Press "Enter" to skip to content

100+ List: Part 5

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 5

adam mcbrideAdam McBride | Director of Legislative and Governmental Affairs, Laborer’s District Council

@mcbride_adam
In the new blood of labor leaders, McBride is on the cutting edge. As labor undergoes the conversion to a top-flight interest group, Adam is helping the laborers engage in social media and working with both parties on labor/business economic development projects.

 

emilee mudd lakinEmilee Lakin | Fundraising, Missouri House Republican Campaign Committee

@emileemudd
Since joining the team at HRCC as field staff in 2008, Emilee Lakin has been a consistent part of the team that has delivered unprecedented majorities for the House GOP. As finance director, she has spearheaded fundraising for the gold standard of political organizations in Missouri.

 

franc flotronFranc Flotron | Principal, Flotron & McIntosh

@fflotron
Flotron is a former state senator with a reputation as a policy wonk. He has a wide range of relationships from the business community that he has been able to successfully transfer to help his other clients as well as legislators he works with. His background working with both sides of the aisle, and thinking outside the box has seen not only legislators, but other lobbyists, seek out his advice when they hit an impasse in the Capitol.

 

gentry trotterGentry Trotter | Public Relations, Globe Trotter Stl.

@GentryTrotter
An Emmy winner who is now providing editorial direction, as well as helping several people on this list with advice and counsel. Gentry is a man to know in Missouri politics and his influence is likely to be on the rise in as 2016 approaches. Trotter is also the founder of local charities Heatupstlouis.org and Cooldownstlouis.org which have become media darlings in the St. Louis area. 
  

hart nelsonHart Nelson | Director of Public Affairs, St. Louis Regional Chamber

@dipnotz
No city has a more engaged public affairs office than St. Louis. Hart and his team have a challenging job that often isn’t made easier being identified as an urban city with a rural led legislature, but they have consistently got cooperation between Jefferson City and the state’s largest city. His skills will be tested in the next couple years with several contentious issues coming to a head, it may be the time for Hart to ask for a raise.

 

jacque bardgettJacqueline Bardgett | Associate, John Bardgett & Associates

One of the new generation of women in lobbying, Jacqueline is likely to be on this list for decades to come as she leads her firm into the next decades. A fixture in committee hearings and the senate gallery, she is building a reputation as a conscious follower of legislative matters.

 

jeff mazurJeff Mazur | Executive Director, AFSCME Council 72

@JMaz
Mazur has been active in the highest levels of Democratic politics, but is perhaps best known to an entire generation of Missouri politicos as one of the most active and funniest accounts on twitter. He brings political savvy and legislative heft to public sector labor efforts, and is seen as one of the reasons for their holding the line in recent years.

 

jon ratliffJon Ratliff | Political Director, Missouri HRCC

@jonathanratliff
There is an old saying called “scoreboard,” and if you look at the scoreboard, Jon Ratliff has as impressive a total as anyone in the game right now being the political director at HRCC during the time they have extended their majority to record numbers. Ratliff is one of the most sought after operatives in the state in the lead up to 2016, and can likely call his shot.

 

michael sean kelleyMichael Sean Kelley | Principal, The Kelley Group

@mskstl
The head of the Kelly Group, his firm is becoming biggest force in Democratic consulting in the state. Fresh off a very successful 2014 cycle where he led the campaign of St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger, they are set to play a major role in Democratic campaigns in 2016. Further, MSK can be found in any number of roles at KMOX with his broadcast partner John Hancock.

 

rich aubuchonRich AuBuchon | Principal, AuBuchon Law Firm

@RichAuBuchon
AuBuchon has served at the highest levels of state government under Gov. Matt Blunt and Lt. Gov. Kinder. He has also built a very strong practice mostly representing the interests of business clients. He has worked in a large firm lobbying and now runs his own firm whose clients stand to continue to benefit from his connections and growing record of accomplishments.

 

rich chrismerRich Chrismer | Principal, Seen Read Heard

@RichChrismer
If you know a successful Republican statewide elected official, its very likely they know Rich Chrismer. He has been the spokesman for many campaigns and initiatives. He is set to have a busy 2016 with an impressive roster of candidates and interest groups. If you need to get your message out, he is one of the best on the Republican side.

 

sam wilesSam Wiles | Lobbyist

Wiles is at the forefront of a new generation of lobbyists who are becoming the go-to lobbyist for clients who need relationships with new legislators. He has some of the strongest relationships of any lobbyist amongst younger members, who are just now becoming chairmen, and will soon be in house leadership and members of the senate. If there was a lobbyist to invest in now to see maximum returns, it’s likely Wiles.