Heath Shuler has translated his success and versatility from the gridiron to the halls of Congress and the corner office. Following his NFL career, Heath became a successful entrepreneur, a Congressman, and a corporate executive for a Fortune 150 company. These experiences have guided Heath as he follows his passions for solving complex business issues, mentoring leaders, and identifying high-return investment opportunities.
Heath is Co-Founder of Integrated Strategy Group (ISG), a business consulting firm that advises domestic and international businesses, in areas of strategy, operations, capital deployment, team development, public affairs, and government relations. In addition to his role at ISG, Heath operates his private family office and works with private equity groups identifying both domestic and international investment opportunities. He also currently serves as a Senior Advisor to BakerHostetler, one of the nation’s most respected law firms.
A natural born entrepreneur, Heath has pioneered multiple businesses including extensive involvement in the world of commercial and residential real estate. He created a very successful real estate practice and led the planning, development, and management of multiple projects in the single family, multi-family, and commercial markets.
Heath served as the SVP, Federal Governmental Affairs for Duke Energy Corporation where he structured a successful government relations program for the company’s diverse business units. He managed a team of Vice Presidents engaged in policy development, external relations, analysis, advocacy, and strategic planning. He also identified and leveraged trade associations, coalitions, third-party allies, and consultants to favorably affect legislation and regulations.
As a Member of Congress from the 11th Congressional District in North Carolina, Heath was the Democratic Caucus Senior Whip, National Prayer Breakfast Co-Chair, Blue Dog Coalition Administrative Co-Chair and Coalition Whip, Co-Chair of Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Caucus, Founder and Co-Chair of Professional Sports Caucus and Founder and Co-Chair of Gateway Caucus for communities around National Parks. He served on various Committees: Budget; Small Business; Transportation and Infrastructure; Natural Resources and was Chairman of Subcommittee on Rural Development, Entrepreneurship and Trade. Heath was appointed as a conferees to the 2008 Farm Bill and to the 2010 Dodd- Frank Financial Reform Legislation Conference Committees.
In 1994 the Washington Redskins selected Heath in the first round, with the third pick overall in the draft. He was named team captain of the New Orleans Saints and played for the Oakland Raiders. He had a standout collegiate career as a quarterback at the University of Tennessee, where he was honored as the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy, the SEC Football Player of the Year, and a Second Team All American. In 2009, Heath was inducted as a SEC Legend and in 2019 he received the NCAA Silver Recipient Award. In 2020, he was inducted the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.
Heath holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. He has served on several local, state, and national boards focused on businesses, philanthropic organizations, and community groups. As a sought-after speaker he has shared his insights on leadership as an inspirational speaker for numerous Fortune 250 corporations.
He is married to his high school sweetheart, Nikol. They reside in Knoxville, TN and have two children, Navy and Island who both attend the University of Tennessee.