alliantgroup is proud to announce the addition of former U.S. Congressman Harold Ford, Jr. to the firm’s Strategic Advisory Board. A former five-term congressman representing Tennessee’s 9th District, Ford brings to the firm his years of experience as a pragmatic elected official with a deep passion for expanding educational and economic opportunities for all Americans. In his new role with alliantgroup, Ford will be leveraging his policy knowledge for the benefit of CPAs and U.S. businesses as well as helping spread awareness on the various federal and state tax incentives available for the benefit of American companies.

“It gives me great pride to be aligned with a firm that is committed to helping small and mid-market U.S. businesses grow innovation and wages. Moreover, I’m particularly excited because these very businesses are the main drivers of job growth and dynamism—which places alliantgroup’s services at the center of value creation in our nation’s economy,” said Ford.

Representing Tennessee’s 9th District from 1997-2007, during his tenure in office, Ford built a strong reputation as a bipartisan legislator willing to work across the aisle in the interest of his constituents.

Taking over for his father Harold Ford, Sr., who served in the U.S. House of Representatives for 22 years before retiring in 1996, Ford continued his father’s legacy as a civil servant devoted to expanding economic and educational opportunities for all Americans.

Upon entering office, Ford quickly established himself as a leader and was chosen by his colleagues as freshman class president, providing him added influence as a spokesperson for the newly elected congressional members and as an intermediary with House leaders. The progression of Ford’s committee assignments reflected his policy interests and his resolve to play a significant role in the House, with Ford initially receiving assignments on the House Committees for Education and Workforce and Government Reform and Oversight before moving on to accept seats on the House Financial Services Committee and the House Budget Committee. A moderate and member of several centrist organizations in the House such as the New Democrat and Blue Dog coalitions, throughout his tenure, Ford was commended by his colleagues for his willingness to put partisan politics aside to find impactful policy solutions.

“As my friend and colleague, I found Congressman Ford to be one of the most engaging and thoughtful members of the House,” said former U.S. Congressman and alliantgroup Senior Vice President Rick Lazio. “Harold’s heart has always been in public policy and in finding solutions, no matter what side of the aisle they may come, that improve the economic prospects of his constituents. I have no doubt that Congressman Ford will be an invaluable asset to the firm and our clients.”

During his time in public service, Ford was an advocate for policies aimed at improving economic well-being and proposed legislation to enhance the assets of working-class Americans through savings programs and tax incentives. Ford has also long been a staunch supporter of economic empowerment through improved educational opportunities. In 2000, Ford received widespread media attention when he delivered the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention.

“I would like to formally welcome Congressman Ford to our Strategic Advisory Board,” said former Senior Counsel to the U.S. Senate Finance Committee and alliantgroup National Managing Director Dean Zerbe. “Congressman Ford has proven himself to be a staunch advocate for American businesses and will offer a unique policy perspective to the firm and our clients.”