Phillip Cease

Phillip is a vice president on McGuireWoods Consulting’s South Carolina government relations team, where he assists clients with advocacy, lobbying and government relations. 
 
He has experience in the executive and legislative branches, nonprofit and think tank space. As an advisor to the governor, state superintendent of education and state treasurer, Phillip has helped elected officials navigate complex issues related to education, finance, the regulatory process and the state budget. 
 
As a director in the nonprofit and think tank space, Phillip developed policy, coordinated statewide grassroots networks, planned and implemented issue advocacy campaigns, and worked with legislators on issues ranging from school choice, prevention of child abuse and neglect, infrastructure and taxes. 
 
Prior to joining McGuireWoods Consulting, Phillip served as the government affairs and policy director for the South Carolina Department of Education. He represented the Department of Education and the state superintendent of education before members of the legislature, committees, the state board of education and the public. Additionally, he was responsible for the agency’s multi-billion dollar yearly budget request, legislative portfolio and regulation promulgation process. 
 
Phillip lives in Columbia, South Carolina, with his wife, Ashley, and their three daughters.