Lobbyists

David Foster, Esq.

Foster, Graham, Milstein, Miller & Calisher, LLP.

David is a co-managing partner of Foster, Graham, Milstein, Miller & Calisher, LLP specializing in Land Use Law and Government Affairs.  David is adept at balancing public and private interests and has been achieving serious results for his legal and lobbying clients over the last 10 years by consistently finding a better way to do the deal – better in terms of creativity, efficiency and the ability to bring parties with seemingly disparate interests to common ground.  He had the privilege of serving on Mayor John Hickenlooper’s Transition Team as well as on Governor Bill Ritter’s Transition Team.

David is a product of the higher education system in Colorado.  He has his B.A. from the University of Colorado, Boulder; his J.D. from the University of Denver, College of Law; and his M.P.A. from the University of Colorado, Graduate School of Public Affairs.

 

Mary Marchun

The Capstone Group LLC

Mary Marchun is an experienced lobbyist and political strategist, with extensive involvement in business, natural resources and economic development issues.  Mary also brings experience in special event planning, fundraising, and PAC development.

Mary has successfully passed legislation on behalf of her clients on issues ranging from new investment opportunities for community banks, water development, affordable housing, endangered species funding, the creation of a special district to promote economic development and renewable energy.  She has also been instrumental in advocating for client interests in the midst of high profile banking, mortgage lending, identity theft, unsolicited faxes, and predatory lending issues that developed under the microscope of intense legislative and media attention.

Prior to founding The Capstone Group, Mary served as Assistant Director at the Colorado Department of Natural Resources. In this capacity, she served both Governor Ritter and Governor Owens as the Governor’s liaison to the General Assembly for water and natural resources policy.  During this time, Mary was a key strategist in the passage of Colorado Water for the 21st Century Act; legislation that is considered one of the most important changes to water law in the past 50 years. She also secured passage of bipartisan legislation related to interruptible water supply agreements, State Park improvements, wildlife protection, mining law updates, water banking and the Statewide Water Supply Initiative (SWSI).

Mary began her career in public affairs as the Liaison to the President of the Colorado State Senate. She is a fourth generation native of Colorado’s Western Slope, with strong professional ties on both sides of the divide. Mary currently serves on the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce Public Policy Committee, Independent Bankers of Colorado Scholarship Committee and the South East Business Partnership Public Policy Committee.

 

Christine Staberg

The Capstone Group LLC

Christine Staberg’s public affairs expertise includes integration of public affairs and public relations, communications, strategic planning and effective grassroots organizing to raise visibility and secure support for policy issues. She has worked in a policy capacity in the state of Colorado since 1994, building strong relationships with policy makers and key influencers.

As a partner at The Capstone Group, Christine has delivered significant client outcomes in the areas of health care, land use/development and economic development.  Christine is engaged in state budget and capital efforts on behalf of clients, and has had success in directing state funding for critical operational and capital needs. In addition to state level advancements, Christine’s efforts were instrumental in the reorganization of the United States Army Corp of Engineers regional offices, and in securing of a federal appropriation earmark for a Western Slope health care interest.

 

Jeannie Vanderburg

The Capstone Group LLC

From an early age Jeannie was knocking doors for political candidates, sitting in on strategy sessions, and attending election night parties in northwest Denver. While at the University of Colorado she chose to study Political Science and never looked back. She also had the unique opportunity to live in Jerusalem and explore the Middle East while studying Middle Eastern Policy at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Jeannie graduated and began work as a research assistant at JVA Consulting. However, she missed being in the fray of politics day to day, and accepted a position with The Capstone Group. She quickly proved an invaluable member of the team, monitoring policy debates, developing expertise in the state’s budget process, as well as creating new events and communication opportunities. As a Senior Associate, Jeannie has achieved a wide range of successes on behalf of clients including developing the first of its kind continuing professional development program for psychologist in the state, advocating for common sense regulation to ensure the marijuana edible products don’t end up in the hands of children, and promoting business friendly policies. She also directs The Capstone Group’s spring internship program at the State Capitol and all client and political events. During the interim she actively works with clients on political giving and election strategy, as well as monitoring interim legislative committee activities.

 

Cinamon Watson

Catalyst Public Affairs

Cinamon specializes in strategic communications, media relations, political and policy insight, and campaign management. Her rich background and nearly two decades of experience brings a unique and invaluable skillset to her clients.  She has sharpened her skills on the campaign trail, in the board room and in the halls of government working for a diverse list of candidates, policy issues, and corporate brands.

Although she calls Colorado home, Cinamon is a native of the South – as evidenced by her taste in music, food, and the occasional “y’all.” The combination of western grit and southern diplomacy serves her clients well. Cinamon can uncover the beauty in hidden gems, find a path to victory when others walk away, and spot a small detail that may make or break a strategy. She never shies away from a challenge, and she is not afraid to give her clients sage advice. Recognized as the “utility player” on Team Catalyst, Cinamon moves seamlessly between strategic communication and stakeholder engagement endeavors. She also delights in anything demanding creativity from designing the annual Christmas card to developing innovative communications tools and product launches. She regularly provides commentary on the Colorado political climate and even moderated one of dozen gubernatorial debates in 2018.

Cinamon was recently named among Colorado Politics’ Top Capitol Influencers and has received numerous professional accolades and recognition. In 2016, National Journal recognized Congressman Mike Coffman’s race as one of the top campaigns the nation. “Coffman had a political all-star team working on his campaign, led by campaign manager Cinamon Watson,” observed the Journal. She has also won acclaim for various communication tactics that have been named as finalists on several occasions by Campaign & Elections’ Reed Awards.

A graduate of the University of Colorado, Cinamon is an active member of the community and serves on several boards and regularly volunteers. She is an avid sports fan and enjoys globe- trotting, all things art, a good book, and skiing. As fly-fishing was a key component of her marriage vows, she and her husband also spend a fair amount of time on the river. When the stress of life reaches a tipping point, you can find Cinamon hanging out in an art museum staring at one of her favorite paintings. In addition to achieving world peace, her life goal is be the best aunt ever to her three amazing, talented nieces and hard-charging nephew.

 

Jennifer Webster

Catalyst Public Affairs

Jennifer is an accomplished government and public affairs strategist. She began her career on Capitol Hill and honed her skills working in all levels of government and in a range of industry boardrooms. Jennifer counts an impressive number of wins among her many professional successes including the passage of statewide transportation funding measures and delivery of major, multi-billion energy and transportation infrastructure projects. Jennifer specializes in developing and executing effective public affairs and stakeholder outreach strategies.

Known for her ability to build successful coalitions, develop strategic community support, and guide clients through difficult issues, Jennifer brings a wealth of government and community relations expertise to the team.

Prior to founding Catalyst Public Affairs, Jennifer directed government and public affairs in the west for Pioneer Natural Resources – a large, independent oil and gas company. She previously served as Senior Vice President of Public Affairs and Communications for the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce and was Director of the Policy and Government Relations Office at the Colorado Department of Transportation and Secretary to the Colorado Transportation Commission.

Jennifer is a graduate of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and she and her family make their home in Denver, CO.