09/30/2025

Focus Public Affairs Announces Isabel Villa-García as New Partner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Cady Thomas, Partner
919-624-6488
[email protected]

Focus Public Affairs Announces Isabel Villa-García as New Partner

Raleigh, N.C. — October 1, 2025 – Focus Public Affairs is proud to announce that Isabel Villa-García
has joined the firm as a Partner. With over a decade of experience, Isabel has a proven record of driving
policy initiatives and strengthening industries through effective advocacy. Mrs. Villa-García will join Wendy
Kelly and Cady Thomas as Partners of Focus Public Affairs.

After beginning her career at the North Carolina General Assembly, Isabel transitioned into government
affairs, including roles at two leading North Carolina trade associations, in education and real estate.
While completing her Master’s in Political Management at George Washington University, she worked in
D.C. for an international automotive trade association, managing contract lobbyists nationwide.

From 2018 to 2025, Isabel served as Vice President of Government Affairs for the North Carolina
Restaurant and Lodging Association, one of the state’s largest trade associations. She led the
association’s legislative agenda, political fundraising, grassroots advocacy, and local government affairs
efforts. Isabel will continue as NCRLA’s Chief Lobbyist.

Isabel also contributes her expertise and leadership beyond her professional work. She serves on the
Board of Trustees for the North Carolina Museum of Art, and is a board member of the North Carolina
Professional Lobbyists Association.

“We are thrilled to welcome Isabel as a partner,” said Wendy Kelly at Focus Public Affairs. “Her
leadership, relationships, and experience across industries bring tremendous value to our clients. Isabel
has consistently demonstrated her ability to deliver meaningful results, and we are excited to have her as
part of our firm’s future.”

“I’m honored to join Focus Public Affairs as partner and work with this talented team to deliver solutions
that drive lasting impact in North Carolina and beyond, said Isabel.”

About Focus Public Affairs
Focus Public Affairs is a leading consulting firm committed to providing our clients with results-driven
advice. We bring a comprehensive strategic consultative approach to all our clients’ issues, initiatives,
and goals. Our clients include the NC REALTORSⓇ, the largest trade association in the state, as well as
companies such as Toyota and American Airlines, among others. Learn more at
www.FocusPublicAffairs.com

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