Taylor Ancell is a Director of Public Affairs at Forbes Tate Partners.

Prior to joining FTP, Taylor’s work focused on social impact, international programming, and advocacy. Over the course of her career, she has organized and led large-scale campaigns and initiatives pertaining to gender equality, voting rights, public health, disaster-relief, and mental health. Taylor is an expert in the non-profit space, having worked at an NGO for the past several years. During this time, she established and led partnerships with best-in-class NGOs, businesses, government agencies, and foundations including the U.S. Department of State, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and I am a voter.

Taylor is a graduate of Indiana University and a native of McLean, Virginia. Outside of the office, she is an Atlanta Braves enthusiast, dog fanatic, and lover of the outdoors. She currently resides in Arlington, Virginia.

Meg Baglien is a Senior Vice President in FTP’s public affairs practice.

Meg has almost a decade of experience in communications and marketing leadership on both Capitol Hill and in the private sector. Before joining FTP, Meg developed and led integrated marketing and communications campaigns for clients at Fortune 500 companies across industries and campaign objectives. She previously served as Communications Director for Congressman David Young (IA-03).

Meg graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies and International Studies from Northwestern University. She is currently pursuing her Master of Business Administration at Georgetown University where her focus is on nonmarket strategy, the intersection of government and business.

As a Director at Engage, A Forbes Tate Company, Natalie is passionate about helping clients navigate their vision. She loves a challenge and enjoys collaborating with her teammates to exceed expectations.

Prior to joining Engage, Natalie worked as an Account Manager helping nonprofits, political candidates, and PACs raise funds. Before that, Natalie started her D.C. journey in the Data Department at the Republican National Committee where she found a love for data analytics and modeling.

Natalie graduated with University Honors from The University of Alabama with a double major in Economics and Political Science. She is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Applied Economics from Johns Hopkins University. In her free time, you can find Natalie cheering on the Crimson Tide, practicing her golf swing, or searching for the best Americano. Roll Tide!

Tate has over a decade of experience in both the executive and legislative branches of federal government.

She has become a mainstay in the agriculture and nutrition policy arenas, having most recently served at the White House National Economic Council as Special Assistant to the President for Agriculture, Trade and Food Assistance. In this role, she was the most senior White House official coordinating with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on agriculture-related Administration priorities, among others. She gained a clear understanding for the internal federal rulemaking and spending processes, working daily alongside career and political officials at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). While serving in the White House, Tate facilitated the implementation of nearly $30 billion in authorized spending for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) and oversaw the drafting and implementation of various executive orders signed by the President, including “Establishing the One Trillion Trees Interagency Council” and “Modernizing the Regulatory Framework for Agricultural Biotechnology Products.”

Cindy Brown is Partner at Forbes Tate Partners with more than 25 years of experience on Capitol Hill, trade associations, and nonprofit organizations.

Cindy, a former Chief of Staff to Representative Ron Kind (D-WI), provides strategic advice on an array of critical issues including, health care, tax, trade, and technology. At FTP, she provides instrumental guidance to many of the nation’s innovative companies, leading trade associations and coalitions on how to maximize their impact both inside the Beltway and beyond.

Previously, Cindy served as Vice President of Legislative Strategies for The Campaign to Fix the Debt, deploying a campaign-wide strategy targeting policymakers on the Hill and in the Administration. As Chief of Staff to Rep. Kind, Cindy helped lead the New Democrat Coalition (NDC) launch their first successful Political Action Committee (PAC) and worked closely with the House Ways and Means Committee and House Leadership.

Today, she serves as advisor to the New Democrat Leadership, the NDC PAC, and actively raises money for moderate Democratic candidates.

Tom Bryant is a Senior Director at FTP.

He provides expertise in direct voter contact, campaign management, persuasion messaging, and non-profit advocacy. Previously serving as campaign manager for Representative Cheri Bustos’ successful re-election in a district twice won by Donald Trump and as coordinated campaign director for former Senator Heidi Heitkamp’s re- election, Tom understands how to elect progressives in conservative geographies. Tom has advised campaigns from the city council level to Congress and has experience with local, statewide, and presidential campaigns.

Kelsey Chan is an Senior Analyst in the Public Affairs department.

Kelsey previously served as a public affairs intern at Forbes Tate Partners. Before joining FTP, Kelsey worked as the public relations and marketing coordinator at Anabel’s Grocery, where she crafted outreach campaigns and helped to build a coalition striving to expand food security. Most recently, she interned at startup BuildESG to assist clients in incorporating environmental, social, and governance factors in their investment portfolios.

Kelsey graduated from Cornell University in May 2021 with a B.S. in Environmental and Sustainability Sciences. She is originally from Bethesda, Maryland.

George Cooper is a Partner at Forbes Tate Partners – and was also a Partner at FTP’s predecessor firm, Cauthen, Forbes & Williams, having joined in 2009. Mr. Cooper leads the firm’s natural resources and outdoor recreation government affairs practice, representing nonprofits, corporations and trade associations on policy related to natural resource conservation, public lands, marine fisheries, agricultural land, tax, trade, and appropriations issues. Mr. Cooper leverages his extensive network in DC to connect clients with the right people on Capitol Hill and in pertinent federal agencies and guide them in delivering messages and creating conversations that produce meaningful results.

Prior to joining Forbes Tate Partners, Mr. Cooper served as President and CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP). TRCP, a groundbreaking coalition of the nation’s premier hunting, fishing, and conservation organizations, was founded to give the sportsman-conservationist voice greater resonance in federal policymaking. Throughout his nearly eight years at TRCP, both as CEO and as Vice President for Policy and Communications, Mr. Cooper helped create a new strategic advocacy niche in Washington for the nation’s 40 million hunters and anglers. To do this, Mr. Cooper successfully emphasized the use of highly effective advocacy communications around pertinent issues, including marine resources management, outdoor recreation participation and access, public lands management, private lands agricultural policy, and federal funding for natural resource management.

Mr. Cooper’s political experience is rooted in Washington, DC political media. Before he joined TRCP, Mr. Cooper worked for CNN for more than a decade. From 1993 to 2003, Mr. Cooper’s work for CNN included serving as Senior Producer for prominent public affairs shows like “Evans and Novak,” “Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer,” and “Reliable Sources.” Mr. Cooper also served as a Senior Producer on the White House and Capitol Hill beats. He worked closely with top political experts and interviewed and reported on Members of Congress, Administration officials, and other leading figures inside the Beltway.

Mr. Cooper utilizes his background in issue advocacy and journalism to blend effective lobbying, broader advocacy, and collaboration with third party organizations to achieve positive policy and legislative results for clients.

Mr. Cooper currently serves on the Board of Directors of TRCP, and of the Western Landowners Alliance (WLA).

An alumnus of Denison University, Mr. Cooper earned a Bachelor’s in History. He and his wife and their two children live in Chevy Chase, Maryland.

John DelNegro is a Grassroots Advocacy Senior Director in the Public Affairs Department at Forbes Tate Partners and brings over twenty years of grassroots and public affairs experience to FTP, with hundreds of advocacy campaigns under his belt.

Prior to joining FTP, John worked at NextWave Advocacy, where he managed writing, quality control, and implementation of deliverables across grassroots outreach teams. Previously, John served as Director of Communications at DDC Public Affairs, where he spearheaded grassroots communications strategy and campaign implementation for top ranking corporations and trade associations throughout the country. His experience spans across a broad variety of issue areas, from health care and transportation to immigration and tax reform policy.

John received his B.A. from Hampden-Sydney College and lives in his hometown of Alexandria, Virginia with his wife, their two sons, and faithful black lab, Dixie.

Paul Dioguardi brings over two decades of experience in issue advocacy, political strategy, grassroots organizing, public policy, and government.

At Forbes Tate Partners, Paul advises clients specializing in health care policy analysis, public affairs, government relations, and stakeholder engagement. Prior to joining the firm, Paul founded Confluence Strategies, an independent public policy consulting firm.

Paul served in the Obama administration as the Director of the Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) In this capacity, he provided strategic counsel to two HHS secretaries, White House staff, state and local elected officials, and a broad array of industry and nonprofit stakeholders across the country. He led the Department’s engagement with state governments and other national stakeholders on the development and implementation of the major components of the Affordable Care Act and other Obama administration health care priorities.

Paul has worked on numerous political campaigns including for the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy, former Vice President Al Gore, former Senator John Kerry, and the historic election of President Barack Obama in 2008. He also served as National Political Director at the Democratic Governors Association.

Paul helped establish and served in leadership roles at the ONE Campaign, the advocacy organization founded by Bono, in support of greater U.S. support for reducing extreme poverty around the world.

Paul received a Masters in Public Administration from Harvard University and a B.A. in Political Science from Boston College.

Bob Dold is a Partner for Public Affairs. He joined the firm in 2017 after two terms of representing Illinois’s 10th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

As a Congressman, Bob served on both the Financial Services and Ways & Means Committees where he was focused on access to capital for small businesses, tax reform, healthcare reform, and tackling poverty issues plaguing communities across our nation.

Bob was ranked as one of the most independent bi-partisan members of Congress and served as the Co-Chair of the Tuesday Group.

Prior to being elected to Congress, Bob served as an investigative counsel for the House Government Reform and Oversight Committee and ran a small business.

Today, Bob resides on the North Shore of Chicago with his wife Danielle and three children, Harper, Bobby and Honor.

Jay Driscoll is a Partner at Forbes Tate Partners – and was also a Partner with Forbes Tate Partners’ predecessor firm, Cauthen, Forbes & Williams.

Prior to joining CFW and FTP, Mr. Driscoll served as the Director of Government Affairs at CTIA – The Wireless Association®. There, Jay led the group’s Democratic lobbying shop. He was responsible for implementing the CTIA’s legislative agenda – which focused on tax, competition, and spectrum issues.

Jay also spearheaded efforts to develop the PAC budget for House and Senate Democrats.

Before his tenure at CTIA, Jay was a top Legislative Assistant for former Senator Max Baucus (D-MT) – handling a broad set of issues before the Commerce, Finance, and Energy and Natural Resources Committees.

Mr. Driscoll’s most noteworthy efforts during his time with Senator Baucus include his work on Universal Service and Spectrum Reform, the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act (SAFETEA-LU), Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization, and the Energy Policy Act of 2003.

Before joining Senator Baucus’, Jay served as a leading economist for the Montana Public Service Commission. Here, he concentrated on the economic analysis of the telecommunications, and oil and gas industries. Along those lines, Mr. Driscoll also served as the chief analyst on numerous high-profile dockets that involved investor-owned and regulated utilities – and provided valuable counsel to several national public utility organizations.

Long active in Democratic politics, Jay served as Chief of Staff to the Minority Leader of the Montana House of Representatives and Regional Political Director for the Montana Democratic Party. He was also an active member of the Obama campaign’s Technology, Media and Telecommunications Task Force, where he helped to shape then-Senator Obama’s technology and innovation platform.

A third-generation Montanan, Mr. Driscoll has a Bachelor’s in Economics from the University of Montana. He resides with his wife Erin P. Billings in Washington, DC.

Kristina Dunklin is a Partner at Forbes Tate Partners.

Kristina has extensive experience on Capitol Hill having worked for members of both the House Appropriations Committee and Energy and Commerce Committee. While in these roles, she primarily focused on health care, agriculture, and water and environmental issues. Her in-depth knowledge of the appropriations process has secured numerous victories for clients across multiple sectors.

As Legislative Director for Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks (R-IN), Kristina managed office’s legislative agenda while concentrating on the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee portfolio during the passage of the SUPPORT Act, to address the nationwide opioid epidemic, and the 2019 Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA) reauthorization.

Before joining Congresswoman Brooks’ office, Kristina spent nearly six years with Congressman David G. Valadao (R-CA) during his first three terms in Congress. As Rep. Valadao’s Legislative Director, Kristina managed the legislative agenda, including his House Appropriations Committee activities, while focused on agriculture, health, energy, trade, and water policy. Kristina was instrumental in shepherding into law the Congressman’s paramount legislation, the Western Water and American Food Security Act, providing the foundation for the California water provisions included in the 2016 Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act.

Kristina’s career in politics began as an intern for the Independent candidate running to replace San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom after he was appointed to serve as California’s Lieutenant Governor. She subsequently worked for her hometown Congressman, Devin G. Nunes (R-CA), and has been actively engaged in Republican politics for over a decade, working on local, state, and congressional races in California, New York, and Pennsylvania.

Kristina is originally from Fresno, California, and holds a B.S. in Political Science and a minor in Communications from Santa Clara University. In her free time, Kristina enjoys traveling to new places, spending time outside, and skiing the Rocky Mountains.

Rose Elam is a Vice President of Advertising in FTP’s digital department.

Rose is a skilled digital strategist with over a decade of experience in developing innovative marketing solutions for clients in the hospitality, health, and public affairs verticals. She is passionate about utilizing data to develop insights that lead to compelling digital strategies for clients. She applies analytics and a keen sense of what motivates audiences to create client programs that effectively engage and inspire customers, key stakeholders, and communities, and optimize campaign performance.

Rose began her career developing cutting-edge digital advocacy programs at DDC Public Affairs and then subsequently Edelman DC. Prior to Forbes Tate Partners, Rose worked at Resonate, a consumer intelligence software company, where she recruited and advised political and advocacy clients, executing successful and impactful multi-million dollar digital media campaigns.

Rose lives in Alexandria with her husband and daughter. She enjoys yoga, reading, and planning detailed travel itineraries for family trips.

Colin Finnegan is a Vice President on the Public Affairs team. Colin draws on years of strategic communications, grassroots mobilization, and coalition management experience to help clients navigate myriad legislative, regulatory, and public affairs dynamics in D.C. and beyond. Colin specializes in energy and environmental issues.

Prior to joining FTP, Colin served as Director of External Relations at Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES), engaging Republican lawmakers and conservative voters on clean energy and climate issues. Colin managed relationships with partner organizations and coalitions, designed and executed numerous grassroots advocacy programs, and was instrumental in Hill-facing programs.

Before CRES, Colin supported communications and advocacy efforts at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Energy Institute and managed the Institute’s digital footprint. Colin began his career at global public affairs firm DCI Group where he worked on a range of projects for energy, telecom, and health care clients.

A Massachusetts native who now resides in Washington, D.C., Colin graduated from Kenyon College with a BA in International Studies and is an MBA candidate at NYU’s Stern School of Business.

Clare Flannery is a Senior Vice President on the public affairs team at Forbes Tate Partners.

Over the past decade, Clare has served as a strategic communications adviser and spokesperson for companies, coalitions, executives and politicians on local, state, and national stages on complex public policy and social issues. She specializes in bringing diverse and competing stakeholders into alignment to reach common goals and in creating advocacy campaigns and communications strategies with core messaging frameworks that are designed to be effective in both proactive and reactive situations, easily adapted to fit multiple messaging platforms and audiences, and advance grassroots/grasstops advocacy initiatives, political campaigns, organizational or individual goals.

Most recently, Clare served as Campaign Manager for the MetroNow Coalition which helped to create the first dedicated funding source for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority and secured $500 million in annual dedicated funding from Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia in 2018. The coalition also spurred the introduction of the Metro Safety, Accountability, and Investment Act in Congress in 2019.

This campaign built upon Clare’s work to advance the Roadmap for the Washington Region’s Economic Future—the primary framework for economic development across the Greater Washington region. The work set in motion by the Roadmap and the MetroNow coalition not only helped to advance regional collaboration across the District, Maryland, and Virginia but also set the foundation for the region’s successful bid for Amazon’s highly coveted second headquarters.

In addition, Clare has managed a diverse portfolio of corporate, non-profit, philanthropic, and political clients as a principal at the Dewey Square Group and as the director of PR and Media Strategy at MDB Communications over the past five years.

She gained valuable experience working in the U.S. Senate where she worked for U.S. Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) in various roles, including as press secretary for the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging. Prior to that, Clare served in Senator Nelson’s personal press office, assisted with his 2012 re-election campaign, and worked in the press office of U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).

Clare is a graduate of the University of Michigan where she earned a B.A. in English and was a member of the nationally ranked University of Michigan Women’s Gymnastics team. While at Michigan, she was an Academic All-American and won three Big Ten Championships with her team. She currently lives in Washington, DC.

Andrew’s role in developing a successful operating model for cannabis regulation and stakeholder collaboration was identified as one of the reasons for the State of Colorado’s success in implementing adult-use cannabis legalization by the Brookings Institution. Governor Hickenlooper has gone so far as to praise Andrew’s work while on national television, stating, “Andrew Freedman, who came in and helped us once it was passed . . . [has] done a remarkable job of creating a regulatory framework.”

Andrew has received national recognition for his leadership. He was recognized as one of Fast Company’s “100 Most Creative People in Business” in 2016. Men’s Health Magazine named him one of the 30 top health influencers of the last 30 years, labeling him “legal weed’s best friend”. He has been featured on 60 Minutes, NBC Nightly News, The Today Show, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Politico, The Boston Globe, Governing Magazine, and dozens of local stories throughout the nation and internationally.

Prior to becoming Colorado’s cannabis czar, Andrew Colorado Lieutenant Governor’s Chief of Staff. In that role he created the office of early childhood, won a $45 million Race to the Top Grant, and aided passage of the READ Act: In its first few years since implementing these reforms, the state saw a 7% decrease in significant reading deficiencies. The Colorado Department of Education credits the READ Act and these other early childhood initiatives for this improvement. Additionally, Andrew oversaw the Colorado Commission on Indian Affairs and the state Americorp system.

Andrew was also the campaign manager for Colorado Commits to Kids, Colorado’s largest effort to date to overhaul its education funding. He negotiated between relevant stakeholders to create an education reform bill that could win approval and backing from the Governor. He raised $11 million in three months to fund the campaign.

In April of 2022, Forbes Magazine named Freedman one of the five most influential voices in cannabis policy on a list also featuring Snoop Dogg, Charles Koch, and several U.S. senators and representatives.

Andrew holds a J.D. from Harvard Law School and a B.A. in philosophy and political science from Tufts University. ​

Gwen Fuller is a Senior Analyst in the Public Affairs Department.

Prior to joining FTP, Gwen was a Fellow at The Herald Group where she helped craft grassroots campaigns and track key legislation for clients in financial services, health care, and legal services. She also interned at the American Petroleum Institute, where she helped monitor legislative activity and develop member communications and content for the association’s Energy Tomorrow Blog.

Gwen received her B.A. in Communications from Wake Forest University. She is originally from Atlanta, Georgia.

Dr. Christy M. Gamble is a Senior Vice President at Forbes Tate Partners (FTP). She leverages her almost 20 years of research experience to develop creative and strategic policy solutions in ways that resonate with members of Congress, industry, academia, and non-profit organizations.

In her most recent position, Dr. Gamble served as the Head of Research, Policy, and Practice for a venture-backed health care startup. She also served as the Head of Policy for both a national association and non-profit organization, where she advocated for policy issues at the intersection of health care and technology before Congress, state legislatures, governors, and insurance commissioners.

Most notably, Dr. Gamble served as the Democratic Health Counsel for the then-House Oversight and Government Affairs Committee under the late Congressman Elijah Cummings, where she co-led Congress’s first prescription drug pricing investigations and hearings, as well as several high-profile health care investigations. Prior to that, she was the legislative counsel for Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, where she served as the oversight advisor to the congresswoman.

Dr. Gamble has published multiple book chapters and articles in a variety of academic and policy journals as well as news media.

Dr. Gamble received a J.D. from the Thomas R. Kline School of Law at Duquesne University, a DrPH in epidemiology from the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, and an MPH in epidemiology and biostatistics from Eastern Virginia Medical School.

Stephanie Genco is a Partner on the public affairs team at Forbes Tate Partners, helping run, manage, and grow the firm’s bipartisan strategic communications capabilities. Genco brings over a decade of communications, campaign, and policy experience as a political strategist and public affairs consultant.

Prior to joining Forbes Tate Partners, Genco designed and executed unique public affairs campaigns, crisis communications plans, and coalition efforts that spanned various industries and policy areas. With a portfolio that included tax, trade, energy, infrastructure, and tech issues, Genco worked aggressively on behalf of clients, helping them navigate the rapidly changing media and policy environment and ensuring their message broke through to policymakers in D.C.

During the 2016 cycle, Genco served as the Deputy Policy Director for the National Republican Congressional Committee, the campaign arm of House Republicans, where she specialized in interview and debate prep, policy tracking for incumbents and challengers, as well as in-depth policy briefings. In the historic 2010 cycle, she was the lead researcher on over 21 house races as part of the NRCC’s Independent Expenditure team.

Her extensive Capitol Hill experience includes stints in House Republican Leadership, committee communications roles, and as senior staff for members of Congress. Previous positions include Communications Director for then Chief Deputy Whip Peter Roskam (R-IL), Communications Director for Congressman Diane Black (R-TN), and Republican staff for the Committees on Homeland Security Committee and Oversight and Government Reform.

A Baltimore-area native, Genco graduated from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia with a double major in Political Science and Media Arts and Design. She resides in Washington, D.C.

Elizabeth Gonzalez is the Senior Vice President of Operations at Forbes Tate Partners and has been with the firm since its inception in 2012.

In her capacity as Senior Vice President, Ms. Gonzalez oversees the planning and execution of the firm’s administrative and business operations for all departments, and has led projects for compensation analysis, performance management, and leadership development. She manages contracts and compliance, multi-department personnel, office management, and event coordination.

Prior to joining FTP, Ms. Gonzalez worked with various California State legislators, including former California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones and former California State Senator Deborah Ortiz, where she researched policy issues and coordinated constituent events. Additionally, Ms. Gonzalez served as an employment service specialist at Asian Resources, Inc., a local non-profit organization in Sacramento, California, where she managed a federal youth program administered through the Workforce Investment Act for historically underserved youth. While at Asian Resources, Ms. Gonzalez served as a volunteer coordinator for a local school board campaign, and as a policy committee member for the Sacramento Works for Better Health initiative with The California Endowment. Ms. Gonzalez also completed a yearlong fellowship with the Women’s Policy Institute under the Women’s Foundation of California working on health reform implementation.

Throughout the years, Ms. Gonzalez has been relied upon for a multitude of firmwide projects. Ms. Gonzalez works directly with the Founding and Managing Partners as a member of the firm’s management team, focusing on strategic planning, human resources and hiring processes, and internal and external initiatives. Ms. Gonzalez also manages all fundraising activities, working with the firm’s principals to develop and maintain a dynamic list of potential fundraising efforts that embody the firm’s overall philosophy and goals and oversees the coordination and successful execution of these events.

A native of California, Ms. Gonzalez graduated from the University of California, Davis with a B.A. in sociology.

Tessa Gould is a Partner at FTP. As Partner, Gould leads client strategy across a variety of industries, utilizing her leadership and campaign experience, specifically her understanding of rural and moderate political dynamics as part of the broader national conversation.

She previously served as Chief of Staff to former United States Senator Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota. Prior to being named Chief of Staff, Tessa managed Heitkamp’s successful 2012 race for North Dakota’s open Senate seat. Tessa previously managed seven successful congressional campaigns and served as Chief of Staff to former Congresswoman Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D-SD). She also worked with former Congressman Earl Pomeroy (D-ND), former Senator Byron L. Dorgan (D-ND) and former House Leader Dick Gephardt (D-MO).

Tessa has dedicated her professional career to advancing public policy important to agriculture, rural economic development, tribal issues and children’s health.

Tessa currently serves on the Board of Trustees at the University of Jamestown and on the Board of 131 and Counting. She volunteers with a variety of local charities including the YWCA Girls on the Run program, the United Way, the Ronald McDonald House and Big Brother/Big Sister programs. Tessa shares a home with her two English Bulldogs – Finley and Sully.

Eliza is a Senior Analyst in the Public Affairs department. She also serves as the public affairs intern coordinator at Forbes Tate.

Before joining FTP, Eliza interned at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing where she assisted the Consular and Public Affairs Departments with Chinese and American citizen services, and later, interned at the Department of State within their Office of Policy, Planning, and Resources and assisted the Council of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Eliza draws on her years of experience to support multiple client teams consisting of tech companies, trade associations, health care organizations, and national advocacy groups.

Eliza graduated with honors from The Ohio State University in 2021 with a B.A. in International Studies and History. She is originally from Hudson, Ohio.

Libby Greer is a Partner at Forbes Tate Partners – and she was also a Partner with Forbes Tate Partners’ predecessor firm, Cauthen, Forbes & Williams.

Before joining CFW and FTP, Ms. Greer served for nearly eight years as Chief of Staff to former Congressman Allen Boyd (D, FL-2). As Congressman Boyd’s top advisor, Libby directed the legislative and political operations for Boyd, overseeing teams in both Florida and Washington, DC.

Additionally, Ms. Greer directed the work of a group of nearly 50 fiscally conservative Democrats in implementing Congressman Boyd’s work as Co-Chairman for Administration of the Blue Dog Coalition in the 110th Congress.

In this role, Libby keenly crafted political strategy, drafted a fiscally responsible, pro-growth legislative agenda, and facilitated outreach to key allies throughout Democratic and Republican leadership – across the different caucuses of Congress and in the U.S. Senate.

In previous Congresses, Ms. Greer aided Boyd’s efforts as Co-Chairman of the Blue Dog PAC, shepherding its growth from roughly $250,000 in contributions to more than $2.6 million.

Along the way, Ms. Greer volunteered on numerous congressional and legislative races across the country. Prior to joining Boyd’s staff, Libby worked from 1999-2001 as a Senior Finance Consultant with the DC-based firm Kimball Stroud & Associates. Her clients included numerous members of Congress, Senators, and Gubernatorial candidates, as well as the non-profit Citizenship Education Fund and the Creative Coalition.

Volunteering on the Clinton-Gore coordinated campaign in Birmingham in 1996 led to Ms. Greer’s first job in politics – first as a Field Director, then Finance Director for the Alabama Democratic Party in 1997 and 1998. From there, she joined Cauthen & Associates as a Managing Director, where she consulted on a variety of issues and served as a volunteer fundraiser for Vice President Gore’s presidential campaign.

A native of Birmingham, Alabama, Ms. Greer earned a Bachelor’s degree in English from Birmingham-Southern College, where she graduated with a Distinction in Leadership Studies in 1998.

She and her husband and two children live in Washington, DC.

Trevor Hanger is a Senior Vice President at Forbes Tate Partners. Prior to FTP, he was President and Director of Research at Height Capital Markets, an investment bank in Washington, DC.

At Height, Trevor oversaw the research, consulting, and investment banking divisions at the firm and led teams tasked with advising institutional and private equity clients on corporate and investment strategy with a focus on legislative and regulatory policy issues. Prior to Height, Trevor spent two years working on political campaigns through the Campaign Corps program at EMILY’s List.

Trevor began his career spending eight years as a trader and head of policy research for a pair of hedge funds in Dallas, TX.

Chanse Jones is a Vice President on the Public Affairs team, where he brings years of experience in media relations and strategic communications.

Before joining FTP, Chanse was senior director of media relations and external communications at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. He led communications for the Chamber’s political program and several policy portfolios, including immigration, labor, and technology. Chanse spearheaded several national advocacy campaigns, political endorsement events, and internal initiatives during his Chamber tenure. He also served as deputy communications director for U.S. Senator Deb Fischer, where he worked with the Nebraska state press corps and national media.

Chanse received his B.A. in public relations from the University of Alabama in 2014 and lives in Washington, D.C.

Elizabeth Kapolka is a Director in the Public Affairs department. 

In this role, she works across a range of clients to develop and implement effective public affairs campaigns through strategic communications, coalition management, grassroots, digital, and content creation, engaging the voices of stakeholders inside and outside the Beltway to shape the debate around clients’ issues. Her work spans policy areas, from science and research to children’s advocacy.

Elizabeth was previously a senior analyst at the firm. Prior to joining FTP, Elizabeth completed internships in both public affairs and public relations in London and Chicago, helping to craft outreach campaigns that spanned local, regional, and national clients and execute events, including the North America Climate Summit to the 2018 Winter Olympics.

Elizabeth grew up in the suburbs of Detroit and graduated from the University of Michigan with degrees in Communication Studies and International Studies and a minor in History of Art.

Adam, a Senior Analyst on the Digital team, develops, executes, and analyzes complex digital campaigns for his clients in a collaborative process with our creative and strategy teams.

Adam graduated from American University where he studied journalism and marketing while swimming for the AU team and managing their social media presence. That experience, paired with a passion for politics and advocacy, drives his work on behalf of Engage and its clients.

In his free time, Adam enjoys surfing, driving, and getting lost outdoors. After a stint as a barista, he can be found testing Cortados around Old Town Alexandria.

Rich Lopez is a Senior Vice President at Forbes Tate Partners with over 20 years of experience in both Federal and State politics.  Rich specializes in Transportation issues and Hispanic Diversity.  In addition to working with the White House and Capitol Hill, he has extensive working knowledge of the Department of Transportation, the Federal Communications Commission, and the Federal Trade Commission.

Prior to joining Forbes Tate Partners, Rich was Director of Federal and Administration Affairs at General Motors. He specialized in Safety, Emerging Technologies, Defense Appropriations and Intellectual Property.  Rich was also GM’s Hispanic liaison in Washington, D.C. where he served on the Corporate Advisory Boards of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI), UnidosUS and League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC).  Additionally, Rich is proud to be a founding Board Member of the Hispanic Lobbyists Association (HLA).

Before joining GM, Rich spent nine years at the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, three years at the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities and two years on his own where he successfully built and managed his own fundraising firm.

Prior to these experiences Rich began his career working on statewide campaigns in Nevada and Texas, as well as working in and with the Texas State legislature.

Rich holds a bachelor’s degree in political science with a double minor in economics and Spanish from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.  Rich lives in Washington D.C. with his wife, two children and their rescue dog.

Prior to joining Forbes Tate Partners as a Managing Partner in 2022, Robert was the Chief of External Affairs for the NPF, the leading national conservation organization dedicated to the protection and enhancement of America’s national parks. Robert led the team responsible for all government relations, communications, marketing and corporate partnerships, where he successfully retooled both the approach and apparatus necessary to carry out external functions in support of NPF’s mission. NPF initiatives under Robert’s leadership included congressional passage of landmark conservation legislation, the development of a new NPF brand platform (Wonder Calls), creation of a dedicated social media function, realignment of corporate the partnership program, and the creation of a nationwide advertising campaign. The Foundation raises approximately $100 million per year to protect and enhance the nation’s national parks and connect more people to them.

Earlier in his career, Robert was the President of Ogilvy Washington for 15 years where he was responsible for all aspects of this multi-disciplinary Ogilvy & Mather office that includes public relations and public affairs, and advertising, as well as the nation’s leading social marketing practice. Ogilvy Washington’s clients included Fortune 100 companies, industry trade associations, and key federal agencies. Under Robert’s leadership, Ogilvy Washington became the fastest growing and most profitable office across Ogilvy’s global public relations network.

While still responsible for the day-to-day operations of Ogilvy Washington, Robert was appointed North American CEO for Ogilvy Public Relations. In this capacity, Robert managed seven offices across the United States, a nationwide P&L of $150 million, and a team of approximately 500 people. Prior to assuming the leadership of the Washington office, Robert served as the head of Ogilvy PR’s San Francisco office.

Robert has also had extensive experience in the federal government, having served in President George H.W. Bush’s administration (41) as the Executive Assistant to U.S. Energy Secretary James D. Watkins and, subsequently, as Deputy Assistant Secretary at the Department of Energy where he managed an expansive federal budget, career employees and government programs. Robert has also worked abroad in Saudi Arabia where he was a member of a team that pioneered the development and implementation of a Kingdom-wide public health program.

Robert holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Vermont and a Master of Business Administration from the Yale School of Management.

Robert is a past Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Lab School of Washington, an internationally recognized school for children and adults with learning disabilities. Robert also served on the Board of Trustees of The Yellowstone Park Foundation, a private philanthropy dedicated to the protection and preservation of Yellowstone National Park.

He was inducted into the Public Relations Society of America Hall of Fame for the National Capital Chapter and, subsequently, into the PRNews Hall of Fame.

Robert lives in Washington with his wife, Sarah, where he is an avid outdoor enthusiast and beekeeper who enjoys hiking, biking, and photography. Rob and Sarah have two adult daughters, Clare and Catie.

William May is a Vice President in the public affairs practice at Forbes Tate Partners.

He brings extensive experience in public affairs and public relations, strategic communications, grasstops advocacy, and business development to the firm. He has worked with Fortune 500 companies, industry-leading trade associations, coalitions, think tanks, and non-profits across a range of sectors, including financial services, transportation, and health care. He assists clients looking to advocate their positions to key federal and state policymakers, amplify their voices in the media, and protect their brands and reputations.

Before joining FTP, Will held several roles at another D.C.-based public affairs firm where he helped craft, manage, and execute public affairs campaigns and develop their business development and marketing functionality.

Will is a native of the D.C. metro area and received his B.A. from Wake Forest University. He currently lives in Washington’s Adams Morgan neighborhood with his fiancé, Grace.

Ryan McConaghy brings nearly two decades of high-level strategy, messaging, and policy making experience to Forbes Tate Partners. As a Partner helping to lead and expand the firm’s public affairs practice, he uses a diverse skill set honed in Congress, on the campaign trail, and in the think tank community to guide successful advocacy efforts and help clients navigate Capitol Hill.

Prior to joining Forbes Tate Partners, McConaghy was a senior advisor to Senate Democratic Leader Charles Schumer, helping to shape policy development and issue strategy. While leading the Senate Democratic Policy and Communications Center (DPCC), he built and directed campaigns integrating policy analysis, legislative action, media outreach, public opinion research, rapid response, and stakeholder engagement on topics including economic policy, budget and tax, implementation of the Affordable Care Act, and immigration reform, among others. Most recently, he served as the Assistant Democratic Secretary, counseling senators on how to use the rules and precedents of the Senate to accomplish their goals.

Previously, McConaghy served as the Director of the Economic Program at Third Way, where he helped to guide the organization’s efforts on an array of issues tied to economic growth and middle-class success. In that role he organized public forums, and often appeared on national media outlets to represent the organization’s views and comment on political matters. He was also able to successfully engage members of Congress, resulting in several policy proposals being introduced as legislation and enacted.

Mr. McConaghy has also served as Legislative Director for Representative John Hall and worked in the office of Senator Charles Schumer as the Legislative Assistant overseeing energy policy, national defense issues, foreign affairs, and agriculture. In those roles he was able to repeatedly work with bipartisan coalitions to achieve results.

In 2006, McConaghy served as Policy Director during Senator Sheldon Whitehouse’s successful campaign in Rhode Island, where he was responsible for policy briefing and development, issue research, and rapid response support.

Mr. McConaghy graduated from American University with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a minor in International Studies. He currently resides in Alexandria, VA with his wife, son, and their dog Lucky.

Kevin McGrann is a Senior Vice President at Forbes Tate Partners.

Prior to joining FTP, Kevin was an Assistant Vice President for Federal Relations at AT&T Services, Inc. where he was responsible for representing AT&T’s legislative interests before the U.S. Congress. Kevin joined AT&T in 2015 following a decade of service on Capitol Hill. Throughout his career he worked at the highest level of national politics, public affairs, and government relations. Kevin also served as Executive Director for the Political Office of Speaker John A. Boehner (OH-08) where he oversaw all campaign and external operations for the congressman. Kevin is a graduate of the Haub School of Business at Saint Joseph’s University where he played Division 1 Men’s lacrosse.

A native Washingtonian, Kevin resides in the Lake Forest, Illinois region with his wife Elizabeth, and their two children. He remains active is his community as a member of the Board of Governors for the National Republican Club of Capitol Hill (Capitol Hill Club), board member for the NRCC 218 Club, class representative for the Saint Joseph’s University Men’s Lacrosse Alumni Committee, and is a member of the Chapter Advancement Team for the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA).

Samantha McLean is a Senior Vice President at Forbes Tate.

She has served over a decade in the United States Senate, leading a policy portfolio related to national security and foreign relations. As the senior legislative sssistant for Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), the Ranking Member on the Senate Commerce Committee, she was responsible for crafting the senator’s national security platform, including matters spanning the Senate’s Committees on Foreign Relations, Armed Services, Banking, Commerce, Science and Transportation, Homeland Security and Government Affairs, and Judiciary.

During her tenure in the Senate, Samantha managed the National Defense Authorization Act process, securing dozens of initiatives each fiscal year. Additionally, she served as the personal representative of the member (PRM) on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, where she advanced measures relating to democracy, human rights, and sanctions.

Samantha has cultivated and maintained a decade’s worth of relationships with policy experts, diplomats, contractors, and elected officials, which has been a leading contributor to the senator’s success in the enactment of bipartisan measures and building his policy record.

Samantha is a graduate of Clemson University where she received a B.A. in political science and government. Originally from Massachusetts, Samantha now lives in Virginia with her soon-to-be husband and their pointer, Finn.

Christopher Memenza is a Vice President at Forbes Tate Partners, managing the direction and overall IT strategy of the firm.

Prior to joining FTP, Mr. Memenza worked as a Solutions Architect at a Microsoft partner, New Signature, in Washington, D.C. While there, Mr. Memenza helped develop go to market strategies around Microsoft IT initiatives and developed key relationships with third party vendors critical to New Signature’s sales strategy.

Before becoming a Solutions Architect, Mr. Memenza worked as senior Managed Services consultant at New Signature. This provided him with a platform to familiarize himself with the IT needs of growing businesses within the DC region as well as management experience in mentoring junior consultants in both customer advocacy and technological development.

Interested in technology from a very young age, Christopher has worked in the technology space for over 12 years. Christopher was born in Gaithersburg, MD and has lived in some part of the DMV area for all of his life. He currently resides in Herndon, VA with his wife, two dogs, and electric car.

A highly respected energy and environmental expert with 16 years of corporate, regulatory, and congressional experience, Rachel Miller is a Partner at Forbes Tate Partners. She leads the firm’s energy practice.

Rachel joined the firm as a Senior Vice President in 2012 – providing clients with unique government relations strategies, coalition management, third party outreach and deep ties within Executive Branch agencies and throughout Capitol Hill.

In today’s budget-focused times, Ms. Miller’s deep knowledge of the federal appropriations and budget processes has proven to be an invaluable asset. She has helped countless clients secure large Department of Energy grants – which, in turn, enable their projects to move forward.

Prior to joining Forbes Tate Partners, Ms. Miller served as Vice President of Energy and Environment Practice at Capitol Solutions. Before that, she worked on mandatory climate change legislation and policies to support low-carbon power, as Director of Federal Affairs for BP America. There, she co-founded the Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Contact Group and managed BP’s legislative agenda within the U.S. Climate Action Partnership (USCAP).

Ms. Miller served for nearly four years as Legislative Assistant to Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), the current Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, as a policy advisor on energy, transportation, and agriculture issues.

While on Senator Feinstein’s staff, Rachel drafted legislation that laid the groundwork for the first statutory increase in fuel economy standards adopted since 1975. She also played a key role in drafting energy market transparency legislation that was eventually incorporated as part of the 2008 Farm Bill.

Ms. Miller also served in the House of Representatives as a Legislative Assistant for former Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY). She focused on energy policy, the environment, and education issues.

She was founder and President of the National Board of the Women’s Energy Network (WEN), and is a past President and founder of the DC Chapter of WEN. Born and raised in New York, Ms. Miller received a Bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University and a Master’s degree in Political Management from George Washington University.

Tori Miller is a Senior Director on the Insights team at Forbes Tate Partners.

Prior to joining Forbes Tate Partners, Tori was a Project Director at Public Opinion Strategies where she managed and implemented all phases of the quantitative and qualitative research processes to provide data driven solutions to clients. While there, Tori worked on a variety of political and public affairs campaigns across the country as a Project Director and Senior Research Analyst on topics including ballot measure campaigns, corporate image and brand research, health care, and technology.

Before Public Opinion Strategies, Tori worked on Capitol Hill for Rep. Robert Latta (OH-05) and former Rep. Sean Duffy (WI-07). During her time in college, Tori interned for the Ohio House of Representatives and Senator Rob Portman’s successful 2016 re-election campaign.

Tori is a native of Alexandria, Virginia and serves on the Alumni Association Board for St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Economics with honors from The Ohio State University.

Rick Murphy is a Partner at Forbes Tate Partners.

A stalwart in both public policy and politics at the Federal level for two decades, Rick Murphy knows the ins and outs of Capitol Hill.

Rick started his political career in 1992 working for then-New Hampshire Governor Judd Gregg’s (R-NH) successful campaign for the United States Senate. On the campaign, Rick served as the chief field operative, where he led efforts to organize each county in the state and advanced the Governor ahead of each of his campaign stops. After U.S. Senator Judd Gregg’s election, Rick followed Gregg to Washington where he became an integral member of the Senator’s legislative shop.

After working for former Senator Gregg through his first term, Rick left the Senate to start his own lobbying firm, R. B. Murphy & Associates, LLC, which he ran for 15 years.

Rick’s firm quickly gained a strong track record of effectively representing its clients – including Fortune 50 companies like Google and Altria – before the federal government. Mr. Murphy’s firm also represented leading trade associations, America’s leading physicists, and an array of public and private companies.

Rick returned to the Senate in 2014 as Chief of Staff to former Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH). In this capacity, Rick oversaw a staff of forty people to ensure that the Senator’s constituent services and legislative operations were carried out effectively to benefit New Hampshirites. During his tenure as Chief of Staff, Rick interacted with the Senate Republican Leadership on a daily basis. As a senior aide, Rick was respected by Senate Leadership for his active political role in furthering the legislative agenda and his professional touch.

Originally from Middlebury, CT, Rick received his Bachelor’s from New England College in Henniker, NH.

Peter O’Keefe has spent the past 25 years navigating between business and government at the highest levels.

As a former member of the Clinton Administration White House Staff, Mr. O’Keefe has applied that knowledge and experience to assist companies in developing strategies that either solve complex problems or increase public sector sales. His clients include publicly traded and privately held businesses in the financial services, infrastructure and technology sectors.

Mr. O’Keefe has worked on more than a dozen political campaigns, beginning his career as a political operative on the Clinton for President campaign in 1992. He currently serves as the National Treasurer for the Democratic Governors Association. In 2013, he played a leading role in the successful election of his longtime friend, Terry McAuliffe, as the 72nd Governor of Virginia.

Previously, Mr. O’Keefe served as the Senior Advisor to the Chairman of the Democratic National Committee (DNC). Mr. O’Keefe’s main focus was on developing and advising the national committee on strategic planning, while overseeing a $30 million dollar capital campaign that transformed the national party headquarters and operations. Prior to joining the staff of the DNC, Mr. O’Keefe served as the Director of Major Donor Development for the William J. Clinton Presidential Foundation. From 1996 to 1998, Mr. O’Keefe served on the White House staff and spearheaded the Administration’s efforts to coordinate with the business community to pass key sections of the Clinton Economic Program.

He holds degrees from Marist College and the London School of Economics. He and his wife Sara and their two children reside in Washington, DC.

Scott Olsen is a Partner at Forbes Tate, where he advises health care clients, with a focus on emerging biotech and venture capital.

Most recently, Scott was Senior Vice President for Federal Advocacy at the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA). In that role, Scott led PhRMA’s federal government affairs initiatives, working with a range of stakeholders on and off Capitol Hill to develop and advocate for health policies fostering innovation and ensuring patient access to new medicines.

Prior to his work at PhRMA, Scott led federal advocacy at Amgen, Inc, where he served as Executive Director of Federal Government Affairs. Being fluent in Japanese, Scott subsequently managed Amgen’s investment opportunities in Japan, China, Russia, and the European Union.

Scott leverages his 20+ years of experience working with Democrats and Republicans on health care policy. Scott began his career working in the office of then-Senator Max Baucus (D-MT). As the Senator’s top health policy aide, he supported the Senator’s health care work on the Senate Finance Committee. Additionally, as the lead Democratic lobbyist and Senate team leader at PhRMA, Scott worked on the passage of the Medicare Modernization Act in 2003.

Scott holds a bachelor’s degree and graduated magna cum laude from Boston University. He completed foreign affairs training with the U.S. Department of State and was a Mike Mansfield Fellow with the Japanese Department of Health and Welfare.

Steven is a public affairs strategist whose work employs the following simple strategy: outworking the opponent results in big wins.

With over two decades of international, multi-state, and federal government relations experience, Steven is adept at advocating for clients and their business initiatives while effectively navigating their public policy challenges and legislative concerns. Steven helps lead FTP’s growing State & Local practice, which leverages the firm’s extensive relationships in statehouses from coast to coast and provides our clients access in all 50 states. He has strong ties to elected officials at all levels of government on both sides of the aisle – from governors and attorneys general to state legislative leaders and mayors throughout the United States.

Steve’s ability to understand his clients’ opportunities and challenges at a high level – while succinctly developing and executing smart, impactful strategies that address both internal and external constituencies – has earned him a proven track record of success. His reputation in the industry is a testament to his ability to help clients achieve their business objectives in the face difficult, complex legislative and policy circumstances.

Before joining Forbes Tate, Steven served as Managing Director and National Director of Grayling/Dutko Worldwide’s State and Local Government Affairs practice, where he led all lobbying efforts for clients across the country. Over the course of his career, Palmer has served as a senior staff member in the United States Congress, managed state-wide campaigns, and has consistently worked for clients on some of our nation’s most pressing public policy matters since entering the private sector.

An avid ultra-runner with an eclectic taste in music, Steven knew very early on in life that he loved politics and government affairs. In grade school, he handed out candidate leaflets and was elected student body president as an undergraduate at the University of Northern Colorado.

Shanita R. Penny, MBA is a Senior Vice President in FTP’s public affairs practice. Shanita has over 18 years of experience helping organizations solve complex issues and improve business performance in multiple industries.

As an internationally recognized strategy consultant and certified Project Management Professional, Shanita combines talent and passion for the cannabis industry to achieve exceptional results for businesses and operators. Before joining FTP, she ran her own boutique cannabis consultancy, helping clients establish and scale compliant, successful cannabis businesses. Shanita also co-founded DocHouse, a craft cannabis cultivator and manufacturer that was acquired in 2020.

Ms. Penny previously served as vice president and president of the Minority Cannabis Business Association (MCBA). Under her leadership, the MCBA hosted its inaugural Congressional Black Caucus Lobby Day, policy summits, and produced a model municipal ordinance that has influenced social equity policy nationwide. She was also a member of the Michigan Marijuana Regulatory Authority’s Racial Equity Advisory Workgroup where she developed policy recommendations to combat disparities in ownership and participation in the marijuana industry by people of color and establish the State of Michigan as a leader on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the regulated cannabis industry.

Shanita lives to “end the stigma associated with cannabis” through her advocacy, businesses, and responsible consumption. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Alliance for Sensible Markets and on the Advisory Board of Regennabis. Shanita is a proud alumna of North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University, as well as the University of Baltimore and Towson University.

Michael Pepe is a Senior Vice President of Public Affairs. He leads the firm’s field services team, creating and executing grasstops and grassroots strategies at the state and national levels.

Michael brings over two decades of experience in the realm of public affairs and grassroots advocacy to Forbes Tate Partners. He has successfully managed numerous advocacy campaigns on behalf of trade associations, corporations, and organizations on a wide range of issues including financial services, health care, and energy.

Before joining FTP, Michael served as a senior director for communications at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. In this role, he led strategic communications efforts for their financial services policy division. Michael also previously oversaw grassroots efforts for the Fertilizer Institute, the leading voice for the fertilizer industry.

Michael graduated from American University with bachelor’s degree in Political Science and hold his J.D. from Suffolk University Law School. He lives in downtown Washington, D.C. with his wife Heather.

Andres Ramirez is a Senior Vice President in FTP’s public affairs practice.

A public relations, advocacy, and multicultural communications professional, he has an extensive legislative and political background having worked on the local, state, and national arena for the past 25 years. Andres has a unique blend of skills after working in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, allowing him the ability to take a comprehensive approach and develop practical solutions to complicated issues. A true lover of politics with a passion for progress, Andres works to improve social issues with no cause too big or too small for him to handle He is sought after for his expertise on political advocacy, community engagement, demographics, health care, Latin America policies, and Latino issues.

Andres began his career in Washington, D.C. working as a legislative aide to former U.S. Senator Harry Reid, and then worked for Nevada Governor Bob Miller in the state’s D.C. office. Andres worked as a legislative affairs specialist with U.S. Strategies Corporation, and later joined numerous political and advocacy campaigns. He served as the senior vice president of the political and advocacy think-tank NDN. In addition, Andres served as the vice chair of the DNC Hispanic Caucus where he was tasked with helping the DNC develop and implement its Hispanic engagement strategy during the 2012 presidential election cycle. Andres has been featured in the New York Times, Washington Post, CNN, and various other media outlets offering his expertise on politics and current affairs.

Originally from Texas, Andres moved to Washington, D.C. from Las Vegas. When he’s not trying to change the world, Andres spends his spare time with his wife and daughter and their dogs.

Edward C. Reno III is a Partner at Forbes Tate Partners.

Ed has spent his career working in government and for corporations to develop policy and strategies related to global and U.S. federal and state law/regulations.

He worked for clients in the pharmaceutical, biotech and gene therapy sectors as well as companies focused on diagnostics. This work has led him to focusing on areas such as rare disease, addiction, neuromuscular and aesthetic medicine where he has experience working with all levels of organizations to support drug development and commercialization. Prior to this, Mr. Reno worked “in house” for life sciences companies leading their lobbying and policy interests including Allergan, Inc where he served as the Chief Government Affairs Officer.

In addition to this work, he serves on the Board of Advisors at Goldman Edwards LLC, a leading Information Technologies service provider, the Board of Directors of Verde Technologies, manufacturer of the at home pharmaceutical drug disposal system Deterra Pouch® which is addressing the connection between unwanted/unused opioid pills and the opioid abuse and overdose epidemic, and he is an Advisor to IACTA Pharmaceuticals, a leading drug development company focusing on the ophthalmic marketplace.

Prior to this Mr. Reno worked in the U.S. Senate and the Governor’s Office of the State of California.

Eric Reynolds is a Senior Website Project Manager on the Digital team at Forbes Tate Partners.

Prior to joining FTP, Eric was a Technical Project Manager at DDC Public Affairs where he strived to enhance the voices of clients and develop the tools needed to connect them with their target audiences. He managed advocacy and PAC website builds to data implementations and rebrand campaigns and worked with a variety of clients across industries including health care, technology, aviation, entertainment services, and energy.

Previously, Eric worked at Thomas Net as a Digital Project Manager, managing multiple projects which bridged the gap between buyers, engineers, and MRO professionals to manufacturers. With great success, the bridge allowed clients to be heard and seen through strategy, newly built website applications, content, and a custom search engine for professionals to connect.

Eric has dedicated his professional career to delivering wins on behalf of clients and developing the tools needed to connect them with their targeted audiences. He remains committed to helping them share their stories and drive solutions through strategic development.

Eric is a native of Baltimore, Maryland and proud fan of the Baltimore Ravens and Orioles. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Communication Technology with honors from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

Georgia Reynolds is a Senior Visual Designer in FTP’s digital department.

She previously work at digital advertising agencies and companies within the D.C. political space, as well as nonprofits and startups. Outside of FTP, she leads digital design at the Choptank Tolomato Legacy Project, a nonprofit that teaches cultural literacy through fine art projects. She has a BFA from Savannah College of Art and Design, and lives on a 300-acre farm on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

Tyler Roberts is a Senior Vice President in FTP’s public affairs practice. He comes to Forbes Tate Partners from Venn Strategies, where he served as vice president in the health care and critical infrastructure practices leading coalition work for a multitude of clients ranging from pharmaceutical companies to freight rail.

Tyler is a Capitol Hill veteran and previously served as a legislative assistant and lead staff advisor on health, tax, trade, and financial services policy for Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) and under Congressman Tom Cole’s (R-OK) chairmanship of the National Republican Congressional Committee.

Additionally, Tyler was a senior lobbyist for Financial Executives International, a national association of 10,000 financial professionals, where he led advocacy for the association’s private company members.

Tyler is a graduate of Lake Forest College in Lake Forest, IL and in his spare time loves to travel the world and take far too many pictures of his Scottie dog, Tallulah.

Stacey Rolland is a senior vice president within FTP’s government relations practice, bringing nearly two decades of experience in Congress, the Treasury Department, and the private sector. She has a strong understanding of developing regulatory and legal landscapes and strategic partnerships across an array of policy issues, including emerging technologies, financial services, and tax.

Stacey served in executive roles at a Fortune 100 financial institution, overseeing the company’s regulatory exam strategy, risk assessment function modernization, and financial management, operations, and partnership management across the U.S. and abroad.

She previously served within the Treasury Department as Chief of Staff to the Office of Tax Policy and senior advisor to the Office of Legislative Affairs. She also served as senior policy advisor to Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Congressman Xavier Becerra, helping to manage the prioritization and development of major tax, financial, and economic legislation.

She holds a J.D. from UCLA School of Law, a B.A. from Smith College, and CIPP/US and CIPM certifications from the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP). Stacey lives in Alexandria, VA with her husband and their two children.

Jeff Sadosky brings nearly 15 years of experience on Capitol Hill and on presidential, gubernatorial, and senate campaigns to Forbes Tate Partners, where he leads the firm’s growing Strategic Communications practice while working with many of the firm’s government relations clients in the U.S. Senate.

After helping to lead Rob Portman’s successful Senate campaign in 2010, Sadosky served as Portman’s Communications Director for four years. While working with Portman, who called Jeff a “rare mix of a policy mind that understands what it takes to get things done and a communicator who knows how best to advocate for it,” Sadosky gained valuable insight into the intricacies of trade, tax reform, energy, and budget debates, and played a leading role for Republicans during the Super Committee debate in 2011.

Jeff has a unique grasp of the intersection between campaign communications and the policy world. He served as Communications Coordinator for the Southwest region in then-President Bush’s 2004 reelection campaign – and as Communications Director for the Republican Party of Florida under then-Governor Jeb Bush. After serving as Traveling Press Secretary for Fred Thompson’s presidential campaign, Mr. Sadosky ran the regional communications team for former Senator John McCain’s presidential bid.

Prior to joining Senator Rob Portman’s campaign, Mr. Sadosky served as Communications Director for former Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) – who, at the time was the Ranking Member on the Senate Commerce Committee. While working with Senator Hutchison’s personal and committee staff, Jeff spearheaded several press outreach efforts tied to a diverse set of issues, including energy, telecommunications, and healthcare.

Mr. Sadosky also served the Buckeye State in yet another capacity – working as press secretary for former Senator Mike DeWine (R-OH) following his time with George W. Bush’s reelection campaign.

After working on and with nearly two dozen campaigns and in four positions within the U.S. Senate, Jeff was brought on to run the Biotechnology Innovation Organization’s (BIO) growing advocacy communications efforts. As a Managing Director, he worked with members of the biopharmaceutical, agricultural and next-gen industrial biotech industries to ensure their voices were heard in Washington policy debates.

Mr. Sadosky graduated from James Madison University with an International Affairs degree, and lives with his wife, their two children, and yellow lab, Maggie, in Arlington, VA.

Emily Schell is a Vice President on the Operations team at Forbes Tate Partners and has been with the firm since 2015. In this capacity, she helps manage all business operations.

Emily oversees FTP’s business development process and works closely with leadership to help execute strategic priorities. She also manages the firm’s fundraisers and other events at FTP. In addition, she is the Director of FTP’s intern program, overseeing the 10-12 interns FTP hires every semester.

Prior to joining Forbes Tate Partners, Emily did research and fundraising for a variety of congressional and non-profit clients.

Ms. Schell graduated from Vanderbilt University with a degree in Art History. She is originally from Chicago.

Jacob Scher is an analyst in the Public Affairs department.

Prior to his current role, Jacob served as a Public Affairs intern at Forbes Tate Partners. Before joining FTP, Jacob interned at Mehlman Castagnetti Rosen & Thomas where he conducted policy research for staff and clients. The summer before his time at MCRT, Jacob interned on Capitol Hill for Congressman Josh Gottheimer from New Jersey’s 5^th congressional district.

Jacob graduated from Gettysburg College in May of 2020 with a B.A. in Political Science and is from the D.C. area, growing up in Chevy Chase, Maryland.

Arthur Sidney is a Senior Vice President at FTP.

He has over 20 years of experience in law and public policy. Most recently, he was the Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA)’s Vice President of Public Policy where he engaged on competition, technology, intellectual property, internet, and telecommunications issues, and represented the association through advocacy before the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. He also led the association’s efforts on recent anti-tech congressional proposals.

Before joining CCIA, Sidney served as Chief of Staff and Chief Counsel and Legislative Director to two senior members of Congress for over 12 years. Previously, he served as an attorney for the Department of Commerce for nearly ten years where he practiced international trade remedies law before the agency, federal courts, and international tribunals.

He has also served as an adjunct professor teaching various subjects at area law schools and universities since 1999. He has taught legal writing, business law, administrative law, and business management, among other courses. Most recently, he joined the faculty of Syracuse University in August 2021.

Sidney received his LL.M. in International Trade from American University, Washington College of Law, obtained his J.D. from Howard University School of Law, and received his B.A. from Vassar College

Connie Smith is an Associate at Forbes Tate. She works closely with the Director of Finance and the Director of Operations and Development.

Prior to joining the Forbes-Tate team, Connie worked as a Paralegal and Office Manager in law firms in North Carolina and New York and was an Administrative Assistant with the United States Air Force in Okinawa, Japan. Recently, she was the Administrative Assistant to the Director of Facilities and Grounds at Wind Creek Casino in Wetumpka, AL.

Connie is currently enrolled at Troy University where she is working towards a BS in Business Administration.

Connie is a native of Montgomery, AL.  Marrying a Marine in 1998, she has lived in North Carolina, Florida, New York and in Okinawa, Japan. After her husband’s retirement from the United States Marine Corps, Connie and her family returned to Alabama and now reside in Wetumpka, AL.

Frank Steinberg is a Partner of Government Relations at Forbes Tate Partners.

He handles a diverse portfolio of issues, including financial services, appropriations, education, telecom, tech, and defense. Frank has relationships with Members and staff across the House Republican Conference – ranging from the moderate Tuesday Group to the conservative Freedom Caucus, as well as with key House and Senate committees and Republican leadership.

A seasoned strategist, Frank has designed and implemented legislative agendas that leverage insight and strong relationships across Congress and the federal agencies to achieve wins for clients. He brings extensive experience in navigating the annual budget and appropriations processes – helping Forbes Tate Partners’ clients to both create new initiatives and protect vital programs. Frank has also worked on complex regulatory issues across sectors and has extensive experience in coalition management and operations.

Previously, Frank worked at a boutique government relations firm specializing in innovation, R&D, and higher education. There, Frank represented some of the country’s leading research universities and innovation organizations helping to secure federal funding and shape policies that promoted clients’ competitive advantages. Early in his career, Frank gained key insight into the legislative process and the workings of Capitol Hill during his time in the office of then-Senator Richard Lugar of Indiana.

Frank is active in Republican politics and has worked on campaigns in Ohio, Indiana, and his home state of New Jersey. Frank graduated with honors from Denison University and earned a Master’s in Business Administration from the Harbert College of Business at Auburn University.

An avid golfer, New York Giants fan, and country music listener, Frank and his wife, Kristen, reside in Maryland.

Jeff Strunk is a Partner at Forbes Tate Partners – he joined the firm in 2013.

Mr. Strunk spent eight years on Capitol Hill, including six years with House Republican Leadership – most recently serving as Deputy Floor Director to former Speaker of the House John Boehner.

Jeff regularly works with Fortune 500 companies, trade organizations, and coalitions. He represents client interests on a range of issues, and brings particular expertise in regards to financial products and services, banking, energy, and telecommunications issues. He also operates at the nexus between these policy areas and tax and cybersecurity issues.

Prior to serving as Deputy Floor Director to former Speaker of the House John Boehner, Mr. Strunk spent three years as Floor Assistant. Prior to his time with Boehner, Mr. Strunk worked for former Congressman Patrick J. Tiberi, a previous Chairman of the influential Ways and Means Committee’s Subcommittee on Health.

During his time in House Leadership, Mr. Strunk formed incredibly strong relationships with members of Congress from both sides of the aisle – and, also, their staffers. He developed expertise in parliamentary procedure, House Rules, and a thorough understanding of the inner workings of House Leadership and Congress.

Mr. Strunk’s roots connect him to a wide variety of House Committees. He frequently works with members of the House Ways and Means, Financial Services, Energy and Commerce, Judiciary, and Transportation and Infrastructure Committees. Jeff also maintains deep ties to both the House Intelligence and Homeland Security Committees.

Jeff has long been active in the Republican Party – both in Ohio and at the national level. He has worked on the campaign of Patrick J. Tiberi, as well as volunteered on numerous other Congressional campaigns.

Strunk’s background also includes his ongoing role with an organized volunteer campaign effort in his home state of Ohio. For more than six years, he has led an independent GOTV program in the Buckeye State that helps to provide grassroots support to Republican candidates at the local, state, and federal levels.

A native of Columbus, Ohio, Mr. Strunk is a graduate of Xavier University, where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science.

He and his wife and three children live in Washington, DC.

Alekhya Tallapaka is a Director on the Public Affairs team.

Enthusiastic about public policy issues, Alekhya has worked in advocacy, communications, political campaigns, non-profits, and the executive branch. Alekhya’s experience in digital advocacy includes interacting closely with the Hill, creating industry-influencing content regarding grassroots campaigning, GOTV efforts, and studying voter demographics. Her background in government affairs and international relations includes facilitating communication on issues between the U.S. government and other countries, while developing critical documentation for interagency review, including the Department of Commerce, State Department, American Embassies around the world, and top-level political officials.

Born in Andhra Pradesh, India, and immigrated to the United States when she was two years old, Alekhya grew up in Minnesota, a state she is proud to call home. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Global Affairs with a concentration in Human Security from George Mason University. 

Ryan Taylor is a Senior Vice President of Public Affairs at Forbes Tate Partners. He brings more than a decade of experience on Capitol Hill as a senior advisor and communications strategist to four U.S. Senators and a member of Congress, most recently serving as communications director for U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss).

Prior to joining Senator Wicker’s office in 2013, Ryan served as a policy advisor on federal regulatory issues for Chairman John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) on the Senate Republican Policy Committee. In this role he handled regulatory matters related to Dodd-Frank, EPA, and DOT, just to name a few.

Ryan has considerable campaign experience. In 2012, he served as Senator Barrasso’s campaign manager, helping him garner an unprecedented 75.9 percent of the total statewide vote. In 2010, as Executive Director of the Wyoming Republican he helped to lead the Party to the single largest election victory in 90 years.

Having worked for members of Congress from the Rocky Mountain West to the South, Ryan has a strong background on a wide range of issues, including national defense, telecommunications, infrastructure, energy, public lands, and healthcare.

His experience and reputation was recognized when Ryan was elected by his peers to serve as the president of the Senate Press Secretaries Association (SPSA) in 2016. Additionally, he was an elected member of SPSA’s executive board for four years.

Ryan is a graduate of the University of Wyoming, where he received a degree in political science. He and his wife, Bevin, live in Alexandria, Va., with their two children, James and Charlotte.

Mr. Thompson is a vital member of the Research and Policy Analysis department, working directly with the Senior Director to conduct legislative, regulatory, media, and data-driven research projects by utilizing the firm’s specialized databases and his knowledge of federal and state government resources.

In addition, he is responsible for creating publishable news content in response to sociopolitical issues and trends in emerging markets. Mr. Thompson also produces memos on hearings, markups, and floor actions for the firm’s principals and clients. Additionally, Mr. Thompson works to identify and track relevant political campaigns as well as pertinent policy issues, which he distributes as a cohesive product to a 23-person government relations team.

Furthermore, Mr. Thompson supports the Operations and Development team to ensure the firm’s day-to-day operations and events run efficiently.

Prior to joining Forbes Tate Partners, Mr. Thompson was a media and press intern at No Labels, a non-partisan non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C. During his time there, he authored informative pieces about sociopolitical issues on the No Labels blog. Mr. Thompson also engaged in extensive research to assist with the organization’s outreach strategy.

Born and raised in Accra, Ghana, Mr. Thompson is a graduate of Denison University in Granville, Ohio, where he majored in History.

Barrett is a Partner at Forbes Tate and specializes in building public policy campaigns for life sciences corporations launching new products or service lines.

Drawing on 20 years of experience in health policy and market access, he advocates on legislative issues before the U.S. Congress, regulatory matters the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Food and Drug Administration and other agencies as well as state Governor offices.  Barrett’s work has ranged from arenas of chronic and infectious diseases to oncology, innovative diagnostics and medical devices, niche and orphan therapeutics, as well as value-based business models and commercial market management.  He started his career on Capitol Hill, serving as a Healthcare Legislative Assistant for U.S. Senator Mike Crapo, Patrick Toomey and the late Rep. Charlie Norwood.

Barrett received his B.A. from Dartmouth College and his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center. He is a licensed attorney and lives in McLean, Virginia.

Paula Thrasher is a Vice President for Forbes Tate, and was with Forbes Tate’s predecessor firm, Cauthen Forbes and Williams.

As Vice President on the finance team, she plans, directs, monitors, coordinates, interprets and administers all functional activities and policies related to treasury and finance, accounting, budgeting, billing, payables, receivables, payroll, insurance, tax, and human resources for the Washington, Alabama, and Minnesota offices. In addition to Forbes Tate, Mrs. Thrasher works for the Cauthen Companies.

Paula Thrasher came to Forbes Tate with nineteen years of experience in accounting and financial analysis.  She has management experience in accounting, budgeting, board presentations, cash management, financing, revenue sharing, information systems, property management, statistics and strategic planning.

Mrs. Thrasher graduated from Troy University with a BS in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting. She has previously been the Controller/Staff Accountant for Diamond Concrete, Dominic’s, Alabama Farmers Federation, EFS, Inc., Dialysis Clinic Inc., and Columbia Regional Medical Center.

Mrs. Thrasher is a native of Wetumpka, AL where she lives with her husband and three boys.

Doug Usher is a Partner at Forbes Tate Partners.

Doug has spent the last two decades building insights that have helped change the strategic trajectory of major corporations, industry associations, and political campaigns. Combining deep expertise in opinion research, data analysis, and analytics with years of experience navigating the intersection between business goals and the political, policy, and regulatory spheres, Doug has helped build winning strategies and campaigns for clients across a broad range of industries, with a particular focus on the pharmaceutical and energy sectors.

Prior to joining the FTP team, Doug worked at Purple Strategies, Widmeyer Communications, and the Mellman Group.

Doug lectures widely on the changing nature of measuring public opinion and sentiment, conducts seminars for the U.S. State Department’s International Visitors Program, and has served as an expert witness for the U.S. Department of Justice. Doug has appeared on MSNBC, CNBC, Fox News, CNN, National Public Radio, and CBC TV in Canada for his analysis of trends in public opinion and politics. His writing has been published extensively, including in The Wall Street Journal, National Journal, The Hill, and Campaigns and Elections.

He holds a B.A. from the University of Michigan and an M.A. and Ph.D. from Cornell University in Government and Research Methodology. He was raised in Washington, DC, where he lives with his wife, two kids, and their dog.

Claire Vapnek is an analyst in the Research and Policy Analysis department.

Prior to joining FTP, Claire worked as a regulatory compliance consultant at an international outsourced financial services firm, where she assisted in developing and testing compliance programs for investment advisory firms. She also served as an intern for the re-election campaign of U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), where she contributed to fundraising and outreach efforts.

Claire graduated from the University of Michigan in 2021 with a B.A. in public policy. She is originally from San Diego, California.

Ryan Welch is a Partner at Forbes Tate Partners, and was with the firm’s predecessor, Cauthen, Forbes & Williams.

He currently splits his time between the firm’s Washington, DC and Montgomery, Alabama offices. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Welch served on the staff of United States Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL), current Vice Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a member of the EPW, Banking, and Rules Committees.

From January 2002 to September 2007, Mr. Welch served as a Legislative Correspondent, Legislative Assistant, and Legislative Director for Senator Shelby. During Ryan’s time in the Senate, he covered a broad portfolio of issues, such as: agriculture, commerce, energy, environment, education, trade, waterways, law enforcement, homeland security, NASA, FEMA, transportation, science, and natural resources.

As a Legislative Assistant, Mr. Welch served as the primary staffer on all domestic appropriations issues, which required the evaluation of projects being considered for inclusion in Senator Shelby’s priority list.

Along those lines, Ryan brings unparalleled expertise in regards to issues related to the Appropriations Committee. He has also worked closely with both the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and Senate leadership during the development of key energy legislation, including the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006.

Mr. Welch leads the Appropriations Practice at FTP. In addition to appropriations, Ryan works closely with clients across the issue spectrum at FTP, while focusing on financial services, energy, natural resources, technology, law enforcement, and homeland security.

Mr. Welch has been active in the Republican Party and various campaigns – at the state and national levels – since college. Since 2010, he has served as part of a leadership team of a highly successful volunteer-driven Get Out the Vote (GOTV) effort in the swing state of Ohio.

Ryan has also volunteered campaigns, including the successful U.S. Senate campaigns of Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) in 2004 and former Senator Bob Corker (R-TN) in 2006. In 2006, he also worked on GOTV efforts in Tennessee.

A longtime volunteer and member of the Planning Committee for the YMCA Youth Conference on National Affairs, Mr. Welch is a native of Wetumpka, Alabama – and a graduate of Auburn University, where he studied political science.

He lives in Alexandria, Virginia with his Black Lab, Duke.

Derrick White, a Partner at Forbes Tate Partners, joined the firm in October 2015.

Mr. White came to FTP from the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), where he was a member of the Federal Government Relations team from 2012 to 2015. At BIO, Mr. White led the organization’s engagement with Republican Senators, their staffs, and Committee staffs. Mr. White also played a central role in BIO’s efforts on reauthorization of the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA V) via the Food and Drug Safety and Innovation Act (FDASIA), the Drug Quality and Security Act, patent reform, 340B reform, biodefense, and vaccines. Mr. White also led BIO’s efforts on the 21st Century Cures legislation, patent reform legislation, and preparations associated with the next reauthorization of PDUFA (PDUFA VI).

Previously, as an independent consultant, Mr. White advised and represented the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) and other biopharmaceutical companies on the legislative deliberations on both the Affordable Care Act of 2009 and the America Invents Act of 2011.

Mr. White’s independent role followed his work as a member of the Federal Government Relations team at PhRMA from 2001 to 2009. Mr. White worked on a broad range of issues, including Medicare, Medicaid, the reauthorizations of the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA III and IV, FDAAA), the Project Bioshield Act of 2004, 340B reform, biodefense, patents, and vaccines. While at PhRMA, Mr. White also played a crucial role in working with Congress to craft and pass the landmark Medicare Modernization Act of 2003, which created the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit for seniors.

Mr. White served on the state, DC, and Judiciary Committee staffs of former U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT), recent Chairman of the Finance Committee and senior member of the HELP and Judiciary Committees, from 1996 to 2001. While with Chairman Hatch, Mr. White covered issues in health care, defense, and trade. At the time of his departure from the Chairman’s staff, he was serving as Deputy Communications Director.

Mr. White, a lifelong Republican, has been active in the Party and campaigns since college. He worked on Senator Hatch’s 2000, 2006 and 2012 re-election campaigns and also participated in numerous other campaign activities, including the NRSC Special Teams program for Senators Thune (2004), Burns (2006), and Toomey’s (2010) Senate races.

A native of Towanda, Pennsylvania and graduate of the University of Utah, Mr. White received his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and International Relations.

Gerhard Williams IV is an Assistant with the operations team at FTP.

Originally born in Kentucky, Gerhard grew up in Huntington, WV, Ellicott City, MD, and Jacksonville, FL before attending college and playing football for the University of Pennsylvania. At Penn, he majored in Philosophy, Political Science, and Economics with a focus in public policy and governance. After graduation, Gerhard completed a year of teaching service through AmeriCorps at Ballou High School in Southeast D.C. He previously served as a campaign organizer, and most recently worked in the customer service department of OptumRx.

In his free time, Gerhard enjoys skateboarding around the National Mall looking for a spot for his hammock. He is an avid Philly sports fan.

Jessica is an Assistant in the Operations Department.

Prior to joining Forbes Tate Partner, Jess interned for U.S Senator Tim Kaine’s regional office in Richmond, VA where she assisted with casework. Most recently, she worked for a private insurance firm as a Benefits Admin specializing in health insurance. She was a double major in Economics and Political Science and graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2021.

Kelley Williams is a Partner at Forbes Tate Partners.

She handles a diverse portfolio of issues, but her specialty is within the financial services, insurance, and banking spheres. She also lobbies on transportation, telecom, fintech, and energy issues for the firm’s clients. In her 15 years as a senior government relations professional, she has successfully demonstrated an ability to craft and implement complex legislative strategies for her clients while also leveraging relationships and resources across multiple sectors.

Previously, Kelley was an Associate Vice President of Legislative Affairs at the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA). In this position, she served as MBA’s lead Democratic lobbyist for the House of Representatives. She lobbied on real estate investment trust issues, GSE reform legislation, flood insurance, High Volatility Commercial Real Estate loans, and regulatory relief.

Before her position at MBA, she was a Director of Government Affairs at The Hartford where she lobbied on insurance issues for the company. Prior to that, she worked for the American Land Title Association, where she split her duties between direct lobbying and managing the operations of the association’s political action committee.

Williams received a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Political Science from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida. She lives in Washington, DC with her husband.

Michael Williams, MPH is a Senior Vice President in Forbes Tate Partners’ government relations practice.

An experienced political and legislative advisor, Michael was most recently the legislative director for Congresswoman Lucy McBath (D-GA). In this role, he managed the Congresswoman’s legislative agenda and was the policy lead on health, labor and employment, and tax and trade. Prior to joining Congresswoman McBath’s office, Michael worked in the office of Senator Doug Jones (D-AL).

Originally studying biology and genetics, Michael first came to politics through voter registration drives and political activism in his hometown of Auburn, AL. He received his Bachelor’s in Biology from Oglethorpe University and his MPH in health policy from the George Washington University.

Zach Williams is a Partner at Forbes Tate Partners.

He provides invaluable guidance to a variety of Fortune 500s, non-profits, and government entities on legislative strategies before Congress.

Zach has constructed and executed dozens of strategies on behalf of Forbes Tate Partners’ clients on issues, including, but not limited to: tax, finance, housing, healthcare, and technology.

To that end, he has also secured millions of dollars in federal funding for clients – as he represents several universities and municipalities before the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives Appropriations Committees.

A Partner at Cauthen, Forbes & Williams – which later became Forbes Tate Partners – and former Managing Director of Cauthen and Associates in Washington, DC, Zach’s broad experience in Democratic politics began with his work with the Alabama Democratic Party in the 1996 statewide, coordinated campaign.

Mr. Williams has deep roots with the Democratic National Committee. He coordinated logistics for event credentials at both the 2000 and 2004 Democratic National Party Conventions. He also helped to lead grassroots campaign efforts in the Keystone State for Gore-Lieberman 2000 and Lieberman for Senate 2006.

Additionally, Zach served as a top advisor in then-Lt. Governor Lucy Baxley’s 2006 campaign for Governor in Alabama.

A graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, Zach received his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Foreign Languages – and also studied business law at the L’Ecole Supérieure du Commerce Extérieur in Paris, France.

Mr. Williams and his wife are natives of Alabama – they have two young children.

Jessica Wilson is a Full Stack WordPress Developer at Forbes Tate Partners.

Prior to joining FTP, Jessica worked for a digital agency in Richmond where she focused on building her web development skills by working with popular technologies like WordPress and Drupal. Her expertise lies in crafting beautifully performant and accessible websites that tell stories and bring people together.

Jessica received her B.A. from the University of Virginia. She is originally from Norfolk, Virginia, and currently lives in Richmond, Virginia with her two cats.

Jenny Yoo is a Senior Analyst on the Insights team at Forbes Tate Partners. Prior to joining FTP, she was a data and polling manager at the Congressional Leadership Fund, where she provided audience creation and analysis on key polling metrics and worked on voter contact efforts in various congressional districts. While at CLF, Jenny created many relationships among different polling, modeling, and digital firms in the D.C. metro area.

Jenny graduated from Colorado State University with a B.S. in food science and human nutrition with a minor in gerontology. She is originally from Monument, Colorado and currently resides in Washington, D.C.

Andi graduated from Denison University where she majored in Communications and International Studies, and earned her Master’s from University of Wisconsin, Madison.

Charles Chamberlayne is a communicator, connector and expert at developing public engagement strategies for businesses, government and high-profile individuals. He’s served as a spokesperson and communications strategist for three U.S. senators, a speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and major U.S. city mayor.

On Capitol Hill, Charles’ career highlights include garnering media attention on the Senate’s effort to address mental health issues for Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans, working to allow Rosa Parks to be the first woman to lie in honor in the U.S. Capitol, organizing support for the Central American Free Trade Agreement, handling media coverage of President Ronald Reagan’s state funeral and working with National Urban League President Marc H. Morial to coordinate the first National Urban League Legislative Policy Conference on Capitol Hill in 2003. In San Diego, Charles helped lead communications for the City of San Diego’s $3 billion in city operations which includes corporate partnerships, economic development and other major city announcements involving Comic-Con, Google Fiber Internet and the U.S. Golf Association’s return to Torrey Pines in 2021.

Charles holds a double degree in history and political science from Howard University and studied for a Master of Arts in communications at The Johns Hopkins University. In Southern California, Charles has served on numerous civic boards including UC San Diego Athletics, Red Cross of San Diego and Imperial Counties, Urban League of San Diego County, San Diego Youth Symphony and CONNECT ALL, an initiative focused on increasing diversity among entrepreneurs, executives and boards of directors. Charles also appears as a frequent speaker and panelist on a host of events around Southern California and is a recurring public affairs and political analyst for FOX 5 San Diego.

Kris E. Durmer is Of Counsel at Forbes Tate.

Since 2017, Kris has been a principal with Durmer Solutions, LLC, a Washington, DC based consulting firm. As a versatile senior executive, attorney, and advisor, Durmer provides results-oriented services in government property and procurement, crisis management, politics, and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mediation.

From 2009-2017, Durmer served as General Counsel for the multi-billion-dollar U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) in Washington, DC. In that role, he oversaw all legal affairs of GSA, including management of over 160 personnel in 12 offices across the United States with an annual budget of approximately $30 million. He advised the Administrator and other agency officials on all areas of the agency’s mission, including contracting, acquisitions, real estate, construction, IT, litigation, personnel and labor relations, travel and transportation, ethics, and GSA fleet.

An attorney by profession, Durmer has decades of experience as a litigator in state and federal courts and has served on boards of many national and local organizations. He is a member of the New Hampshire Bar and is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, and the U.S. Supreme Court. Kris entered private practice in New Hampshire in 1979, and for the 11 years prior to joining GSA was a founding partner and director of Smith-Weiss, Shepard & Durmer, PC, in Nashua, New Hampshire.

Durmer was a presidential appointee to the Board of Directors of Sallie Mae, serving as Vice Chair in 1997 and Acting Chair from 1997-98. He has also served on the Board of Trustees of Sacred Heart University, and the Board of the Nashua Home Health and Hospice Care Agency. From 1982-2000, he was a Commissioner of the Nashua Housing Authority.

Durmer also has extensive political experience at both the state and local levels. He was a volunteer for Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaigns in 2008 and 2016 and worked on former President Obama’s re-election campaign in 2012. Durmer served as National Senior Political Advisor to Joe Lieberman’s presidential campaign and as Al Gore’s New Hampshire Legal Counsel during his 2000 presidential campaign. He has also served as the Finance Chair for the New Hampshire Democratic Party.

Durmer received both his BA and JD degrees from the University of New Hampshire (UNH) and currently serves on the Board of the UNH Alumni Association. Kris is a veteran of the New Hampshire Army National Guard.

He and his wife, Lynda, live in Washington, DC, and have three adult children and four grandchildren.

Buck Humphrey currently leads Forbes Tate’s Minnesota office operations. Mr. Humphrey is an experienced government affairs and public relations executive with relationships and a track record with political leaders in Minnesota and throughout the Midwest.

For over 15 years, Mr. Humphrey has worked at the intersection of the private and public sectors on issues at the federal, state, and local levels. He has strategically defined client reputations, product offerings, and issue sets in the public space for elected officials and agencies, private sector clients, NGOs, and campaigns. His areas of expertise include government and public affairs, as well as strategic communication formation and implementation.

Mr. Humphrey began his career in congressional relations for the Secretary of Agriculture during the Clinton Administration, recently led the Office of Communications for the Department of Homeland Security’s USCIS, and worked as a senior policy advisor for the Mayor of Minneapolis. He was State Director of both Vice President Gore and then-Senator Clinton’s Minnesota presidential campaigns, Senior Obama Campaign Advisor in Florida and was Midwest Finance Director for Senator Kerry.

His past experience spans a wealth of issues, including: telecommunications, health care, pharmaceutical, retail, tax, banking, co-ops, agriculture, immigration, conservation, natural resources, trade and energy policy, and regulation. His strategic communications experience includes business development, project lead, project management, messaging, branding, interactive, direct mail, design and Web 2.0 communication strategy, and tactics.

Mr. Humphrey managed federal and state government affairs operations for AgriBank, FCB – the largest agriculture lender in the country – and managed the 11-state regional Farm Credit Services trade association from 1994-2000. From 2002-2009, Mr. Humphrey was Partner and led federal and state relations for two successful bipartisan government and public affairs firms, ASI Communications and Intersect Strategies.

Mr. Humphrey holds a Masters in Public Administration from Hamline University and a B.A. in Law and Society from American University. Buck is married to Heidi Humphrey. They live with their two daughters in Plymouth, Minnesota.

Jennifer Swanson Prince is a development and communications strategist with nearly two decades of experience developing marketing campaigns for non-profit organizations, interest and advocacy groups, corporations, and political campaigns.

At Forbes Tate Partners, Jennifer advises clients seeking to strengthen their approach to the funding community – and their fundraising performance overall. Her practice offers services including program marketing, board development, donor communications, and strategic planning. She also works with clients on reputational and thought leadership campaigns to help them reach key audiences both inside and outside Washington, DC.

In 2004, Jennifer founded her own consultancy, where she provided strategic guidance to a broad variety of clients, including the Democratic National Committee, Rock the Vote, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, the American Council on Renewable Energy, and various federal and statewide campaigns.

From 2010 to 2013, Ms. Swanson Prince was a Senior Advisor to the Glover Park Group where, she ran marketing and communications campaigns and advised a portfolio of clients that included Univision, Kantar, and FINCA.

Jennifer served as former Senator John Edwards’ national finance director during his 2004 presidential campaign. She has held senior staff positions at the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, People For the American Way, and EMILY’s List.

Jennifer received her Bachelor’s from Syracuse University before earning a Master’s from George Washington University.

Dorothy Walsh brings more than 20 years of experience in political campaigns and federal relations to Forbes Tate Partners.

Prior to joining FTP, Dorothy was President of D & D Strategies, LLC, a lobbying consulting company. Dorothy also served as Senior Advisor and Deputy Chief of Staff to former Senator Bill Nelson. She acted as a liaison to the Senator on legislative matters affecting large employers, especially issues before the Committees on Commerce and Finance. Dorothy also led the effort for the Senator’s legacy work including overseeing archiving and site selection for his liaison to historical record.

Before joining Senator Nelson’s team, Dorothy was Vice President – Congressional Relations and External Affairs for Qwest Communications. There, she worked on issues related to telecommunications, corporate taxes, and spectrum issues, and led company efforts on messaging for grassroots outreach. Dorothy was also the Executive Director for Federal Relations for Ameritech Corporation where, she worked with Congress and the White House regarding the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and helped prepare the company for their merger with SBC. Dorothy has also organized volunteer activities for federal and state candidates.

Dorothy attended San Diego State University and serves as Board Member of the Anne Arundel County Women’s Giving Circle. She also enjoys boating on the Chesapeake Bay, where she currently lives.