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.”

Bloomberg Government

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.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Forbes Tate Partners (FTP), a leading bipartisan public affairs and government relations firm, announced its expansion today into the Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW) metropolitan area. The firm’s growth in Texas marks a strategic milestone for FTP and signals the increasing influence of the Lone Star State as an economic, political, and cultural hub.

“Our expansion into the Dallas-Fort Worth market is a natural next step as we continue to meet the needs of our clients and focus on issues that matter to them,” said Rob Mathias, managing partner at FTP. “Texas is an economic powerhouse, a policy incubator, and a culture driver. Our presence here puts us at the center of conversations that will shape the future of business and government.”

The DFW market — home to one of the fastest-growing populations and one of the nation’s strongest economic engines — offers significant opportunity for public affairs and advocacy firms. FTP’s new office will offer its integrated suite of policy, insights, communications, and field capabilities, bringing its proven model from D.C. to the heart of Texas and beyond.

“CRH maintains expansive operations throughout Texas thanks to its growing economy and its business-friendly environment,” said Ryan Lindsey, executive vice president, government relations at CRH. “We have worked closely with Forbes Tate Partners to navigate the complex landscape of D.C. – and we’re excited to see them join the DFW community to help business leaders in Texas.”

“It’s exciting to see Forbes Tate Partners recognize the economic might, cultural clout, and policy potential that Texas offers,” said Jim Wilkinson, executive chairman of TrailRunner International. “We look forward to having FTP join us here in Dallas as part of the broader Public Policy Holding Company network to help Texas business leaders navigate the complex landscape of D.C. and build stronger bonds between the Beltway and the DFW community.”

To support work in Texas and beyond, FTP launches the Lonestar Social Index – a proprietary data tool that analyzes how policy, business, and social conversations in Texas drive national dialogue, and how developments in Washington impact the business environment back home. This novel platform provides business leaders with advanced insights and analytics to inform key economic and policy decisions.

“The Lonestar Social Index – along with our strong array of analytic tools – will quantify policymaking outcomes, contextualize conversations, and connect dots for public-sector and private-sector executives,” said Doug Usher, PhD, partner and insights practice leader at FTP. “Our one-of-a-kind insights platform offers decisionmakers a resource to improve business outcomes amid a complex, highly charged, and unpredictable economic and political landscape.”

FTP’s Dallas office expansion has client engagements underway in the health, energy, AI and financial services sectors. A rollout of expanded services and client offerings in additional states is expected by early 2026.

About Forbes Tate Partners:

Forbes Tate Partners (FTP) is a bipartisan, full-service government relations and public affairs firm based in Washington, D.C. Founded in 2010, 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 100 agency, FTP provides exceptional service to its clients across various industries.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Forbes Tate Partners (FTP) announced Tori Smith as a senior vice president on its government relations team to help expand the award-winning firm’s tariff, trade, economics, and financial technology expertise.

She joins FTP from the Office of U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), where she served as a policy advisor overseeing trade, tax, and financial technology issues on the Senator’s Finance Committee legislative team.

“Tori brings a wealth of insight across tariff and tax policy, trade, and international economics – and she maintains robust connections throughout Congress and the Executive Branch,” said Jeff Forbes, founding partner at FTP. “We’re honored to have her join FTP and help expand our capabilities advising clients on important economic issues facing American businesses, consumers, and the current Administration.”

Smith spent nearly 10 years as a policy director and researcher at prominent think tanks – including the American Action Forum and the Heritage Foundation – where she focused on tariffs and import duties, international trade, and economics. Her specific expertise spans trade agreements, domestic content requirements, and trade laws that extend tariff authority to the executive branch.

“Tori served team Blackburn as a resource providing insight and analysis on critical tax and trade issues,” said Senator Blackburn. “We’re excited about her new venture and wish her well.”

As a sought-after economic policy expert, Smith has made several appearances on high-profile media outlets – including CNBC Power Lunch, Fox News, Fox Business, and the BBC. Her work has also been published in The Hill, The Washington Times, The Chicago Tribune, and The Detroit News.

“I’m excited to get working at FTP and help clients across a wide range of industries navigate complex and high-stakes tariff, trade, and tax policy,” said Smith. “The firm’s unparalleled reputation and deep bench of respected, incisive, and bipartisan experts can effectively assess today’s challenging and unpredictable legislative landscape and deliver real results for the organizations we serve. I’m thrilled to play a part in this important work.”

Smith holds a master’s degree in international commerce and policy with a concentration in global finance, investment, and trade from George Mason University. She earned a bachelor’s degree in international relations from Michigan State University. She lives in Virginia with her husband and daughter.   

About Forbes Tate Partners:

Forbes Tate Partners (FTP) is a bipartisan, full-service government relations and public affairs firm based in Washington, D.C. Founded in 2010, 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 100 agency, FTP provides exceptional service to its clients across various industries.

Question –

Why should Republicans lead on energy policy, and what’s the opportunity here? 

In 2025, Republicans are uniquely positioned to champion energy policy because they embrace an open-minded and practical approach to energy resources. The opportunity lies beneath our feet: leveraging natural resources while balancing innovation in alternative energy. While some dismiss fossil fuels entirely in favor of wind and solar, Republicans recognize the value of a diverse energy agenda. 

The administration’s commitment to expanding fossil fuel production and exploring alternative energy sources offers a balanced approach that benefits manufacturing, national security, and education. This focus on diverse energy solutions positions the U.S. to meet growing energy demands while fostering innovation and strengthening the nation’s infrastructure. Republicans can lead on sound policies while also addressing the country’s energy demands, improving quality of life, and positioning the U.S. as an energy leader globally.  

Question –

Given your longstanding experience in the U.S. Senate, how has the Senate confirmation process changed over time?

The politicization of the Senate confirmation process has grown immensely since I first arrived in Washington working for Senator Judd Gregg (R-NH). In earlier years, it was customary for senators to give incoming presidents the benefit of the doubt in appointing qualified individuals, even if policy disagreements existed. Today, confirmation votes have become highly partisan, with fewer senators willing to cross party lines.

While some still do so out of political necessity in their home states, the overall trend has shifted toward rigid party-line votes. This evolution reflects broader changes in the Senate’s dynamics and underscores the challenges of governing in today’s political climate. 

Question –

What is your assessment of the first few weeks of the second Trump Administration?

It’s an exciting time. The administration has assembled a team of individuals with practical experience in business, government, and related fields. They clearly want to bring efficiency to the process of governing while advancing policies like energy independence and economic growth.  

Question –

How will the new Congress address potential regulatory reforms to the financial system?

Newly elected Chairs of the House Financial Services Committee and Senate Banking Committee, Rep. French Hill (R-AR) and Senator Tim Scott (R-SC), have committed to pushing policies to reduce the regulatory burden to free all segments of the financial sector to serve their customers better. Several areas of regulatory burdens that the two Chairs may address include streamlining the bank merger process so that smaller institutions can build scale to better compete, reducing the burden for emerging companies seeking to access public markets, and focusing on streamlining efficiencies in housing programs.

Question –

Will financial regulators modernize regulation of emerging technologies, particularly in regulating digital assets, fintech companies, and ensuring privacy safeguards for consumers? 

The regulators appointed by President Joe Biden were quite active. The CFPB proposed or finalized regulations addressing Earned Wage Access, Buy Now Pay Later, large market participants such as PayPal, Apple, and Zelle, and open banking intended to give consumers greater access to their data. Further, bank regulators placed new requirements on the banks looking to engage in “novel activities,” including certain crypto activities. The SEC has also made it harder for certain crypto activities to be conducted by both crypto-native firms and traditional financial institutions.

New regulators appointed by President-elect Donald Trump will look to roll back many of these and, where possible, provide greater regulatory certainty to promote innovation. This is particularly true for digital asset companies which have sought greater regulatory clarity for their products.

Question –

Will reform of the Government-Sponsored Enterprises (i.e., Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac) be tackled in the next two years?

With a united Republican government, the likelihood of GSE reform increases, but other factors at play may prove a challenging environment to finally remove the GSEs from conservatorship. For one, this is an incredibly thorny issue that has eluded even previous bipartisan attempts at reform. Further, each party has different objectives (i.e., increasing affordable housing/the government playing less of a role in the housing market), and with a slim majority in the House, this could prove an insurmountable obstacle.

The current discussion about how to sequence reconciliation and what may be used as a pay-for, could ultimately fast-track a process that needs considerable thought and cooperation to ensure no adverse effects on an already tenuous housing market.

President-elect Trump has promised to impose a 25% tariff on all goods from Canada and Mexico unless they stop the flow of illegal immigration and drugs across their borders into the U.S., and an additional 10% tariff on all goods from China as part of his first executive orders. Our Research and Policy Analysis Department has prepared slides explaining the mechanisms through which the president can implement tariffs and the USMCA implications of imposing across-the-board tariffs on Canada and Mexico.

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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. 

Forbes Tate Partners has been highlighted as one of Bloomberg’s top performing lobbying firms and as one of PR News’ Agency Elite Top 100 agencies, recognizing the leading public relations practices in the country.

Question –

How’d the pollsters do in the election?

On the whole they had a better night than they’ve had over the last few election cycles. In 2016 and 2020, public pollsters underestimated Trump support by a sizable margin. This time? They were within just a point or two of the final result. Perhaps more important, reporting on the polls provided a realistic perspective on the election outcome – it was a coin toss, and Trump ended up ahead by a couple of points. That’s the best we can expect from polls.

Question –

What are some long-term trends that matter?

Polling will continue to dominate political headlines, especially when other types of reporting (particularly “vibe” reporting) can swing so wildly from side to side. The long-term challenge that is most vexing to pollsters is that presidential elections are close every time. We don’t have presidential blowouts. This time, Trump won by about the same margin Biden won last time, which followed a close election in 2016. When the election is close at the stretch, there’s not much for polls to tell us except… wait until election day!

Question –

What’s the biggest mistake people are making when they look at the election?

We tend to overread election results. After investing so much time and energy in following (and working in) elections, we want to get an immediate, clear narrative. Trump has remade the GOP coalition, and that’s an incredibly interesting result. But jumping to a conclusion that this new coalition could be durable and might outlast Trump is an overreach – just like when political analysts thought the 2008 Obama election would reshape American politics. We keep getting close elections, with different configurations of the electorate every time.

Question –

Can you explain your work in the public health and health equity space and what drew you to this work?

My key focus at Forbes Tate Partners is to advise healthcare, tech, and pharmaceutical clients on addressing some of the most pressing public health issues and inequities. Providing strategic direction, identifying and engaging stakeholders, and helping tell local and national stories about their efforts and outcomes are all integral to this work. I was drawn to the public health and health equity space over 10 years ago when I started advocating for medical cannabis legalization.  

Cannabis public policy impacts both and requires thoughtful and intentional policy development to improve public health and health equity. As we legalized cannabis in states throughout the country, green deserts, like food and healthcare deserts, were an unintended consequence, leaving many under and never-served populations without access to medical cannabis. Criminal justice reform is also a pillar of my cannabis advocacy and encounters with the criminal justice system have proven to negatively affect health outcomes for individuals and communities. 

Question –

How does stakeholder engagement play a key part in advocacy today?

Knowing who is for, against or even agnostic towards an issue or organization is critical to a project or initiative’s success. Deciding whether and how to engage stakeholders is important; oftentimes it’s not enough to attempt to get buy-in or ask for something if you haven’t engaged the stakeholder to some degree throughout the process. Awareness about an issue or your existence and mission is a great place to start. You never know who will become a supporter or at a minimum, not be an impediment. Stakeholders may also have work or relationships that can be leveraged to fast-track or overcome challenges in advocacy.

Question –

What do you find to be most rewarding about the wide-ranging collaboration you foster at FTP?

Radical collaboration! Empowering diverse individuals and organizations to work together in a space that allows for different thinking and doing. I’ve always believed that an individual can do more and better with the right people. Since joining FTP I’ve been amazed at how many times one of my colleagues points me in the direction of another colleague who happens to have an experience or connection to the “missing piece” of a problem I am trying to solve, for the firm or a client.