Nathan Poss has over 20 years of experience in both the public and private sector. His focus is to provide clients with a comprehensive range of services, including: legislative drafting and tracking, policy development, governmental lobbying (at all levels), strategy development, and business procurement.



Prior to forming JohnsonPossKirby Government Relations in 2007, Nathan served as a principal at Smith Johnson & Carr, focusing on lobbying efforts for the firm's business clients and taking the lead on procurement strategies.



Before entering into the lobbying world, Nathan served seven years on Capitol Hill as a legislative assistant to then Speaker Pro Tempore of the Senate, State Senator Bob Rochelle. During his tenure with the state, he played an important part in writing and developing legislation, organizing political strategies, building coalitions, and monitoring legislation for committees. Poss has also been actively involved in numerous successful political campaigns.



Poss has built a reputation of hard work and respect among those on Capitol Hill. Working with major players in the state's business community, he has served as a key strategist on major environmental and tax issues. Nathan has garnered a reputation for producing tangible results through well-executed and intricate lobbying efforts designed to achieve long lasting success for his clients.

In addition to his lobbying successes, Nathan has extensive experience with the procurement process in Tennessee. Recently recognized by the TN Report for being known as an "expert in the state's purchasing practices," Nathan has cultivated the necessary connections with top-level decision makers throughout all areas of state government. Throughout his practice he has developed a strong grasp of the state's purchasing processes, and has successfully secured multi-million dollar purchases for numerous clients.

Nathan is a graduate of Cumberland University with a B.A. in Social Science. A native Tennessean, Nathan grew up in Lebanon and currently lives in Green Hills with his wife Molly.

Prior to joining JohnsonPossKirby in 2017, Luke served Capitol Hill in the Tennessee General Assembly, the Department of Finance and Administration, and the Office of Governor Bill Haslam.

Luke began working in politics in 2009 for Representative Pat Marsh and then joined Governor Haslam's office in February of 2011. During his tenure there, Luke helped shepherd the Governor's signature legislation through the legislative process. These initiatives include teacher tenure reform, tort reform, the TEAM Act, the Prescription Safety Act, and TN Promise to name a few. In 2015, Luke left the Governor's office to join Commissioner Larry Martin and the Department of Finance and Administration.In his role as Legislative Liaison, Luke was responsible for communicating with the legislature on behalf of Commissioner Martin and the divisions within the department. Luke worked with the Commissioner, Strategy Technology Solutions (STS), Benefits Administration, and the Division of Budget to achieve the department's goals and facilitate a strong working relationship between the department and General Assembly.

In addition to his work with the F&A divisions, Luke played a role in preparing the Governor's Budget and advocating for its approval in the General Assembly. These budgets included the largest tax cut in state history, two debt free budgets, and significant investments in recruiting jobs.Luke and his wife, Katie, live in Franklin with their two daughters, Ryall and Mackie.

20+ years

"North Carolina's Top Lobbyists" - North State Journal (2020)
Best Lawyers Government Relations Practice (2009-2022)
Business North Carolina Legal Elite
Triangle Business Journal "40 Under 40 Leadership Award (2012)

Nathan Honaker is a licensed North Carolina attorney and serves as General Counsel to Connect C providing insight in legislative matters. He has several years of experience in legislative affairs, lobbying and healthcare. Nathan is a graduate of Vanderbilt University and the University of North Carolina School of Law. During college, Nathan had internships with several legislators in the State House of Representatives and the State Senate. After completing his undergraduate degree, he worked for Sen. Phil Berger, President Pro Tempore of the North Carolina Senate, in communications and as a law clerk. During law school, Nathan worked for several lobbyists as a research assistant and policy advisor, as well as working with the State Health Plan and the University of North Carolina System.

Katie has been working on Capitol Hill and in other functions of state politics since 2007. Katie has worked in the office of United States Senator Lamar Alexander, as well as the Office of Governor Bill Haslam.

During her tenure in Governor Haslam's office, Katie was instrumental in the governor's Drive to 55 Initiative, helping shepherd key legislation such as the Tennessee Promise and the FOCUS Act.

While working as Director of Legislation, Katie advised the governor, his senior staff, and twenty-three state agencies on political strategy and legislative affairs.

Prior to joining the JohnsonPossKirby team, Katie worked as Senior Advisor of Government Affairs and Economic Development at Bradley Arant Boult Cummings, LLP.

Katie graduated from the University of Tennessee at Martin in 2008. She continues to serve her alma mater as a member of the Advisory Board.

Katie lives in Franklin with her husband, Luke, and daughters Ryall and Mackie.

11-15 years

John has over 45 years of experience working as a corporate CEO and government agency administrator. John served in the administrations of three United States Presidents. He served as State Executive Director of the North Carolina Farm Service Agency from 1981 to 1992, under Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In April 2001, John was appointed by President George W. Bush to serve as the State Director of USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) Rural Development for North Carolina.

Holly Salmons Kirby is a principal with JohnsonPossKirby Government Relations. She has been working on the hill and in other functions of state politics since 2000. Kirby served as an intern for the Senate Transportation Committee during the 102nd General Assembly. There she worked on key pieces of legislation such as fiber optic right-of-way for the Intelligent Transportation System and primary restraint. Kirby attended the University of Tennessee at Martin and Western Kentucky University where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. After graduating from Western Kentucky, she served as one of the field coordinators for Andy Womack's gubernatorial campaign. In this capacity, she managed all volunteer efforts, coordinated supporter databases, and assisted the candidate at events across the state.

Holly began her lobbying career when she interned for the firm of Smith Johnson & Carr in 2002. She returned to the firm as an associate for Bo Johnson in 2003. In this capacity, she worked on many issues ranging from outdoor advertising and railroads to manufacturing and alcoholic beverages. In 2006, Kirby worked with key legislators and railroad representatives to pass legislation strengthening the railroad trespassing laws.

In 2007, Holly accepted the position of Senior Associate with the new firm, JohnsonPoss Government Relations. In this capacity she continued to focus on the wide range of business issues she had worked on previously while expanding her work scope to include a variety of education issues. In 2010, Holly accepted the offer to become a principal in the firm.