WASHINGTON, D.C., Nov. 5, 2025 – Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies (CPS), the bipartisan government relations and communications affiliate of international law firm Cozen O’Connor, today announced the addition of Donovan W. Pepper as principal and director of national strategic partnerships.
“Donovan is a powerhouse in local and state advocacy with a deep understanding of how national partnerships drive impact,” said Howard Schweitzer, CEO of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies. “His experience navigating multijurisdictional environments and fostering stakeholder engagement will be a tremendous asset to our clients and our team.”
Pepper joins CPS from Walgreens, where he spent nearly two decades leading government relations, public affairs and civic engagement efforts. Most recently, he served as senior director of government relations, overseeing advocacy across key markets and managing relationships with major national municipal and state trade associations. As national director of local government relations, he led legislative and regulatory strategy across all 50 states and U.S. territories.
“Donovan’s track record speaks for itself: he’s a trusted advisor, a respected civic leader, and a strategic thinker who knows how to build coalitions and deliver results,” said John F. Dunn, managing director, Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies. “His addition strengthens our ability to help clients navigate the intersection of policy, reputation and community impact.”
In his new role, Pepper will lead CPS’s national strategic partnerships, expanding the firm’s engagement with key state and local organizations and enhancing its integrated approach to advocacy and communications.
“I’m excited to join a team that understands the power of collaboration and the importance of local voices in shaping national outcomes,” Pepper said. “Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies is uniquely positioned to help clients lead in today’s dynamic policy environment, and I look forward to contributing to that mission.”
A recognized civic leader, Pepper has chaired the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce’s Political Action Committee and the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ Business Council. He currently serves on numerous boards, including the Chicago Area Public Affairs Group, Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, Knox College, The Civic Federation and The Magnificent Mile Association.
His contributions have been honored by President Barack Obama through the Corporation for National and Community Service and organizations including the University of Illinois Alumni Association, the Cosmopolitan Chamber of Commerce and the Boys and Girls Club. He was recently awarded the Whitney M. Young, Jr. Service Award by Scouting America’s Pathway to Adventure Council.
Pepper holds a master’s degree in political studies from the University of Illinois Springfield and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Sangamon State University.
About Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies
Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, an affiliate of the international law firm Cozen O’Connor, is a bipartisan government relations practice representing clients before the federal government and in cities and states throughout the country. The firm’s public strategies professionals offer a full complement of government affairs services, including legislative and executive branch advocacy, policy analysis, assistance with government procurement and funding programs, and crisis management and strategic communications. Its client base spans multiple industries, including health care, transportation, hospitality, education, construction, energy, real estate, entertainment, financial services, and insurance.
About Cozen O’Connor
Established in 1970, Cozen O’Connor has over 925 attorneys who help clients manage risk and make better business decisions. The firm counsels clients on their most sophisticated legal matters in all areas of the law, including litigation, corporate, and regulatory law. Representing a broad array of leading global corporations and middle market companies, Cozen O’Connor serves its clients’ needs through 33 offices across two continents.
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