As the founding principal of The Bloom Group, Hal Bloom brings our clients more than 35 years of experience in politics, with an in-depth understanding of the legislative process as well as the inner workings of state agencies.

His leadership and the qualified team he’s assembled ensure that clients always get professional services that yield real results. A seasoned and respected veteran in his field, Hal was chosen as one of the top lobbyists by The Montgomery Advertiser.

Key Areas of Expertise

• Political Coalition Building

• Public and Governmental Finance

• Campaign Strategy and Management

Education

• B.S., Business and Commerce, University of West Alabama

• Graduate, Chamber of Commerce Executive Institute, University of Georgia

Of Note

• Hal authored parts of the section on lobbying in “The Legislative Process: A Handbook for Alabama Legislators,” which is used as an orientation guide for the Alabama Legislature.

Cell: (334) 244-8948
Email: halbloom@thebloomgroup.com

Allen is a principal of The Bloom Group. The former House Republican Minority Whip joined The Bloom  Group in 2008 and became a principal in 2010. He has  more than 30 years of political, legislative, and campaign  experience, which includes 12 years as a member of the Alabama House of Representatives.

While a member of the House, Allen served eight years on the powerful Rules Committee and eight years on the Health Committee with four years as vice-chairman. He was also elected to the Legislative Council. In addition to his political expertise, Allen brings real-world business experience, working for over 20 years as a real-estate agent and investor specializing in commercial leasing.

Key Areas of Expertise 

• Healthcare 

• Insider knowledge of the legislative process Political coalition building 

• Real Estate 

• Public and governmental finance 

Key Professional Experience 

• Served 12 years in the Alabama House of Representatives 

• Republican Minority Whip for ten years, Vice-Chairman of the Alabama House Health Committee 

• Member of Rules, Commerce and Boards & Commissions Committees Legislative Council 

• Commercial leasing agent 

• Alabama State Board of Chiropractic Examiners  (former board member) 

Sara Elizabeth brings a thorough knowledge of government as well as an extensive network of contacts to The Bloom Group thanks to relationships forged and maintained over decades of living and working in Montgomery and her family’s deep roots in the capital city. She also has longstanding relationships from her time working on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. 

Her years of experience working in real estate give her a broad perspective on the area’s business climate and a track record of success listening to, advocating for, and representing the best interests of a diverse range of clients. 

Key Areas of Expertise

• Proven networking abilities 

• Strong work ethic 

Education

• BA in Political Science (Minors in Public Relations and English), The University of Alabama

Cell: (334) 462-6063
Email: s.burnham@thebloomgroup.com

John offers our clients a wealth of hands-on experience gained in more than 20 years of work in local and state government, including an extensive background in community relations. He previously served as Talladega County Juvenile Court Administrator and as Director of Regional and Community Services and Legislative Liaison for the Alabama Department of Youth Services.

He also served as Executive Vice President of the Sylacauga Chamber of Commerce; as Secretary/Treasurer of the Sylacauga Industrial Development Board; as Council President; and later, as Mayor of the City of Sylacauga. He also has valuable experience in healthcare issues, currently serving as a Board member of the Coosa Valley Baptist Medical Center, where he has also served as Chairman in the past, and as an active member of the Alabama Hospital Association. 

Key Areas of Expertise 

• Local and state government management 

• Human services expertise 

• Economic development experience 

• Community and governmental relations 

• Grant writing experience 

Education

• B.S., Business and Economics, University of West Alabama 

• Certified Public Manager Program, Auburn University at Montgomery

James brings more than four decades of serving children, youth, and families plus numerous other professional accomplishments to The Bloom Group, and he puts his detailed knowledge of interactions between government and the private sector to work for our clients. He was the CEO of the Alabama Department of Youth Services and has worked as a consultant on criminal justice, youth and families, and business matters and as a management professor at the University of Alabama graduate school. 

Key Areas of Expertise 

• Health and human services 

• Criminal justice 

• Court testimony and legal proceedings 

• Education 

• Public utilities 

• Community relations

Education 

• M.S.W., University of Alabama 

• B.S., Miles College

Stephanie has more than 25 years of experience in working with state government in Alabama, spending countless hours at the State House during sessions, walking the halls and building relationships, including strong relationships with trade associations. She previously worked for AmSouth Bank, the Business Council of Alabama and the Alabama Bankers Association before moving to contract lobbying work in 2006. In addition, she worked for almost four years on Capitol Hill in the office of U.S. Representative Cass Ballenger after college.

Key Areas of Expertise 

• Government relations Legislative affairs 

• Building coalitions around issues 

Education 

• BA in Economics from the University of North Carolina

John brings decades of experience and a proven track record of lobbying for more than 30 local government entities in Jefferson County, including the county and its largest city, Birmingham, to The Bloom Group and its clients. John began his work with municipal government and governmental relations when he served as administrative assistant and lobbyist for Mayor Richard Arrington Jr. and the City of Birmingham from 1992 to 2000. Since then, he has worked as a contract lobbyist, advocating for his diverse group of clients including government entities like the Birmingham City Council and its President William Bell as well as multiple private sector clients. Thanks to his strong work ethic and networking abilities and longstanding working relationships with members of the Alabama Legislature, he’s consistently been able to help his clients meet their goals.

Key Areas of Expertise 

• Served more than 30 local government entities in Jefferson County 

• Good working relationships with legislative delegation 

• Municipal government 

• International delegation hosting 

Education 

• BA Jacksonville State University

As the youngest associate at The Bloom Group, Harris combines innovative communication strategies with a deep understanding of the political landscape, influenced by his politically engaged upbringing. This background enables him to navigate complex issues and build meaningful relationships. Harris has a solid foundation in technology, leveraging digital tools and data analytics to enhance lobbying efforts and keep our clients ahead of trends. With a blend of creativity and commitment, Harris is poised to drive positive change and champion important causes as an associate at The Bloom Group.

Key Areas of Expertise 

• Communications 

• Digital strategies 

Education

• BA in Advertising from the University of Alabama