WASHINGTON – Forbes Tate Partners (FTP) announced today the hiring of Christopher Brown as a senior analyst on the Research and Policy Analysis team, where he will conduct policy analysis, qualitative research, and legislative tracking.
Prior to joining FTP, Christopher managed policy development, research, and strategic communications at Global Strategy Group. Brown’s experience also includes roles with FTI Consulting and Georgetown University’s Center for Poverty and Inequality. Additionally, Brown spent time on Capitol Hill working for Rep. Mark DeSaulnier, D-Calif. In these roles, he focused on healthcare telecommunications issues and supporting non-profit organizations.
“Chris’s exceptional research abilities and knowledge of key policy areas will help us deliver the best results for our clients,” said FTP Founding Partner Jeff Forbes. “Our research department is an essential part of our team, providing the up-to-date information we and our clients need to advance our objectives in the Beltway and across the country. We’re excited to add Chris to this group of expert researchers.”
Originally from Chicago, Brown holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Government from the University of Notre Dame. Additionally, Brown received a master’s degree in Public Policy from Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy.
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Forbes Tate Partners is a bipartisan, integrated full-service public affairs consultancy specializing in government relations, traditional and digital communications, grassroots advocacy and third-party coordination, insights and polling, coalition management, and business development. FTP can help you develop and deliver winning strategies to communicate and engage your key audiences.
Sen. Harry Reid Alum Andres Ramirez Headlines New Hires
WASHINGTON – Forbes Tate Partners (FTP) announced today that Andres Ramirez, a veteran communications strategist and advocacy professional, has joined the firm as a senior vice president. As FTP continues to expand its public affairs work, Ramirez will help manage and develop high-level campaign strategies for the firm’s clients to advance their communications and advocacy goals. The bipartisan government and public affairs firm also added Will May and Colin Finnegan as senior directors within the Public Affairs practice.
Andres, who began his career working with former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, has vast experience with numerous political and advocacy campaigns and think tanks, and served as vice president of Hispanic programs at the New Democrat Network. He was also vice chair of the DNC Hispanic Caucus leading engagement strategy through the 2012 election. Andres has years of involvement in public affairs and began his career in Washington, D.C. as a legislative aide to former U.S. Senator Harry Reid. He also led Nevada Governor Bob Miller’s D.C. office. Prior to joining FTP, Andres managed his own Las Vegas-based firm, the Ramirez Group, for more than 10 years.
“We are thrilled to welcome an expert communicator like Andres to our team,” said FTP Founding Partner Jeff Forbes. “Andres’ experience and passion for political advocacy and multicultural communications will be a huge asset for our clients. He has earned tremendous respect from Republicans and Democrats alike and his deep understanding of what motivates lawmakers is key to success in today’s Washington. We are thrilled to have Andres aboard and are excited to share his expertise with our clients.”
“It’s an honor to be a part of the FTP team,” said Ramirez. “I’m able to bring my local, state, and national experience to the table while working with some of D.C.’s best strategists.”
Additionally, FTP has hired Colin Finnegan and William May as senior directors on the public affairs team. Colin and Will bring both grassroots and strategic communications expertise to the firm. They will help execute public affairs campaigns for clients across multiple industries.
“Colin specializes in developing and executing communications strategies, particularly when it comes to energy and the environment advocacy. Additionally, Will has years of experience managing coalitions and brings a wide range of policy expertise,” said Forbes. “We are pleased to welcome them both to our growing team of public affairs professionals.”
Before joining FTP, Colin was the director of external relations at Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions. Originally from Massachusetts, Colin graduated from Kenyon College and is currently an MBA candidate at NYU’s Stern School of Business.
Prior to joining FTP, Will helped craft and manage campaigns for various associations, coalitions, and think tanks at a leading mid-sized public affairs firm in D.C. His work has supported clients in a range of sectors, including health care, transportation, and financial services. Will is a D.C. native and received his B.A. from Wake Forest University.
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Forbes Tate Partners is a bipartisan, integrated full-service public affairs consultancy specializing in government relations, traditional and digital communications, grassroots advocacy and third-party coordination, insights and polling, coalition management, and business development. FTP can help you develop and deliver winning strategies to communicate and engage your key audiences.
FTP Also Expanding Research & Insights Practice
WASHINGTON – Forbes Tate Partners (FTP) today announced longtime coalitions leader and Senate Democratic communications aide Clare Flannery has joined its Public Affairs practice as a Vice President.
Over the past decade, Clare has served as a strategic communications adviser and spokesperson for companies, coalitions, executives, and politicians on local, state, and national stages on complex public policy and social issues.
Most recently, Clare served as Campaign Manager for the MetroNow Coalition, which helped to create the first dedicated funding source for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. In addition, Clare has managed a diverse portfolio of corporate, non-profit, philanthropic, and political clients as a principal at the Dewey Square Group. Previously, Clare worked in the U.S. Senate where she worked for U.S. Senator Bill Nelson, D-Fla., as press secretary for the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, as well as for U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn.
“As FTP’s public affairs practice continues to gain momentum in the political sphere, Clare’s diverse experience in and around Capitol Hill will position us for future growth,” said FTP Founding Partner Jeff Forbes. “Clare has made a mark on our city, managing the MetroNow Coalition to enhance the metro system. Today, we welcome Clare to our team and look forward to her innovative leadership in support of FTP’s coalition work and our clients’ success.”
“At FTP I have an opportunity to work on some of the most interesting policy debates and issues of today alongside some of the best minds in the business,” said Flannery. “I am fortunate to be a part of the top-tier FTP team and am excited for this next chapter.”
FTP has also hired Tori Miller as a Director on the Analysis and Insights team and Alekhya Tallapaka as a Senior Analyst on the Public Affairs team.
Prior to joining FTP, Tori was a project director at Alexandria-based Public Opinion Strategies (POS), where she managed and implemented all phases of the quantitative and qualitative research processes to provide data-driven solutions to clients. While there, Tori worked on a variety of political and public affairs campaigns across the country as a project director and senior research analyst on topics including ballot measure campaigns, corporate image and brand research, health care, and technology.
Alekhya Tallapaka’s previous experience in digital advocacy includes interacting closely with the Hill, grassroots campaigning, GOTV efforts, and studying voter demographics. Her background in government affairs and international relations includes facilitating communication on issues between the U.S. government and other countries, while developing critical documentation for interagency review at the Department of Commerce, State Department, American Embassies, and for top-level political officials. Alekhya is an active member of the DC chapter of Carnegie New Leaders, which is the Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs’ exclusive program to cultivate the next generation of ethical global leaders.
“Our Insights and Public Affairs teams’ continued growth provides more capabilities for our clients – Alekhya and Tori are core to that and we’re really excited to have them on board,” Jeff Forbes concluded.
About Forbes Tate Partners:
Forbes Tate Partners is a bipartisan, integrated full-service public affairs consultancy specializing in government relations, communications, grassroots advocacy and third-party coordination, coalition management, and business development. The firm develops and implements strategies and campaigns related to tax, health care, financial services, trade, energy, telecommunications, appropriations, outdoor recreation and natural resource management, and agriculture. Longtime strategists Jeff Forbes and Dan Tate, Jr. founded the firm in 2012.
WASHINGTON – Forbes Tate Partners (FTP) today announced Jerri Ann Henry and Rich Lopez are bringing their respective Republican and Democratic political expertise to FTP’s growing Public Affairs and Government Affairs teams.
Prior to joining Forbes Tate Partners as a Senior Vice President, Rich was director of federal and administration affairs at General Motors (GM) where he specialized in safety, emerging technologies, defense appropriations, and intellectual property. Rich also served as GM’s Hispanic liaison in Washington, D.C., where he sat on the corporate advisory boards of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute, UnidosUS, and League of United Latin American Citizens. A proud founding board member of the Hispanic Lobbyists Association, Rich will bring a strong network of relationships and unique perspective to FTP’s Government Affairs team. A native Texan, Rich holds a B.A. from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
“Rich is a master of the legislative process in Congress,” said U.S. Representative Tony Cárdenas (D-CA-29), a House Energy & Commerce and Congressional Hispanic Caucus member. “My colleagues and I respect and appreciate Rich for his integrity and decades of knowledge that he shares with us all. I applaud Forbes Tate Partners for elevating the talent and increasing the diversity of their team.”
Jerri Ann brings more than 15 years of experience managing campaigns and grassroots and digital outreach. She has led fully integrated policy and political campaigns focusing on LGBTQ+, equality and women’s issues, technology, agriculture, and energy policy efforts. Having served as the executive director of Log Cabin Republicans and currently serving as vice chair of the Women’s Public Leadership Network, she will add to the bipartisan ranks of FTP’s Public Affairs leadership team. As a vice president at FTP, Jerri Ann is playing a vital role in leading media work for clients with a keen focus on keeping them on the cutting edge of digital organic and advertising campaigns. Another proud Texan, Jerri Ann holds a B.S. from Texas A&M University.
“Having worked on a diverse range of issues and utilized complex digital strategies and integrated communications plans, I am confident in the programs we will create,” said Jerri Ann. “I am excited to join the incredible Forbes Tate Partners team and use my background to build winning campaigns for our clients. It is humbling to join such a talented group.”
“Bringing on Jerri Ann and Rich will further solidify our bipartisan bench while diversifying the work we do and our relationships across D.C. and the country,” said FTP Founding Partner Jeff Forbes. “This year has proven digital engagement and diverse voices are needed to cut through the cluttered media and government relations landscape. We’re thrilled to bring on these seasoned veterans as we continue to expand our team and capabilities to better serve our clients here at FTP.”
Jerri Ann and Rich join FTP after another banner year of growth and new hires. FTP has also recently brought on public affairs analysts Jordan Fuja, Naomi Lilly, Sam Loffredo, and Erin Van Gessel. Prior to joining FTP, Jordan helped create public affairs strategies for state and presidential campaigns and holds a B.S. from the University of Texas at Austin. A local Marylander, Naomi graduated with a B.A. from Duke University and created her own company, NAL Media, a platform dedicated to empowering underrepresented creators and inclusivity in the media. Sam Loffredo, a New Jersey native, previously campaigned and fundraised for Democratic members of Congress and holds a B.A. from Rutgers University. Hailing from the Bay Area, Erin Van Gessel previously worked at an executive search and leadership consulting firm, identifying underrepresented directors to serve on corporate boards. Erin holds a B.A. from Middlebury College in Vermont.
About Forbes Tate Partners:
Forbes Tate Partners is a bipartisan, integrated full-service public affairs consultancy specializing in government relations, communications, digital and grassroots advocacy and third-party coordination, coalition management, and business development. The firm develops and implements strategies and campaigns related to tax, health care, financial services, trade, energy, telecommunications, appropriations, outdoor recreation and natural resource management, and agriculture. Longtime strategists Jeff Forbes and Dan Tate, Jr. founded the firm in 2012.
Contributions to this blog were made by Trey Webster and Max Mandich.
The Senate returned to Capitol Hill this week and resumed in-person legislative activities, although social distancing measures ensure it will not be business-as-usual anytime soon. Senators face plenty of challenges as they establish oversight for the nearly $3 trillion in federal coronavirus aid that has gone out while determining future federal aid packages. Not to be overlooked, Congress must still address the myriad policy items put on the backburner over the past couple months, all while the November election begins to absorb national attention.
What do new safety protocols mean for this session? The Senate is likely to mirror the precautions taken by the House when it returned to vote on the fourth COVID-19 package just over a week ago – including wearing face masks or coverings, encouraging lawmakers to keep distance from each other, and modifying hearing or voting procedures to prevent congregating and allow more time for Senators to come and go. Ultimately, this could mean a slower pace of activity while the Senate is back in session.
Despite potentially slower Senate activity, it is clear that Congress intends to prioritize the single largest federal stimulus program in U.S. history. It will be worth noting how the Senate manages the newfound oversight structure throughout the federal government. In addition to the oversight responsibilities which various congressional committees hold, oversight power will extend to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), internal Inspectors General, three new oversight mechanisms created under the CARES Act, and the House’s new select committee.
Lastly, it remains somewhat unknown how legislative priorities will continue to advance through 2020. The exact procedure, timing, and balance between further COVID-19 relief measures and inclusion of long-awaited economic “recovery” measures is up for debate. The divide over the timing and composition of a recovery bill largely breaks down along partisan lines, with Republicans raising concerns about mounting deficit spending and arguing that legislation should remain strictly focused on pandemic response. Democrats are advocating for an expansive view that includes increased relief for state and local governments and infrastructure spending with significant investments directed to roads, bridges, broadband, and more to help stimulate the economy. Even as Congress contemplates a larger recovery bill, however, work on “interim” measures designed to provide individuals, businesses, and health providers with immediate relief will continue.
Non-coronavirus priorities are now expected to receive renewed interest, including federal judicial nominations and must-pass items like Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 appropriations and the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Further, the narrow legislative window increases the likelihood that must-pass bills will be more narrowly tailored than in previous years, despite advocacy groups and rank-and-file members trying to attach many extraneous policy priorities.
FTP will continue to monitor and provide updates on the current situation as these and other items become clearer in the coming weeks.
Contributions to this blog were made by Jeff Sadosky, Lauren Crawford Shaver, Sabrina Siddiqui, Jeanne Moran, Kate Jahries, Erin Van Gessel, Britton Burdick, and Kahla Haber-Brown.
The bipartisan “Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act” was signed into law on March 27, delivering more than $2 trillion in economic relief to Americans. The package utilizes several new and existing government entities to “spend the money, watch the money, and watch the spenders.” The infographic here walks through who exactly will be overseeing and implementing the “CARES Act” for years to come.
Contributions to this blog were made by Jeff Sadosky, Lauren Crawford Shaver, Sabrina Siddiqui, Jeanne Moran, Kate Jahries, Erin Van Gessel, and Elizabeth Kapolka
Today, the U.S. Department of Labor estimated the U.S. unemployment rate will hit 18 percent by the end of the third quarter and just yesterday, it was announced GDP has dropped 4.8 percent in the first quarter, all due to economic fall-out from COVID-19. In many ways, those who battled through the financial crisis of 2008 or the response to 9/11 are familiar with this feeling of chaos, hopelessness, and the knowledge that tomorrow we will wake up to unprecedented news. Unfortunately, the economic effects of COVID-19 look to be beyond the scope of both of those events, and even World War II. As each day goes by, it is becoming increasingly clear our economic recovery is going to take every single policy lever available to get us out of this recession.
As Congress deliberates on the next phase of stimulus, many industries are still advocating for continued financial support. For those seeking federal aid, companies must be meticulous in upholding their reputation, constantly monitoring press coverage for threats and opportunities. Correcting the record and responding to bad press is essential. Bad headlines today can follow a company or industry around for years to come. News coverage is crowded now, and companies must look for every opportunity to tell their story and break through the noise.
So, how does a company do that? Our team has found that building a rapid response operation and developing corporate messaging on two topics drives press attention (good or bad) for companies and industries at large: transparency and corporate social responsibility. The strongest communications strategies will be pushing positive storylines and proactively sharing corporate actions as part of larger recovery conversations. Political leaders, the media, and the public want to know what company executives are doing to internally support their employees and externally support the community at large.
The last time major companies received federal assistance many were eviscerated in the press. There are huge differences and caveats between now and then, but a refresher of some of the worst headlines is a good reminder of pitfalls to avoid.
2008 Financial Crisis
2020 COVID-19 Crisis
So far we’re seeing companies sharing that their leaders are taking aggressive actions to prevent layoffs and temporarily lowering or eliminating C-suite salaries. But more tough decisions will need to be made and companies that take stimulus funds now are inevitably going to have to make tough choices.
Remember: this isn’t planning for just the next year or two. Media, Congress, and regulators will be looking into actions taken now for years to come. To that end, weathering the long-term means lining up a narrative now (lean into corporate social responsibility), showing supportive documentation (transparency), and articulating why actions are being taken in a clear, compelling way.
The economic storm caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has plagued workers and businesses of all stripes. Yet, amid the current state of uncertainty, people all over the world are stepping up to help those in need by donating to charitable organizations, caring for elderly neighbors, and volunteering their time at local food banks.
In the DMV, the fight to stop the spread of COVID-19 is being led by frontline health care workers, first responders, and those completing essential work across industries and in government. By serving the most vulnerable in our community and working to care for those suffering from the virus, our local hospital personnel continue to put their own lives at risk.
To show our support, Forbes Tate Partners (FTP) is sponsoring two community efforts aimed at feeding our frontline workers: Feed the Fight and a local hospital meal sponsorship initiative benefiting George Washington University Hospital.
The hospital meal sponsorship initiative will feed hospital staff over the next three weeks. DC based organizations will pay for weekly food deliveries, providing approximately 50 to 75 meals for hospital staff from local restaurants.
Feed the Fight crowdsources donations to fund food deliveries from local restaurants to nearby health care workers and first responders. This effort began with an email out to friends to deliver meals and show support for local health care workers by organizer Elena Tomkins.
At a time when coming together is more important than ever, and despite the call for us all to be physically distant, we are grateful for the opportunity to support our local businesses and physicians who are working tirelessly through this unprecedented crisis. It is with this spirit that we ask you to join us in helping our community.
We hope our neighbors and friends will consider donating what they can to support our local frontline workers. If you’re interested in joining us and donating to these worthy causes, please email Katie McCracken at kmccracken@forbes-tate.com for more information on the various ways to donate.
Contributions to this blog were made by Jeff Sadosky, Lauren Crawford Shaver, Sabrina Siddiqui, Jeanne Moran, Kate Jahries, Erin Van Gessel, and Britton Burdick
In a recent FTP note, we looked at the parallels between the 2008 financial crisis and today’s COVID-19 pandemic – both in terms of the massive government recovery efforts and the corresponding crisis messaging. Not only are there parallels, there are key learnings that communicators and corporate leaders need to consider as they work their way through the pandemic.
However, the landscape of 2008 is not the world of 2020. There have been significant changes over the last 12 years between the financial crisis and today, including how the American people access information, from whom they get that news, and advertising practices. For example:
- In 2008, 21% of U.S. adults were using social media compared to 72% in 2020; and
- Today, there are 77 million Instagram users on a platform that did not exist in 2008; and
- In 2008, $22.66 billion was spent on global digital advertising dollars and in 2020, that number reached over $333 billion – a 1,470.65% increase.
There are many additional, foundational differences between now and the 2008 financial crisis. No one should dust off the same playbook from 2008, though there are lessons to be learned, with many of the same regulators and policymakers jumping back into the fray to fight this fire. The massive shift in information consumption and means of communications, though, should help formulate any advocacy or crisis communications planning moving forward.
Forbes Tate Partners (FTP) was recently named a top-performing lobbying firm in Washington, D.C. by Bloomberg Government for 2019 – marking the fourth year in a row that FTP has achieved this distinction. The list reviewed lobbying activity over the past year by more than 2,000 lobbying firms.
“Our success stems directly from our deep team of government relations and public affairs experts who create outcome-driven strategies and build effective campaigns for our clients,” said FTP Founding Partner Dan Tate, Jr. “This is a unique time of uncertainty, when understanding the next steps Congress and the administration could take is paramount for companies large and small from every industry. We value the trust our clients place in us to help them in this trying time.”
The full Bloomberg Government report is available to download here.
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About Forbes Tate Partners:
Forbes Tate Partners is a bipartisan, full-service public affairs consultancy specializing in government relations, grassroots advocacy, strategic communications, fundraising, and business development. The firm’s primary areas of specialty are the development and implementation of bipartisan lobbying and advocacy strategies related to tax, health care, natural resource management, trade, energy, telecommunications, outdoor recreation, appropriations, and agriculture. Jeff Forbes and Dan Tate, Jr. founded the firm in 2012.
