Your Winning Collaborative Partnership Starts Here
Combining diverse experiences, insights and expertise is a winning formula. How do we know? We’ve been doing it for more than 25 years. Bottom line—we get results by fully immersing with our clients as true partners in implementing strategic and meaningful public affairs campaigns.
Kelly Calkin
Founder
Kelly is a veteran public affairs and political consultant who has spent the last 25 years helping clients navigate must-win situations often against difficult odds. Drawing from his political campaign experience, Kelly has pioneered a unique approach to public affairs that applies the lessons learned winning numerous high-stakes candidate, ballot measure and legislative campaigns. His personal contacts include the numerous heads of corporations, trade associations, labor unions and elected officials he has helped see through their toughest fights. With Kelly in the room, you get a competitive advantage from difference-making game plans, senior level strategy, compelling creative and media, disciplined campaign management and a deep network of relationships throughout California.
Issue Area Expertise:
Energy, healthcare, insurance, labor, agriculture
Skills Beyond Strategy:
Campaign management, crisis communications, creative media, coalition building, press relations
Expert Experience:
Pacific Gas and Electric, Personal Insurance Federation, California Professional Firefighters, California Building and Construction Trades Council, Aide to a California Congresswoman
Education:
University of California, Berkeley, B.A. Political Science, with honors
Out of Office:
Girl dad, chess, poor golfer who likes the walk, family movie night, traveling at home and abroad
Other Hats:
WEAVE Board Member, UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies
Annie Hoagland
Vice President
Annie has spent the last 20 years advising clients on communicating with the public, decisionmakers, key stakeholders, the media and within their own organizations. Through creative messaging, collateral materials development and strategic communications planning, she has left her mark on some of California's most pressing challenges. With Annie in the room, you get proactive and intentional strategies plus ambitious and forward-thinking solutions paired with her unwavering focus on delivering real and transformative results.
Issue Area Expertise:
Water resources, environmental policy, infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare
Skills Beyond Strategy:
Project management, messaging, collateral materials, coalition building and mobilization
Expert Experience:
Consultant for Department of Water Resources and Electrify America, AECOM, California Professional Firefighters, California Faculty Association
Education:
University of California, Davis, B.A. Political Science and History
Out of Office:
Aspiring foodie, sports enthusiast, Swiftie, outdoor explorer
Other Hats:
Dog and human mom, Type A unapologist
Mallori Farrell
Vice President
Mallori has spent over 14 years on the political battlefield—from elevating stakeholders in the halls of government and building consensus on difficult policy issues to advancing initiatives through local and statewide political campaigns. Whether uniting unconventional allies, organizing diverse coalitions with a unified voice or mobilizing voters on complex issues, she understands what it takes to tackle a challenge head-on and execute a successful strategy. With Mallori in the room, you get hyper-local connections, big-picture strategic thinking and energetic problem-solving that is always focused on the win.
Issue Area Expertise:
Housing, energy, infrastructure, transportation
Skills Beyond Strategy:
Campaign management, coalition building, project management, mobilization
Expert Experience:
California Apartment Association, California Association of REALTORS®, United Contractors
Education:
University of California, Santa Cruz, B.A. Politics
Out of Office:
Western States 100 mile/one day endurance ride, whitewater rafting, gardening, anything “type-2” fun
Other Hats:
Amateur homesteader, real estate agent
Dani Casados
Operations Manager
Dani has spent over a decade managing both complex and day-to-day operations. Whether she’s streamlining processes, executing marketing strategies or managing client deliverables, Dani is a reliable force in driving operational efficiency and achieving measurable results. With Dani involved, you get an unparalleled eye for detail, strategic mindset and unique blend of organization, creativity, and a results-driven approach, ensuring every project is executed to its fullest potential.
Issue Area Expertise:
Energy, healthcare, insurance, labor, agriculture, campaign finance
Skills Beyond Strategy:
Operations and project management, executive support, brand visibility
Expert Experience:
I Street Public Affairs, Townsend Calkin Tapio Public Affairs
Education:
American River College
Out of Office:
Family, weekend getaways
Other Hats:
Team mom, wannabe event planner
Noah Bilyeu
Senior Account Executive
Noah brings unique experience in political strategy and public policy, built in the halls of the California Capitol Building. From crafting policy and navigating complex legislative issues to winning campaigns, he knows what it takes to get results. His firsthand experience working directly with government leaders, organizing and mobilizing stakeholders and managing statewide initiatives have established an unshakable strategic foundation. With Noah, you get practical strategies that deliver clear and decisive outcomes.
Issue Area Expertise:
Public safety, education, energy, environmental policy
Skills Beyond Strategy:
Public policy analysis, coalition building, campaign management
Expert Experience:
California State Assembly, California State Senate, Regional Campaigns
Education:
University of Nevada, Reno, B.A. Political Science and Criminal Justice
Out of Office:
Exploring the outdoors through camping, skiing and hiking, engaged community member/event attender
Other Hats:
California transplant