ABOUT US
Austin Barbour
Partner
Michael Goode
Partner
Ryker Lackey
Director of Policy and
Legislative Affairs
Christopher Miller
Federal Government Affairs Specialist
Emily Simmons
Branding and Creative Content Lead
Director of Grassroots Advocacy
Austin Barbour
Partner
“Austin Barbour is one of the most visible links between Mississippi politics and the rest of the country.”
- MS Top 50
Austin is a rare breed, having both corporate and political success, bringing a dual private and political-sector resume to Clearwater Group, the company he founded in 2011. However, politics and public affairs have always been his passion and have played a central role in his professional career.
Austin is one of the most visible links between Mississippi politics and the rest of the country. He is often quoted in national media outlets for his take on state and federal political events.
He grew up in Mississippi politics, but his first official entry into the political scene came when he served as Finance Director for Haley Barbour’s first campaign for Mississippi Governor in 2003. That year, the Barbour for Governor campaign shattered all state campaign fundraising records.
In 2004, he served on the National Finance Committee for President George W. Bush’s re-election campaign. Austin served as Campaign Manager for Senator Roger Wicker’s first U.S. Senate bid in 2008.
In another notable career moment, he served as a Senior Strategist in Senator Thad Cochran’s 2014 primary campaign and went on to run the campaign’s operations during the runoff. The national media described Cochran's runoff victory as “stunning” and “a miracle.”
Austin led the messaging and paid media efforts for a Super PAC established to support Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith’s election efforts. In 2016, Austin ran the national Super PAC for Texas Governor Rick Perry’s presidential campaign and served as a Senior Advisor to Governor Jeb Bush’s presidential campaign. Additionally, Austin has taken on numerous senior roles as a lead consultant and strategist for many campaigns, PACs and Fortune 100 companies.
Recognized as one of the nation’s top fundraisers, Austin has worked in many roles, including serving as a National Finance Chairman for the 2012 Romney campaign (for which he was also a Senior Member of the strategy team), a member of the RGA’s National Finance Committee, the State Finance Chairman for the Mississippi Republican Party and a National Finance Consultant for the National Republican Senatorial Committee.
Austin manages the firm’s day-to-day operations, leads its strategic communications practice area and is also closely involved in Clearwater Group’s legislative lobbying and political activity practice areas.
Born and raised in Yazoo City, MS, he met his wife, Deidre, while they both attended Ole Miss. Austin and Deidre live in Jackson and spend much of their time following their two children, Bo and Ebbie, from one sporting event to another. Not only will he try never to miss one of his children’s games, but Ole Miss football games are also a must-watch.
Michael Goode
Partner
“Few people in the state command the respect that Goode gets among elected officials due to his background in finance, policy and politics.”
- MS Top 50
Michael started working in politics as a 17-year-old staffer in 1987 race for Governor. Since then, he has worked on campaigns in almost every role, spent time working on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC and did a short stint in state government for then Treasurer Tate Reeves. He entered the lobbying profession in 2004 at Baker Donelson before taking a ten-year detour working as a public finance banker at Bear Stearns and Raymond James. Partnering with Austin at the Clearwater Group in 2017, he returned to lobbying to get back to doing what he enjoys most, shaping public policy through the political, legislative and administrative processes.
Michael leads the firm’s executive branch lobbying practice area with an emphasis on regulatory and procurement efforts. He is also deeply involved in strategic development for the firm’s legislative practice area and political practice area.
Ryker Lackey
Director of Policy and Legislative Affairs
Ryker joined Clearwater Group at the beginning of 2021, bringing experience in insurance, healthcare, economics and finance, federal and local grant management, business development and government relations. He graduated from the University of Mississippi with degrees in Biochemistry and Economics and obtained a Master of Science in Finance from the Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt University.
Prior to joining the firm, Lackey worked for CVS Health as a financial analyst, specializing in projects involving data compilation and risk management. He is responsible for driving legislative outcomes at the State Capitol and helps with the drafting and monitoring for all clients’ legislation.
Ryker leads the firm’s policy development and analysis practice area. He also manages the firm’s operations at the state capitol during the legislative session and is deeply involved with the executive branch lobbying practice area.
Christopher Miller
Federal Government Affairs Specialist
Christopher is a seasoned Capitol Hill professional with over six years of experience in Washington, D.C. Most recently, he served as the Deputy Legislative Director for U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), where he played a pivotal role in overseeing legislative activities related to energy, natural resources, the Department of Interior, FEMA and all related federal appropriations. His strong research abilities and insightful policy recommendations made him a trusted advisor to the Senator.
Before his role as Deputy Legislative Director, Christopher served as a Senior Policy Advisor, managing a diverse portfolio that included immigration and telecommunications issues. His foundational experience as a Legislative Aide further enhanced his expertise, particularly in supporting vital military and defense initiatives.
Emily Simmons
Branding and Creative Content Lead
Director of Grassroots Advocacy
Emily Simmons is a seasoned communications professional and policy advisor known for her impactful work in Mississippi politics. From 2016 to early 2024, she served as the communications director and policy advisor to Speaker of the House Philip Gunn, where she played a vital role in shaping legislative priorities and enhancing outreach efforts.
Prior to this, Emily began her career as a Capitol Hill staffer for Senator Trent Lott, gaining six years of invaluable experience in Washington, D.C. She holds degrees in Journalism and Business from the University of Mississippi, which have equipped her with a unique skill set for navigating the political landscape.
In January 2024, Emily joined the Clearwater Group, where she continues to apply her expertise in communications and policy. Her leadership and deep commitment to public service make her a reassuring and notable figure in Mississippi's political arena.
Emily oversees the creative output and design for the firm, ensuring our clients' messaging and data are presented in a clear and digestible manner for interested parties. She plays a vital role in the strategic communications and legislative lobbying practice areas.