Statewide reach along Tennessee’s southern border, the 35th parallel.
Local impact across Nashville's 35 Metro Council districts.
Welcome to Thirtyfive Group
We provide comprehensive government affairs services to support our clients with their local and state projects.
Discover the power of effective advocacy and strategic planning.
Team
Our approach begins with cultivating a deep understanding of your issues and helping you forge meaningful relationships with decision-makers and stakeholders.
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Partner
With more than 30 years in Tennessee politics, Rob has spent his career bringing leaders together to create statewide solutions. From helping bring the Titans to Tennessee to leading pandemic recovery efforts on the Governor’s Economic Recovery Group, Rob’s deep knowledge and relationships create change and open doors.
Rob previously served as the President/CEO for the Tennessee Hospitality Association and the Nashville Hospitality Association as well as Legislative Director for the Tennessee Alliance for Children and Families.
Rob holds dual master’s degrees in conflict management and international politics. Rob was named Child Advocate of the Year in 2015 and is a graduate of the 2017-18 class of Leadership Tennessee. Governor Bill Haslam appointed Rob to the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth, where he serves as Vice Chair.
You can reach Rob at Rob@thirtyfive.group
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Partner
With a background in local government, policy, public finance, strategic communications, and campaign management, Ben combines public sector expertise with the ability to communicate effectively on complex issues.
Ben served as Senior Advisor to former Nashville Mayor John Cooper, playing a key role in managing high-profile initiatives, shaping policy, and driving communications strategy. Prior to his four years in the mayor's office, he worked in the Metro Nashville Finance Department and managed several successful political campaigns, including a 2015 referendum and the 2019 mayoral race. In the 2024 presidential campaign, Ben traveled nationwide as Director of Speechwriting for Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff.
Ben is a Vanderbilt University alum and holds a Master of Public Affairs from Indiana University, with concentrations in public finance and management.
You can reach Ben at Ben@thirtyfive.group
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Partner
Zack draws on 15 years of experience in Tennessee state government and legislative affairs, focusing on bridging the gap between regulatory frameworks and the priorities of regulated industries.
Prior to joining Thirtyfive Group, Zack served as Senior Director of Advocacy at the Tennessee Hospital Association. During his tenure, THA’s advocacy efforts secured more than $300 million in state funding. His work focused on critical issues such as reimbursement, healthcare workforce, behavioral health, and access to care.
Zack has served in senior roles at three different state agencies: Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission, and Tennessee Department of Children’s Services.
Earlier in his career, Zack worked as Director of Business Engagement at the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and began his public service as a Legislative Assistant in the Tennessee General Assembly. He is a graduate of Lipscomb University and is a dedicated baseball fan who has visited 28 of Major League Baseball’s 30 active ballparks.
You can reach Zack at Zack@thirtyfive.group
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Coordinator
A Tennessee native, Gabby grew up in Knoxville and graduated from the University of Tennessee in 2018. She has proudly called Nashville home for the past four years.
With a background in sales, marketing, and strategic account management, Gabby brings a sharp focus on relationship-building, operational efficiency, and business development. She supports the firm on key government and public affairs initiatives that impact Tennessee’s hospitality community. Her work includes streamlining internal operations, strengthening partnerships, and helping clients navigate complex local and state policy environments.
Gabby is passionate about effective advocacy and fostering collaboration between stakeholders, decision-makers, and community leaders. Her commitment to impact and efficiency helps advance the firm’s mission of delivering strategic, results-driven solutions for its clients.
You can reach Gabby at Gabby@thirtyfive.group
Services
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Successful advocacy combines policy expertise with strategic communication to the right people. Let us guide you through the complexities of local and state government.
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From crafting the rollout of your next project to navigating a public relations crisis, we will make sure your message cuts through the noise. Lean on our years of communications experience to handle anything from media relations to speechwriting.
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We assist our clients with building key relationships and strengthening industry bonds. Whether you want to create an association or grow your company’s presence in the community, we can help you plug in.
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Even the best idea needs the right plan behind it. We have winning experience with political, corporate and grassroots campaigns.
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We specialize in developing strategic solutions to solve complex government-related problems.
Select past and present clients
