Joe Kefauver

Joe Kefauver is the Founding Partner of Align Public Strategies, a full-service public affairs firm that helps corporate brands, governments and nonprofits navigate their external environments and inform internal decision-making. He is a trusted advisor to senior executives across the Fortune 500 and an opinion leader in many consumer-facing industries.

Before founding Align, Kefauver was Vice President of Public Affairs for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., where he oversaw all state and local government matters for the world's largest corporation. He set the company's legislative and political agenda and managed its relationships with governors, attorneys general, mayors and legislative leaders. He also directed public affairs for its store expansion program. He played a leadership role in major company initiatives, including environmental sustainability and expanded healthcare programs, and led a team of 50 professionals.

Kefauver previously served as Director of Government Affairs for Darden Restaurants, Inc. in Orlando. He oversaw the company's federal and state government relations and its political program, including its Political Action Committee.

Kefauver is a contributing editor for Convenience Store Age, Retailing Today, Nation's Restaurant News, Supermarket News and Convenience Store News. He also produces the weekly Working Lunch podcast. He is a graduate of the University of Maryland and holds a graduate degree from The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC.