Sacramento - Capitol Advocacy

John Latimer

As managing partner and founder of Capitol Advocacy, John Latimer is recognized year after year as one of Sacramento’s most influential lobbyists. Known for his strength in strategic planning and coordinating lobbying campaigns, John’s ability to shape and deliver messaging in a clear and convincing manner gets results for clients. This talent has allowed John to build Capitol Advocacy into one of the most successful lobbying firms in Sacramento.

John co-leads two of Capitol Advocacy’s practice areas; Energy and Climate Change as well as Business and Employer Representation. John is also actively engaged with the full team of ten lobbyists and two legislative analysts as they help clients participate in the most important marketplace in the Country while navigating the nation’s most complex and politicized legislative and regulatory environment.

John began his career working for the California State Legislature, spending time working for Democrats in both the Senate and the Assembly, rising to the positions of Chief of Staff and Chief Consultant. During the first decade of his career, John also helped guide multiple campaigns for the Assembly Democrats. In 1998, John decided to return home and run for a Northern California State Assembly seat, narrowly losing in the Democratic primary by just a few hundred votes. Although this signaled the closing of one chapter working within the State Legislature for John, it was a catalyst for his lobbying career and the creation of Capitol Advocacy.

Twenty-five years later, Capitol Advocacy is one of the largest and most successful lobbying firms in Sacramento. During that time, John has been a power player in some of California’s thorniest legislative fights including energy and environmental issues, internet gaming, alcohol regulation, soft drink tax and labeling issues, and water policy. Consistently ranked as one of Capitol Weekly’s “Top 100”, a list of California’s top political players, John has successfully sheparded clients through term limits, budget deficits, and new administrations.

John’s network of relationships stretch beyond California’s political landscape and reach across the United States. John’s connections to Fortune 500 company executives, elected officials, particularly in Congress, and government officials across the United States is an asset for all of the firm’s clients.

John received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government and a Master’s in Public Policy and Administration from California State University, Sacramento. He lives in Sacramento with his wife Kelly and the two are proud parents to three daughters.

Margaret Gladstein

A partner at Capitol Advocacy, Margaret brings over 25 years of political and public policy experience. She serves as co-lead of the firm’s Financial Services and Artificial Intelligence Technology and Privacy practices.

Recognized as a trusted advisor and influential voice in shaping policy decisions that impact her clients, Margaret covers a diverse range of issues. She has played a pivotal role in shaping privacy and consumer protection legislation across multiple sectors, including technology, retail, financial services/fintech, and others. Margaret’s expertise in privacy and tech policy has earned her recognition as a speaker at events such as the National Conference of State Legislatures and the National Retail Federation.

Margaret’s strategic coalition-building has driven successful legislative outcomes.She has driven client interests in clean energy, electric/autonomous vehicles, AI, and entertainment. She proactively shapes critical policy and is recognized for her ability to effectively mitigates harmful legislation.

Prior to joining Capitol Advocacy, Margaret served as the Chief Consultant of the California State Assembly Banking and Finance Committee. Her early career experience at Bain and Company, coupled with a stint in the financial services industry, enables Margaret to offer clients a unique blend of insights from both public and private sectors as she works with them through the intricate landscape of California’s legislative, administrative, and regulatory domains.

In addition to her policy acumen, Margaret provides strategic counsel on navigating California’s ever-evolving political terrain. With over a decade of experience as a campaign consultant for statewide initiatives and legislative candidates throughout the Western United States, Margaret was recognized as a “Rising Star” from the American Association of Political Consultants. Originally from Oklahoma, Margaret graduated with honors from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. She and her husband Tim share a passion for travel, particularly enjoying visits to their daughter, who is as a public relations professional in New York.

Dean R. Grafilo

Dean R. Grafilo is a partner at the firm, where he brings over twenty years of political and policy experience to Capitol Advocacy. His relational advocacy approach, deep-rooted knowledge on a wide range of issues, and ability to deliver results is an invaluable asset to the firm.

With the two decades of working on the state budget either as legislative staff or most recently, as Department Director, Dean, is one of the firm’s co-leads for the Procurement practice area. Additionally, Dean works within the firm’s Healthcare, Financial Services, Technology, and growing Attorney General practices.

Quickly after his arrival to the firm in 2019, Dean seamlessly transitioned toward advancing a number of client’s goals in the Legislature, before the Administration and by seizing state procurement opportunities. Whether in healthcare, cannabis, financial products, gig economy, housing, higher education policies, or IT procurement, Dean effectively collaborated with clients and colleagues to achieve desired outcomes.

Dean was most recently appointed by Governor Jerry Brown as the Director of the California Department of Consumer Affairs, which administers more than 3.9 million occupational licenses in the State of California. This unparalleled experience helps clients navigate through the myriad of licensing schemes, boards, commissions and bureaus.

As Director, Dean was heavily involved in many of the State’s largest consumer protection issues including cannabis, occupational licensing, and healthcare. With the department’s executive team, he led the regulatory entities and other divisions within the DCA and was a featured speaker at numerous events throughout the country.

Prior to his appointment, Dean was the longest serving Chief of Staff to former State Assemblymember, and current Attorney General, Rob Bonta. In this role, he touched a variety of policy areas including public employment, pension and social security administration, tribal gaming, horse racing, budget, appropriations, and housing. As a seasoned Democratic staff member, Dean was recognized as a trusted, reliable, and knowledgeable resource. During his tenure in the Legislature, he was sought out for his ability to win competitive campaigns.

In addition to working for several members of the State Assembly, Dean previously worked as the Associate Director of Government Relations at the California Medical Association. He was also a Gubernatorial Appointee for the California State Athletic Commission, where he was involved with policy decisions affecting the State’s combat sports issues.

Dean was an Organizer Representative at Service Employees International Union Local 925 and a political intern at the M.L. King County Labor Council in Seattle. Additionally, he was a Field Representative and Organizer at International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 142 in Hawai’i. Working as a union leader in several states, Dean has proven experience collaborating with both labor and business together.

Dean earned a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Washington and Bachelor of Arts studying Political Science at San Francisco State University. He lives in West Sacramento with his wife Marisa and two daughters.

Chad Mayes

Chad Mayes is a partner at Capitol Advocacy, where he co-leads the Climate Change and Energy practice area. His expertise in this field is fueled by a fervent commitment to advancing innovative and sustainable solutions, skillfully navigating the complex landscape of modern environmental challenges. Additionally, Chad plays a significant role in the Healthcare Practice and contributes to the Technology, Privacy and Artificial Intelligence, as well as the Business and Employer Representation practice areas. His broad spectrum of advice to clients is rooted in extensive experience at the crossroads of public policy and industry sectors, where he consistently delivers strategic insights and actionable solutions.

Mayes began his career as a financial advisor and small business owner. He then served as Mayor and Council Member at the Town of Yucca Valley, and as a board member of the San Bernardino Associated Governments and the League of California Cities. He later served as Chief of Staff to the Chair of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors.

In 2014, he was elected to the California State Assembly, representing the 42nd District in the Inland Empire. He quickly established himself as a dynamic and effective leader, earning the respect and trust of his peers and was elected Assembly Republican Leader after only 10 months in office. In 2019, he dropped his Republican party affiliation and was successful in running for re-election as an Independent in 2020.

Throughout his time in the Assembly, Mayes was known for his ability to identify pragmatic policy solutions that improved the lives of Californians and helped the state maintain its position as a global leader in the 21st century. He traveled extensively throughout the state, engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, groups, and businesses to better understand issues and build support for key policies. He was particularly successful in his district, earning high marks as a consensus builder and getting things done for his constituents.

On statewide issues, Mayes played a key role in crafting and passing some of California’s most significant policy reforms, including California’s landmark Cap and Trade Law, the SB 901 Commission that reformed wildfire response and mitigation efforts, and the bill that created the California Wildfire Fund, which protected ratepayers, held utility executives accountable, and helped victims regain their lives.

Mayes also co-founded New Way California along with former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, an organization dedicated to putting people above political parties and improving the lives of all Californians.

Throughout his time in the assembly, Mayes served on several committees, including the Assembly Health Committee and Insurance Committees, the Utilities and Energy and Governmental Organization committees. Mayes was appointed by then-Speaker Toni Atkins to serve on the Little Hoover Commission. Mayes was an original founder and co-chair of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus.

Mayes is a graduate of Liberty University and currently resides in Rancho Mirage with his wife, Dr. Andis Almasi Mayes and daughter, Mila.

Jennifer Hendrick Snyder

Jennifer Hendrick Snyder, a partner at Capitol Advocacy, brings over 25 years of policy development, community relations, and advocacy experience to the firm. As the co-lead of the Firm’s Healthcare practice, she is considered one of California’s top lobbyists in the healthcare and human services arena and has been instrumental in negotiating key rate and health policy changes to benefit her clients.

Her keen understanding of California’s complex healthcare and human services issues including behavioral health, coupled with her extensive background working for several healthcare organizations, has provided our clients with great success in both the Legislature and the Executive Branch. Jennifer’s experience advocating on budget issues has led to obtaining rate enhancements for clients and mitigating rate cuts for health care facility and pharmacy providers, physicians, and medical and product suppliers. Further, she has advocated on behalf of the life sciences industry, supporting their continued viability and advances in research and development in California.

Along with her advocacy in the Legislature, Jennifer’s deep-rooted background in the industry and relationships with key stakeholders have enabled the firm’s clients to successfully secure lucrative health contracts with the State. Jennifer also works closely with clients to navigate the Department of Health Care Services, Department of Public Health and Department of Social Services, positively facilitating the process for multiple clients to become Medi-Cal enrolled providers, obtain coverage of new health care technologies, and troubleshoot state licensure issues.

Before joining Capitol Advocacy, Jennifer served in a variety of government relations capacities at the California Association for Health Services at Home, the California Association of Health Facilities, the California Alliance of Child and Family Services, and the California Hospital Association. Her extensive experience working for this diverse group of healthcare organizations and associations has led her to become an industry expert on issues related to long-term care, social and health care services.

Additionally, Jennifer has spearheaded several grassroots and coalition building campaigns, working directly with health care facilities and community service agencies to achieve successful legislative outreach and build support coalitions for her clients. With this unique perspective, Jennifer skillfully advises clients on strategically communicating and garnering grassroots and stakeholder support for their policy objectives.

Jennifer has a degree in political science from California State University, Chico and a master’s degree in Health Administration from the University of San Francisco. She enjoys running and biking around Folsom Lake and volunteers with Meals on Wheels in her local community. She lives in Granite Bay with her husband Brian and son Colton.

Kristy Wiese

Kristy Wiese, a partner with Capitol Advocacy, brings over twenty five years of experience in both public and private interests to her diverse array of clients. She co-leads the firm’s significant Healthcare practice which spans the healthcare delivery system including facilities, payors, providers and vendors who provide healthcare within California.

Much of her work is focused on California’s Medicaid program, Medi-Cal, which covers more than one third of the state’s population. Within the firm’s other practice areas, Kristy also works on issues relating to Technology, Privacy and Artificial Intelligence. Given the complexity of California’s landscape for all businesses, Kristy also works on General Business and Employer Representation issues. Her experience and relationships within the Legislature and State government enable her to combine access with strategic advice that enables organizations to advance their policy objectives.

Kristy’s deep-rooted knowledge of clients’ issues and keen understanding of what drives California’s political structure has proven successful as she has navigated some of the state’s most challenging issues. She is recognized for her unique and intuitive approach provides clients with strategic advice that gets results. her analytical, problem-solving and communication skills, counsel on coalition building, grassroots and grass tops outreach, and strategy for facilitating bipartisan relationship building with policy makers is a winning combination for the firm’s clients.

Kristy’s experience as a key official and decision-maker within former Governor Gray Davis’ administration provides unique insights to clients seeking experienced advocates to lobby on behalf of regulatory issues at every level of government. Prior to her experience in state government, Kristy was the in-house lobbyist for one of the state’s largest non-profit, grassroots organizations, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California (PPAC).

Kristy completed her undergraduate work at San Diego State University and holds a Masters of Public Policy and Administration from California State University, Sacramento. Beyond the time that she invests in work, Kristy focuses her energy on supporting organizations that build community. Kristy serves on the Board of Directors for Fairytale Town, one of Sacramento’s most beloved institutions, a commitment that reflects her passion for the organization’s mission of promoting the imagination, creativity, and education of children. She also serves on the Board of the Friends of the Crisis Nurseries, an auxiliary of the Sacramento Children’s Home. The auxiliary works to enable the work of the crisis nurseries to support and strengthen families. Kristy lives in East Sacramento with her husband, Kasey, and two young children, Emily and Jack.

Marc Aprea

Marc Aprea has political and legislative expertise in areas that include alcoholic beverages, energy, franchising, information technology, local government, procurement, solid and hazardous waste, sports and entertainment, technology, state budget, taxation, and transportation. Aprea has provided advice and advocacy for various interests in California at the state and local level for more than 45 years. Marc began his career running the Northern California public opinion survey operation on the successful 1974 gubernatorial campaign of Jerry Brown.

Aprea later was an advance man on the 1980 presidential campaign of Jerry Brown and the 1984 presidential campaign of Vice-President Walter Mondale. From 1980 to 1998, Aprea served in a variety of government relations capacities with the International Franchise Association, The Southland Corporation (owners and operators of 7-Eleven convenience stores) and with Browning-Ferris Industries (a leading provider of solid waste collection, recycling, and disposal services). Throughout the years, Marc has successfully developed and implemented political and legislative strategies that resulted in the enactment of legislation for the benefit of his clients. Marc lives in Sacramento with his wife Sharon. They have twin 28-year-old children, Brooke and Alex.

Cesar Diaz

Cesar Diaz has over two decades of legislative and political experience in California. He served as principal policy consultant for the office of the Senate Pro Tempore under Senators Atkins and McGuire, where he guided policy and budget priorities in the areas of labor, public employment and retirement, governmental organization, tribal issues, gaming compacts, alcohol and management of public safety emergencies and disasters.

Previously, he was the longtime legislative and political director for the State Building Trades Council where he spent 14 years advancing the council’s legislative, regulatory and political agenda. As political director, he managed the council’s endorsement process and political action committee while building coalitions with business, housing and environmental organizations to influence legislative and constitutional officer elections, statewide political initiatives and local campaigns.

Throughout his career, Cesar has served on various boards and commissions, including serving for Governors Brown and Newsom as the gubernatorial appointee to the State Allocation Board, which apportions state bond funds to school districts for modernization and new construction of school facilities.

Cesar served as a co-editor of the California Target Book, an essential source of campaign data for political professionals. The Capitol Weekly recognized him as “one of California’s most influential lobbyists,” and he participated in the Sacramento Bee’s California Influencer Series—a special project that focused on the policy challenges affecting communities by bringing together a diverse group of leaders to engage in a thoughtful exchange about possible solutions to pressing statewide issues. His Capitol experience includes serving as senior policy advisor to California Lt. Governor Bustamante. Prior to working in and around the Capitol, Cesar worked as a program associate for the California Academy of Family Physicians.

Sam Mahood

Sam Mahood brings an extensive background in California politics and government to Capitol Advocacy, serving in key communications and policy roles in both Sacramento and Washington, DC. Sam’s areas of expertise include transportation electrification, technology and privacy, and appropriations.

As a state legislative staffer, Sam was a communications staffer for State Senators Mark DeSaulnier and Bill Monning and Assembly Speaker John A. Perez. After his stint working in the State Legislature, he joined Secretary of State Alex Padilla’s administration as Press Secretary. As the primary spokesperson for the Secretary of State’s office, Sam helped distill complex policy for the media, worked to advance some of California’s most historic election reforms, and helped defend our democracy from unprecedented attacks from foreign and domestic actors.

Sam continued working for Alex Padilla following his appointment to serve as United States Senator. In Senator Padilla’s Capitol Hill office, Sam was the lead staffer on appropriations, managing requests from stakeholders across the state and delivering federal funding to communities all over California. He also served as transportation policy advisor for the Senator, working to advance many of California’s major transportation infrastructure projects. Outside of government, Sam has served as an elected delegate to both the California Democratic Party and Democratic National Convention. Born and raised in the Bay Area and a graduate of UC Davis, Sam now lives in Midtown Sacramento with his girlfriend and their cat Dash.

Jennifer Roe

Jennifer Roe joined Capitol Advocacy in 2015, bringing nearly a decade of policy and communications expertise to the firm. As one of the firm’s lobbyists, Jennifer’s knowledge of the process, her background on policy issues and her strategic communications skills prove invaluable for the firm’s clients.

Jennifer co-leads the firm’s Procurement practice and advocates on behalf of clients within the Healthcare, Climate Change and Energy and Business and Employer Representation practice areas. She has successfully advocated on behalf of clients both in the Legislature and within the Executive Branch. She helps clients navigate the legislative and regulatory processes and provides strategic counsel to communicate their messages effectively. Her relational advocacy approach proves successful for the firm’s clients as she has navigated difficult issues such as police reform, healthcare transparency, and climate change policy.

Understanding the policy objectives for each client, Jennifer’s analytical communication, research, and writing skills provide timely updates with relevant information about issues pertinent to them. Along with analyzing legislation, Jennifer reviews budget proposals, monitors oversight and informational hearings, drafts position letters, and keeps track of all regulatory matters of interest to clients. Jennifer also works with the firm to implement its marketing functions.

Prior to joining Capitol Advocacy, Jennifer worked for several members of the State Assembly, most recently as the Capitol Director for the Minority Caucus Chair and Vice-Chair of the Assembly Business & Professions Committee. She provided strategic counsel to the members and worked closely with caucus communications to develop and implement effective legislative strategies. Jennifer also developed members’ legislative priorities and worked on a variety of policy issues including health and human service budget issues, Proposition 65 reform, manufacturing incentives, workplace flexibility, public safety, and utilities. Her firsthand experience as legislative staff allowed her to build key relationships both in the Legislature and the Administration.

Originally from Sacramento, Jennifer graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, with an accounting focus, from California State University, Chico. She enjoys mentoring young professionals through SheShares, a non-profit organization dedicated to connecting women in the Capitol community. She lives in Roseville with her husband Kyle and two daughters.