Business & Employer Defense - 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 Insurance ad Technology, Privacy and Artificial Intelligence 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 has also made significant contributions to clients in the clean energy, electric and autonomous vehicle, and entertainment industries, tackling pivotal issues confronting her clients. Through her adept coalition-building skills, she has orchestrated numerous successful collaborations on legislative matters, particularly in advancing California’s green economy initiatives encompassing energy policy and clean transportation.

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.

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.

Shane LaVigne

Shane, a partner, co-leads the firm’s Financial Services and Insurance and Business and Employer Representation practices. Shane brings over two decades of legal, political, and public policy experience that has proven invaluable to the firm’s clients. Known as a strategic and trusted advisor to clients and legislators alike, Shane’s ability to merge his relational advocacy approach with Sacramento’s complex political landscape is a winning combination.

Shane regularly partners with and defends some of the nation’s biggest associations and companies before the California State Legislature and state agencies. His broad portfolio also includes work in the firm’s Technology, Privacy and Artificial Intelligence and the Climate Change and Energy practice areas. Shane leverages his experience and expertise counseling clients to provide a wide range of services in government relations and public affairs that deliver results.

He works with clients to create and execute legislative and media strategies, strengthens their political affairs operations, and enhance their profile. Shane has worked on several of California’s largest policy matters including representing gig economy companies and shaping policy conversations around the future of work, insurance reform, reforming California’s workers’ compensation system, and crafting legislation to diversify the state’s clean energy portfolio and advocating for climate change policies to protect the state from wildfires. Shane also represents one of the largest law enforcement practices in California. He has successfully advocated for the profession and has been at the forefront of all of California’s police reform legislation.

His extensive experience in every facet of California’s political process – as a former political and fundraising consultant, Capitol staff member, and legislative advocate – provides clients with an insightful and tailored communications strategy to frame issues effectively and to help them succeed.

Prior to joining Capitol Advocacy, Shane worked for former State Senator and Insurance Committee Chairman, and current Congressman, Juan Vargas (D-San Diego), where he gained a deep understanding of critical issues important to some of California’s biggest interests. After his tenure in the Legislature, Shane became a legislative advocate for a boutique lobbying firm in Sacramento. There, he represented blue chip clients in the insurance, health care, and financial services sectors.

Along with his extensive policy background, Shane previously owned a consulting business providing fundraising and campaign services to a number of Democratic candidates spanning every level of government, from City Council to President of the United States, including current elected officials in the California State Assembly and Senate.

Shane graduated from Syracuse University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Philosophy, where he was also a member of the 1998 Big East Championship football team. He earned his Juris Doctorate from Western Michigan University, Thomas M. Cooley Law School, in Lansing, Michigan. Shane is also an active volunteer in his community. He resides in Sacramento with his wife Sarah, their sons Beau and Troy, and daughter Ava.

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 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.

Cameron Demetre

Cameron Demetre brings over a decade of political, legislative, and policy experience to the firm. At Capitol Advocacy, Cameron is co-lead of the Firm’s Technology, Privacy and Artificial Intelligence practice area. In addition, he works within the firm’s Business and Employer Representation, Climate Change and Energy, Financial Services and Insurance, and Procurement practices.

Cameron has extensive knowledge of the technology start-up ecosystem, ranging from venture capital, early-stage startups, to Fortune 100 companies. He has a keen understanding of emerging technology and the importance of engaging policymakers for those companies to flourish.

Cameron most recently served as the California and Southwest Region Executive Director for TechNet. In his role at TechNet, he oversaw seven western states and represented nearly 100 leading tech companies. Cameron advocated before the state legislature, agencies, and administration in the areas of privacy, artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, cybersecurity, telehealth, procurement, future of work, education, fintech, advanced energy, venture capital, and e-commerce.

He was instrumental in representing businesses’ interests during the implementation of the California Consumer Privacy Act and the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA), providing inaugural comments to the California Privacy Protection Agency’s rulemaking for the CPRA. He was also the chief negotiator on Colorado’s Privacy Act, the third omnibus privacy legislation in the nation.

Prior to leading the TechNet, Cameron worked at the California Department of Finance, where he served both the Brown and Newsom Administrations providing budgetary oversight to the California Public Utilities Commission, California Energy Commission, Department of Justice, and the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.

Cameron previously worked as a Legislative Director in the Assembly, as a Legislative Aide in the Senate, and was a recipient of a California Senate Fellowship. Beyond his work in California, Cameron worked as a policy consultant for NATO in the United Kingdom, worked in International Development in Tanzania, and was a Fulbright Scholar in South Korea.

Cameron received his bachelor’s degree from Azusa Pacific University and his master’s degree from the London School of Economics. He serves on the Board of Directors for an international nonprofit focused on reducing poverty in East Africa and for the Capital Fellows Alumni Association. Cameron lives in Sacramento with his wife Emma and their two dogs, Huck and Poppy.