Mary Pat Lawrence's remarkable career is the result of a combination of her unique skill set and passion for making a difference.

From a young age, Lawrence knew she wanted to work to create large-scale change. Born and raised in a small town in Alabama, she had high hopes of moving to a big city and building her meaningful career.

While attending undergraduate and law school at the University of Alabama, she was given the opportunity to intern with Senator Richard Shelby at the Capitol. Through this experience of hers, Lawrence got a taste of her politics and had the opportunity to travel around Alabama with her senators.

Lawrence found a sense of belonging in the city's excitement and decided to make Washington, D.C., home after graduating from law school. She first became involved with Protective Life nearly 20 years ago, when she worked on issues as a lobbyist in Washington on behalf of the company.

“I have worked with previous leaders of the company on legislation that affects the life insurance industry. That's how I really learned and was able to really understand life insurance.”

She currently serves as Protective Life's Senior Vice President of Government Affairs.

In her role, she oversees the development and implementation of Protective's government programs at the state, federal, and international levels. In addition to managing Protective's government affairs division, she is a representative on various industry organizations, including the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, the American Council of Life Insurers, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the Alabama Business Council.

To strengthen her professional skills, she prioritizes networking and relationships.

“The world of government affairs is all about relationships,” says Lawrence. Maintaining close working relationships with her industry peers and industry organizations is essential to her success, and she ensures that these relationships are highly valued.

She cites Senator Shelby as a source of professional inspiration. Lawrence said Shelby's consistent encouragement and insistence on her continued effort have been important to her progress. She also shares Sen. Katie Britt's respect for her influential work.

“I am confident that she will serve as a committee leader in the Senate, address international issues around the world to protect the safety and security of our nation, and position Alabama to create and bring new jobs and opportunities.” “I am inspired by his outstanding first year as a senator while ensuring the continued support of our state,” Lawrence said of Sen. Britt.

“Her love for Alabama is evident in everything she does.”

Regarding her most significant professional accomplishments, Lawrence emphasizes the depth of her experience. Throughout her career, she has worked both inside and outside of Capitol Hill and has leveraged her unique skill set to make exciting strides in her position. Ms. Lawrence is also very grateful for the opportunity to live in a place she loves, near her family and friends.

Looking to the future, Lawrence hopes to continue the positive momentum. “As a member of an Alabama-based company, I look forward to continuing to partner with policymakers to move Alabama forward and create jobs and great educational opportunities.” I am proud of the progress made through the Alabama Economic Coalition, led by the Alabama Economic Coalition.

“We recognized a gap in the networking space between Alabama and D.C. There were no consistent opportunities for Alabama businesses, organizations, and professionals to gather ideas and information and share them with the Congressional delegation and staff. There was no.”

ABC meets regularly with members of Congress, state officials, and key staff to discuss a variety of timely issues affecting Alabama and our common interests.

The group's mission is to come together to support Alabama's economic development and growth by educating and discussing solutions that benefit Alabama's businesses, residents, and stakeholders.

In addition to these efforts, Lawrence is involved in several community organizations, including serving on the boards of the Birmingham Zoo, Alabama Ballet, and the Women's Foundation, and joined Leadership Birmingham in 2022-2023.