Farooq Mughal

Managing Partner

Farooq Mughal, managing partner of MSGlobal Partners, LLC focuses his practice on global public policy, lobbying, economic development, and international trade negotiations. Mr. Mughal represents clients on legislative issues, government relations, real estate lobbying, financial services, global trade, and other legislative and related regulatory matters. Mr. Mughal has advised U.S. Congressmen, Governors, Mayors, and legislators on economic development policies, legislative priorities, international commerce, and state-federal policy matters.

Mr. Mughal has been recognized through multiple awards and honors as a leader who has made significant strides in his public policy and government affairs career. He has been recognized as one of the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s 40 Under 40 in Government and Politics, 100 Most Influential Muslim Americans in Georgia 2014 - Law & Political Section (2014), 25 Most Influential Asian-Americans in Georgia by “Georgia Asian Times” Magazine (2013) and Outstanding Georgia Citizen – Georgia Secretary of State (2012).  

Arteen Afshar

Government Affairs Advisor

Prior to joining M.S. Global Partners, LLC – Government Affairs, Arteen Afshar served in various key government positions. She served as the Chief of Staff to Georgia State Senator Sheikh Rahman (D-Lawrenceville) and Georgia State Representative El-Mahdi Holly (D-Stockbridge) in the Georgia General Assembly for several years. By acting as their main liaison for constituents and various government affairs groups, managing their long-term legislative plans, and overseeing their office’s goals, policies, and procedures, Arteen gained a thorough understanding of the legislative process. Arteen also served as the Public Relations Associate for Gwinnett County Solicitor-General Brian Whiteside. She acted as the liaison between internal colleagues and external individuals and groups including the Consulate General of Korea, Consulate General of Mexico, Walmart Corporate, and various elected officials, and city governments. Arteen maintains a comprehensive network of contacts that includes elected officials, lobbyists, government staff, and international consulates in the state of Georgia.

Matthew Parker

Senior Washington, D.C. Advisor

Mr. Parker retired from the US Army in May 2011, highly decorated and with over twenty years of honorable service. His tours of duty include Europe, Korea and the Middle East with multiple deployments to Iraq. Mr. Parker was awarded the Bronze Star and Meritorious Service Medals during his service and has received special recognition from the Government of Iraq and the US State Department. 

Mr. Parker has also served as an independent consultant and close protection agent for foreign diplomats & trade delegations as well as to corporate executives, celebrities and professional athletes. Mr. Parker is a DOD accredited anti-terrorism, physical security and diplomatic/executive protection specialist, and is a graduate of the Federal Law Enforcement and US Army Law Enforcement Training Academy’s as well as the US Army Chemical School.

Mr. Parker received his training in international and governmental affairs, business management and executive leadership with some of the top mentors in the field of diplomacy and public policy, security and education.

Mike Vaquer

Lobbyist

Mike Vaquer is a former Regional Public Affairs Manager for International Paper with experience in environmental issues, business operations, land development, finance and taxation, and public and community relations. In addition, Vaquer served as Assistant to the City Manager and Special Assistant to the Mayor for the City of Savannah. Vaquer has been instrumental in the passage of significant water legislation, tax credit initiatives, and led major local annexation projects in both Georgia and South Carolina.

Vaquer served as a member of the Georgia Attorney General’s Water Law Advisory Council and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Coastal Rivers Water Planning and Policy Center at the School of Business at Georgia Southern University. In addition, Vaquer served as a member of the Advisory Board for Georgia Southern University’s College of Business Administration. Vaquer has also served on the Advisory Committee for the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority, as a member of the Coastal Groundwater Study Committee, and as a member of the Georgia Joint Water Study Advisory Committee.

Mr. Vaquer specializes in representing government agencies before other governments and representing clients with issues with local governments with an unparalleled record of success.

Dr. Jan Southern

Chief Marketing Officer & Consultant

Dr. Jan Southern is the President of J. DelSUR Marketing Group and owner and publisher of Pooler Magazine and Effingham Magazine in South Georgia. 

With more than 30 years in marketing, her experience includes brand identity, strategic planning, advertising, market research, publishing and strategic communications for public and private sector clients in government, healthcare, technology, lifestyle, giftware, publishing, automotive and other industries. 

Southern has helped hundreds of clients build their brands and recognition through thoughtful, creative and data-driven strategies with a focus on growth and expansion. 

She holds a Bachelors in Communication Design, an MBA and a Doctorate in Public Administration.