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The Complete 2015 100+ List

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, but it would be a good start for someone beginning their career in Missouri politics of the people to get to know. The names are in alphabetical order by surname.

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.

jeff aboussie

Jeff 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.

 

todd abrajano

Todd Abrajano | President, Turning Point Public Affairs

@Todd_Abrajano

He is overseeing several projects at any one time, but be it through the Club for Growth, the Bev Randles’ campaign, or any of the other projects he handles through Turning Point, most campaigns work hard just to get on his radar. There is no doubt he is a person to know in Missouri politics.

 

brandon alexander

Brandon Alexander | Digital Campaign Manager at Victory Digital

@UncleB_88

Brandon left the office of Rep. Tony Dugger to join Victory last session and hit the ground running heading up their growing digital campaign business. The growing Victory firm looks to bring an edge to 2016 with their own in-house digital department, and Alexander will be the head of it.

 

andy arnold

Andy Arnold | Lobbyist

@arnoldlobbycom

Andy Arnold is the definition of an old school lobbyist who uses shoe leather and relationships to get results for his client list. He has a practice that extends from police groups to education to his signature work killing any increase in taxes on cigarettes for newer brands.

 

jay atkins

Jay Atkins | Senior Counsel, Husch Blackwell

@atkins_jay

Atkins left the Missouri Chamber to work with Husch on an exclusive basis but has maintained his pro business client base in coordinating efforts for Husch’s clients in the Capitol. Atkins is well known by most every legislator as he makes the rounds not just during session but in the interim as well.

 

rich aubuchon

Rich 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.

 

jacque bardgett

Jacqueline 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.

 

john bardgett

John Bardgett | Principal, John Bardgett & Associates

The top rung of Missouri lobbyists is represented by John Bardgett. Known for having more relationships on both sides of the state than anyone, Bardgett is a force, not only the legislative realm, and has a client list that makes him a prolific fundraiser as well. There is only one John Bardgett.

 

david barklage

David 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.

 

sebrina barrett

Sebrina Barrett | Executive Director, The Missouri Bar

@sbarrett01

Barrett runs one of the most prestigious associations in the state. She is a Missouri native who has also been spent time working for another Bar Association before returning to Missouri. The revamping of the criminal code in 2014 was one of many accomplishments happening on her watch.

 

carl bearden

Carl Bearden | Executive Director, United for Missouri

@United4MO

Bearden is a former House budget chairman who is now the executive director of what is described as the largest conservative grassroots organization in the state. He developed one of the first scorecards by a conservative group, a practice that is now copied by other groups. Bearden is also active on social media and makes several trips around the state building his organization.

 

dave berry

Dave Berry | Director of Communications, Gate Way Group

@davetberry

He has become a key member of one of the fastest growing lobbying firms in the state. Berry is all over the state working with Gate Way’s expanding client list. Berry is a lobbyist that will register for as many clients as anyone in the coming sessions.

 

guy black

Guy Black | Manager of Governmental Affairs, Bryan Cave LLC

Guy Black is the head of governmental affairs in Missouri for one of the largest law firms in the world. His practice spans large industrial interests to agricultural issues and most everything in between. He may have some of the deepest relationships of anyone in the Capitol.

 

andy blunt

Andy Blunt | Partner, Schreimann, Rackers, Francka & Blunt

@andyblunt

If this list was the 5+, Andy Blunt would still be on it. He is one of the top lobbyists in the state today and his stature is set to grow in coming sessions. His client list is a “who’s who” of top Missouri corporations and associations, and anyone coming to Missouri with an issue that needs work makes a stop at his office. Also, every six years he makes time to run campaigns for his father, Senator Roy Blunt.

 

titus bond

Titus Bond | Director of Polling, Remington Research Group

@RemingtonPolls

Bursting onto the scene in the last cycle and a part of the Jeff Roe political empire, Remington has quickly built a reputation for mastering the IVR technology. Their polls are featured and studied by political professionals and the press all over the state and nation, and Bond runs the shop with proficiency.

 

rodney boyd

Rodney 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.

 

crystal brinkley

Crystal Brinkley | Executive Director, Missouri Democratic Party

@brinkleycrystal

In one of the more challenging jobs in the state, Brinkley has proven to be one of the rising stars on the Democratic side of Missouri politics. Having helped steer the party through some of the most challenging environments Democrats have seen in state history, she looks to be building the democratic base to not only elect a governor, but begin a turnaround in the legislature in 2016. Helping elect a democrat governor in 2016 will make Brinkley be one of the most sought after talents on this list.

 

erin brower

Erin Brower | Executive Director at Raise Your Hand for Kids

@ErinBrower

Erin is one of the most passionate people in the state capitol, and is a leading advocate for children and education funding in the state. She has also branched out and is helping lead an effort to pass a ballot initiative to raise tobacco taxes to pay for childhood programs.

 

travis brown

Travis 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.

 

zach brunnert

Zach Brunnert | Associate, Flotron & McIntosh

@Brunnert

Zach is an associate at Flotron & McIntosh and by very definition of his job means he knows more about the appropriations process than most people in Jefferson City. He is making a name for himself by building relationships year round, and has the ability to parlay them into results for his clients.

 

brittany burke

Brittany Burke | Tactas

@BrittanyHBurke

The fastest growing public relations firm on the list is principled by a former member of the executive branch. Tactas has hit the ground running since its founding last year and is now known by everyone in the public policy process.

 

ryan burke

Ryan Burke | R.W. Burke Group

@rwburkegroup

Burke is one of the rising stars in the field of Democratic operatives. He is universally liked by those on both sides of the aisle. In 2015, Burke was offered opportunities to utilize his skills on several campaigns but chose instead to expand his professional horizon by consulting on key statewide issues. With the success of his consulting practice, it will take a huge offer to see him back on the campaign trail in 2016 but the offers will definitely come for one of the top operatives in the state.

 

gary burton

Gary Burton | Partner, Burton & Liese

A former legislator hailing from Southwest Missouri, Burton has seemed to be on the front lines of the changes in the governmental relations field his entire career. He was receiving awards from ALEC before it was such an overwhelmingly popular organization for legislators to join, and more popular for their opponents to snipe. He was on the ground floor of joplin.com before cities having websites were seen as commonplace. Burton is the name partner at one of the biggest firms in the state.

 

Richard Callow

Richard Callow | Public Eye

@publiceyestl

Callow is a legendary figure in St. Louis. A relationship with him is something of a litmus test among the St. Louis political circles as proof that you are “on the inside.” He has a one of the greatest strategic minds in politics and gets to exhibit those skills as the chief political strategist for St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay. Callow also has a roster of corporate clients, and if you can, get him to take you to other political offices. Lastly, if there is anyone in Missouri to avoid crossing, its Mr. Callow. (Photo submitted.)

 

jack cardetti

Jack Cardetti | Principal, Tightline Strategies

@JackCardetti

Cardetti is a veteran of the vast majority of successful Democratic campaigns in the past two decades. He started in politics at an early age and advanced quickly providing counsel to Missouri governors, senators, and countless members of the legislative and executive branch. While his work is now stretched out across the country there is one thing the vast majority of winning Democratic candidates in Missouri have in common: Cardetti.

 

katie casas

Katie Casas | Lobbyist, Gate Way Group

@katiecasas

Casas built a sterling reputation working on education issues, capitalizing on breaking events and talking the term “school transfers” from completely unknown to a word understood by everyone in Missouri politics. She has transferred those accomplishments and relationships into being a key part of the fast growing Gateway Group where she seems to always be in the office where the action is going on.

 

scott charton

Scott Charton | Charton Communications

@ScottCharton

Charton is a former AP reporter who has brandished a new career in influencing how his former colleagues cover his clients. He has one of the most active social media accounts it the state, and has shown an ability to build relationships with reporters who enjoy his experience covering state politics.

 

rich chrismer

Rich 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.

 

heath clarkston

Heath Clarkston | Lobbyist, Gallagher Consultants

@hclarkston

Clarkston is an old fashioned lobbyist who spent time learning from the top lobbyists in the pre-term limits era, and has the benefit of utilizing those lessons today for his clients.  Clarkston has a wide array of clients, and is able to impact public policy in both chambers and on most any committee due to his vast knowledge of the legislative process and ability to convey even the most difficult issues in an effective manner.  Clarkston has quietly built up a large number of some of the deepest relationships in the Capitol.

 

michelle colbert

Michelle Colbert | Proprietor, Michelle M. Colbert, LLC

@GOPLadyBug

Colbert is growing a reputation throughout Republican politics as a go-to consultant for conservative candidates. She has been in the thick of several races that are not only building her reputation for effectiveness, but broadening her already large list of contacts. Colbert is on the upswing and looks to be on next year’s list and several after that as well.

 

dave cook

Dave Cook | President, UFCW Local 655

@dcook655

Cook is one of the most forward thinking and aggressive labor leaders in the state, and is becoming one of the best people in labor at working with Republican legislators. Cook and UFCW are becoming a vital part of labor’s messaging, and that is likely good news for their allies, because Cook has his ear to the ground in Jefferson City better than almost anyone in labor.

 

shannon cooper

Shannon Cooper | President, The Giddens Group

@TheGiddensGroup

Cooper was the first chairman of the powerful House Rules committee before becoming a lobbyist and joining the Giddens Group. He has developed a reputation as one of the top committee witnesses in the entire lobbying core, and for driving to member’s districts to get to know them. A former legislator who sold guns he has a great way to relate to legislators and clients.

 

woody cozad

Woody Cozad | Principal, Cozad Company

Cozad has been around Missouri politics longer than many staffers have been alive and continues to be a force in anti-tax Republican politics in Kansas City while having a firm reputation as a respected lobbyist in the Capitol. He is always taken seriously and has solid relationships across the country, which are enhanced by his associate, Ward Cook. For the heartbeat of Kansas City and a reasonable state outlook, check in with Woody.

 

jeff craver

Jeff Craver | Partner, Advantage Capital

@JeffCraver

A veteran of the Capitol, he is one of the savviest lobbyists on anything related to economic development. While his practices have expanded nationwide, Jeff is still very connected to his home and maintains his ties to the Missouri Chamber of Commerce.

 

nancy cross

Nancy Cross | Vice President, SEIU Local 1

@1of6Cross

One of the most powerful voices in labor and Democratic politics, Cross is now seeing some of her policy goals fulfilled at city halls instead of the statehouse, but either way there is movement, and some are looking to give credit to her and SEIU.

 

jon dalton

Jon Dalton | Partner, Armstrong Teasdale

@JFDalton

Dalton is one of the gentlemen of Missouri’s lobbying core. He is also a leading attorney in St. Louis, and in what is rare for most lobbyists, is just as successful in practicing law as he is in the lobbying field. Dalton is also one of the leading attorneys who presents to the certificate of need committee. If you are going anywhere in Missouri politics, Jon Dalton is someone you must know.

 

mark dalton

Mark Dalton | Political Director, Carpenters Union

@markjr619

Ask anyone in the heat of the battle in Missouri politics who the most progressive and effective union is, and they will tell you the Carpenters. Mark Dalton is their political director and is poised to be one of the most influential labor leaders in the state over the next decade.

 

mike deering

Mike Deering | Executive Vice President, Missouri Cattlemen’s Association

@mikedeering

A Missouri native, Deering grew up on a farm and rose up the ranks to run the Cattlemen’s Association three years ago. He is now a leading voice on the national level for cattlemen’s issues. He has a background in national issues and today is making strides for his members in Missouri.

 

tom dempsey

Tom Dempsey | Partner, Gate Way Group

@ThomasDDempsey

Dempsey left the Pro Tem office in the senate to join one of the fastest growing firms in the state, and with his new position before long maybe the region. His relationships with former colleagues and staff have bred a culture around him of near blind loyalty. He left the senate as one of the most respected legislators of the term limits era, and is well poised to be successful in the private sector.

 

scott dieckhaus

Scott Dieckhaus | Executive Director, HRCC

@sdieckhaus

Dieckhaus has led HRCC through the most successful period in its history. The organization was founded in the 1990’s by the current speaker’s father – and in no way would he have imagined 20 years later it would garner an uber-supermajority of Republicans in the House. The caucus’ dominance has been put in place under Dieckhaus’ leadership, and his ability to recruit young staffers to Republican campaigns has created a whole new generation of under-30 Republican staffers and operatives who may one day find themselves on this list.

 

dave drennan

David Drennan | Executive Director, Missouri Dairy Association

Drennan is the head of an association that has immense stroke in the capitol and that strength was shown in last year’s veto session and one of the first bills passed this year being one that was a signature piece of legislation for their association. Drennan was behind the strategies that mobilized lobbyist, legislative supporters, and his members into one of the biggest forces in the building.

 

jane dueker

Jane Dueker | Lobbyist, Spencer Fane

@janedueker

Dueker is a veteran of the Holden administration, where she served as chief of staff, and has built a successful career in lobbying and governmental relations. However, what’s new is her latest move to staff at KMOX. Dueker is also one of the most buzzed about personalities on social media, and definitely someone to know in Missouri politics.

 

alex eaton

Alex 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.

 

jim farrell

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.

 

sarah felts

Sarah Felts | Advocacy Coordinator, Missouri Nurses Association

@sarahfelts

She is one of the most effective advocates of any cause in the capitol. She helps her team keep the nursing lobby influential in every healthcare conversation in the state with her energy and on point message.

 

franc flotron

Franc 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.

 

jim foley

Jim Foley | Partner, Burton & Liese

Foley has worked in both the legislative branch, serving for 10 years in the House, and executive branch with the Department of Economic Development. His client roster extends from corporate clients to labor, and he is one lobbyist who is nearly universally liked and respected by his colleagues.

 

matt forck

Matt Forck | Governmental Relations, Ameren UE

@Safestrat

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.

 

shawn furey

Shawn 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.

 

bill gamble

Bill Gamble | Principal, Gamble & Schlemeier

@MOLobby

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.

 

mike gibbons

Mike Gibbons | Principal, Gibbons Workman LLC

Since entering the lobbying field from the state senate, Gibbons has had success that include making the jump from a law firm to his own firm with Tricia Workman, and has just completed renovating a downtown building in Jefferson City for their office space. Gibbons has fashioned a reputation for crafting legislation and using the process to his client’s advantage. With every firm is either growing or diminishing, Gibbons Workman is at the top of growing firms.

 

nancy giddens

Nancy Giddens | Chairman, The Giddens Group

@nancygiddens

Leading one of the fastest growing lobbying firms in Jefferson City The Giddens Group has put together a client list of labor and business as well as specific interest groups that grows each session. Nancy Giddens is respected by everyone in the capitol and seen as a professional role model to many.

 

kelly gillespie

Kelly Gillespie | President and C.E.O. of Missouri Biotechnology Association

@kpgillespie1

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.

 

ellie glenn

Ellie 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.

 

 

brian grace

Brian Grace | Principal, Dentons

@BrianJGrace

Maybe the lobbyist with the most obvious upward trajectory on this list, Grace is becoming a force in the Capitol with top notch relationships. He is one lobbyist who never leaves the Capitol while the legislature is in session, a daily fixture of the building. Dentons has an impressive list of clients and they are well served by the energetic Grace, whose position is the most likely of anyone on this list to move up in the coming years.

 

rodney gray

Rodney Gray | Shareholder, Polsinelli

Gray has a vast amount of experience in not only using the legislative process to advocate for his clients, but to also utilize the statewide ballot box to change public policy. He is one of the most experienced and respected lobbyist in the capitol and easily one of the 100+ people to know.

 

tim green

Tim Green | Governmental Affairs, IBEW/NECA Electrical Connection

The former senator may have left elected office, but certainly hasn’t left government. Since leaving the senate, where he fought for union workers and union contractors, he joined the advocacy corps continuing fighting for the same, in the relationship-building, bipartisan manner in which he served in the senate.

 

brad green

Brad Green | Executive Director of the Missouri Senate Campaign Committee

@bradgreen1032

The MSCC seems like an unstoppable force running their historic majority to 25 senators in the 2014 cycle, and the man behind that success is their executive director Brad Green. Green has experience with the Engler and Romine campaigns, which were in competitive districts, and put him in the perfect position to help win Republican pickups in the 10th and 22nd.

 

jason grill

Jason Grill | Principal, JGrill Media

@JasonGrill

A media mogul who can deliver messages via TV, radio, and, perhaps most effectively, social media, Jason is a former legislator who understands the process and how to use communication strategies to move public opinion like few others.

 

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.

 

mike hafner

Michael Hafner | Vice President of Governmental Affairs, Barklage & Knodell

@MichaelFHafner

Hafner is an aggressive up and coming political consultant who had the opportunity to showcase his skills in the very contentious county executive race in St. Louis last fall. Hafner is working at the top of several statewide campaigns in 2016, and is someone likely to be on this list for years to come.

 

dave hageman

Dave Hageman | President, Victory Enterprises

@davidhageman

A veteran of running HRCC, he has built Victory Enterprises into a firm that is involved in nearly every race in the state where there is a Republican on the ballot. Hageman has proven to not only be a top flight consultant, but a top notch businessman as well. Hageman is also a key figure in the Protect the Harvest association that is building steam as a grass roots movement.

 

jay hahn

Jay Hahn | Contract Lobbyist & Director of Governmental Relations, Missouri Optometric Association

@JayHahn03

Hahn is an up and coming lobbyist whose growing practice anchored by the Optometric Association is making him one the rising stars in the Missouri lobbying community. Hahn began lobbying young at one of the top positions in Missouri lobbying, and is very likely to be included in any list of people you need to meet in Missouri politics for decades to come.

 

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.

 

john hancock

John 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.

 

 

kathi harness

Kathi Harness | Managing Partner, Harness & Associates

@KathiHarness

Kathi Harness has a great deal of experience lobbying for a very stable list of clients and is a trusted professional with the utmost integrity. Some remember that she was one of the only lobbyist to see the republican majority coming in the late 90’s and made no friends with Democratic speakers by being one of the few lobbyist to support republican campaigns.

 

james harris

James Harris | Principal, J Harris Company

@JamesMNHarris

Harris has served at every rung of Republican politics from the senate to helping with redistricting to the executive branch – Harris has seen in all. Now he runs the J. Harris Company and has racked up an impressive win percentage in recent cycles and is set to be a big player in 2016.

 

barry hart

Barry Hart | CEO, Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives

The Coops are always one of the most influential lobbying groups in the legislature. They can get the attention of any rural Republican and specialize in utilizing their coop boards throughout the state to be a driving force in their clout, which never seems to fade.

 

chuck hatfield

Chuck Hatfield | Partner, Stinson Leonard Street

@chuckhatfield

An attorney whose time at the highest levels of state government have made him very sought after as an attorney in private practice. There is probably no attorney who knows more members of the judiciary and the executive branch in the state. He is also known for his quick wit on social media and willingness to take on tough cases.

 

shanon hawk

Shanon Hawk | Director of Legislative Affairs, Armstrong Teasdale

For years she has been part of a very formidable duo alongside Jon Dalton. Hawk is an expert in every facet of the legislative process as well as several executive branch commission such as the certificate of need committee.

 

brent hemphill

Brent Hemphill | Brent Hemphill & Associates

www.brenthemphill.com

Brent has built one of the most established firms in Missouri with clients from industry to interest groups. His firm has clients in most every issues debated in the capitol. He has a unique insight on campaigns from his time working for republican candidates, and is a consummate public policy veteran.

 

deanna hemphill

Deanna Hemphill | Lobbyist, Gate Way Group

@HemphillDeanna

Deanna is half of Jefferson City power couple alongside her husband Brent. She joined Gate Way Group from Michael Winter and has been a big reason why the firm has taken off in recent years, and represents a wide range of clients from professional associations to education issues.

 

rodney hubbard

Rodney Hubbard | Lobbyist

@RodneyRHubbard

Hubbard is a former legislator who has kept his finger on the pulse of what happens both in the capitol and in St. Louis for his clients. From a political family his mother is in the house today Rodney is very effective at honing a message at targeted groups and is also an effective force working with governmental regulatory committees.

 

kyna iman

Kyna Iman | Lobbyist

@kynaiman

Kyna is a longtime lobbyist whose clients have been with her for years. Her reputation for loyalty and always being on point for her clients has developed relationships that have made her a top lobbyist and a key person to get to know in Missouri politics.

 

david jackson

David Jackson | Managing Partner, Gate Way Group

@MODavidMJackson

David Jackson is now in the conversation alongside the top lobbyists in the state, and he has done it in shorter time than anyone else. Jackson leads the Gate Way Group, which includes several talented lobbyists – and just added the former Pro Tem of the Senate in an move even more indicative of their status as an elite firm. Jackson and his team can be seen quietly working in the background of a range of major issues, and they play to win. Don’t look for any slowing down in the coming years, look for Jackson and the firm he heads to become a bigger player in surrounding states and the federal level as well.

 

ryan johnson

Ryan Johnson | President, Missouri Alliance for Freedom

@RyanJohnsonMO

Johnson has exploded on the scene with a flurry of action building the brand of the Missouri Alliance for Freedom with a very active social media presence and scoring votes and handing out awards to those who vote for legislation he approves of. Johnson is now doing workshops around the state that will certainly help himself continue to build his brand going forward and secure him a spot on this list.

 

 

capitolGreg Johnston | Lobbyist

When you think of the traditional lobbyist who is respected by the entire political class Johnston is who you’re thinking of. A very successful businessman he has the ability to call on his business connections to assist his clients as well as be helpful to legislators he works with for years to come.

 

mark jones

Mark Jones | Political Director, Missouri NEA

@jonesmarkh

Jones is an aggressive firebrand who has a take-no-prisoners approach that has proven to be part of a successful legislative strategy on the part of the education lobby in a very tough environment. He brings some of his passion from the political world, where he was involved at all levels of the state Democratic legislative effort.

 

sharon jones

Sharon Jones | Deputy Director, Missouri Trial Attorneys Association

@MATA_Lobby

There is never any small threat to the trial by jury process in a Republican super majority, but Jones has done a great deal of work to not only organize and inform traditional allies, but also to reach out and cultivate support from within the Republican caucus. In an era in Missouri where her organization is forced to play a lot of defense, she is known as an amazingly effective lobbyist.

 

tim jones

Tim Jones | Chairman, Missouri Club for Growth

@SpeakerTimJones

The former Speaker of the House of Representatives serves as the chairman of the Club for Growth and is the director of political communications with Pelopidas putting him squarely at the center of the most powerful organization in Missouri Republican politics. He is also branching out into the media world, regularly hosting radio programs and consistent television appearances.

 

gregg keller

Gregg Keller | Principal, Atlas Strategy

@RGreggKeller

Keller cut his teeth in Missouri Republican politics with the Talent campaigns before becoming a key player in national Republican circles. He has been involved at the highest levels in Washington and is now part of the Walker campaign for president, but in recent years, while making his home in St. Louis, has been an emerging force in state Republican politics as well.

 

michael sean kelley

Michael 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.

 

brad ketcher

Brad 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.

 

jason klindt

Jason Klindt | Government Affairs, Kansas City Power & Light

@JAKlindt

Klindt comes from a political background, working his way up to a senior position with Axiom Strategies, and is now using that expertise working for KCP&L. Klindt is a very respected political operator especially amongst people in Kansas City circles. He has one of the best resumes on the list working closely with Jeff Roe and is one of the most connected people in Kansas City.

 

robert knodell

Robert Knodell | Partner, Barklage & Knodell

@RobertKnodell

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.

 

tom krewson

Tom Krewson |Manager of Governmental Relations, Comcast

@Krew723

Krewson is one person who is not only respected, but liked by most everyone in the capitol. Known as honest and sincere he has a list of friends in the legislature that are very loyal to him and he represents a company in Comcast who is very successful in the legislature because of it.

 

emilee mudd lakin

Emilee 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.

 

Joe Lakin

Joe Lakin | Digital and Public Relations Director, Victory Enterprises

@JoeLakin

Lakin comes to consulting after serving in the House with most every legislative leader in office today. Lakin combines his skills running political campaigns with his public relations abilities to communicate his clients messages both to the media and to a conservative Republican caucus in both the House and Senate. As Victory Enterprises grows in corporate consulting, 2016 will be a marquee year as Victory is involved in nearly every race on the ballot.

 

erica leonard

Erika Leonard | Associate, John Bardgett & Associates

@JBA_Erika

Erika is one of the most well liked lobbyist in the capitol working for one of the largest firms in John Bardgett & Associates. She has also built a reputation as running some of the best run associations and best organized conferences in the state.

 

ron leone

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

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.

 

Mike Lodewagen

Mike Lodewagen | Director of Legislative Advocacy, Missouri Council of School Administrators

@mikelodewegen

The administrators have always been the tip of the spear of education lobbying, and Lodewagen has been in the heat of the battle nearly every session since joining the organization. A veteran of Engler’s office, he has been the winner when the dust settled in nearly every session.

 

mike louis

Mike Louis | President, Missouri AFL-CIO

‏@MOAFLCIO

Louis stepped into the leading office of Missouri’s labor movement at the most pivotal time in many legislator’s lifetimes. He has spent the summer traveling the state building relationships that will be key to holding the line on legislation aimed at harming his members. He has taken to the new role and increasing responsibilities well and earning the respect and friendship of people on both sides of the aisle.

 

patrick lynn

Patrick Lynn | Principal, The Kelley Group

@patrickalynn

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.

 

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.

 

sarah martin

Sarah Martin | Consultant, Gateway Government Relations

@SarahWMartin

Martin has a two front approach of assisting in campaigns and lobbying in the capitol on issues from energy to trial attorney issues. She is someone who worked in the capitol and has experience in how to use the process to both make laws and stop them.

 

jeff mazur

Jeff 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.

 

mindy mazur

Mindy Mazur | Principal, GPS Impact

@minmaz

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.

 

adam mcbride

Adam 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.

 

ray mccarty

Ray McCarty | President, Associated Industries of Missouri

@raymccarty

McCarty has been at the helm while AIM has made big strides as an organization, and is now looking at move ever closer to what was one of their biggest policy goal a Right to Work law. McCarty is now a key legislative player and becoming a bigger political one as well.

 

josh mccarroll

Josh McCarroll

@Joshuamccarroll

At the heart of both the legislative and political strategies McCarroll is one of the biggest forces in labor and Democratic politics. He has brought outside the box strategies that have changed the game on several issue fronts. He has experience working in both the House and Senate, and that experience has never been more valuable than in the current legislative battles.

 

david mccracken

David McCracken | Associate, Flotron & McIntosh

@DMcCracken77

McCracken is young, but speaks like a lobbyist with decades of experience. Every session he sits through more hours of hearings than most any other lobbyist in Jefferson City, and has learned from the other principals in his firm how to pass legislation and assist his clients in the budget process. Nothing slips by McCracken.

 

ashley mcdonald

Ashley McDonald | Lobbyist, Missouri Farm Bureau

@MoFBAshley

The new face of the Farm Bureau is a fresh one and has evoked a renewed energy into one of the oldest and most powerful groups in the capitol. There is no office she can’t walk in and has been successful in invigorating Farm Bureau’s governmental relations.

 

Richard McIntosh

Richard McIntosh | CEO/Principal, Flotron & McIntosh

McIntosh may know the Missouri budget process better than anyone in the state. This isn’t a secret to anyone in the Capitol anymore, but when a business or interest group needs help in the budget process, Flotron & McIntosh is the go to firm in Missouri.

 

dan mehan

Dan Mehan | President/CEO, Missouri Chamber of Commerce

@missourichamber

Mehan worked for years building up Missouri’s business lobby to now enjoy the success that stemmed from those efforts. Missouri business owners used to dream of a day when they could be on offense and the Missouri Chamber has been racking up legislative victories each session that make other state chambers green with envy. If there is a Republican governor in 2016, there is no telling what Mehan accomplishes.

 

chris molendorp

Chris Molendorp | Lobbyist

@molendorp

Molendorp is a former legislator from Cass County who gained a reputation as a moderate and a problem solver during his time in the House. He is now transitioning that experience to the lobbying community, and he also has several very close relationships with his former colleagues, including a very close relationship with fellow Cass Countian Chris Koster. With a number of candidates running for statewide office in 2016, he will make his services even more sought after in the future.

 

rob monsees

Rob Monsees | Vice President of State Legislation, Missouri Hospital Association

@robmonsees

Monsess has a long history in Republican political circles and has brought his lengthy Rolodex to the Missouri Hospital Association. While many are solely focused Medicaid, Monsees is building bridges with legislators and bringing home victories on other fronts. No interest group has grown in stature more in the last calendar year than the MHA with Monsess in such a turbulent time.

 

mike morris

Mike Morris | Managing Director, Missouri Cable Telecommunications Association

@missouricabletv

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.

 

richard moore

Richard Moore | Regulatory and Legislative Affairs Manager at CenturyLink

@richardwmoore

Richard is an attorney who has served in the legislative and executive branch developing an expertise in matter surrounding utility law while serving as the Chief of Staff and Legal Counsel to a former Chairman of the PSC. Moore has vast relationships in and around the capitol, and is someone who knows how everything connects in state government.

 

hart nelson

Hart 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.

 

sean nicholson

Sean Nicholson | Executive Director, Progress Missouri

@ssnich

Nicholson has built one of the most important groups in the state in Progress Missouri. He has built an organization that successfully counters every message that doesn’t coincide with his. He is now becoming a more regular voice himself in the media and is one of the key voices in state Democratic politics.

 

craig overfelt 1

Craig Overfelt | Senior Vice President, Missouri Bankers Association

@coverfelt1

No group is more influential than the Missouri Bankers Association, and a great deal of that clout is due to the ability of Craig to connect Missouri bankers with Missouri legislators. He is one of the most respected people in lobbying and each session adds to his list of accomplishments. His time with MBA has been one of the most successful in Missouri organizations, and there are very few people in the capitol he doesn’t know.

 

david overfelt 1

David Overfelt | President, Missouri Retailers Association

@DOverfelt

David brings a very straight forward approach to leading one of the most diverse associations in the state. His group includes a wide array of retail business, and includes some of the most influential businesses in the state. His direct approach has served his group well as it has grown in prestige and influence since David left his firm to run the group back in the 80’s. His longevity with the group is a testament to his integrity and his ability to deliver for his members.

 

jessica land pabst

Jessica Pabst | Lobbyist, SSM Health Care

@jessicalpabst

She left a position with a lobbying firm after getting a front row seat learning how the Missouri public policy process works, and serving in the state senate. Pabst is now lobbying for SSM one of the fastest growing healthcare providers in the state. She is a lobbyist with perhaps a wider net of relationships than any other corporate lobbyist on our list and is an invaluable asset to SSM in the capitol.

 

missy Panettiere

Melissa Panettiere | Director of Governmental Affairs, Blue Cross Blue Shield

@MissyPanettiere

Melissa came into government after working on the Nixon campaign, and after serving in the executive branch, was sought after to work in a top spot in governmental affairs for Blue Cross Blue Shield. She is someone who will always be fending off offers to return to both government and politics.

 

sammy panettiere

Sam Panettiere | Principal, Core Coalition Consulting

@SammyPanettiere

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.

 

jewell patek

Jewell Patek | Owner, Patek & Associates

Patek is a veteran of northwest Missouri politics and working with the Blunt administration and has turned his skills to lobbying building top flight firm in short orders. Jewell has been adding staff to meet his growing firm that is able to offer not only his legislative expertise as a former legislators but also his communication skills learned on a staff and as a candidate.

 

braxton payne

Braxton Payne | Director of Digital Media Communications, The Kelley Group

@BraxtonSTL

The next time you notice a clever social media campaign from the left, chances are pretty good it’s 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.

 

scott penman

Scott Penman | Partner, Penman and Winton

@scottpenman

A principal at the firm which bears his name, he has more experience in Jefferson City than any elected official outside of the governor. He has built a wide array of clients in his over 20 years in the capitol, and today, alongside his partner David Winton, represents clients in the healthcare, technology, telecommunications and many other fields. Penman and Winton has also built an impressive business in association management with a growing client list in that field as well.

 

danny pfeifer

Danny Pfeifer | Principal, Catalyst

@dpfeifer

Building from the ground up Pfeifer has built Catalyst to a multistate firm with one of the youngest and most effective team of lobbyists in Missouri. They were once known as an up-and-coming firm. But Catalyst has arrived. If you need proof, just listen to people ask when strategizing on an issue, asking, “Where is Catalyst on this?”

 

dave plemmons

Dave Plemmons | Chairman, Missouri Right to Life PAC

@DavePlemmons

Right-to-Life has been a dominant force in state politics for several years, but seemed to be getting bogged down into some internal fights. Plemmons has helped focus MRL and has been a key in building relationships with new legislators, and today may be on the verge of the biggest win pro-life advocates have seen in decades if they are able work with Sen. Schaeffer to close the abortion clinic in Columbia.

 

greg porter

Greg Porter | Partner, Catalyst

@porterhouse82

Porter is a rising star in Missouri lobbying, as well as a partner in the hottest firm in the state, as well as nationally. Porter brings a passion to his clients that has made him someone who is involved on one side or the other of every issue in the Capitol. He has a background in Republican politics. Catalyst has a large list of clients he works with, including not-for-profits and is also known for an expertise with technology clients.

 

jeff rainford

Jeff Rainford | Rainford & Associates

@jeffrainford

Rainford is known for his years in the highly successful Slay administration and has now returned to Rainford and Associates which is involved in many economic development matters in the St. Louis area, including the new stadium, which makes him someone you must know in Missouri politics. He is also a frequent guest on all of the political shows in and around St. Louis, allowing him to use his wit and communication skills to make him even more valuable to his lucrative list of clients.

 

jon ratliff

Jon 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.

 

jay reichard

Jay Reichard | Lobbyist, Schreimann, Rackers, Francka & Blunt, LLC,

@jayreichard

Reichard is a budget expert and has spent years lobbying in the capitol perfecting his craft. Each session the 20 to 25 clients his firm works with are some of the biggest names in Missouri business and interest groups. SRFB has been growing at an impressive clip and adding to their team and Reichard’s work seems to be paying off as their firm is one of the leading groups in the state.

 

mark rhodes

Mark Rhoads | Principal, The Rhoads Company

Mark Rhoads is an old school lobbyist who has built his company on longstanding client relationships and impeccable integrity. He came from Senate staff and learned every nuance of the public policy process before entering lobbying. He now uses that knowledge in the term limits era to produce results for his clients. There isn’t anyone in Missouri politics with a better reputation for honesty than Rhoads.

 

ed rhode

Ed Rhode | Communications Consultant

@edrhode

This one is easy, if you want someone who can help you move the needle on your issues public perception, Ed Rhode is in a class of his own. He is straightforward and candid in a field where that isn’t easy, which has earned the trust and admiration of an entire generation of reporters and editors.

 

jeff roe

Jeff Roe | Owner, Axiom Strategies

@jeffroe

The bull in the woods of Missouri politics, Roe has built his career from turning over state legislative and senate seats into Republican hands in northwest Missouri to today running Senator Ted Cruz’s presidential campaign. Although his image has been softening in recent years, there is no one in Missouri who strikes more fear into the hearts of Missouri Democrats than Roe.

 

jeff roorda

Jeff Roorda | Business Manager, St Louis Police Officers Association

Roorda is now known as the outspoken defender of police in the St. Louis area after last year’s riots and demonstrations in St. Louis. He is well known in Jefferson City after serving for 8 years in the Missouri House and still has a political base in Jefferson County running for the county legislature in 2016.

 

 

miles ross

Miles Ross | President, Veritas Public Relations

@milescross

An up can coming political affairs firm Veritas is based out of the republican hotbed of Springfield and as there are more republican primaries on the horizon for 2016 Ross and Veritas becomes more valuable. A keen political sense as well as burgeoning corporate business has Ross in a prime position for 2016.

 

ryan rowden

Ryan Rowden | Executive Director, Missouri Petroleum Council

@MO_Petro

Rowden has been a forceful advocate for the Petroleum Council who has had to take on issues from EPA regulations to a bevy of tax increase proposals aimed at the members of his association. Rowden has been on the front line balancing political messaging alongside maintain legislative relationships.

 

Emily van Schenkhof

Emily van Schenkhof | Deputy Director, Missouri KidsFirst

@EmilyvanSchenkh

Emily is one of the friendliest faces in the Capitol, and she is impressively and peaceably passionate and informed about her cause – children. She has a comprehension of how policy impacts children in a way that benefits both sides of the aisle in a time when social and education reform is hot. Expect her to keep making friends, while aggressively advocating in a way that irritates few, if any, at all.

 

Jorgen Schlemeier

Jorgen Schlemeier | Principal, Gamble & Schlemeier

@MOLobby

One of the premier lobbyists in the state, a fixture of the Capitol, and a named partner in one of the state’s largest firms, Gamble & Schlemeier has clients in nearly every industry in the state. His reach can be the difference in a race, and can make or break issues in the Capitol. Known for his meticulous approach, he is a top professional lobbyist.

 

phil schneiders

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.

 

sarah schuett

Sara Schuett | Executive Director, Missouri Trial Attorneys Association

@saraschuett

No one in the Missouri Capitol is more effective and no one in the Capitol shuns the spotlight more than Schuett. She is one of the most prolific secret keepers in the Capitol, and without her leadership both during session and in the interim, the trial attorneys could have been eviscerated in Missouri.

 

nick schulteNick Schulte | Candidate Command

Coming from the corporate world working for Boeing he now heads up Axiom’s direct mail and digital division. Under his direction he has taken Axiom’s voter contact company from being the largest in Missouri to the next level as they are now the largest federal candidate company in the nation for GOP candidates. With his business savvy and leadership watch for another generation of growth from this Jeff Roe company.

 

anne schweitzer

Anne Schweitzer | Senior Associate, Public Eye

@schweitzer88

Anne is one of the up and coming communications specialists out of the St. Louis Public Eye firm of famed publicist Richard Callow, as well as a Democratic operative. She is relentlessly on message from the liberal wing of the Democratic Party and, partly through her frequent appearances on This Week in Missouri Politics, is becoming an influential voice from the liberal wing of the Democratic Party.

 

irl scissors

Irl 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.

 

Megan Shackelford

Megan Shackelford | Director of Communications and Public Relations, The Kelley Group

@megshack

The person on this list with perhaps the brightest future in Missouri politics is Megan Shackelford. She was at the top of the amazingly complex Stenger campaign and is rising quickly through the ranks of Democratic consulting. Her portfolio with the Kelley Group includes corporate consulting and will be at the front of the top Democratic campaigns in the state. Shackelford’s talent has her in high demand among STL Democrats.

 

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David Smith | Regional Vice President, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

He seems to be purposefully quiet about it, but he is one of the most connected people in Jefferson City, and is rising fast within CenturyLink recently being promoted to Regional Vice President. You will walk into a coffee shop in Jefferson City and see top policy makers sitting with him like they have known each other for years, because they have. A Springfield native David started his career after playing basketball at the University of Rhode Island working with AIM before serving as Peter Kinder’s Chief of Staff.

 

doug smith

Doug Smith | President & CEO, Missouri Auto Dealers Association

@MoAutoDealers

Smith is a long time veteran of MADA who is a key person to know and whose organization is full of some of the most influential and well known members in the state. Smith has become very adept at bringing the influence of his members in connection with legislative and communications strategies. Once someone works with Doug Smith once they have a likelihood to become an ally of his for life.

 

travis smith

Travis Smith | Axiom Strategies

Travis has worked at all levels of politics and government from the White House to the local level. He is currently in one of the biggest positions in the state working directly under Jeff Roe at Axiom one of the leading political consulting firms in the state and one of the fastest growing in the country. In his role at Axiom nearly everyone in Kansas City and every Republican in state politics needs to know him.

 

jack spooner

Jack Spooner | Finance Chairman, Missouri Republican Party

@jackbspooner

Spooner stepped into one of the most difficult positions in state politics and just at the right time for the MRP. He has helped the Party not only deal with some tumultuous times serving on the party’s executive committee, but is also very active in helping Republican candidates in St. Louis County from the local level to the federal level. He has been particularly helpful to state legislative candidates in one of the only places left for state Republicans to expand the electoral map.

 

kevin stamps

Kevin Stamps | Political Consultant

@kstamps22

Stamps is building a growing firm of influence in Democratic politics in Kansas City and adding more clients for the 2016 cycle. Stamps is young, but reminds some of the types of political talent that helped build the Republican dominance. If the Democrats begin to turn the tide in the state legislature, it will be with the talent of young operatives like Stamps.

 

ginger steinmetz

Ginger Steinmetz | Lobbyist, Partner, Schreimann, Rackers, Francka & Blunt

Ginger is someone who can walk into any office in the capitol and be around people who consider her a friend. She is one of the most well like people in lobbying and works on a set of issues from the arts to energy.

 

bryce summary phd

Bryce Summary, Ph. D. | Director of Research, The Kelley Group

@bsumm22

Bryce is an up-and-coming policy, polling, and opposition researcher on the Democratic side. He has a PhD in Political Science under the tutelage of Terry Jones and Ken Warren. Now, he’s learning how to play politics in real life at The Kelley Group.

 

scott swain

Scott Swain | The Swain Group

@swaingroup

Swain is one of the most respected men in the capitol. He has an impressive roster of clients that spread across the political spectrum, and is nearly universally liked. Swain came from the political realm and has transitioned into one of the most reliable firms lobbying firms in the state.

 

mike talboy

Mike Talboy | Director of Government Affairs, Burns & McDonnell

@miketalboy

Talboy is widely regarded as one of the best political operators to serve in Jefferson City in the term limits era, was sought out by Burns & McDonnell to run Government Affairs and is still one of the heavys in the room anytime he steps into the capitol.

 

roy temple

Roy Temple | Chairman, Missouri Democratic Party

@roytemple

Temple is the grizzled veteran of Missouri Democratic politics. He is the senior counsel to any smart Democratic campaign, and he now serves as the chairman of the state party after working with nearly every major Democrat in the last 30 years. His political consulting practice has expanded throughout the nation now, but he is still one of the first calls people make when running in the Show-Me State.

 

christine tew

Christine Tew | Director of Communications and Public Relations, Missouri Soybean Association

@TewChristine

Marketing the ag community has been done in a very traditional way for decades, but that is changing and the woman at the forefront of the developing social media, sports team partnerships, and motorsports is Christine Tew. She is adding a modern broad-based communication strategy while linking it to the political community. Other interest groups are now taking notice of what the Soybean Association is doing in hopes of copying it for themselves.

 

steve tilley

Steve Tilley | President, Strategic Capitol Consulting

@TeamTilley

The club of former legislators that successfully become lobbyists is exclusive and small, but Tilley has done not only that, but is now one of the most highly sought after lobbyists in the state. Tilley’s clients are a laundry list of A-list corporations and interest groups who rely on his legislative and political expertise. If its 1 out of a 1,000 who can do it, Tilley is that one.

 

noel torpey

Noel Torpey | Executive Director, FERAF

@noeltorpey

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.

 

gentry trotter

Gentry 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.

  

kim tuttle

Kim Tuttle | President, KtCo LLC/ Associate, John Bardgett & Associates

@kt724

Kim is one of the leading women in Missouri politics. She is registered for some of the most prominent companies in the state, and is someone who seems to literally know everyone who has ever been in state politics.

 

craig unruh

Craig Unruh | Regional Vice President of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs, AT&T

@craigunruh

Unruh is a lobbyist that produces results for his client. He has proven adept at building coalitions and managing other lobbying teams to promote and sometimes protect AT&T in one of the sectors most regulated by state government and most at-risk for future changes in regulations. His is one of the more complicated jobs in the state, but he makes it look easy.

 

trent watson

Trent Watson | Lobbyist

@twatson151

Watson has one of the most diverse resumes of anyone in Jefferson City. He has worked in politics, business group lobbying, as a senate chief of staff, policy director, an associate lobbyist and now owns his own shop. Watson knows every nook and cranny in Missouri government and has a very loyal following of clients.

 

gary wheeler

Gary Wheeler | President of the Missouri Soybean Association

@Gary_M_Wheeler

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.

 

pat white

Pat White | President, St. Louis Labor Council

@PJW0408

He has taken over from his predecessor Bob Soutier and had to hit the ground running helping formulate the campaign against Right-to-Work. His job hasn’t been this important in two generations as he helps coordinate labor’s efforts in St. Louis. White is also one of the labor leaders who can impact Jefferson City, and does routinely make time to be in the Capitol.

 

sam wiles

Sam 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.

 

Yancy Williams

Yancy Williams | President, Issue Advocacy Group

@whywilliams

Many know Williams as the chief of staff to senate budget chairman Kurt Schaefer, but many more in central Missouri know him as talented Republican operative who has the ability to move the needle in races, and an very good at keeping his ear to the ground on messaging. While Schaefer is formidable all on his own, it’s hard to imagine his time in the senate without his trusted No. 2.

 

david winton

David 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.

 

mark woolbright

Mark Woolbright | Vice President, IAFF 2nd District

@woolbright_mark

Woolbright is a rising star in the national IAFF with deep roots in Missouri. He is former alderman in St. Ann, and deftly uses his experience as an elected official to work with city, county, and state officials from across Missouri and now the midwest. He will be a key player in the Bridgeton Landfill issue, and has more direct influence on more political races than almost anyone on the list. The firefighters have a legitimate at the table heavyweight in Woolbright.

 

tricia workman

Tricia Workman | Principal, Gibbons Workman LLC

@ncwolters

Workman has a lengthy resume in lobbying working for a large independent firm as well as working inside of a large law firm. Now she owns her own firm alongside Mike Gibbons and they are one of the fastest growing firms in the state. She has a long list of clients, and recently proved very effective in a new political element of veto overrides.

 

david zimmerman

David Zimmerman | Business Manager, Sheet Metal Workers International Association

Zimmerman is not only the head of one of the most active and respected unions in the state, but is also a leaders in the St. Louis business community. During his time leading local 36 he has grown its political participation and marketing operation as well as opening a 22 million dollar training facility in the city of St. Louis. They also have the prestigious Hartnett Gladney Hetterman in their employ.