CAPITOL RESOURCES - Key Persons
Adair Cunningham manages our Jackson office and warmly greets our visitors and callers, all while providing vital administrative support to our team members. Adair also manages association clients, plans clients internal meetings and events and is universally loved by Capitol Resources staff and clients.
Job Titles:
- Knowledge of Louisiana 's Executive
Adam's keen knowledge of Louisiana's executive and legislative branches and its key leadership brings valuable insight and advantage to Capitol Resources' clients, particularly those with a business presence in Baton Rouge. Adam provides clients with exceptional strategic planning, targeted communication with critical decision-makers, and unparalleled advocacy on a broad spectrum of public policy issues.
Job Titles:
- Executive Director, Tennessee Republican Party
Adam knows politics from the ground up, having recruited candidates, walked precincts, and crafted strategies and messages that produce measurable results. In his role at the Tennessee Republican Party, Adam worked with legislative candidates across Tennessee, successfully building majorities to ensure a fiscally sound, business-friendly Tennessee General Assembly. Today, Adam applies those same tactics as he works the halls of the Legislative Plaza in Nashville on behalf of Capitol Resources' clients, providing exceptional strategic planning, targeted communication with key critical decision-makers, and unparalleled advocacy on a broad spectrum of public policy issues.
Professional Experience
Executive Director, Tennessee Republican Party
Political Director, Tennessee Republican Party
Field Representative, 2008 Lamar Alexander for Senate campaign
Field Representative, 2007 Mike Huckabee for President campaign
Bob Corker Campaign, 2006
Anna Beth manages the administrative operations of the Alabama office, in addition to assisting with client relationships and governmental affairs engagement. She is a recent graduate of The University of Alabama where she majored in public relations with a minor in political science and was elected campus-wide as SGA Executive Secretary. Anna Beth's experience includes internships with the Business Council of Alabama (BCA), the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA), Congressman Barry Moore (AL-02), and U.S.Senator Tommy Tuberville's successful 2020 campaign.
Beth Hamilton is no stranger to the political world. Her friendly demeanour and outgoing personality make her a natural at building coalitions and managing grassroots campaigns. Beth's experience and relationships from years of campaign work are a great asset for our clients that need to get their story told in Mississippi, as well as understand the ins and outs of Governor Reeves' Administration. In addition, her deep roots in Northeast Mississippi are very helpful in one of the fastest growing parts of the state.
Prior to joining Capitol Resources, she spent the last four years on staff with former Lt. Gov. Reeves and worked in a senior role in his successful campaign for governor. Additionally, she has managed a Congressional campaign and served as the political director at Clearwater Group. Like many other well-respected Mississippi political operatives, she began her career as a staffer for the late Senator Thad Cochran.
Job Titles:
- Education Advisor to Governor Jeb Bush Chief of Staff to Lt. Governor Frank Brogan
Brewser Brown of SKB Consulting Group has nearly twenty years of experience as a government relations and policy consultant. As a senior advisor to one of the nation's recognized reformers - former Governor Jeb Bush - Brewser served four years in the executive office of the governor with a primary focus on education issues. He previously served four years as communications director and policy advisor for Florida Commissioner of Education Frank Brogan. In addition to his work in education reform, Brewser has also represented Fortune 100 financial and technology companies, and consulted for the nation's largest philanthropy as well as local nonprofits in Florida.
Brewser began his career in politics and government in 1988 at the national headquarters for the George Bush for President campaign in Washington, D.C. He worked in the Bush-Quayle administration as a legislative assistant and in policy research. Today, he provides clients with representation at the Florida statehouse, seizing opportunities that are unique to a state as large as Florida.
Professional Experience
Education Advisor to Governor Jeb Bush; Chief of Staff to Lt. Governor Frank Brogan
Communications Director and Policy Advisor, Florida Commissioner of Education
Press Secretary and Policy Coordinator, Republican Party of Florida
Legislative Aide and Policy Researcher, Bush-Quayle Administration
Administrative Assistant, National Headquarters, Bush-Quayle 1988 Campaign
Carlin Milner, CPA, is our Chief Financial Officer. She manages the financial operations of the firm and provides strategic counsel to the partners on matters. Carlin interacts with all clients related to billing and contract management. She assures our accounts receivables and payables are up to date and manages all employees expenses and insurance. Additionally, Carlin supports office oversight and management, as well as contract compliance.
Clare Hester, the founder of Capitol Resources LLC, is recognized as one of Mississippi's top lobbyists. She is a force at the Mississippi State Capitol, waging and winning multiple political and legislative campaigns each year for and against propositions on behalf of businesses and trade associations.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the West Virginia Republican Party
Conrad Lucas's deep roots and extensive background in West Virginia politics come as a major asset to Capitol Resources' clients. As Chairman of the West Virginia Republican Party, Conrad oversaw the historic takeover in both chambers in the state legislature and near federal sweep by the Republican Party. When elected, Conrad was the youngest state party chair in the nation. As an attorney and former policy analyst for an education think tank, Conrad has vast experience in legislative analysis and policy development. Early in his career, Conrad also served as an aide to Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV).
Conrad serves on a variety of community boards including a local economic development authority and was awarded the Governor's Community Service Award. He earned his bachelor's and doctorate degrees from Vanderbilt, a master's from Harvard, law degree from Tulane and a certificate in international law at the Sorbonne. Following his long stay in Paris, Conrad co-wrote a popular and witty travel guide to Paris for those seeking the true Parisian experience. While at Tulane, Conrad also earned a certificate in environmental law and served as a Senior Moot Court Justice.
Professional Experience
Chairman of the West Virginia Republican Party
Republican National Committee Rules Committee Member
RNC Victory Director for West Virginia
Congressional Aide to Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV)
Policy Analyst at the Cowen Institute, Tulane University
Associate, Huddleston Bolen LLP
Job Titles:
- Reporter, the Clarion - Ledger, Mississippi
Harper Mims Coleman is a testament to the saying "hard work pays off." She began as an intern for Clare and the Mississippi team and soon impressed them with her go-getter attitude, attention to detail, and understanding of the issues. Couple those great qualities with a great desire to learn, Harper turned her intern gig into a full-time job.
At Capitol Resources, Harper will be responsible for managing the Mississippi team members' schedules, researching client issues and policy, association management, PAC management, fundraising and more.
She graduated from the University of Mississippi with a Bachelor of Criminal Justice and a minor in Public Policy Leadership.
Henry's extensive political experience and success in state and national campaigns brings him into contact with a diverse array of leaders, policymakers, journalists and political insiders. This enables him to work well at the state and federal level.
As Mississippi's elected RNC National Committeeman, Henry is active in Republican circles throughout the country. His experience provides clients with unique insight into Republican administrations across the country; and his campaign experience helps drive the strategies he crafts to ensure results for Capitol Resources' clients.
Henry manages the firm's campaign and communications efforts, and national political reporters often seek his views. He has been quoted in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal and appeared on Fox News, MSNBC, CNN, CSPAN, PBS, NPR, etc.
Job Titles:
- Executive Counsel and past Director of the Alabama Department of Environmental Management
John's extensive work as a senior ranking lawyer in the Alabama state government gives him the ability to drill down into the details of regulations and legislation on issues ranging from the environment to taxation. John's relationships throughout state government provide Capitol Resources' clients with direct access to key decision makers. His common sense approach to creative problem solving provides clients with turnkey solutions for all of our clients' government relations needs.
Professional Experience
Executive Counsel and Past Director of the Alabama Department of Environmental Management
Special Counsel to the Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries
Special Counsel to the Director of the Alabama Department of Finance
Deputy Attorney General, State of Alabama
John Simpson is a highly-seasoned government relations and communications professional with more than fifteen years of experience. John represents clients before state and federal legislators and regulators where he provides strategic communications and public affairs advice, creates and manages effective coalitions and develops innovative media strategies. John has also built unique knowledge and insight into the workings of government and the intersection of business and politics. He has spearheaded successful public affairs campaigns in some of the country's largest, most high-profile mergers and acquisitions involving companies such as Sinclair Broadcasting Group-Tribune Media, Sirius XM Satellite Radio, Comcast-NBC Universal, Comcast-Time Warner Cable, AT&T-DIRECTV, Charter-Time Warner Cable and AT&T-Time Warner.
John has also worked on several high-profile legislative initiatives in the Georgia legislature, including the Transportation Funding Act (HB 170 in 2015) and the Georgia Space Flight Act (HB 1 in 2017).
Job Titles:
- President of Winning Edge Communications
Jon Coley operates out of Tampa focused on growing Capitol Resources' sister Company, BullsEye Public Affairs. Jon works with political campaigns, business associates and independent advocacy groups to develop and deliver their message. Coley most recently served as the president of Winning Edge Communications, a nationally recognized direct voter contact firm, serving political campaigns, national business associations and independent advocacy groups. Coley has also used his indispensable, long-term relationships to maximize his grassroots and procurement lobbying efforts for Fortune 500 companies, European infrastructure services companies, professional sports teams and a host of other clients in the health care, infrastructure, retail, agriculture and transportation fields.
Professional Experience
President of Winning Edge Communications
Political Appointee at the United States Department of Energy and the USDA
State Director for George H.W. Bush's successful run for the White House
Local Programs Director for the Republican National Committee
Josh has over five years of Senate staff experience working most recently as a Legislative Assistant for U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) and previously in the offices of U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-MS).
Josh worked on a myriad of issues during his time in the U.S. Senate, including managing appropriation requests and policy recommendations and led policy efforts on legislation pertaining to financial services, economic development, small business, housing, labor, and agriculture.
Lauren Ingram serves as our Controller at Capitol Resources. She oversees human resources, employee benefits, insurance, retirement plans, and assists our CFO with a broad range of financial and reporting duties.
Prior to joining Capitol Resources, Lauren worked at The William Morris Group, P.A. as a group benefits specialist, where she was responsible for working with both clients and insurance companies on group insurance products.
Job Titles:
- Associate Member of MS Press Association
- Director of Communications for Former Mississippi Governor Ronnie Musgrove
- Member of Gulf Coast Business Council
Lee Ann's tireless advocacy at the statehouse on behalf of Capitol Resources' clients is unmatched in the halls of the state Capitol. And what's even more impressive is that she advocates for and represents clients in both Louisiana and Mississippi. Lee Ann focuses on an array of issues with great depth and understanding - education, corrections, procurement and healthcare among them, spending her days talking to legislators of both parties and many backgrounds. She succeeds by mastering the nuances of complex issues and relentlessly making the case with policy leaders. She is one of Capitol Resources most talented communicators with excellent writing and research skills. Additionally, Lee Ann is a member of Gulf Coast Business Council, American Telemedicine Association, and an associate member of MS Press Association.
Professional Experience
Director of Communications for former Mississippi Governor Ronnie Musgrove
Vice President of Development, Southern Research Group
Washington D.C. Lobbyist, National Beer Wholesalers Association
Senior Account Executive, The Jefferson Group
Staff Member, Veterans' Affairs Committee for former Congressman G.V. Sonny Montgomer y
Lucie worked over five years in Washington, D.C. and excelled at the Republican National Committee (RNC) working most recently as the Director of Major Donor Operations. She also gained valuable Capitol Hill experience serving as a Legislative Aide in the office of U.S. Senator Roger F. Wicker (R-MS).
At the RNC, Lucie kept the trains on the track for a busy team who raised hundreds of millions for the RNC. Lucie oversaw the team's budget and expenses, staffed donor events with the President, Vice President, and Cabinet officials, and served as the finance liaison for the RNC Chairwoman, Co-Chairman, and Finance Chairman. She graduated from Ole Miss in 2017 with a major in Integrated Marketing Communications.
Mary Hampton Nicholas' advertising and public relations background and event planning experience provides crucial support to our clients at Capitol Resources and BullsEye Public Affairs. She helps run issue-based advocacy projects with an emphasis on message, grassroots campaigns and media relations. Mary Hampton also manages numerous public affairs projects and keeps our team in sync. Prior to joining Capitol Resources, Mary Hampton was public relations manager at an advertising agency.
Matthew Majure is an up-and-coming lobbyist at the Mississippi State Capitol and adds to the outstanding Capitol Resources state lobbying team, influencing and providing legislative and government solutions on the local and state levels.
Most recently, Majure served as a government affairs advisor Adams and Reese LLP in Washington, D.C. before he transferred to Mississippi with the firm. There he was responsible for tracking legislation, political strategy, lobbying on behalf of clients and guiding them through the legislative and procurement process.
Prior to joining Adams and Reese, he served as a Special Assistant to U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker. In that role, he had broad responsibilities and worked directly with Senator Wicker and senior staff.
Job Titles:
- President and Deputy Director of the Office of Legislative Affairs
Michael McKenna was most recently a Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of the Office of Legislative Affairs at the White House. Prior to that, he was the President of MWR Strategies. Before that, he worked in senior positions in a variety of government relations, communications, and analytical organizations. He has consulted a wide variety of political and corporate clients with respect to government affairs, public policy issues, opinion research, and communications strategies.
He has worked on numerous campaigns and transition efforts. Most recently, he was Trump transition team leader for the Department of Energy and advised the Trump campaign on energy and environmental issues.In government, Mike worked as the Director of Policy and External Affairs for the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, where he was responsible for policy development and communications activities. He also served at the U.S. Department of Energy and the Department of Transportation.
Mike's work has been published in a host of publications including: The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Chicago Tribune, Investors Business Daily, National Review, Policy Review, Regulation, The Washington Times, The Richmond Times-Dispatch, The Virginian Pilot-Ledger Star, and State Legislatures. His work has also appeared on Fox News, Bloomberg, MSNBC, CNN, and C-SPAN.
McKenna received a B.A. in History from the University of Pennsylvania, as well as a Masters in Public Administration from George Mason University. He has been a lecturer at the University of Virginia, a Fellow in the Institute for Public Policy Studies at the University of Denver and a Fellow at the Dole Institute of Politics at the University of Kansas.
Nicholas Thompson leads Arc Insights, a full-service consulting and research insights firm. Nicholas brings more than 15 years of experience in research, strategy, and messaging. Described as a "respected pollster" by The Washington Post, he has conducted opinion research for non-profits, issue campaigns, candidates for public office, and businesses throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia. Nicholas spent a decade living and working in Washington, DC, where his roles included serving as a senior Vice President for The Tarrance Group, a political research firm, a member of the White House staff under President George W. Bush, and a Director of Messaging & Message Research for Stand Together, a major non-profit.. Nicholas brings more than 15 years of experience in research, strategy, and messaging. Described as a "respected pollster" by The Washington Post, he has conducted opinion research for non-profits, issue campaigns, candidates for public office, and businesses throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia. Nicholas spent a decade living and working in Washington, DC, where his roles included serving as a senior Vice President for The Tarrance Group, a political research firm, a member of the White House staff under President George W. Bush, and a Director of Messaging & Message Research for Stand Together, a major non-profit.
Prior to joining our Capitol Resources Florida team, Patricia worked as a case manager for a major Florida law firm. She has extensive experience in the fields of research, project management and communications. Her background also includes public affairs at the state and local level where she has coordinated fundraising events and public meetings. A veteran of local, state and national political campaigns, Patricia has worked with the Republican Party of Florida's Sunshine Summit and the Republican National Convention.
Patricia earned a Master's Degree in Political Science and a Graduate Certificate in Political Campaigning from the University of Florida.
Job Titles:
- Public Relations Specialist
Pete Smith is a highly respected a lobbyist and public relations specialist whose experience and depth ranges across state government. Pete focuses on education, transportation and healthcare policy, as well as public procurement and crisis management for our clients. When he's not passing legislation at the Capitol, he can be found advising clients on messaging or building relationships with key decision makers.
Pete's experience as press secretary for Gov. Haley Barbour during Hurricane Katrina and then as Chief of Government Relations and Communications for the MS Department of Education as Mississippi accomplished historic gains in achievement has proven invaluable to clients seeking sound, timely counsel. Pete's relationships throughout state government, his experience as a communications expert, and his pragmatism and command of policy allow him to achieve superior results for clients.
Ray Sullivan has worked at the highest levels of government and political campaigns. He served as chief of staff for the Governor of Texas managing a staff of 260. Prior to that he worked as communications director for Rick Perry's 2012 presidential campaign and conducted interviews with Sean Hannity, Andrea Mitchell, Megyn Kelly, John King and many others. In 2002, he founded Sullivan Public Affairs, an Austin, Texas-based government and public affairs firm, providing legislative and media relations consulting, strategy and implementation.
Sullivan served as a national spokesman on the 2000 Bush-Cheney campaign, as Deputy Communications Director for Texas Governor George W. Bush (1995-1998), and as a state press director for Bush-Quayle 1992. He has worked at Karl Rove+Company and on the Washington, D.C. staffs of U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), U.S. Rep. Sam Johnson (R-TX) and U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA).
Sullivan graduated from San Diego State University with a business marketing degree and took MBA courses at American University while working on Capitol Hill.
He and his wife Leslie Rawl Sullivan - a successful professional fundraiser - are parents of two children and reside in Austin.
Professional Experience
Chief of Staff for former Texas Governor Rick Perry
Communications Director for Rick Perry's 2012 presidential campaign
National spokesman on the 2000 Bush-Cheney campaign
Deputy Communications Director for Texas Governor George W. Bush (1995-1998)
State Press Director for Bush-Quayle 1992
Staffer for U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), U.S. Rep. Sam Johnson (R-TX) and U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA)
Job Titles:
- Assistant Vice President for Government / Investor Relations, Enterprise Corporation of the Delta / Hope Community Credit Union
Reed is on the ground at the Mississippi Capitol every day, advocating on behalf of clients and anticipating opportunities for clients. Reed focuses on energy, health care, transportation and a host of issues impacting non-profits. He is one of the most highly liked and universally respected lobbyists in Jackson. With a background in political journalism, Reed is particularly adept at listening to multiple sides of a debate and crafting effective messages and win-win strategies, as well as assisting clients as they prepare for and respond to media crisis.
Professional Experience
Assistant Vice President for Government/Investor Relations, Enterprise Corporation of the Delta/Hope Community Credit Union
Statehouse Political Reporter, The Commercial Appeal, Mississippi and Tennessee
Delta Bureau Reporter, The Clarion-Ledger, Mississippi
United Press International Statehouse Reporter, Louisiana
Gannett News Service Statehouse, Louisiana
Job Titles:
- Chief of Staff for Alabama Governor Bob Riley
As an attorney and the former chief-of-staff for one of Alabama's most successful governors, businesses, associations and organizations look to Toby for insight and leadership on their Alabama advocacy efforts. Toby leads our Alabama office providing clients with a thorough understanding of the Alabama political and policy landscape, and effective relationships with policymakers. He is experienced in devising smart strategic action plans for clients, achieving their short-term goals while supporting their long-term objectives.
Professional Experience
Chief of Staff for Alabama Governor Bob Riley
Campaign Director, 2002 Bob Riley for Governor campaign
Vice President for Advancement, Business Council of Alabama
Executive Director, Alabama Citizens for a Sound Economy
Finance Director, 1996 Harold See for Alabama Supreme Court campaign
Tony Denny of Denny Public Affairs has nearly two decades of government relations and public affairs experience for various corporations and trade associations and has an impressive political resume and network. Denny remains active in political affairs having served on the South Carolina Presidential Primary Task Force and as a delegate to multiple Republican National Conventions. Political reporters regularly seek Denny's input for their stories. A graduate of Wofford College, Denny currently resides in Columbia with his wife and family.
Professional Experience
The SC Chamber of Commerce
South Carolina Business and Industry Political Education Committee
Palmetto Policy Foundation
Access Opportunity, board member
Job Titles:
- Principal, Fuller Advantage LLC
Prior to joining Capitol Resources, Will established his own consulting firm which provided general strategy, communications, and fundraising services for candidates seeking election to federal, state, and local office. He later expanded his firm's focus to include contract lobbying and association development to serve corporate clients and other government relations professionals. Will has become known in Montgomery for his ability to manage diverse stakeholders, execute client goals, and navigate all aspects of state government.
Professional Experience
Principal, Fuller Advantage LLC
General Consultant, Will Sellers for Alabama Supreme Court
General Consultant, Brad Mendheim for Alabama Supreme Court
Inaugural Committee Member, Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth