Download vCardRollin Downs brings years of public and private sector experience to Robbins Government Relations (RGR). Rollin comes to RGR after leading the government relations and economic development functions for the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. As Senior Associate Vice Chancellor, Rollin served as a top advisor to the Chancellor and the Board of Regents on legislative and economic development matters. At the Capitol, Rollin worked closely with the Governor’s Office and Georgia General Assembly through the annual appropriations process and on several public policy issues impacting the University System.
Rollin also led the University System’s efforts with the Georgia Department of Economic Development, working on such high-profile projects as Amazon HQ2. He helped deliver new system-led initiatives in FinTech and Health IT, two of Georgia’s most vibrant industries. Rollin also served as a strategic advisor to the Georgia Film Academy – Georgia’s premier, film production and workforce training organization for the state’s $10 billion film industry. He was also the University System’s liaison to the Georgia Chamber and Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce.
Before joining the Board of Regents, Rollin worked for SAS, the nation’s largest privately held software company. At SAS, Rollin joined a newly created team within the company helping deliver data analytic solutions that modernized fraud, waste and abuse detection and improved overall efficiencies for state agencies. Prior to joining SAS, Rollin was a Senior Advisor at the law firm, McKenna Long & Aldridge. Rollin led lobbying and strategic public affairs initiatives for clients in a variety of industries in the State of Georgia and Washington, D.C. He also served as a member of the firm’s national government affairs team working with the Republican and National Governors Association.
In 2010, Rollin was Deputy Chief of Staff to Georgia’s 81st Governor Sonny Perdue (R-GA). As a key advisor to the Governor, Rollin was instrumentally involved in economic development projects, public policy issues, legislative affairs, communications, and executive appointments. He also traveled internationally on numerous Georgia Department of Economic Development trade missions led by Governor Perdue, visiting more than twenty countries, spanning four continents. Before being named Deputy Chief of Staff, Rollin served as Special Assistant to Governor Perdue, managing the Governor’s daily affairs and working closely with senior staff and state leaders on the administration’s top initiatives. After Governor Nathan Deal (R-GA) was elected in November 2010, Rollin worked closely with the incoming administration to ensure a smooth transition into the Governor’s Office.
Rollin’s unique background and breadth of experience brings tremendous value to Robbins Government Relations. He is a former nominee of the American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL), a James Magazine rising star in Georgia politics, a member of Habitat for Humanity, and supporter of the Georgia English Bulldog Rescue nonprofit organization.