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KEVIN WILKINSON

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.

RAYMOND ZABORNEY

Subjects: All Subjects

Links:Website

We win. Period. Our team has a track record of winning in the halls of the capitol.Today's world is oversaturated with information and content. Whether you are trying to pass a piece of legislation, trying to mobilize the public to your cause, or trying to convey your brand's unique position in the marketplace, you need to define what makes you different from the competition.At Maverick Strategies, we use our decades of experience to match the right strategy and tactics to help you convey your message. We win. Differently.

With more than a decade of experience in politics, Ray Zaborney has played a key role in advising some of Pennsylvania's leading political figures. For his work, he has been recognized nationally as one of the country's leading political consultants. As the founding partner of Maverick Strategies (formerly State Street Strategies), Zaborney serves as a government relations and public affairs strategist for organizations with interests in front of state government.

Zaborney has advised a wide range of clients on legislation and politics in the Commonwealth, from Fortune 500 companies to scrappy startups and everything in between. Zaborney has worked to help set up a regulatory framework for Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) here in the Commonwealth, to expand gaming to make Pennsylvania a leader in internet gaming, to pass a record investment in infrastructure, and to protect and expand the authority of our Capitol city to escape near bankruptcy. He has been a leading advocate for non-discrimination protections, affordable health care, access to quality hospitals, education reforms to improve our public schools, and legislation to give minor offenders a clean slate to pursue opportunities.

Ray has served as a political advisor to some of Pennsylvania's leading political organizations including The Pennsylvania Republican Party, The Senate Republican Campaign Committee, The House Republican Campaign Committee, Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman, Majority Leader Dave Reed, Justice Sallie Mundy, Attorney General and Governor Tom Corbett, Lynn Swann, and numerous House and Senate members.

Ray is often sought after as a spokesperson and as a political analyst. Ray has contributed to stories that have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Washington Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Pittsburgh Post Gazette, The Pittsburgh Tribune Review, The Harrisburg Patriot, The Erie Times, The Scranton Times, The Wilkes Barre Times Leader, The Allentown Morning Call, The Pittsburgh City Paper, Stateline, Roll Call, CQ Politics, PoliticsPA, ESPN The Magazine, and Sports Illustrated.

In addition to his many print contributions, Zaborney has been a frequent guest on television and radio programs throughout the Commonwealth to discuss political campaigns and the political environment both in Pennsylvania and our nation.

Ray lives and works with his wife, Jennifer, and their daughters, Grace and Emma, in New Cumberland.

PAUL COSTA

Subjects: All Subjects

Links:Website

We win. Period. Our team has a track record of winning in the halls of the capitol.Today's world is oversaturated with information and content. Whether you are trying to pass a piece of legislation, trying to mobilize the public to your cause, or trying to convey your brand's unique position in the marketplace, you need to define what makes you different from the competition.At Maverick Strategies, we use our decades of experience to match the right strategy and tactics to help you convey your message. We win. Differently.

Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Paul Costa brings extensive experience in local and state government to Maverick Strategies. He is the former State Representative for the 34th district situated in Allegheny County where he served from 1999 to 2018.

While serving as a legislator he sat on several committees including Appropriations, Liquor Control, Gaming, Policy, Rules, Tourism and Transportation. Costa also served on the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, Point Park University Board of Trustees, University of Pittsburgh Institute of Politics Board of Fellows and Eastern Area Adult Services.

In 2011 Costa was elected by his peers as Allegheny County Delegation Chair where he served until his appointment as Chairman of the Liquor Control Committee in 2013. While Chairman of the Liquor Control Committee he spearheaded several initiatives including but not limited to beer and wine modernization and consumer convenience. In addition, Costa sponsored several personal pieces of legislation such as the Film Tax Credit, 50/50 legislation which generates millions for non-profits, bills which advocate for the safety of animals, a bill which allowed for automatic granting of a CDL license upon returning home for qualified military personnel and sustainable transportation measures.

Prior to serving the 34th Legislative District, Costa spent more than 20 years working in the Allegheny County Prothonotary's office, ending as Deputy Prothonotary. Costa also served on the Wilkins Township board of commissioners for three years, serving one year as board president. Paul Costa graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Point Park University. Paul resides in Pittsburgh with his wife Kathleen. They have three children Michael, Maria, and Dante.

JAMES PERRY

I've been in the room where decisions are made, written legislation and chaired committees. I served in the NC Senate for six years. I was unanimously elected to Senate Leadership in my first full term and served as Majority Whip until retirement. Additionally, I served as Chairman of Finance, Health Care, and Appropriations on Health and Human Services and served on various committees. I spent my professional career in the C Suite running health care portfolio companies for private equity firms.

A deeply personal mission eventually led me to found NC Capitol Strategies (CAP STRAT) to advocate pro bono for amputees. In January 2024, my daughter Reagan, a former elite high school tennis player, underwent an amputation of her left leg after years of battling non-cancerous bone tumors. She is currently in her first year of Medical School at the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill.

0-5 years

Recognized as Lawmaker of the Year 11 times for various organizations during my tenure.

Senator Jim Perry's entry into North Carolina politics began when proposed legislation threatened to put his business at risk. Experiencing firsthand how public policy can affect jobs, enterprise value, and personal investment inspired his commitment to helping others navigate the legislative process and advocate for sound, balanced policy.

From 2019 to 2024, Senator Perry represented his district in the North Carolina General Assembly. During his first full term, he was unanimously elected by his peers to serve in Senate leadership as Majority Whip, a role he held until his retirement. His strong background in finance and operations earned him the respect of business leaders statewide and contributed to his notable success in fundraising within the Senate caucus. Before entering public service, Perry spent over 20 years in private equity, serving as CEO, COO, and limited partner across multiple ventures and boards in the dental sector. As COO of a 3,000-person dental organization, he led the company through several private equity transactions that achieved industry-leading EBITDA multiples (14x-19x) and enterprise values between $310 million and $2.7 billion before retiring from the industry in 2019.

In the Senate, Perry chaired key committees including Finance, Healthcare, and Appropriations on Health and Human Services. Widely recognized for his expertise in tax policy, healthcare, and complex business issues, he built lasting bipartisan relationships across both chambers of the General Assembly. Perry currently serves on the Board of Visitors at North Carolina State University. He holds a bachelor's degree from NC State University and an MBA from the Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

MICHAEL GOODE

MICHAEL GOODE

(Mississippi, )

Subjects: All Subjects

Links:Website

20+ years

Michael started working in politics as a 17-year-old staffer in 1987 race for Governor. Since then, he has worked on campaigns in almost every role, spent time working on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC and did a short stint in state government for then Treasurer Tate Reeves. He entered the lobbying profession in 2004 at Baker Donelson before taking a ten-year detour working as a public finance banker at Bear Stearns and Raymond James. Partnering with Austin at the Clearwater Group in 2017, he returned to lobbying to get back to doing what he enjoys most, shaping public policy through the political, legislative and administrative processes.

Michael leads the firm's executive branch lobbying practice area with an emphasis on regulatory and procurement efforts. He is also deeply involved in strategic development for the firm's legislative practice area and political practice area.

Clients:
  • (517) 485-4044

  • 124 WEST ALLEGAN ST, STE 1700, LANSING, MI, 48933, 

Clients:
Clients:

JAKE BUTCHER

(Oklahoma, )
  • (312) 498-6060

  • 418 C STREET NE, WASHINGTON, DC, 20002, 

  • (517) 485-4044

  • 124 W ALLEGAN ST, STE 1700, LANSING, MI, 48933, 

Clients:

LEONARD COLLINS

(Florida, )
  • (850) 577-9090

  • 301 S Bronough St., Ste 600, Tallahassee, FL, 32301, 

KATHERINE CROCIATA

(New Mexico, )
  • 99 WASHINGTON AVENUE, SUITE 2020, ALBANY, NY, 12260, 

Clients:

JOHN FEDERICO

(Kansas, )
Clients:
Clients:

STEPHANIE JOHNSON

(Michigan, )
  • (517) 372-0860

  • 124 WEST ALLEGAN ST, SUITE 1700, LANSING, MI, 48933, 

Clients:

ALEXANDER KELSCH

(North Dakota, )
  • (517) 485-4044

  • 124 W ALLEGAN, STE 1700, LANSING, MI, 48933, 

Clients:

TAYLOR LAWRENCE

(Michigan, )
  • (810) 429-1463

  • 124 W ALLEGAN ST, STE 1700, LANSING, MI, 48933, 

Clients:

ANDREW LEAVITT

(Michigan, )
  • (517) 485-4044

  • 124 W ALLEGAN ST, STE 1700, LANSING, MI, 48933, 

Clients:
  • (810) 845-3703

  • 124 West Allegan Street, Suite 1700, Lansing, MI, 48933, 

Clients:

EMMETT MARTIN

(Federal, )
  • 1010 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Suite 710, Washington, DC, 20007, 

  • 99 WASHINGTON AVENUE, SUITE 2020, ALBANY, NY, 12260, 

Clients:
Clients:

1) A16Z CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC

2) AFFORDABLE ASSISTED LIVING COALITION

3) AMEREN ILLINOIS

4) AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF ORTHODONTIST

5) AMERICAN COUNCIL OF LIFE INSURERS

6) ANAPLAN INC.

7) AUTO AND TRUCK RECYCLERS OF ILLINOIS

8) BAYER U.S. LLC

9) CAPSTONE CONSULTING

10) COLLINSVILLE CUSD #10

11) COPACK INDUSTRIES LLC

12) DECATUR DOWNS LLC

13) DESTINATION ILLINOIS LLC

14) DIRECTV, LLC

15) DUCKS UNLIMITED

16) EARTH FUNERAL GROUP

17) ECHOSTAR CORPORATION AND ITS AFFILIATES

18) ENTERPRISE LEASING COMPANY OF CHICAGO, LLC DBA ENTERPRISE MOBILITY

19) EXXON MOBIL CORPORATION

20) FIREMEN'S ANNUITY & BENEFIT FUND OF CHICAGO

21) FMR, LLC

22) FORESIGHT ENERGY, LLC

23) FOUR RIVERS SANITATION AUTHORITY

24) GERONIMO POWER, LLC

25) GOOGLE LLC AND ITS AFFILIATES

26) GRAND PRAIRIE WATER COMMISSION

27) HEALTH CARE COUNCIL OF ILLINOIS

28) I3 BROADBAND

29) ILLINOIS ASSOCIATION OF VOCATIONAL AGRICULTURE TEACHERS

30) ILLINOIS CENTRAL RAILROAD COMPANY

31) ILLINOIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE TRUSTEES ASSOCIATION

32) ILLINOIS HEALTH & HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION

33) ILLINOIS LIFE & HEALTH INSURANCE COUNCIL

34) ILLINOIS PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSOCIATION

35) ILLINOIS PIPE TRADES, P.E.C.

36) ILLINOIS PUBLIC HIGHER EDUCATION COOPERATIVE

37) ILLINOIS RADIOLOGICAL SOCIETY

38) ILLINOIS RETAIL MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION

39) ILLINOIS SOCIETY OF ANESTHESIOLOGISTS

40) ILLUMINATIVE STRATEGIES INC.

41) INTERNATIONAL UNION OF OPERATING ENGINEERS LOCAL 318

42) INTERNATIONAL UNION OF OPERATING ENGINEERS LOCAL 520

43) INTERNATIONAL UNION OF OPERATING ENGINEERS LOCAL 649

44) INTERNATIONAL UNION OF OPERATING ENGINEERS LOCAL 841

Clients:

EVANGELOS RANTZAKLIS

EVANGELOS RANTZAKLIS

(New York, )
  • 99 WASHINGTON AVENUE, SUITE 2020, ALBANY, NY, 12260, 

Clients:

NICOLE RODRIGUEZ

(Michigan, )
  • (517) 485-4044

  • 124 W ALLEGAN ST, STE 1700, LANSING, MI, 48933, 

Clients:
Clients:

ROBERT STUART

(Florida, )
Clients:

JASON UNGER

(Florida, )
Clients:

MICHAEL ZIMMER

(Michigan, )
  • (517) 485-4044

  • 124 W ALLEGAN ST, STE 1700, LANSING, MI, 48933, 

Clients: