Robert Mathias Promoted to Lead Firm
Libby Greer Elevated to Run Government Relations Practice
Washington, D.C. – Forbes Tate Partners (FTP), an integrated government relations and public affairs firm, announced today its first leadership change since the firm was established 13 years ago, with Founding Partners Jeff Forbes and Dan Tate, Jr. assuming new roles. The firm also announced that it will formally change its name to FTP, reflecting the management changes and evolution of the firm’s business model.
Forbes will step into the role of Founding Partner and Chairman, expanding his work with Public Policy Holding Company (PPHC), FTP’s parent company, while also focusing his time on FTP’s long-term strategy and business development activities.
Tate will step away from the firm after a long battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), remaining active in advocating for people impacted by neurological diseases through his board membership of I Am ALS.
Robert Mathias, who joined the firm four years ago, has been tapped to lead FTP. Mathias, who has a long history of successfully leading D.C.-based multi-disciplinary firms, will be responsible for the overall management of FTP, including client service, talent management, and financial performance.
Libby Greer, a longtime FTP veteran, has been promoted to lead the firm’s bipartisan Government Relations practice, which is the firm’s largest revenue center. Greer, who originally joined FTP in 2009, has been a pivotal driver of the firm’s GR strategy and success. She joined FTP from Capitol Hill, where she served as a Chief of Staff.
Michelle Baker, who joined the firm in 2023, will continue to lead FTP’s Public Affairs practice. Baker has spearheaded major campaigns and coalitions in health care, education, food, agriculture, defense, technology, and other industries.
“This is the right move at the right time”, said Forbes. “Rob has been an outstanding addition to our firm. His sharp business acumen, deep market expertise, and positive leadership have been instrumental to our growth and success as a business and the powerhouse we have become. Dan and I are thrilled he has accepted this expanded leadership role.”
“Rob has been an integral part of the management team from his first day,” Tate said. “He has demonstrated a firm grasp on understanding how to move forward in today’s environment.”
Forbes added, “Libby is an exceptional lobbyist and, more importantly, an exceptional person. She has the vision, energy, and passion that are all essential to the firm’s future growth and success.”
Regarding Greer’s promotion, Tate said, “Libby has an uncanny ability to see around corners and understand the political dynamics of the moment. She has helped our clients successfully navigate some of their greatest challenges while maintaining stellar relationships across all our constituencies. I know that she will be a great success in this new role.”
“The best part of this transition is that FTP clients and teams will continue to benefit from Jeff Forbes’ ongoing counsel and mentorship while we look forward to the continued growth and innovation that Rob, Libby, and Michelle will drive,” noted, Stewart Hall, CEO of PPHC, FTP’s parent company. “FTP, core to PPHC’s founding, remains key to our continued success. Today’s announcement makes great sense, and we look forward to an exciting future together.”
The firm, which started solely as a D.C.-based government relations practice, now boasts nearly 100 employees and has multiple service lines including federal government relations, public affairs and strategic communications, state-based advocacy, research and insights, and digital strategy.
As a long-recognized bipartisan leader in government relations, FTP’s work has continued to evolve to meet the advocacy needs of the moment. FTP’s client roster has expanded across the health care, financial services, energy, technology, and infrastructure sectors. Its integrated capabilities reach across federal and state government relations and public affairs, supported by a deep bench of experts.
“Dan and I always knew that the business was bigger than the two of us. The transition to FTP is a simple acknowledgement of what the firm has become: A robust and dynamic organization powered by many, many good minds,” said Forbes.
“Our single greatest accomplishment has been the talent we have attracted and retained,” said Tate. “Our people have built the firm into what it is today. The new FTP designation is intended to acknowledge the collective talent, skill, and intelligence that has been integral to our success since the firm’s inception.”