C. He is the CEO of Ohio River South, a southern-focused government relations firm, and founder of Firehouse Phones, a political outreach company.
He also publishes Friendly Amendment, a newsletter informing 30,000 readers about southern public policy. An alum of Morehouse College, Franklin was elected the first male president of the Georgia League of Women Voters in their 90-year history at 28, and has held leadership roles with national groups like New Leaders Council and National Small Business Association.
A highly sought-after political operator and strategist, Howard Franklin has served in government, advised national leaders, and led winning campaigns – including the election of Andre Dickens as the 61st Mayor of Atlanta.
Franklin began his career working for Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson, and went on to build a vertically integrated political empire rooted in the South – foregoing the traditional route to advocacy success in Washington D.C. He is the CEO of Ohio River South, a southern-focused government relations firm, and founder of Firehouse Phones, a political outreach company.
He also publishes Friendly Amendment, a newsletter informing 30,000 readers about southern public policy. An alum of Morehouse College, Franklin was elected the first male president of the Georgia League of Women Voters in their 90-year history at 28, and has held leadership roles with national groups like New Leaders Council and National Small Business Association.
A Media Presence
Insights
The Atlanta Advantage: A Stronger City/State Partnership
Insights
SAPORTA REPORT | When Mayor Andre Dickens delivered his fifth State of the City address recently, he spoke to an audience that extends far beyond Atlanta’s borders. That audience, our state legislature, holds the key to Georgia’s next decade of growth — a key that can only be turned…
Opinion: Jesse Jackson and Corporate America
Insights
AJC | The Rev. Jesse Jackson, who marched with King and passed away Feb. 17, was the ultimate bridge between that era of street-level protest and the world of business and finance. In fact, Jackson was, in many respects, the most effective activist investor this country has ever pro…
Commentary: Blue City Mayors in Red States
Insights
THE WELL NEWS | In the past year, navigating the second Trump administration has proved a tall order for government officials across the country. Yet nowhere has that divide been felt greater than in medium- to large-sized cities, often led by Democrats, and located in red states.
Howard Franklin wins Reginald Lewis award from AAMA
Accolades
Howard Franklin was recently honored with the 2025 Reginald F. Lewis Award, from the African American Mayors Association (AAMA) at their conference.
Scenes from Southern Hospitality at CBC 2025
Convenings
Ohio River South hosted our fourth annual Southern Hospitality Brunch to celebrate the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference in Washington D.C. Elected officials at every level of government from across the country came together with business leaders from across indus…
Honored! Ohio River South in GA Lobbying Top 10
Accolades
Ohio River South was named a Top 10 lobbying firm in Georgia by JAMES Magazine—for the 4th straight year. This recognition belongs to our bipartisan team and the clients who trust us to turn complex challenges into real-world results across the South.
Howard Franklin: “DC Matters More Than Ever”
Insights
“The last 30 days have shown us that you don’t have to be on Capitol Hill to feel the impact of Washington.” That’s exactly why Ohio River South has expanded its presence in Washington, DC – to ensure that businesses, policymakers, and stakeholders in the South don’t just adapt to federal decisions …
ORS Celebrates with 4th Annual Bipartisan Brunch
Convenings
ORS kicked off the first half of Georgia's biennial with our 4th Annual Bipartisan Brunch, bringing together elected and appointed officials from all levels of government and both sides of the aisle for a dynamic afternoon of connection and collaboration, following the first day of the 158th Georgia…
NBEC Holds Session in ATL During National Conference
Convenings
Ohio River South (ORS) hosted The National Black Empowerment Council, or NBEC, for its "solutions sessions" in its downtown Atlanta offices. The group convened an influential cohort of leaders from across the country to discuss solutions to uplift Black communities.