FTP Advocacy Intelligence Provides Advanced Message Testing and Legislative Monitoring Tools That Leverage the Firm’s Policy, Politics, and Public Affairs Expertise
WASHINGTON, D.C. — FTP, a leading bipartisan public affairs and government relations firm, unveiled FTP Advocacy Intelligence (FTP AI), the organization’s newest initiative, focused on developing AI-enabled solutions that help clients stay ahead of the policy curve.
“FTP Advocacy Intelligence is a force multiplier,” said Robert Mathias, Managing Partner at FTP. “It enables our seasoned practitioners to keep even closer tabs on critical legislation, deliver sharp and strategic policy insights, and test high-impact messaging and narratives in real time – a tremendous boon to any organization in every industry.”
FTP AI’s initial projects include:
- 2026 Election Dashboard – A real-time polling, prediction market, and candidate fundraising tracker that captures data from every major U.S. House and Senate race, all in one easy-to-use platform.
- Artificial Intelligence Dashboard Edge (AIDE) – An AI-fueled policy dashboard that mitigates information overload by organizing daily deluges of bills, hearings, news, and market-moving events into clear, focused intelligence. AIDE provides clients with a custom interface tailored to specific issue areas, keeping policy teams sharp and informed.
- Synthetic Created and ai-Optimized Respondent Ecosystem (SCORE) – Custom synthetic audiences to help clients better understand how different stakeholders respond to crisis events messages, test campaign strategies, and seek a better understanding of issues, audience beliefs, and behaviors. The real-time approach pairs advanced audience models with our deep experience in advocacy, policy, and public affairs to pressure test narratives, refine language, and anticipate problems and opportunities before campaigns go live.
FTP Advocacy Intelligence augments the firm’s long-running data and insights offerings, including Beltway Social, a proprietary listening and analysis tool that cuts through the clutter of social media and news conversations to provide clients with a clear picture of emerging issues in key markets. FTP plans to launch a custom Beltway Social report on data centers soon.
FTP recently launched a new website that offers a one-stop shop for FTP Advocacy Intelligence, Beltway Social, and the firm’s other tools and resources. Learn more at ftpadvocacy.com.
About FTP
FTP is a bipartisan, full-service government relations and public affairs firm based in Washington, D.C. Founded in 2012, FTP offers a comprehensive suite of services – including government relations, strategic communications, grassroots advocacy, and digital strategy. Recognized as one of Bloomberg Government’s top-performing lobbying firms and a PRNEWS Top Elite 120 agency, FTP provides exceptional service to its clients across various industries.
For more information, please visit ftpadvocacy.com/.
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Newly Rebranded Advocacy Firm Elevates Team Members Whose Contributions Drive Excellence
WASHINGTON, D.C.— FTP, a leading bipartisan public affairs and government relations firm, announced the promotion of six professionals across practices. The promotions recognize individuals whose strategic insights, product delivery, and internal leadership have strengthened the organization.
”I’m excited to announce the promotions of six colleagues whose top-notch performance has enhanced the incisive counsel and support we provide to clients every single day,” said Robert Mathias, Managing Partner at FTP. ”These professionals represent the next generation of talent at our firm and will help us continue to grow and innovate for years to come.”
Colleen Elson has been promoted to executive vice president on the public affairs team. Elson leads FTP’s field operations, managing complex multi-state campaigns across the country that require precision execution and sound strategic judgment.
Kevin Connolly has been promoted to director on the public affairs team. His breadth across practice areas and steady performance have made him a reliable cornerstone of FTP’s public affairs work.
Elizabeth Monroe has been promoted to director on the public affairs team. Monroe brings exceptional drive and versatility to FTP’s public affairs practice, where she leads media relations efforts on several client accounts.
Lauren Wiggs has been promoted to director on the public affairs team. Since joining FTP last year, Wiggs has taken on a central role managing field teams across some of FTP’s largest accounts.
Claire Vapnek has been promoted to director on the Research and Policy Analysis (RPA) team. Vapnek joined FTP as an analyst in January 2023 and has advanced steadily on the strength of her research and analytical capabilities.
Gerhard Williams has been promoted to manager on the operations team. Williams serves as an operational anchor for FTP, managing IT infrastructure, troubleshooting technology issues across firm facilities, and providing essential event support.
About FTP
FTP is a bipartisan, full-service government relations and public affairs firm based in Washington, D.C. Founded in 2012, FTP offers a comprehensive suite of services – including government relations, strategic communications, grassroots advocacy, and digital strategy. Recognized as one of Bloomberg Government’s top-performing lobbying firms and a PRNEWS Top Elite 120 agency, FTP provides exceptional service to its clients across various industries. For more information, please visit ftpadvocacy.com/.
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Robert Mathias Promoted to Lead Firm
Libby Greer Elevated to Run Government Relations Practice
Washington, D.C. – Forbes Tate Partners (FTP), an integrated government relations and public affairs firm, announced today its first leadership change since the firm was established 13 years ago, with Founding Partners Jeff Forbes and Dan Tate, Jr. assuming new roles. The firm also announced that it will formally change its name to FTP, reflecting the management changes and evolution of the firm’s business model.
Forbes will step into the role of Founding Partner and Chairman, expanding his work with Public Policy Holding Company (PPHC), FTP’s parent company, while also focusing his time on FTP’s long-term strategy and business development activities.
Tate will step away from the firm after a long battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), remaining active in advocating for people impacted by neurological diseases through his board membership of I Am ALS.
Robert Mathias, who joined the firm four years ago, has been tapped to lead FTP. Mathias, who has a long history of successfully leading D.C.-based multi-disciplinary firms, will be responsible for the overall management of FTP, including client service, talent management, and financial performance.
Libby Greer, a longtime FTP veteran, has been promoted to lead the firm’s bipartisan Government Relations practice, which is the firm’s largest revenue center. Greer, who originally joined FTP in 2009, has been a pivotal driver of the firm’s GR strategy and success. She joined FTP from Capitol Hill, where she served as a Chief of Staff.
Michelle Baker, who joined the firm in 2023, will continue to lead FTP’s Public Affairs practice. Baker has spearheaded major campaigns and coalitions in health care, education, food, agriculture, defense, technology, and other industries.
“This is the right move at the right time”, said Forbes. “Rob has been an outstanding addition to our firm. His sharp business acumen, deep market expertise, and positive leadership have been instrumental to our growth and success as a business and the powerhouse we have become. Dan and I are thrilled he has accepted this expanded leadership role.”
“Rob has been an integral part of the management team from his first day,” Tate said. “He has demonstrated a firm grasp on understanding how to move forward in today’s environment.”
Forbes added, “Libby is an exceptional lobbyist and, more importantly, an exceptional person. She has the vision, energy, and passion that are all essential to the firm’s future growth and success.”
Regarding Greer’s promotion, Tate said, “Libby has an uncanny ability to see around corners and understand the political dynamics of the moment. She has helped our clients successfully navigate some of their greatest challenges while maintaining stellar relationships across all our constituencies. I know that she will be a great success in this new role.”
“The best part of this transition is that FTP clients and teams will continue to benefit from Jeff Forbes’ ongoing counsel and mentorship while we look forward to the continued growth and innovation that Rob, Libby, and Michelle will drive,” noted, Stewart Hall, CEO of PPHC, FTP’s parent company. “FTP, core to PPHC’s founding, remains key to our continued success. Today’s announcement makes great sense, and we look forward to an exciting future together.”
The firm, which started solely as a D.C.-based government relations practice, now boasts nearly 100 employees and has multiple service lines including federal government relations, public affairs and strategic communications, state-based advocacy, research and insights, and digital strategy.
As a long-recognized bipartisan leader in government relations, FTP’s work has continued to evolve to meet the advocacy needs of the moment. FTP’s client roster has expanded across the health care, financial services, energy, technology, and infrastructure sectors. Its integrated capabilities reach across federal and state government relations and public affairs, supported by a deep bench of experts.
“Dan and I always knew that the business was bigger than the two of us. The transition to FTP is a simple acknowledgement of what the firm has become: A robust and dynamic organization powered by many, many good minds,” said Forbes.
“Our single greatest accomplishment has been the talent we have attracted and retained,” said Tate. “Our people have built the firm into what it is today. The new FTP designation is intended to acknowledge the collective talent, skill, and intelligence that has been integral to our success since the firm’s inception.”
By Kate Ackley
Forbes Tate Partners, one of Washington’s biggest lobbying firms and owned by a holding company that trades on the Nasdaq, will rebrand as FTP as the firm restructures its leadership hierarchy Tuesday.
Name partners Jeff Forbes and Dan Tate Jr., who served together in the White House legislative affairs office during the Clinton administration, are stepping away from day-to-day operations at the firm.
Forbes will stay on as founding partner and chairman but is taking on a role with the parent company, Public Policy Holding Co. Tate, who has Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is transitioning out of the firm and will focus on advocacy for I AM ALS, where he is a board member.
Robert Mathias, Libby Greer, and others at FTP are moving up, they shared first with Bloomberg Government.
