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.