Births on April 18

Justin Ross, American politician

Justin D. Ross, born on April 18, 1976, is a prominent American figure whose career reflects a remarkable versatility, spanning impactful public service in the Maryland legislature, strategic success in government relations, and a pioneering role in global sports entertainment. His journey showcases an individual adept at navigating complex political landscapes and driving significant initiatives across diverse sectors.

A Distinguished Career in the Maryland House of Delegates

Ross first entered public service representing District 22, a vital and populous area within Prince George's County, in the Maryland House of Delegates. Elected in 2002, he officially commenced his legislative tenure in 2003 and served with dedication and distinction until his retirement in November 2012. Throughout his nearly decade-long service, Ross emerged as a key player within the Democratic leadership.

His strategic acumen was particularly evident in his role as a top lieutenant to the highly influential Maryland House Speaker Michael E. Busch. This position, coupled with his appointment as Chief Deputy Majority Whip from 2006 to 2012, placed him at the heart of legislative operations. As Chief Deputy Majority Whip, Ross was instrumental in ensuring party cohesion, diligently counting votes, and employing his persuasive skills to secure the passage of critical legislation, often under intense scrutiny.

Landmark Legislative Achievements

Ross's tenure in the House of Delegates was marked by his pivotal involvement in two significant legislative victories that shaped Maryland's future. In February 2012, he earned widespread recognition for his crucial role in delivering the decisive votes needed to pass the historic marriage equality bill. This was a landmark moment for social policy in Maryland and a deeply contested issue across the nation, highlighting Ross’s ability to build consensus on sensitive matters.

Later that same year, in September 2012, during a rare special session of the Maryland Legislature, Ross again demonstrated his remarkable skill in legislative strategy. He was instrumental in helping to secure the necessary votes for legislation that paved the way for the development and subsequent opening of the MGM National Harbor casino in Prince George's County. This project had significant economic implications, promising jobs and revenue for the state and particularly for his home county.

So profound was his reputation for effectively garnering support and ensuring legislative success that Speaker Michael Busch affectionately bestowed upon him the nickname "Mr. 71." This moniker directly referenced the 71 votes required to pass a bill in the Maryland House of Delegates, serving as a testament to Ross's unparalleled ability to navigate political intricacies and secure legislative majorities, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Pivoting to Government Relations: Founding PWRJ

Following his retirement from the Maryland House of Delegates in November 2012, Justin Ross transitioned his profound understanding of the legislative process and his extensive network into the private sector. On July 1, 2013, he co-founded the Annapolis-based government relations firm of Perry, White Ross & Jacobson (PWRJ). He joined forces with Timothy A. Perry, Josh White, and Jonas A. Jacobson to establish a firm that quickly became a powerful presence in the state capital.

Annapolis, as the seat of Maryland's state government, is the strategic hub for legislative advocacy, and PWRJ wasted no time in making its mark. The firm rapidly ascended to become one of the most elite and effective government relations firms in Maryland, leveraging its founders' deep legislative experience and strong relationships to achieve client objectives.

A New Frontier: Global Sports and Entertainment with NLSE

After eight successful years contributing to PWRJ's prominence in government relations, Ross embarked on another significant and distinct career transition. On July 1, 2021, he departed from PWRJ to embrace a groundbreaking new role as Senior Vice President for Global Programming at Next Level Sports & Entertainment (NLSE).

NLSE holds a unique and significant position in the media landscape as the world's only Black-owned sports network. In his capacity, Ross is tasked with overseeing and expanding the network's global programming initiatives, further solidifying its reach and influence. NLSE boasts a substantial presence within the United States, currently available in approximately 30 million homes through a wide array of major providers, including Verizon Fios, DirecTV, AT&T, Fubo, and Distro, making its diverse sports content accessible to a vast audience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Justin D. Ross

Who is Justin D. Ross?

Justin D. Ross is an American politician and executive, born April 18, 1976. He is known for his distinguished service in the Maryland House of Delegates, his subsequent career in government relations as a co-founder of PWRJ, and his current role as Senior Vice President for Global Programming at Next Level Sports & Entertainment (NLSE).

What were Justin D. Ross's key political achievements in the Maryland House of Delegates?

During his tenure from 2003 to 2012, Ross was instrumental in passing two major pieces of legislation: he is widely credited with securing the crucial votes for the marriage equality bill in February 2012, and later that year, he helped secure votes for the legislation enabling the MGM National Harbor casino to open in Prince George's County. He also served as Chief Deputy Majority Whip and a top lieutenant to Speaker Michael E. Busch.

What is the meaning behind Justin D. Ross's nickname, "Mr. 71"?

Speaker Michael E. Busch bestowed the nickname "Mr. 71" upon Justin D. Ross. It referred to the 71 votes needed to pass a bill in the Maryland House of Delegates and was a testament to Ross's exceptional ability to count votes, negotiate, and ultimately secure the necessary legislative support for critical bills.

What did Justin D. Ross do after leaving the Maryland House of Delegates?

After retiring from the House in November 2012, Ross co-founded the government relations firm of Perry, White Ross & Jacobson (PWRJ) in Annapolis on July 1, 2013, where he quickly became part of an elite lobbying firm. In July 2021, he transitioned to Next Level Sports & Entertainment (NLSE) as Senior Vice President for Global Programming.

What is Next Level Sports & Entertainment (NLSE)?

NLSE is a pioneering media company recognized as the world's only Black-owned sports network. It provides diverse sports programming and is available in approximately 30 million U.S. homes through major providers such as Verizon Fios, DirecTV, AT&T, Fubo, and Distro.