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TONY NIKNEJAD

TONY NIKNEJAD

(Tennessee, )

Tony is an attorney and policy expert with extensive experience in legislative strategy, budget development, and executive branch operations. He has shaped major state initiatives and advised senior state government leaders across a range of high-impact issues. From 2019 to 2023, he served as Policy Director for Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, where he developed landmark proposals in education, tax, healthcare, and workforce development. His leadership produced several major legislative wins, including the Tennessee Works Tax Act, the Education Savings Account program, and the TennCare III waiver. His role in the administration expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic when he led federal and multi-state relations, while also managing the distribution of more than $6 billion in federal relief through the state's Financial Stimulus Accountability Group.

Tony Niknejad is a distinguished policy strategist and government relations expert, skilled in the areas of legislative advocacy, fiscal management, and strategic planning. Tony assists clients with navigating the Tennessee political landscape, orchestrating policy and legislative initiatives, and steering comprehensive advocacy and public engagement campaigns. From 2019 to 2023, he was the Policy Director for Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, serving as a key advisor and leader for the Governor's Cabinet and leading many of the Administration's major policy reforms. As policy director, Tony also played a critical role in Governor Lee's successful 2018 campaign and post-election transition. Tony spearheaded key policy initiatives across a wide span, specializing in education, workforce, tax and healthcare policy.


  • He was a driving force behind multiple Administration legislative initiatives, including the Education Savings Account Act of 2019, the Literacy Success Act of 2021, the Tennessee Strong Families Initiative, and the Tennessee Works Tax Act of 2023.

  • Tony also led federal and multi-state relations through the COVID pandemic, coordinating the Financial Stimulus Accountability Group, which managed the allocation of over $6 billion in federal funds received through the CARES and American Rescue Plan Acts.

  • Prior to his work with Governor Lee, Tony served as state director for a school choice advocacy organization, overseeing Tennessee PAC activities and lobbying efforts from 2013 to 2017.

  • Before that, he served as a legislative staffer in the Tennessee State Senate during the 107th General Assembly.

  • Tony is a member of the State Bar of Tennessee and graduated from Vanderbilt University Law School in 2011. He received his bachelor's degree from the University of Georgia, where he double-majored in Economics and Philosophy. He was selected for the Harvard Business School Young American Leaders program, Nashville Class of 2019.

CHRIS GOBBLE

Chris Gobble is a respected government affairs specialist with deep issue expertise and a broad base of policymaker and stakeholder relationships. He leverages his insights into the state General Assembly, Tennessee executive branch, and local governments to help SRG clients navigate complex political challenges and effectively advance meaningful policy solutions. Prior to joining SRG, Chris served as senior director of public policy for the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and was the legislative and policy director for the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security under Governor Bill Haslam.

0-5 years

Chris Gobble is a respected government affairs specialist with deep issue expertise and a broad base of policymaker and stakeholder relationships. He leverages his insights into the state General Assembly, Tennessee executive branch, and local governments to help SRG clients navigate complex political challenges and effectively advance meaningful policy solutions.

Prior to joining SRG, Chris served as senior director of public policy for the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, where he helped drive policy changes and facilitate government affairs efforts for 2,000 businesses representing over 180,000 employees. He also regularly and effectively collaborated with local, state, and federal elected officials to advance Chattanooga's status as a leader in education, workforce, and economic development.

Prior to Gobble's tenure in Chattanooga, he was the legislative and policy director for the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. In this role, Gobble worked closely with Governor Bill Haslam's office and the state legislature to develop and implement a variety of public policy initiatives.

Originally from Bradley County, Chris earned a B.A. in Political Science and Communications from Lipscomb University. He and his wife Sarah live in Nashville.

DYLAN REEL

Dylan Reel leads the government relations team with extensive knowledge and a proven track record of success in lobbying before the North Carolina General Assembly. Specializing in key sectors such as health care, financial services, energy, local governments, transportation, and education, Dylan has ample experience across a diverse range of industries. Recognized as a "Top 25 Lobbyist" in 2024 by the North State Journal, Dylan has established himself as a leader in strategic advocacy, effectively shaping policy and leveraging deep connections with lawmakers to drive impactful change.

0-5 years

"Dylan Reel Named a Top 25 Lobbyist by North State Journal," July 29, 2024

Professional & Community Activities: Johnston County Bar Association, Member; Wake County Bar Association, Member; Saint Thomas Moore Society, Member; Federalist Society, Member; East Triangle YMCA, Board Member; American Leadership Academy Johnston, Board Member

Education: Campbell University School of Law, J.D. (2020), Loyola University Chicago, B.S. Political Science, cum laude with departmental honors (2017)

Admissions: North Carolina (2020)

Speaker Destin Hall, Rep. Brenden Jones, House Leadership, House Appropriations Chairs, House Transportation Chairs, House Education K-12 Chairs, Senate Education/Higher Education Chairs

Dylan Reel assists his clients with lobbying and advocacy before the North Carolina General Assembly and state agencies with a focus on health care, financial services, energy, local governments, transportation, and education. In 2023, he was the youngest ranked as a "Top Lobbyist" in the state of North Carolina by the North State Journal. Prior to joining the firm, Dylan was Vice President of Government Affairs in the Raleigh, North Carolina office of a national, full-service public affairs firm. There, he represented clients before the North Carolina General Assembly and Executive Branch and provided clients with detailed analysis of legislation, appropriation, and political contributions. Before he became a lobbyist, Dylan was General Counsel to the Rules Chairman Destin Hall (R-NC) and the Election and Redistricting Chairman in the North Carolina House of Representatives. In this role, he oversaw the North Carolina House caucus legislative agenda, floor calendar, and bill movement. As counsel for redistricting, Dylan provided legal advice and strategy to the Speaker of the House Tim Moore (R-NC) throughout the redistricting processes and subsequent litigation. Dylan was involved in three separate redraws of the legislative and Congressional maps in his tenure in the state House. Dylan also served as a research assistant and legislative staff assistant in the North Carolina House of Representatives where he provided legislative counsel to the House Rules Chairman David Lewis. While attending law school, Dylan served as a legal extern for Speaker of the House Tim Moore (R-NC) in the North Carolina House of Representatives. Also, he was a campaign intern for the Republican National Committee in Raleigh, North Carolina. Dylan was recognized as a "Top 25 Lobbyist" in 2024 by the North State Journal.

JEREMY ESTENSON

JEREMY ESTENSON

(Minnesota, )

Experienced Director Of Government Affairs with a demonstrated history of working in the law practice industry. Skilled in Public Affairs, Research, Speech Writing, Politics, and Fundraising.

20+ years

Former President of the Minnesota Government Relations Council

Jeremy has worked extensively with all legislative committees and with the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Labor and Industry, Employment, Pollution Control, Transportation and Public Safety

Jeremy partners with clients to navigate legislative and public policy processes to help them reach their goals. His experience ranges from initial messaging, bill drafting, working with legislators to advance or defeat legislation and amendments, and working with regulators to ensure proper application of the law. In every client engagement, Jeremy draws upon his prior legislative and public policy experience and builds relationships with national, state and local legislators and government officials.

Jeremy advocates for clients on issues related to energy, fuels, transportation, workforce and labor, economic development, financial services and small business. His experience includes:
Workers' compensation reform on behalf of self-insured businesses.

Transportation finance and policy issues, particularly related to freight and fuels.

Workforce and labor issues, particularly those related to FMLA, independent contractor status and Davis Bacon statutes.

Procurement of public investment.

Price and supply stability in for utility consumers.

Prior to joining Taft Advisors, Jeremy was a government relations director at a national law and consulting firm. He previously served as the committee administrator for the Transportation Finance Committee for the Republican Party in the Minnesota House of Representatives. He began his career at the Minnesota Trucking Association and the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce.

STEPHEN SUSANO

Stephen Susano is the Co-Founder and COO of Stones River Group, a Nashville-based public affairs firm serving both Tennessee, regional and national clients. He provides clients with strategic counsel on business opportunities and project management, regulatory matters, procurement, economic development, third-party engagement, and market positioning. Stephen leverages his lengthy private-sector experience and deep network of relationships with business leaders and key policymakers in state and local government across Tennessee to deliver solutions for clients in multiple industries.

6-10 years

Stephen Susano is the Co-Founder and COO of Stones River Group, a Nashville-based public affairs firm serving both Tennessee, regional and national clients. He provides clients with strategic counsel on business opportunities and project management, regulatory matters, procurement, economic development, third-party engagement, and market positioning. Stephen leverages his lengthy private-sector experience and deep network of relationships with business leaders and key policymakers in state and local government across Tennessee to deliver solutions for clients in multiple industries.

Prior to Stones River Group, Stephen served as Executive Director of the Tennessee Business Partnership (TBP), an advocacy organization supported by many of the state's leading enterprises. He spearheaded its efforts to advance pro-business policies, including education and judicial reforms, to encourage job growth and economic development. In 2014, Stephen led the statewide "Vote Yes on 2" campaign in support of the Judicial Selection Amendment to the Tennessee constitution. Stephen built a broad coalition of business groups, trade associations, legal advocates and community leaders in favor of the amendment. This coalition's successful mobilization helped ensure the amendment was approved with overwhelming support, carrying 94 out of 95 counties in Tennessee

Prior to working in the public affairs space, Stephen had an extensive career in the financial services industry. He served in operating and business development roles for several investment advisers and asset management firms. He has consulted with and raised capital for both U.S. and foreign-based investment firms, and has negotiated distribution and trading agreements with multiple financial services companies. Through his work, Stephen navigated complex regulatory regimes in domestic and offshore jurisdictions

Stephen grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee and currently lives in Brentwood with his wife, Ana. He and Ana have four children. Stephen serves on the board of the Nashville Downtown Partnership.

BRIAN BALLARD

(Florida, )
Clients:

1) 19 Enterprises, LLC

2) 900 Condo Developer, LP

3) Access Restoration Services US, Inc.

4) Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts

5) Advanced Rx Pharmacy, LLC

6) AIDS Healthcare Foundation

7) Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

8) Alliance for Commercial Real Estate

9) Amazon.com, Inc.

10) American Coastal Insurance Company

11) American Veterinary Medical Association

12) Angel Armor

13) AquaFence Inc.

14) AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, LP

15) AT&T Services, Inc.

16) Atlas Air, Inc.

17) Atlas Data Privacy Corporation

18) Atlys Global, LLC

19) Axon Enterprise, Inc.

20) Babcock Property Holdings, LLC

21) Barry University

22) Basketball Properties, LTD

23) Bayer U.S. LLC

24) Big Bend Homeless Coalition

25) BioStem Technologies

26) Block, Inc.

27) Blue Origin Florida, LLC

28) Botanicals for Better Health and Wellness

29) Brent L. Mills, Incorporated

30) Brightstar Global Solutions Corporation

31) Broward County

32) Broward County Sheriff's Office

33) BusPatrol America LLC

34) Camillus House, Inc

35) Canvasback Conservation LLC

36) Caplin Family Offices, LLC

37) Centene Corporation on behalf of its affiliates and subsidiaries

38) Churchill Downs, Inc

39) Citrus Health Network, Inc

40) City of Aventura

41) City of Boynton Beach

42) City of Bradenton

43) City of Cape Coral, Florida

44) City of DeBary

45) City of Delray Beach

46) City of Hallandale Beach

47) City of Largo

48) City of Marathon

49) City of Miami

50) City of Palm Beach Gardens

51) City of Pembroke Pines

52) City of Pensacola, Florida

53) City of Punta Gorda

54) City of Sarasota, Florida

55) City of Treasure Island

56) Clear Ballot Group

57) Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, Palm Beach County

58) Clyde Johnson Contracting & Roofing, Inc.

59) Coastal Waste & Recycling Inc.

60) Coinbase, Inc.

61) Communications International, Inc.

62) Core and Main LP

63) CORE Construction

64) Council of Florida Medical School Deans

65) Cox Communications

66) Cox Science Center and Aquarium

67) Cruise Lines International Association

68) Crypto Council for Innovation

69) DACRA

70) DBL Ventures

71) de Moya Highway Infrastructure LLC

72) DEEP Research Incorporated

73) Delaware North Companies Gaming & Entertainment, Inc

74) Destinations Florida

75) Dhillon Law Group

76) DMF Employment Opportunities, Inc.

77) Doodie Calls LLC

78) DoorDash, Inc.

79) Downtown Vision, Inc.

80) DRC Emergency Services, LLC

81) DSW Homes, LLC

82) Earth Funeral LLC

83) East Coast Packers, LLC

84) Eisai, Inc

85) Embassy of Japan

86) Enespa Technologies US LLC

87) Epilepsy Florida

88) Equifax Inc.

89) Equinix, Inc.

90) FarmaceuticalRX LLC

91) Feeding Florida, Inc.

92) Figgers Communication, Inc.

93) Fire Neural Network

94) First American Title Insurance Company

95) Fisher Island Club, Inc.

96) Florida A & M University Foundation

97) Florida Alliance for Seniors

98) Florida Association of Cosmetology & Technical Schools (FACTS)

99) Florida Entertainment & Arts Venues Association, Inc.

100) Florida Gulf Coast University Foundation, Inc.

101) Florida Network of Youth and Family Services, Inc

102) Florida Podiatric Medical Association

103) Florida Power & Light Company

104) Florida Rural Water Association

105) Florida Sheriffs Risk Management Fund

106) Florida Society of Ophthalmology

107) Florida Society of Pathologists

108) Florida Tomato Exchange

109) Florida Transportation Builders Association, Inc

110) Florida Veterinary Medical Association

111) FOP Foundation

112) Foster Care Review, Inc

113) Foundation for Seminole State College of Florida, Inc

114) Fresenius Medical Care North America

115) Friends of the Underline, Inc.

116) GAF Materials, LLC

117) Gates Housing Group, LLC

118) GlaxoSmithKline

119) Habilitation Center for the Handicapped, Inc.

120) Halt Fire

121) Health Care District of Palm Beach County

122) Henderson Behavioral Health

123) HistoryMiami Museum

124) HNTB Corporation

125) Hope Healthcare

126) Housing Trust Group, LLC

127) HPM Lot 5, LLC

128) HPM Resi II, LLC

129) Huntington Ingalls Incorporated

130) Ibis Healthcare, Inc.

131) Indelible Management Solutions, Inc.

132) Infrastructure Rehabilitation USA, Inc.

133) Intellectually Developmentally Disabled Community Foundation

134) International Atlantic, LLC

135) Investment Corporation of Palm Beach

136) Invitation Homes, Inc.

137) Jacksonville Transportation Authority

138) Johnson Pope Bokor Ruppel & Burns, LLP

139) Juvare, LLC and its affiliates

140) Keystone Properties, L.L.C.

141) Kinder Morgan, Inc.

142) King Ocean Services, Ltd.

143) Kitson Evergreen LLC d/b/a Kitson & Partners

144) Kleo, Inc. d/b/a ClassWallet

145) KPMG LLP

146) L3Harris Technologies, Inc.

147) Lee Health System, Inc

148) Legacy Tow Group

149) Leonard Mace and Krystle A. Mace

150) Liberty Dental Plan

151) Lifepoint Health

152) LifeScience Logistics

153) Lions World Vision Institute, Inc.

154) Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

155) M&M Realty Partners LLC

156) Major League Baseball

157) Marine Towing of Tampa, LLC

158) Marion County Board of County Commissioners

159) Martin County Board of County Commissioners

160) Max Planck Florida Foundation, Inc

161) Maxim Healthcare Services, Inc

162) MCI, LC

163) Meta Platforms, Inc.

164) Miami Dade College Foundation

165) Miami Design District Associates, LLC

166) Miami Learning Experience School

167) Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Inc

168) Miami-Dade County

169) Monsanto Company dba Ruveon LLC

170) Morningstar Nursery, Inc.

171) MorseLife Health System

172) Mosaic Fertilizer, LLC

173) Mount Sinai Medical Center

174) NAIOP Tampa Bay

175) National Rental Home Council

176) National Stormwater Trust, Inc.

177) Nationwide Retirement Solutions, Inc.

178) Natural Health Partners, LLC

179) New York Yankees

180) Nomi Health Inc

181) North Broward Hospital District (d/b/a Broward Health)

182) Northport Health Services of Florida, L.L.C.

183) Nova Southeastern University

184) Office of the Commissioner of Baseball

185) Online Lenders Alliance

186) Orange Barrel Media

187) Orion Edge Group

188) Palm Beach Aggregates, LLC

189) Panza, Maurer & Maynard, P.A.

190) Parsons Transportation Group Inc.

191) PenLink

192) Pensacola State College Foundation, Inc.

193) Philips North America, LLC

194) PointClickCare Technologies USA Corp

195) Praesentia Healthcare LLC

196) Public Health Trust

197) Quarterhill

198) RAI Services Company

199) Re-Entry Alliance Pensacola, Inc.

200) ReaSyn Technologies, Inc.

201) Renew Financial Group LLC

202) Revenue Based Finance Coalition

203) Reyes Holdings, L.L.C.

204) Right Fit Advisors

205) RightSite Health

206) Rivenmoor USA Corp.

207) Robinhood

208) RTI International

209) RUDG, LLC

210) Ruveon LLC

211) Safe Harbor Hospice LLC

212) SaferWatch

213) Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida

214) Sanford Airport Authority

215) SAS Institute, Inc

216) Security Scorecard

217) Selah Freedom

218) Seminole Hard Rock Digital, LLC

219) Sentara Health Plans, Inc.

220) SePro Corporation

221) Shands Teaching Hospital and Clinics, Inc.

222) Shopping Center Management d/b/a Turnberry Associates

223) Sig Sauer, Inc.

224) Simon Wiesenthal Center, Inc.

225) SimpliGov, LLC

226) Skyward, Inc.

227) Socure, Inc.

228) Solar Sportsystems, Inc

229) South Central Florida Express, Inc

230) South Florida Police Benevolent Association

231) Southern Glazers Wine and Spirits, LLC.

232) Southern Technical College Suncoast, LLC

233) Spark Learning, Inc.

234) SPIDR Tech, Inc.

235) Spray Foam Coalition Association

236) St. Johns County

237) State Armor

238) Strategic Digital Services

239) Stride, Inc.

240) Strydent Autonomous Technologies, Inc.

241) Success Academy Charter Schools, Inc.

242) Suffolk Construction Company, Inc.

243) Sunfest Herbs LLC

244) Sunrise Sunset Apts, LLC

245) SWARM Inc.

246) Talk of the Town, Inc.

247) Tampa General Hospital

248) The Pattah, LLC

249) The Private Suite

250) The School Board of Lee County

251) Titan America LLC

252) Town of Jupiter

253) Town of Lantana

254) Town of Palm Beach

255) Tremco Incorporated

256) Trulieve, Inc.

257) Unite USA, Inc.

258) United States Sugar Corporation

259) University of Central Florida Foundation, Inc.

260) University of Florida Foundation, Inc.

261) University of Miami

262) Vanguard Parking Solutions, Inc.

263) Versaterm Public Safety

264) Vilin Bio Med Limited

265) Village of North Palm Beach

266) Vireo Health, Inc.

267) Vista Higher Learning, LLC

268) Voices for Children Foundation, Inc

269) VyStar Credit Union

270) Walgreen Company

271) Walk Off Charities

272) WeatherSTEM

273) Wheeler Emergency Management Consulting, LLC

274) Wildlandscapes International

275) Windstorm Mitigation, Inc

276) Windstorm, Inc.

277) Worldwide Interactive Network, Inc. d/b/a WIN Learning

278) Xerox Corporation and its affiliates

279) YMCA of the Palm Beaches

280) Zoox, Inc.

281) Zscaler, Inc.

NEAL JONES

(Texas, )
Clients:
Clients:

ADRIAN LUKIS

(Florida, )
  • (850) 577-0444

  • 201 East Park Avenue, 5th FL, Tallahassee, Florida, 32301, 

Clients:

JESSICA PETRIE

(Missouri, )

MATTHEW THOMPSON

(Missouri, )
  • (573) 635-6092

  • 124 East High Street, Jefferson City, MO, 65101, 

DAVID WINTON

(Missouri, )
  • (573) 635-6092

  • 124 East High Street, Jefferson City, MO, 65101,