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

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.

As a former member of the North Carolina Senate, I have served as Vice-Chairman of Finance, Chair of Judiciary and Rules Committees. I have a thorough knowledge of the workings of government and the continual changing personnel in State Government. Trust and knowledge are not created overnight, but are nurtured over the years.

20+ years

Designated by peers as one of the most effective lobbyists in North Carolina

Recipient of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine

Recognized in Best Lawyers in America in the area of government
relations practice, and as Lawyer of the Year in government relations practice in Raleigh

Selected by the American Registry as the top 1% of America's Most Honored Lawyers for 2020

To be provided upon specific request

Former North Carolina State Senator Alexander "Sandy" Sands is the leader of the firm's Public Policy and Governmental Affairs Group in Raleigh. He is a Registered Lobbyist. He represents businesses and individuals who have matters before both the legislative and executive branches of government in North Carolina. He's proven himself to be quite effective. When the North Carolina Center for Public Policy surveyed members of the General Assembly and lobbyists in 2009, researchers found Sands to be the 3rd most influential lobbyist in the Tarheel state.

Sandy has used his many years as a litigator in state and federal trial and appellate courts to develop his advocacy skills, which he now uses effectively for his clients in his lobbying and administrative law practice. He served as a North Carolina State Senator from 1986 until 1994. During that service he rose to the position of Chairman of the Committee on Rules and Operations of the Senate.

Subjects: All Subjects

Links:Website

Lisa has over 20 years experience in government and private sector work. Prior to joining Capitol Advantage, she served as Director of Government Affairs for a large statewide trade association. She has experience building and executing strategy for a wide range of issues such as environmental, tax, workers compensation, land use and professional licensing. Lisa is highly respected and has a successful track record advocating before the Legislature, Executive Branch agencies and various commissions and licensing boards. She is also consistently ranked on the list of "Most Influential Lobbyists in the General Assembly."

20+ years

ROSS BARNHARDT

(North Carolina)
  • (919) 921-8123

  • 150 Fayetteville Street, Suite 1130RaleighNC27601

Subjects: All Subjects

Links:Website

Ross Barnhardt's years of experience allow him to offer clients a superior understanding of State Government and help them navigate legislative and executive agency solutions to their particular goals. After graduating from North Carolina State University with a degree in political science, Ross spent several years working in the North Carolina Senate. Working for a Senior Appropriations Chairman, Ross has assisted businesses both big and small to secure State funding and desired legislative outcomes. Ross was a lead staffer in Senate leadership for the State Budget process, regulatory reform, economic development, tort reform, and agriculture policy.

Ross has helped clients meet their goals through lobbying for legislative action at the General Assembly, building legislative strategies and coalitions, and interacting with executive agencies. He has the skills and relationships to present his clients, their needs, and their messaging in front of the correct decision makers. Ross has represented clients involved in the areas of economic development, healthcare, technology, engineering, transportation, education, public safety, finance, local government, entertainment, agriculture, food and beverage, and broad industry associations.

When Ross is not at the legislature, he enjoys saltwater fishing, weight lifting, and home improvement projects.

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.

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.

WILLIAM ALLEN

(North Carolina)
Clients:

REBECCA CERESE

(North Carolina)

ANN MARIE COLLINS

(North Carolina)
Clients:

PATRICIA CRUMLEY

(North Carolina)
Clients:

TIM DOHERTY

(North Carolina)

JULIE FELGAR

(North Carolina)
Clients:
  • (336) 448-2640

  • 121 Reynolda Village Way, Suite ASuite AWinston-SalemNC27106

Clients:

KATHERINE GARDNER

(North Carolina)
  • (415) 903-2800

  • c/o 28 Liberty Ship Way, Suite 2815Wachovia Capitol CenterSausalitoCA94965

CATHERINE GUNSALUS

(North Carolina)
  • (312) 590-7958

  • 421 N. Harrington Street, Suite 6503605 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 500RaleighNC27603

Clients:

CHRISTOPHER HEMANS

(North Carolina)
Clients:

JUDY JENKINS

(North Carolina)
Clients:

JENNA ROBINSON

(North Carolina)

KILEY SMITH

(North Carolina)

JESSICA THOMPSON

(North Carolina)

LAURA WEBB

(North Carolina)