Public affairs firm The Ingram Group has added Sam Reed, a former staff attorney to U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper, as a strategic consultant.

In a statement, the firm said Reed — the son of Gaylord Entertainment Chairman and CEO Colin Reed — will service clients on both the state and federal levels, advising them on business, legislative, regulatory and other issues. Prior to joining Cooper's staff in late 2008, Reed spent three years as an associate in the intellectual property department at local law firm Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis. There, Reed handled trademark and copyright concerns for clients including HCA, Nissan and Gaylord Entertainment. Most recently, he headed up the business development efforts for the Nashville branch of entertainment-focused public relations firm Sacks & Co.

A Memphis native, Reed has a bachelor's degree in film and political science from the University of Miami, a law degree from the University of Tennessee and a master's of law in intellectual property from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. During his time with Cooper in Washington, he used that IP background to assist in shaping Cooper's music industry policy in the face of the industry’s downturn.

“With Sam’s vast experience in the public and private sectors, he will be an invaluable addition to our government relations practice,” said firm founder Tom Ingram. “His legal expertise and unique skill set will broaden our state and federal presence and allow us to better serve our clients as we solve problems and maximize opportunities.”

Ingram was founded 29 years ago and also is home to, among others, Rachel Albright, former deputy press secretary to U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell.