Artificial Intelligence, Privacy & Security

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.

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.

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.