ALLIED STATE PARTNERS
State based public and government affairs professionals
Blake is a strategist with national influence in politics, business, and economic development. As the former Chief of Staff for Governor Bill Lee, he was a key player in the administration’s historic TennCare III waiver approval, the successful recruitment of Ford’s Blue Oval City and Oracle’s Nashville move, among other wins.
Robert is the Managing Partner at Impact Management Group (IMG) and a registered lobbyist representing clients before the Arkansas General Assembly and state agencies. He develops strategic communications campaigns for IMG’s public policy clients across various industries, including energy, healthcare, and technology. Before IMG, Robert was an Account Manager at DCI Group in Washington, D.C., managing public affairs campaigns for Fortune 50 companies, trade associations and non-profits.
Heath combines his skills as an attorney, political advisor, media strategist and public policy affairs consultant providing critical advice to business executives and public officials at the highest levels of government and publicly traded companies. He is a founding partner of Public Strategies 360, a public affairs firm, and COMM360, a public relations and marketing firm. In addition to these roles, Heath is a principal political strategist with the national political media firm Strategic Partners and Media.
Graham Advisors, LLC - DiAnne Graham
DiAnne is one of the most effective GOP fundraisers in the country leading fundraising operations for presidential, gubernatorial and congressional races, in addition to issue advocacy projects. While based in Kansas, she and her team have abundant connections with Republican leaders nationwide. Additionally, she is a founding partner of Strategic Advisors, a multi-state public affairs firm which has successfully executed a variety of public affairs projects nationwide and in Kansas.
Gilliam Consulting - Timothy Gilliam
Gilliam Consulting is a Kentucky-based firm specializing in government relations and political strategy. Owner Timothy Gilliam previously worked for Senator Mitch McConnell and currently serves on the Republican Party of Kentucky's Executive Committee.
Shelly Dupré is a public affairs and public relations executive based in Louisiana, with over 25 years of experience. She is a registered lobbyist, representing clients in front of the Louisiana State Legislature, the Executive Branch, and various state agencies. Shelly has advised clients across multiple industry sectors, including healthcare, telecommunications, and education. She specializes in developing strategic communications and advocacy campaigns, as well as providing advocacy training.
Jim is a respected public affairs professional and Managing Shareholder of Bernstein Shur’s New Hampshire office, where he provides legislative and media solutions for various clients. With over 20 years of experience, he has served as a senior advisor to presidential campaigns including George W. Bush, Mitt Romney, and Marco Rubio during New Hampshire's First in the Nation primary. He and a deeply experienced bi-partisan team provide legislative, political, communications and strategic services to clients in both states.
Capitol Strategies - Joy Weber
Joy Weber, General Counsel, began her career lobbying in Annapolis and later worked with Deepwater Wind to develop offshore wind along the east coast. After its acquisition by Orsted, she pursued an MBA from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business and consulted for Subway on the Electric Vehicle Charging Oasis. Ms. Weber serves as a Senior Advisor for SharpRank, a sports betting independent evaluator. Her background in law and entrepreneurial ventures compliments Capitol Strategies' lobbying and political acumen.
Clearwater Group - Austin Barbour
Austin is the firm’s Managing Partner and oversees daily operations, leads strategic communications, and is actively involved in legislative lobbying and political activities. Throughout his career, he has served in senior positions on numerous statewide and presidential campaigns/Super PACs. He has also led messaging and strategy efforts for a wide array of Fortune-100 clients.
Buckhorn Group - Parker Briden
Briden has held senior leadership roles in government and statewide political campaigns across Missouri, Mississippi, Nevada, and Ohio, handling crises such as indictments, disasters, scandals, and riots.
Connect C, LLC- Nathan Honaker
Nathan is an attorney based in Raleigh, NC whose practice is primarily focused on government affairs and strategic consulting. As the General Counsel of Connect C, LLC Nathan brings nearly 15 years of policy experience to bear, including positions in all three branches of state government. Nathan and his partners have a proven record of success representing a diverse group of clients at the North Carolina General Assembly and Executive Branch agencies. Their current portfolio includes Fortune 500 companies, agricultural interests, nonprofit associations, local governments, manufacturing, and healthcare.
Jim is a respected public affairs professional and Managing Shareholder of Bernstein Shur’s New Hampshire office, where he provides legislative and media solutions for various clients. With over 20 years of experience, he has served as a senior advisor to presidential campaigns including George W. Bush, Mitt Romney, and Marco Rubio during New Hampshire's First in the Nation primary. He and a deeply experienced bi-partisan team provide legislative, political, communications and strategic services to clients in both states.
First Tuesday Strategies - Luke Byars
Luke is a prominent figure in South Carolina's political landscape with over 30 years of experience working alongside top policymakers and corporate leaders. He has managed hundreds of political campaigns at various levels. Luke serves as Senior Advisor to South Carolina Senators' Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott, Congressmen Russell Fry, William Timmons and for the South Carolina State Senate Republican Caucus.
Blake is a strategist with national influence in politics, business, and economic development. As the former Chief of Staff for Governor Bill Lee, he was a key player in the administration’s historic TennCare III waiver approval, the successful recruitment of Ford’s Blue Oval City and Oracle’s Nashville move, among other wins.
Dennise has effectively led client initiatives through collaboration and innovative thinking across corporate branding, crisis management, public relations, and paid media. She develops and executes comprehensive plans for earned and paid media while maintaining strong relationships with the Vermont press corps and national media. Her experience includes conducting public opinion surveys and focus groups to assess customer satisfaction and corporate messaging, allowing her to provide strategic advice that fosters positive relationships with customers, stakeholders, and the public sector.
Capitol Square Strategies- Jeff Palmore
Jeff is a seasoned Virginia policy expert with over 20 years of experience in government relations. He founded Capitol Square Strategies after serving as a partner in the Virginia Government Relations practice of a top international law firm. Jeff previously served as senior legal and policy advisor to the Governor of Virginia and has advised an Attorney General, members of Congress, and statewide candidates. He represents clients before the Virginia General Assembly, executive agencies, and local governments, with deep expertise in legislative strategy, bill drafting, and lobbying. Jeff has helped pass hundreds of laws and is known for delivering creative, results-driven solutions.