Kelly Bingel

Kelly Rucker Bingel, a Partner at Mehlman Vogel Castagnetti, brings time tested experience from positions in Congress, industry and the media. Her political insights have made her a frequent contributor to Fox News, MSNBC, where she has appeared opposite Republican heavyweights and policy experts. As Chief of Staff to U.S. Sen. Blanche Lincoln, D-AR, Kelly managed the administrative, legislative and communications functions of the office. She oversaw a staff of 30 and coordinated political, legislative and media strategy on an array of vital issues including tax, trade, health care, energy and agriculture. In an earlier position as Sen. Lincoln’s Legislative Director she helped a group of moderate Senators form the Senate New Democrats and directed their outreach with the high tech community. In fact, Kelly served as Sen. Lincoln’s liaison to the telecommunications and technology industry for more than 12 years. Mehlman Vogel Castagnetti’s high tech clients are reaping the rewards of this experience today. In her original position as then-Representative Lincoln’s Communications Director, Kelly directed media outreach as Rep. Lincoln helped create the House Blue Dogs, a group of moderate Democratic congressmen. Kelly wrote all press releases, speeches and op-eds for the congresswoman, as well as produced a weekly radio show and monthly cable TV program. Her telecommunications expertise primed her to staff the Conference Committee for the 1996 Telecommunications Act. During implementation of the Telecom Act, Kelly joined AT&T’s Office of Law and Government Affairs as Director of Federal Government Relations. An important aspect of her work at AT&T involved nurturing the company’s relationship with Southern Members of Congress. Before starting her Washington career, Kelly worked as a reporter at the Tulsa Tribune and as a contributing intern at the Houston Chronicle. In her right-out-ofcollege first job, she was a National Consultant for Chi Omega sorority, delivering leadership and inspirational speeches to audiences in 20+ states.