We have compiled our 2015 list of the 100+ people in the Missouri public policy process you need to know. A few changes have been made this year – media and legislative staff are not included, unless they were engaged as a campaign consultant as well.
By no means is this the complete list, and the names are in no particular order, but it would be a good start for someone beginning their career in Missouri politics of the people to get to know.
Also this year, instead of a website, we included each person’s twitter handle.
Lastly, thanks to our readers who helped us compile this year’s list – enjoy and please don’t hesitate to tell us who we missed at @MissouriTimes.
Part 8
Bill Gamble | Principal, Gamble & Schlemeier
A fixture in the capitol for decades with a large practice including many Kansas City staples who have been with him for years, Gamble is in partnership with Jorgen Schlemeier in one of the biggest firms in the state.
Braxton Payne | Director of Digital Media Communications, The Kelley Group
The next time you notice a clever social media campaign from the left, chances are pretty good its coming out of the MacBook of Braxton Payne, head of digital communications at The Kelley Group. His is a name you will be hearing a lot more of on lists like this in the future. The Kelley Group is the fastest growing communications group on the Democratic side, and Braxton is a leading reason why.
David Overfelt | President, Missouri Retailers Association
Gary Wheeler | President of the Missouri Soybean Association
Wheeler has hit the ground running, being at the head of the association just over a year bringing a burst of energy to the group. Federal officials rave over his proactive efforts with them, and he has taken an interest in building relationships with state leaders. A Missouri native, he seems primed to head the Soybean Association to a new level of prominence.
Jim Farrell | President, Policy Solutions
Farrell is a veteran of the McNary administration in St. Louis County and has been active in politics and lobbying for decades. He now leads Policy Solutions alongside his wife they have a wide range of clients and are very active both during session and in the interim building relationships with policy makers.
Kelly Gillespie | President and C.E.O. of Missouri Biotechnology Association
Gillespie has run the association for a decade now after leaving a successful stint with the Missouri Chamber of Commerce. He has taken a sensitive issue and brought it into the mainstream of the public policy process. Gillespie is a veteran of the Capitol and when he is in the rotunda, he is one of the most popular figures with whom to discuss Missouri politics.
Matt Forck | Governmental Relations, Ameren UE
Forck has established himself as a fixture in the Capitol after working with Ameren on the front lines. He has a way of relating to people and moving the needle for his company that is widely known as one of St. Louis’ top corporate citizens.
Mike Morris | Managing Director, Missouri Cable Telecommunications Association
MCTA has had consistent success in recent sessions, and 2015 was no different. Mike Morris has been very effective at maintaining relationships in the off session, building a team of lobbyists, passing laws during session and looking to the future. There is no more stable organization than MCTA, and Morris is taking it to new heights.
Mindy Mazur | Principal, GPS Impact
Mazur has been on the front line of the public policy process and Democratic politics for the past several cycles. She is a former chief of staff to Secretary of State Robin Carnahan, and is now at GPS, a top Democratic consulting firm in the state and a leading Democratic firm nationally. GPS has taken the lead on top of the ticket races and ballot measures throughout the country. Mindy is also known for helping young people find jobs in the public policy process, which garners admiration and respect throughout political circles.
Noel Torpey | Executive Director, FERAF
Torpey left the General Assembly to take over FERAF, one of the most powerful and effective organizations in the state. Torpey was an effective legislator mostly by building relationships and working across the aisle, and he has found success in his first session blocking bills not only in the Senate, but thwarting legislation FERAF opposes in the House as well.
Patrick Lynn | Principal, The Kelley Group
Lynn is a policy expert having worked through state government, but he now helps lead the premiere Democratic lobbying and consulting firm in the state in The Kelley Group. The next election cycle is a big year for Democrats, meaning that it is also a big year for Lynn and The Kelley Group.
Phil Schnieders | Missouri Automobile Dealers Association
One of the most focused and effective political operations in the Capitol is ran by Schnieders. He seems to quietly know literally everyone and those relationships have served him and MADA well. Schnieders is absolutely one of the 100+ people to know in the Missouri public policy process.
Robert Knodell | Partner, Barklage & Knodell
Knodell is a former HRCC head who worked to build the current majorities republicans now enjoy. Knodell is now working with those same candidates who captured legislative majorities run for senate and statewide races. There is no consultant in the state more trusted and even loved by his clients than Robert Knodell.
Ron Leone | Executive Director, Missouri Petroleum Marketers & Convenience Store Assn.
Ron Leone is one of the most savvy operators in Missouri politics, and if you need evidence of that look no further than how MPCA is handling the cigarette tax. There is a reason that MPCA is one of the toughest associations to tangle with in Jefferson City, and a big part of that is Ron Leone.
Sam Licklider | Lobbyist, Missouri Realtors Association
Licklider is an institution in the Capitol. He started with the Realtors Association in the late 60’s as a field representative. Today, he is head of their lobbying effort that includes managing one of the most diverse and dynamic legislative agendas in the state. He is one of the most dedicated lobbyists in the Capitol, working constantly. He is someone you need to meet in Missouri politics.
Sam Panettiere | Principal, Core Coalition Consulting
Coming out of republican politics in the last decade Panettiere knows literally everyone up and coming in state political circles. Today, he has a marquee client in helping the city of Kansas City navigate the political waters, which has been a way to showcase his ability. He has impressed everyone he has come in contact with.
