David Wilkins

Federal Government Strategies

Government Relations

International Relations & Sovereign Government Advocacy

Ambassador David Wilkins chairs Nelson Mullins' public policy and international law practice group with a special focus on U.S.-Canada interests. He proudly served as U.S. ambassador to Canada from June 2005 to January 2009, appointed by President George W. Bush. Since returning home, Ambassador Wilkins spent six years chairing the Clemson University Board of Trustees and remains an active member of that board. He also sits on the board of United Community Bank.

Elected in 1980, Wilkins served 25 years in the South Carolina House of Representatives. He was elected speaker in 1994 – a position he held for 11 years until he resigned for his ambassadorship post.

Elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives in 1980 and served there for 25 years

Served six years as Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee and two years as Speaker Pro Tem before being elected Speaker of the House, a post he held for 11 years

First Republican elected Speaker of any legislative body in the South since 1880s and retired as one of the longest serving speakers in the country