Managing Director, Atlanta
303 Peachtree Street, NE
Suite 5300
Atlanta, GA 30308

TEL: 404.527.4643
FAX: 404.527.4198
EMAIL: clesser@mckennalong.com

PROFILE

Craig Lesser is a Managing Director and the head of the international public affairs initiative within the firm’s government affairs practice.  His primary focus is on expanding the firm’s presence abroad and interfacing with international businesses operating in the United States, with an emphasis on economic development strategies.

Prior to joining McKenna Long & Aldridge, Craig was appointed to Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development by Governor Sonny Perdue in 2004. In this role, he led efforts to recruit new business to Georgia from around the nation and internationally. Craig’s responsibilities while still in office included oversight of the state’s small business and entrepreneur programs, efforts to grow existing business as well as marketing Georgia as an ideal destination for filmmakers, the music industry, multi-media companies and tourists. While serving as Commissioner, there were almost 500 new investment and expansion announcements, totaling $8 billion and creating thousands of new jobs. He led the state's efforts to attract new Consulates in Georgia, and led dozens of international missions on Georgia's behalf. Craig also oversaw the expansion of Georgia's international presence with the opening of state offices in Chile, Brazil, China and France.

Craig Lesser is President of Investments Global, LLC, a private company formed to assist Asian investors in the United States.

Before his gubernatorial appointment, Craig served as Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs for Georgia Power Company; President & CEO of Mirant New York; and Senior Vice President of External Affairs for Mirant Americas. He was also a partner in a public affairs consulting firm.

Craig's past experience also includes serving as president of Hemisphere Inc., a public-private partnership created to attract the Free Trade Areas of the Americas Secretariat.  During his tenure, five Latin American nations opened consulates in Atlanta and many new business relationships were forged between Western Hemisphere nations and Georgia.

Craig received his B.A. from the State University of New York College at Oneonta and is a graduate of the Advanced Management Program at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Business, Leadership Georgia and the Regional Leadership Institute.

Craig has been recognized by Georgia Trend, James Magazine and the Atlanta Business Chronicle as one of Georgia's most influential people. 

*Non-Attorney Professional