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100+ List: Part 4

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 4

alex eatonAlex Eaton | Lobbyist, Catalyst Group

@alexteaton

Eaton was a great find by the growing Catalyst Group and has added value to the rapidly growing firm in his first few years in lobbying. A veteran of the Schaefer campaign organization, he makes our list of people to know, and is likely to be on it for a very long time.

 

brad ketcherBrad Ketcher | Ketcher Law Firm

@BradKetcher

One of the leading election law attorneys in the state and the premiere attorney when seeking to get a measure on the ballot, he brings political and legal experience to his clients, and is close to most everyone in the St. Louis political scene.

 

david barklageDavid Barklage | Managing Partner, Barklage & Knodell

@BarklageCompany

The dean of Republican consultants, and the man who almost everyone in Missouri politics, Republican or Democrat, calls a genius. Barklage, a native of SEMO, was at the forefront of building the state house and senate Republican majorities, and is now running the campaign of John Brunner for governor. Every Republican who seeks to move up in the party makes the trip to his office for counsel and help.

 

david wintonDavid Winton | Partner, Penman and Winton

@davidwinton2384

He has a lengthy list of clients in a firm that grown out of an ethos of advocacy for things he believes in. Winton’s work now extends to healthcare issues as well as technology and not for profits. He has earned a reputation as lobbyist that has unrivaled credentials as a policy analyst. Look for him to always be in the room as the healthcare debate continues in the Capitol.

 

ellie glennEllie Glenn | Government Relations Director, St Louis Children’s Hospital

@ellieglenn

Some people are simply born to do a certain job. Ellie Glenn was born advocate for children. She has more compassion than anyone else in lobbying and is very skilled at translating her passion for advocating for children into affecting public policy. 

 

irl scissorsIrl Scissors | Principal, Gateway Government Relations

@iscissors

Irl has experience in government and lobbying in both Jefferson City and Washington D.C. His background as an attorney is something that he has been able to utilize to his client’s advantage, as well as his experience in campaigns, which has given his firm the ability to assist clients with messaging.

 

jeff aboussieJeff Aboussie | Executive Secretary Treasurer, St. Louis Building Trades Council

@aboussiejeff

Jeff is one of the most savvy operators in the state and maybe all of labor across the country. He has been at the front of building relationships with legislators not known to traditionally be aligned with labor. He may be welcome in more offices in Jefferson City than anyone else in organized labor.

 

john hancockJohn Hancock | Chairman, Missouri Republican Party

@johnrhancock

Hancock is not only the chairman of the MRP, but has also been its executive director, a state legislator, and has run for statewide office. He is a key architect of the current legislative majorities Republicans enjoy. He has national connections that few in Missouri politics can touch. Hancock is also frequently found on KMOX with his broadcast partner Michael Kelley. An effective leader and thinker, Hancock is now more than that. He’s also a brand. 

 

lou hamilton

Lou Hamilton | Lobbyist, City of St. Louis

@hamiltonstl

No one in the state has envied Hamilton’s job wrangling with the new technologies with Uber, but Hamilton has been a lobbyist in St. Louis City Hall for decades, and likely knows where more bones are buried in St. Louis politics than anyone on this list. When you think consummate insider, think Lou Hamilton.

 

mark habbas

Mark Habbas | Lobbyist, Strategic Capitol Consulting/Legislative Director, MO State Council of Fire Fighters

@HabbasMark

Habbas is at the top of any list that counts likability as a critical component. He is known for his depth of relationships and the loyalty he inspires from his friends. This year he increased his portfolio by joining Steve Tilley’s successful Strategic Capitol Consulting. 2015 was another good session for the firefighters, and Habbas was successful in his transition to a broader lobbying practice. He is definitely someone you need to know in Missouri politics.

 

nick maddux

Nick Maddux | Hanaway for Governor Campaign

@nickmaddux

Maddux is a product of the Jeff Roe School of Professional Politics and has done one of the toughest jobs in recent political history very well. Some thought the Hanaway campaign wouldn’t be able to move past the events of last spring, but it has and is in the thick of what is now a six-way primary. Maddux is a hard charging operative who is as aggressive as anyone in Missouri politics and is shining on the big stage of gubernatorial politics.

 

rodney boydRodney Boyd | Partner, Dentons

@rodneyboyd

Boyd is a man to know not only in Jefferson City, but in St. Louis as well. Which is probably why lots of operators feel like they bump in to him everywhere. He heads up a firm with a talented group of lobbyist and a has built a reputation for effectiveness. Growing his practice from being a police officer to representing city hall, he has been able to showcase his skills which has brought him a growing list of clients.

 

shawn fureyShawn Furey | Vice President, Legislative and Government Affairs at Home State Health Plan

Most in the Capitol know him in the current role lobbying on health care issues or as the former chief of staff to Sen. Eric Schmitt, but Furey is a true political genius. He is softer spoken than some, but there is no one in Missouri politics better on strategy than Shawn Furey.

 

travis brownTravis Brown | Partner, Pelopidas

@pelopidas

Travis Brown went from Missouri lobbyist to author, sought after speaker, national cable news personality and one of the most innovative leaders of the national conservative movement. However, he still is active with the Gate Way Group where his team has grown to four full time lobbyists, and is supported by an array of technological accompaniments such as event planning, television and radio production, and a video archive of Missouri politics that is second to none. To put it simply, Brown effectively commands a small army. At this point, Travis Brown would make the list of 100+ people to know in national politics.