Our Team

John Kelly
Principal
Barbara Meaney
Principal
Julie Rees
Principal
Richard Travis
Principal

  Lord, give us the wisdom to utter words that are gentle and tender, for tomorrow we may have to eat them.  
- Morris K. Udall

John Kelly     |     Principal     |     602-761-2767     |     john@triadvocates.com

At Triadvocates:

John leads the firm’s government marketing efforts, where he brings more than 30 years of rich career experience in government leadership, policy, public affairs, media and business. He also contributes considerable expertise to state and federal policy and advocacy efforts across a wide range of policy areas, with a particular passion for education and workforce development. John is a skilled meeting facilitator, and has extensive experience in strategic planning, public outreach and communications. Clients appreciate John's creativity, depth of knowledge, and sterling reputation for effective, respectful representation when lobbying state, local or federal entities.

Before Triadvocates

John has been a thought leader in the technology community in Arizona since serving as the state’s first Chief Information Officer and as the government relations and community solutions manager for Intel Corporation in Arizona. Prior experience includes serving as the federal/intergovernmental coordinator for the Office of the Governor, and as senior appropriations staff and legislative director for an Arizona Congressman.

Outside Triadvocates

John and his wife, Mary Lynn, are parents to three grown sons and a couple of friendly dogs, and reside in a horse and chicken friendly neighborhood in North Phoenix.  John is an avid basketball player, and loves biking and hiking in the Arizona sunshine.  He is the immediate past Chairman of Treasures4Teachers, a not-for-profit resource and supply store serving Arizona educators.  When the chickens are in a good mood, there are free fresh eggs available from John. 

  A smooth sea never made a skillful sailor. 
- Anonymous

Barbara Meaney     |     Principal     |     602-761-2763     |     barbara@triadvocates.com

At Triadvocates:
Barbara Meaney is a founding member of Triadvocates, which celebrated 22 years of service this year. Her focus is on state-level policy and advocacy, representing the firm’s clients before the Arizona State Legislature, the Governor's Office and executive branch agencies. She was named an Outstanding Woman in Business by the Phoenix Business Journal and is consistently recognized as one of the top lobbyists in Arizona by the Arizona Capitol Times. She has established herself as a highly effective advocate for a variety of private-sector enterprises with a special concentration in healthcare, telecommunications, advanced manufacturing, technology, and disruptive industries.

Before Triadvocates:
Barbara has more than 20 years of experience in the lobbying and legal fields, including a judicial clerkship in Washington, D.C., and with the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona. A "recovering" litigation attorney, she made the move to government relations in 1997 to pursue her interests in public policy and politics. Immediately prior to founding Triadvocates, Barbara was an integral member of the government relations practice group of Quarles & Brady LLP.

Outside Triadvocates:

A member of the Board of Directors for the Brophy Community Foundation, Barbara enjoys giving back to her community. Barbara delights (most days) in spending time with her four growing-too-fast kids. On rare occasions, she and her husband have been known to sneak out for cocktails and dinner at some of their favorite local venues. An avid exercise enthusiast, Barbara is always looking for her next challenge.

  You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough. 
- Mae West

Julie Rees     |     Principal     |     602-761-2765     |     julie@triadvocates.com

At Triadvocates:

Building on her prior service in local government, Julie provides leadership to the firm’s economic development practice where she has successfully managed more than $1 billion dollars in Arizona projects over the last decade. Recognized as an adept dealmaker by the Arizona Capitol Times, Julie’s experience ranges from transportation, health care, energy and housing infrastructure to tribal investment. At Triadvocates, Julie guides client interaction with local, state and federal officials.

Before Triadvocates:

Immediately prior to joining Triadvocates, Julie served as the principal staff and policy advisor to the mayor of one of Arizona’s largest cities. In that capacity, she was responsible for strategic planning, policy development and outreach in subject areas such as transportation and infrastructure, land-use planning and finance.

Outside Triadvocates:

Julie serves on the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation where she serves on the Executive Committee and co-chairs the 15th Annual Heroes of Education event.  She also contributes to the WESTMARC and Women in Transportation Seminar (WTS) Board of Directors and is a member of Congressmen Ruben Gallego’s Women’s Advisory Council. Her prior service includes participation on the City of Phoenix’s Future Transportation Commission and Citizen’s Transit Commission. She is also an alumni of the Luke Airforce Base Honorary Commander Program.

Julie and her husband are the proud parents of twin boys.  They enjoy living in historic downtown Phoenix where they can frequently be found walking the neighborhoods and enjoying the beautiful parks. In her free time (AKA before the twins arrived), Julie enjoys art, adventure and travel, and can often be found stimulating the local tax base through her appreciation for restaurants and retailers.

  Apparently, there is nothing that cannot happen today. 
- Mark Twain

Richard Travis     |     Principal     |     602-761-2762     |     richard@triadvocates.com

At Triadvocates:

With more than 20 years of experience in Arizona state government and public affairs, Richard provides seasoned leadership and support for the firm’s efforts at the local, state and federal level. His areas of expertise include transportation and infrastructure, education, public safety and criminal justice, economic development and public financing and budgeting. Recognized for this thoughtful and mature approach to solving complex policy issues, Richard has extensive expertise in strategic planning, coalition building and message development. Clients appreciate his composed and calm manner in the face of political adversity, and value the successful outcomes he has achieved whether traversing Congress or navigating our State Capitol, county seats, city halls or tribal councils.

Before Triadvocates:

Richard’s extensive public-sector experience includes executive-level positions in all three branches of state government, where he has served as Staff Director in the Arizona House of Representatives, Director of Government Affairs for the Arizona Supreme Court, Special Assistant Attorney General for Government Affairs for the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, and as Deputy Director for the Arizona Department of Transportation. Immediately prior to joining Triadvocates, Richard was a founding partner of a successful consulting firm servicing clients in Arizona and Washington, D.C.

Outside Triadvocates:

Richard and his wife have four active sons that keep them busy outside the office. When not engaged in family activities, Richard enjoys hiking, old movies and playing golf. Richard has served on several boards in the community and is currently the Vice Chairman of the ARC of Arizona, a non-profit organization that advocates for people with developmental disabilities.

Lauren King
Principal
Roxanna Pitones
Public Affairs Advisor
Jennifer Casselman
Office Administrator
Freddy Soto
Public Affairs Analyst

  Those who have the privilege to know have the duty to act. 
- Albert Einstein

Lauren King     |     Principal     |     602-761-2771     |     lauren@triadvocates.com

At Triadvocates:
Lauren’s diverse background in media relations and public affairs, along with her expertise in issues involving healthcare, technology and real estate policy, make her a valuable asset to the Triadvocates team. Recognized by the Arizona Capitol Times as one of the top lobbyists in the state under the age of 40, Lauren represents the firm’s interests before the Arizona State Legislature, the Office of the Governor, state agencies and various municipalities.

Before Triadvocates:
Prior to joining Triadvocates, Lauren served as an account executive at a top marketing and public relations firm, where she was responsible for executing local and national media campaigns for clients ranging from nonprofit groups to Fortune 500 companies. Her background also includes having developed and implemented grassroots campaigns surrounding legislation for one of Arizona’s largest nonprofit organizations. With an academic focus in journalism, Lauren has been a contributing writer for one of Arizona’s largest newspapers and has extensive experience working with local, national and international reporters and news outlets.

Outside Triadvocates:
Lauren is a proud supporter of Gabriel’s Angels, a local nonprofit that delivers free healing Pet Therapy services to vulnerable children throughout Arizona. The program’s goal is to increase the overall sense of well-being and happiness for children in a safe environment and to build critical core behaviors, such as empathy, respect, tolerance, and confidence. Lauren and her 70-pound Goldendoodle, Phoebe, serve as a therapy team at local hospitals and Title I schools.

An avid runner and snowboarder, Lauren spends as much time as possible outdoors and in the mountains (when she’s not chasing around her wildly energetic toddler).

  If you don’t like what’s being said, change the conversation. 
- Don Draper, ‘Mad Men’

Roxanna Pitones     |     Public Affairs Advisor     |     602-710-6037     |     roxanna@triadvocates.com

At Triadvocates:
Roxanna supports Triadvocates’ clients through advocacy, economic development, and procurement work. Recognized by the Arizona Capitol Times as a 2022 Woman Achiever, Roxanna’s strong public sector background makes her a valuable asset to the Triadvocates team.

 

Before Triadvocates:
Before joining Triadvocates, Roxanna represented the interests and views of Arizona’s municipal governments at the state legislature specializing in public safety, housing, short-term rentals, and election issues. In this role, she was an integral part of policy development, implementing lobbying strategies to protect state-shared revenues and local decision-making authority and developing communication for stakeholders, lawmakers, and membership consumption.

Before her work with municipal governments, Roxanna served as a policy adviser in the Arizona Senate, staffing lawmakers on K-12, higher education, and commerce issues. In this role, she gained valuable experience learning the ins and outs of the legislative process.

 

Outside Triadvocates:
Avid movie-goers, Roxanna and her fiancé enjoy getting lost in a good story. A lover of the arts and history, she likes to embark on travel adventures and experience new foods and cultures when out of session. Roxanna enjoys exploring Phoenix’s culinary scene on the weekends and walks along the canal with their dog Winston. 

  We can't help everyone, but everyone can help someone. 
- Ronald Reagan

Jennifer Casselman     |     Office Administrator     |     602-761-2770     |     jennifer@triadvocates.com

At Triadvocates:

Having worked in both the Arizona State Senate and the Arizona House of Representatives, Jennifer puts her legislative experience and administrative skills to work for the firm. She assists the firm with state and federal lobbyist and campaign law compliance, and many other legislative and administrative procedures.


Before Triadvocates:

Prior to joining Triadvocates, Jennifer spent 10 years working for the legislature as an administrative assistant, with time spent in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. In the Senate she had the opportunity to serve as an assistant to two Majority Whips. She also assisted the Chairmen of Government, Appropriations, and Water and Energy committees.


Outside Triadvocates:

Jennifer and her husband, Josh, are proud parents to four grown children and enjoy escaping to the forest as often as possible to indulge in camping, kayaking and hiking.  The family also volunteers at a youth camp in the summer and is active in their church and community.

  The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. 
- Nelson Mandela

Freddy Soto     |     Public Affairs Analyst     |     (480) 498-1608     |     freddy@triadvocates.com

At Triadvocates:
Freddy is instrumental in assisting Triadvocates' clients by delving into policy research, conducting thorough analysis, and contributing to strategic development. His expertise ensures that our clients receive comprehensive and well-informed support in navigating the complex landscape of policy and advocacy.

 

Before Triadvocates:
Freddy dedicated three impactful years to championing Arizona State University's (ASU) federal priorities. His commitment started during his undergraduate years when he concurrently served as a Policy Analyst for the university. Post-graduation in 2022, Freddy seamlessly transitioned into a new role at ASU's Office of Government & Community Engagement. Here, he took charge of coordinating special projects aimed at enlightening Arizona's Congressional Delegation on crucial issues central to the university's mission and impact. Freddy nurtured his passion for advocacy and public policy through a series of collegiate internships and experiences. Notably, he began nurturing this passion by serving as a Page for the Arizona House of Representatives during the 2019 legislative session.

 

Outside Triadvocates:
When Freddy isn't immersed in the world of captivating movies, you'll find him channeling his inner Canelo Alvarez in the boxing ring or showcasing his basketball skills like Steve Nash.

Beyond his personal interests, Freddy is deeply committed to giving back to organizations that have had a meaningful impact on his life. In his spare time, Freddy serves as Vice President of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute’s Alumni Association (CHCI-AA) Phoenix Board, where he actively contributes to the organization's mission. Additionally, he extends his passion for education by supporting his alma mater, Brophy College Preparatory and the Brophy Community Foundation. He recently mentored a group of high school students as part of the YMCA’s annual Youth and Government Conference. Freddy's commitment to both personal and community interests reveal his raw passion for public service and community engagement.

Robert Baransaka
Public Affairs Coordinator

  Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you. 
- Oprah Winfrey

Robert Baransaka     |     Public Affairs Coordinator     |     (602) 476-9982     |     robert@triadvocates.com

At Triadvocates:

With his work in the US House of Representatives and his commitment to assistance exhibited through his involvement in Arizona’s healthcare space, Robert utilizes the same dedication to service and administrative aptitude as a member of the firm. In doing so, Robert works in tandem with the Office Administrator, Jennifer Casselman, the public affairs team, and firm partners to deliver quality service for Triadvocates' clients.

 

Before Triadvocates:

Before joining Triadvocates, Robert graduated with Honors as a Magna Cum Laude candidate from Loyola Marymount University. Subsequently, he joined the U.S. House of Representatives, House Committee on Appropriations Majority, serving as a Press Assistant and contributing to the creation and dissemination of materials for the FY23 Omnibus. Following the 2022 Midterm Elections, Robert returned to Arizona and assumed the role of Chief Communications Officer for a local behavioral health organization. This organization, in conjunction with ADHS and AHCCCS, is dedicated to serving Arizona’s most vulnerable populations and encouraging reintegration via rehabilitation. In this role, he was able to stay engaged with population-based initiatives–through action–within the ever-changing landscape of healthcare, now focused on the state level.

 

Outside Triadvocates:

A playlist-manufacturer and cinema buff at heart, Robert enjoys the art of storytelling, in whatever form of media that may be. Whether it be directing interviews or capturing the next great photo, Robert has worked to showcase the varied contributions of his generation through his passion project, citiZen, and hopes to continue channeling his love of storytelling through this medium. And being of Burundian descent, Robert is involved with the local community organization, Burundi-America Association for Humanity and Opportunities (BAAHO)—and its affiliate, AZ Burundian Youth—aimed at furthering the upward mobility of Arizona refugee and immigrant communities from the Great Lakes region. Beyond his playlists and passions, Robert is an avid foodie, welcoming any and all recommendations.



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