Justin Clayton

Justin is a senior vice president at McGuireWoods Consulting, where he advises clients on state and federal government relations, public policy and strategic advocacy. Drawing on experience in both the public and private sectors, he helps organizations navigate complex legislative and regulatory environments and advance their business objectives.
 
Prior to joining McGuireWoods Consulting, Justin served as vice president of government affairs at UnitedHealth Group (UHG), where he led government affairs activities in North and South Carolina. He managed relationships with governors’ offices, state legislators, executive agencies and regulators by supporting the company’s health insurance and healthcare services businesses. His work spanned Medicaid managed care, pharmacy services and initiatives aimed at expanding access to healthcare. Additionally, Justin oversaw UHG’s strategic engagement with the Democratic Governors Association, Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association and Congressional Black Caucus.
 
Before joining UHG, Justin served as deputy legislative director for Gov. Roy Cooper, representing the governor before the North Carolina General Assembly and coordinating legislative strategy across 11 cabinet agencies. He previously served as political director for Gov. Cooper’s successful 2016 gubernatorial campaign. Earlier in his career, Justin held legislative staff positions on Capitol Hill, working for Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson and U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan.
 
Justin has earned recognition as one of the nation’s Top Lobbyists by the National Institute for Lobbying & Ethics and was named to the Triangle Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 class in 2024.
 
Justin earned his Juris Doctor from American University Washington College of Law and his Bachelor of Arts in political science and public policy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. A Raleigh native, he lives in the city with his wife.

•    Board of Directors, North Carolina Legislative Black Caucus Foundation
•    Board Member, North Carolina Professional Lobbyist Association
•    Board Member, Beacon Media
•    Board Member, Alexander Family YMCA