Cozen O'Connor Public Strategies Adds Former Pennsylvania State Representative Martell Covington to Pittsburgh Office

PITTSBURGH, August 3, 2026 - Cozen O'Connor Public Strategies, the bipartisan government relations and communications affiliate of international law firm Cozen O'Connor, today announced the addition of Martell Covington as government relations associate in its Pittsburgh office.

"Martell understands that successful advocacy is built on trusted relationships, thoughtful engagement, and a deep understanding of Pennsylvania's political and community landscape," said Kevin Kerr, principal of Cozen O'Connor Public Strategies. "His experience across state government, health care, and the nonprofit sector makes him an exceptional addition to our team and a tremendous resource for our clients."

Covington brings extensive experience developing lobbying strategies, building bipartisan relationships, and advancing policy priorities across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. In his new role, he will support the firm's Pennsylvania practice, helping clients navigate legislative and regulatory processes and achieve their government relations objectives across Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, and the Commonwealth.

"Strong public policy is built on meaningful engagement with the communities it serves," Covington said. "I've always believed that listening first, building trusted relationships, and incorporating community perspectives leads to stronger advocacy and better outcomes. I'm excited to bring that approach to Cozen O'Connor Public Strategies and our clients."

Most recently, Covington served as intergovernmental affairs program director for University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), where he led government and community engagement for Pittsburgh-area hospital facilities and major capital projects, including UPMC Presbyterian's bed tower expansion and the Children's Heart Institute. He also helped shape the health system's stakeholder engagement efforts by building relationships with elected officials, government agencies, community organizations, and civic leaders across the Commonwealth.

Previously, Covington served as state representative for Pennsylvania's 24th House District, where he secured more than $28 million in grants and investments for infrastructure, housing, and youth programs during his first year in office. Earlier in his career, he served as a legislative aide to Pennsylvania Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa, serving as district liaison across 30 boroughs, townships, and neighborhoods while managing relationships with more than 50 state agencies.

Covington currently serves on Governor Josh Shapiro's Advisory Commission on African American Affairs and the Allegheny County Office of Violence Prevention Community Advisory Board. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Howard University and is a graduate of Leadership Pittsburgh's Leadership Development Initiative.

About Cozen O'Connor Public Strategies

Cozen O'Connor Public Strategies, an affiliate of the international law firm Cozen O'Connor, is a government relations and communications firm committed to a bipartisan approach to problem-solving and opportunity creation. The firm's government relations practice offers a full range of federal, state, and local lobbying services, including legislative and executive branch advocacy, policy analysis and tracking, assistance with government procurement and funding programs, and crisis management. The communications practice delivers a comprehensive suite of strategic messaging services, including coalition and grassroots management, crisis and reputation management, creative design, digital strategy, executive positioning and thought leadership, issue advocacy, litigation communications, media and presentation training, media relations, and strategic research and analysis. Its client base spans multiple industries, including health care, transportation, technology, hospitality, education, construction, energy, real estate, entertainment, financial services, and insurance.

About Cozen O'Connor

Established in 1970, Cozen O'Connor has over 1,000 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 35 offices across two continents.