Connect C, LLC is a full-service government relations and lobbying firm that assists clients in developing strategies and programs to win passage of legislation, modify regulations and establish allies to support public policy objectives that protect brand reputations in the halls of North Carolina's General Assembly. Using our experience, policy knowledge, procedural expertise, and planning and facilitation skills, we tailor our work to meet our clients' individual needs and goals. Our experience and expertise in providing government affairs services allow us to see around the corner for our clients, and to respond accordingly. The partners have extensive knowledge of the legislative and regulatory process in Raleigh and Washington, D.C. Our team has been involved in the political landscape at the local, state and federal level for the past forty years.

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.

Kairos: a Greek term meaning "the perfect time, an opportune or propitious moment for decisive action, the moment of truth." This articulates the nuanced practices that underlie a successful government affairs campaign and represents the thoughtfulness with which Kairos Government Affairs works for its clients.

11-15 years

Served as GOP State House Caucus Director in 2010
Served as Executive Director for the NC GOP in 2012

Scott Laster has been serving the clients of Kairos Government Affairs since 2013. Beyond his expertise in lobbying, he provides clients with an unprecedented understanding of political giving, polling and campaigns in North Carolina.Scott began his work in North Carolina as the House Campaign Director for the North Carolina Republican Party. Prior to Scott's arrival in the state in 2010, the House GOP caucus was in a state of perpetual minority, having held a majority for only four years in the state's history. As the Campaign Director, Scott led the caucus to a historic victory in 2010 that saw Republicans pick up 16 seats - and claim a 68-52 majority in the House for the second time in history. Following his groundbreaking success, Scott was chosen as Executive Director for the NCGOP to lead the charge for the 2012 elections. Following the 2012 elections, Republicans held a supermajority in both the House and Senate. Scott holds undergraduate degrees in Political Science and Economics from the University of South Florida and a graduate degree in Political Science with a focus on campaigns from the University of Florida. Scott is also a certified EMT and volunteers on a Search and Rescue Team. He and his wife, Kristen, live in Fuquay Varina with their two sons and daughter.

2021 NC Top 25 Lobbyist

2019 NCED Leadership Award

Kevin Wilkinson joined The Southern Group in 2024, expanding the firm's footprint in Raleigh, North Carolina. He brings extensive legislative and executive experience from roles in both the public and private sectors.

As a proud North Carolinian, Kevin's professional path has been largely dedicated to molding and promoting key policies at local, state, and national levels. From 2016 to 2019, he held leadership roles in North Carolina's public education sector. First, as the Chief of Staff and Legislative Director to the N.C. State Superintendent at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, then later as the Executive Director of External Affairs at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke. In these roles, Kevin helped design and gather support for the organization's policy priorities and initiatives.

Before that, Kevin served as a Policy Advisor to Senator Robert Bryan. He led and implemented several education reforms and staffed various committees such as Appropriations, Education, Judiciary, Pension, and Retirement. Kevin also worked on Capitol Hill as a staff member for U.S. Representative Robert Pittenger, supporting and advocating for the needs of constituents across his district.

Most recently, Kevin took his experience in North Carolina's government to the private sector, serving as SVP of Government Affairs at EQV Strategic. In that capacity, Kevin worked directly with policymakers on the state and federal levels to advocate for his clients. His range of policy areas includes education, economic and business development, technology, transportation, telecommunications, healthcare, gaming, sports, and local government.

Outside his day-to-day work, Kevin uses his expertise to give back to his community as Vice Chair of the Board of Visitors for Appalachian State University.

Kevin has received numerous awards and recognition for his work, including being named one of the top lobbyists in North Carolina by the North State Journal since 2020 and receiving the North Carolina Education Leadership Award in 2018.

Kevin studied political science and economics at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and earned an M.B.A. from Liberty University. He resides in Raleigh with his wife Megan and their daughter Margot.

Connect C, LLC is a full-service government relations and lobbying firm that assists clients in developing strategies and programs to win passage of legislation, modify regulations and establish allies to support public policy objectives that protect brand reputations in the halls of North Carolina's General Assembly. Using our experience, policy knowledge, procedural expertise, and planning and facilitation skills, we tailor our work to meet our clients' individual needs and goals. Our experience and expertise in providing government affairs services allow us to see around the corner for our clients, and to respond accordingly. The partners have extensive knowledge of the legislative and regulatory process in Raleigh and Washington, D.C. Our team has been involved in the political landscape at the local, state and federal level for the past forty years.

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.

Kairos: a Greek term meaning "the perfect time, an opportune or propitious moment for decisive action, the moment of truth." This articulates the nuanced practices that underlie a successful government affairs campaign and represents the thoughtfulness with which Kairos Government Affairs works for its clients.

11-15 years

Betsy McCorkle has served the clients of Kairos Government Affairs since 2015. Beyond expertise in lobbying, she provides a unique understanding of the policy process with extensive experience navigating complex issues and diverse stakeholders.Before joining the firm, Betsy directed the government affairs work for the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association, a non-profit membership organization, where she gained extensive experience in leading diverse coalitions of businesses and other non-profits toward legislative goals. Betsy also has experience in workforce development, economic development, agricultural policy, and has been responsible for policy analysis and communications for political campaigns across the southeastern United States.Betsy received a Master Degree in Environmental Management from Duke University, and she holds a Bachelor Degree in Environmental Economics from the University of Georgia (UGA),
where she graduated magna cum laude.

Betsy was recognized in 2020 for a 40 Under 40 Award by the Triangle Business Journal. Betsy was a 2013 Recipient of the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Young Alumni Achievement Award and the 2012 Recipient of the J.W. Fanning Distinguished Young Professional Award. Betsy and her husband, Ben, live in Apex with their daughter.

  • (984) 422-9493

  • (984) 422-94933605 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 500john@theraleighgroupnc.comCityblock Health, Inc.(617) 710-0719

Clients:

JASON LOWRY

(North Carolina)
  • (252) 916-3115

  • (252) 916-3115jason.lowry@ecuhealth.orgUniversity Health Systems of Eastern Carolina, Inc. d/b/a ECU Health(252) 847-8718

Clients:

EVAN PRESTON

(North Carolina)

SHAUNDRA YOUNG-SCOTT

(North Carolina)