Meet the Team
James Pickral, Founder and Principal, has extensive experience across multiple industries including the health care, energy, pharmacy, and economic development sectors. James has a strong track record of delivering for clients by providing strategic guidance on the legislative and regulatory processes. James has been involved in several state and federal public health and safety campaigns including the “Virginia Meth Watch Program” instituted by former Attorney General Jerry Kilgore, aimed at reducing methamphetamine production. He served as the Virginia representative and the Virginia program coordinator for the Food and Drug Administration’s “Looks Can Be Deceiving” campaign, which educated the public on the risks associated with illegally imported prescription drugs.
Before founding Pickral Consulting, James served as Manager of State Government Affairs for Troutman Sanders Strategies. While there, he represented clients focused on a variety of issues such as pharmaceutical manufacturers, economic developers, hospital systems, and an alternative and renewable energy association among others.
James also served as the Director of Policy for the Virginia Pharmacists Association where he was responsible for developing association policy and advocating on the state and federal levels. While at the Virginia Pharmacists Association, James was the federal point person for the Virginia members of the National Association of Compounding Pharmacists and the National Community Pharmacist Association. James’ legislative experience also includes serving three sessions as Legislative Assistant to Delegate John O’Bannon.
James is a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving as an infantryman during Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, and Provide Comfort. After his military service, James attended Virginia Commonwealth University graduating in 2000 with a Bachelors of Arts in History and a minor in German.
Hannah Williams, Vice President of Government Relations, brings over a decade of legislative experiences to the table. Hannah most recently served as Legislative and Policy Director for the Virginia House Democratic Caucus where she led the Caucus' legislative and policy efforts as well as assisted each member in the development of their policy agendas. She worked closely with the Speaker of the House of Delegates, Don Scott, Caucus Leadership, and the House Appropriations members in the advancement of the Caucus' legislative and budgetary agendas in the 2024, 2025, and 2026 legislative sessions. Hannah assisted the Caucus during their historic 2025 election where they gained an additional 13 seats by connecting advocacy groups and organizations with candidates and building strong legislative foundations for each incoming member.
Hannah has played a role in accomplishing crucial legislative and budgetary initiatives brought forth through House Commissions including the House Select Committee on Advancing Rural and Small Town Health Care, House Emergency Committee on the Impacts of Federal Workforce and Funding Reductions, and Task Force on Maternal Health Data and Quality Measures.
In addition to her role with the Caucus, Hannah also has previous legislative and policy experiences in the Office of Delegate Karrie Delaney, the Office of U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, William & Mary and in the private sector representing a variety of clients. Hannah's portfolio has historically focused on education, economic and workforce development, technology and innovation, procurement, public safety, and healthcare.
Hannah received her Bachelors of Arts in Political Science from Hollins University and received her Masters in Public Policy from the University of Virginia's Frank Batten School of Public Policy.
Ashley Wright, Vice President of Government Relations, brings sixteen years of experience working in Virginia’s legislative landscape to the team where she is well-versed in both the process and in the nuances of effective policymaking. In addition to providing support to clients through year-round issues monitoring and advocacy, Ashley is onsite at the General Assembly full-time at each legislative session. She also provides advocacy training and guidance to clients who are seeking to grow or re-engage their grassroots network.
Working with a variety of clients over the past decade, Ashley has had the opportunity to be directly involved with numerous successful legislative efforts – including, in recent years securing $240 million in reoccurring funding in Virginia’s biennial budget for disability waivers; ensuring service rate increases for disabled workers; raising the minimum age to buy tobacco products from eighteen to twenty-one; negotiating provider rate increases for a greater range of person-centered services; and passing legislation aimed at curbing the illicit e-vapor products market that is primarily targeting youth.
Ashley previously served as Legislative Director for a Virginia State Senate office for over five years, where she focused on constituent services, legislative process, education and health policy, and acting as liaison with other state agencies and departments. She is also experienced with political campaigns, serving in both coordinating and Campaign Management roles.
Outside of the legislative and political arenas, Ashley has worked in private sector management, member services, and client relations; additionally, she has a background in freelance communications work as a copywriter and editor. She is a graduate of Regent University, and currently lives in Chesterfield with her husband and two teenage children.