Cape Girardeau lobbyist Jerry Ford will discuss the role of lobbyists at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the University Center Ballroom.

Jerry Ford is the executive director of the Association of Retarded Citizens of Missouri, a statewide network of parents of persons with mental retardation.

Lobbying is just one of Ford's duties as executive director.

Ford is a former state legislator, who served two terms in the Missouri General Assembly. He also served two terms on the Cape Girardeau Board of Education and served as board president.

After the speech, an informal reception will be held at Wesley House, 415 N. Pacific.