Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C. and ML Strategies have announced that William “Mo” Cowan, will become President and Chief Executive Officer of ML Strategies, the firm’s government relations and business advisory affiliate. He previously served as its Sr. Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer. Stephen P. Tocco, who has served as President and CEO of ML Strategies since 1997, now will serve as Chairman.

Senator Cowan rejoined Mintz Levin and ML Strategies in 2013 after having served as the interim United States Senator for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In his new role he will provide operational leadership for ML Strategies teams in Boston and Washington. Mr. Tocco will continue to focus on expanding the consulting affiliate’s client base both regionally and nationally, while continuing to provide advice and counsel to clients and Senator Cowan. 

 “My decision to return to Mintz Levin was made more enticing by the opportunity to collaborate with Steve and expand the ML Strategies platform that he so skillfully built over the last 20 years,” said Senator Cowan. “This next step is a continuation of that plan, and I’m looking forward to the privilege of leading our team and benefiting from the vast wisdom and perspective for which Steve is so highly regarded.”

“We have built a great team here and in Washington that continues to provide clients with the kind of strategic counsel that sets us apart from other like-minded firms,” said Mr. Tocco. “Mo and I will continue to work together to put our combined experience in public service and private practice to work for our clients.”

Mr. Tocco, who in addition to serving as President and CEO of ML Strategies, was a member of the Board of Trustees of the University of Massachusetts from 2006 to 2011 and served as its Chairman from 2006 to 2007. He also served as Chairman of the Board of Higher Education in Massachusetts from 1999 to 2006. From 1993 to 1997, Mr. Tocco was executive director and CEO of the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport). Earlier, he served as Massachusetts Secretary of Economic Affairs and as special assistant to both Governor William Weld and Governor Paul Cellucci.

After practicing law at Mintz Levin from 1997-2009, Senator Cowan served in the following leadership positions for Massachusetts Governor Deval L. Patrick: Chief Legal Counsel (2009-2011), Chief of Staff (2011-2013), and Senior Advisor (2013). He also served as a Fellow at the Harvard University Institute of Politics. In 2013, he represented the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as interim United States Senator, filling the vacancy created when John F. Kerry was appointed United States Secretary of State.