Our Team

Rob Simms is a Founder and Partner at Convergence with more than 25 years of experience advising candidates and campaigns, Fortune 500 companies, Independent Expenditure units and SuperPacs, non-profits, and political organizations all over the country.

Prior to starting Convergence with Mike Shields, Rob served as the Executive Director of the National Republican Congressional Committee during the 2016 cycle. NRCC Chairman Greg Walden called Rob’s leadership “instrumental” to maintaining the majority and said, “we kicked their tails,” beating expectations and what “conventional wisdom” expected during a presidential election year.

As Executive Director, Rob oversaw every aspect of the Committee’s operations including overall strategy, member and leadership relations, candidate recruitment, personnel, finance and the budget. He also oversaw historic investments in the organization’s digital operations, small dollar fundraising, and data infrastructure. As Political Director during the 2014 cycle, Rob served as the principal strategist of the Committee’s “Drive to 245” and oversaw the political operations for the Committee, efforts that led to the winning of 247 House seats, the largest Republican majority since 1928.

Rob has served as strategist, advisor and general consultant to campaigns for the U.S. Senate, Governor, Congress, as well as state and local offices from Georgia to Alaska. He has also owned a consulting firm, been a partner at a public affairs firm and held senior level positions in Congress and state government.

After successfully leading Karen Handel’s campaign for Georgia Secretary of State, where she became the first Republican since Reconstruction to hold the office, Rob was appointed Deputy Secretary of State. In this role Rob served as the Chief Operating Officer, overseeing virtually every aspect of the agency including more than 300 employees and 7 divisions. He led the implementation of Handel’s vision for reorganizing the agency, including reducing the budget by 20%,streamlining operations and improving customer service.

During the 2008 presidential elections, Rob helped oversee the administration of the largest election in the state’s history and the implementation of the state’s Photo ID requirement. He developed and oversaw the implementation of the state’s voter education efforts, partnering with many of Georgia’s corporate leaders, nonprofits and professional sports teams on the public relations campaign. These efforts became the backbone of the state’s successful legal defense of Photo ID, including on appeal to the U. S. Supreme Court. Rob testified in federal court as an expert witness for the state and later before the United States Senate at the invitation of Senator Saxby Chambliss.

A graduate of George Mason University, he has been an Adjunct Professor at his alma mater teaching classes on political parties and campaigns. A native of Northern Virginia, Rob is a long-suffering Redskins fan, soccer enthusiast and Nationals season ticket holder with his wife Cindy. They reside in Alexandria, Virginia with their son Jack and their dog Dutch.

Highlights:

• Served two historically successful terms with the NRCC as Executive Director in the 2016 cycle and Political Director in 2014

• Chief of Staff to Congressman Bill Shuster

• Owner of a public affairs and political consulting firm

• Deputy Secretary of State under Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel

• Oversaw the administration of the 2008 presidential elections and later testified before the U.S. Senate on matters concerning voter fraud and Photo ID

Mike Shields is a Founder and Partner at Convergence bringing more than 20 years of strategic experience at the highest levels of national campaigns, Capitol Hill and influential outside groups. The Washington Post reported that House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy called Shields “one of the most talented political minds I know.” Shields is a CNN Political Commentator who brings an unparalleled depth of policy and management experience. The American Association of Political Consultants recognized Shields’s expertise by naming him the 2012 election’s “Most Valuable Player” for his leadership in creating a messaging program to defend House Republicans.

Having led SuperPACs, Independent Expenditure units, and party committees, possibly Shields most impactful work came as the Chief of Staff to the RNC. Here Shields oversaw the data renaissance of the modern Republican Party, helping to map out the data ecosystem and create a vision for the RNC data, digital and ground game infrastructure that helped win the 2016 presidential election and that is still the backbone of the RNC today. Shields also counts Newt Gingrich as his mentor, having served as the former Speaker’s Communications Director in his early career.

Born in the United States on a U.S. Air Force Base to an American father and British mother, Shields moved with his family to Great Britain as a child where he lived for 10 years. Now Shields lives in Alexandria, Virginia, with his wife Katie and his son Aidan.

Highlights:

• Served as the President of Congressional Leadership Fund – a 527 “SuperPAC” – that focuses on electing Republicans to Congress. In 2016 CLF raised a record $50 million and went 29-3 in the 32 house races it played in

• Chief of Staff to the Republican National Committee in 2013-2014, overseeing the reform and build-out of a $175 million data and ground operation that led to the historic victory in 2016

• President of American Action Network, a 501c4 issue advocacy organization

• Political Director and Independent Expenditure Director of the National Republican Congressional Committee. As IE Director in the historic 2010 congressional victory, Shields oversaw an operation that put up over 140 separate TV ads in 63 districts

• Shields career began in earnest when he became the Political Communications Director to the then-House Speaker Newt Gingrich. He also served as Chief of Staff to Congressman Dave Reichert of Washington State, helping steer him to upset victories in 2006 and 2008

Tom Newhouse is the Vice President of Digital Marketing and joined Convergence at its founding after two successful cycles at the NRCC as Digital Political Director and Digital Director. Tom brings his digital expertise when working with clients across the private and public sector. At Convergence, Tom oversees the Digital team and serves as chief digital strategist for Convergence's campaign and public affairs clients. Tom and his team have built an online fundraising program for Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy from scratch into a national powerhouse and have helped elevate Congressman Nunes into one of the most prolific small-dollar fundraisers in the Republican Party. At the NRCC, Tom managed one of the largest digital teams in Republican politics. During Tom's tenure at the NRCC, the digital department saw tremendous growth, including 67% increases in both online fundraising and digital advertising spending. Tom is a proud graduate of Tulane University and resides with his wife Lauren in Alexandria.

Highlights:

• Served as the NRCC Digital Political Director

• Served as the NRCC Digital Director

• Worked at Targeted Victory handling numerous different clients ranging from Super PACs, to multiple Senatorial races, to corporations, to advocacy clients

Ben Miller is the Vice President of Production and joined Convergence at its founding after working in communications roles on Capitol Hill, as the director of public affairs for a large grassroots organization and as the Vice President at a political media firm.

Ben Miller is a producer/director, overseeing the production of television, digital and radio advertisements for Convergence’s clients. He has produced award-winning ads for various candidates, campaign committees, non-profits, ballot initiatives and corporate clients – managing the creative process from conceptualization to placement.

Ben is from Alpharetta, Georgia and a graduate of the University of Alabama. He lives in Washington, D.C. with his wife Shea, and their three sons, Shaw, Collins and Tucker.

Highlights:

• Deputy Communications Director for the Republican Study Committee

• Communications Director for Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (WI-05)

• Vice President at FP1

• Director of Public Affairs for a non-profit in the Koch Network

Josh Daniels brings over a decade of political experience to Convergence, working on the ground for congressional and statewide campaigns in 20 states across the country. Josh brings an expertise in data and targeting from the beginning of his career in the precursor of the RNC Data Department that he marries with messaging strategy to guide campaigns and deploy efficient and effective paid media.  In 2016 and 2018 Josh oversaw millions of dollars in spending at the NRSC as part of the successful effort to hold the Republican Majority in the U.S. Senate. At Convergence, Josh travels across the U.S. to collaborate with clients and map out campaign strategies. A Maryland native and alumnus of the University of Chicago, Josh now resides in Alexandria, VA with his wife Torunn.

Highlights:

• Served as US Senate Campaign Manager

• Served as a target state RNC State Director in both presidential and midterm cycles

• Served as NRSC Deputy Political Director and Regional Political Director

Hunter Mullis is the Director of Operations and joins Convergence after working at the Congressional Leadership Fund for the 2016 election cycle. During her time at the Congressional Leadership Fund, Hunter helped secure Republican victories in the House of Representatives. Since joining Convergence, Hunter has brought organizational mastery, innovative problem solving, and analytical strength to our team. As Director of Operations, Hunter has managed our team strongly and collaborated with clients to win their races across the U.S. Hunter is a proud alumna of University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Highlights:

• Legislative Assistant to Representative Jason Saine

• Member of the communications team at the Congressional Leadership Fund and American Action Network

Remy Hart is Managing Director of Digital Marketing at Convergence. As a member of the Digital team, Remy oversees internal operations, working to enhance the entire team’s potential through systems and processes to position the firm and its clients for growth and continued success. Prior to joining Convergence, Remy directed digital operations for some of the most competitive statewide, congressional and local campaigns throughout the country. She has expertise in developing and streamlining online efforts to strategically cut through the noise and reach voters where it counts.

Remy is a graduate of the College of William & Mary and lives in Richmond, VA.

Highlights:

• Named a “Kentucky Colonel” after directing digital operations for Governor Bevin’s 2019 re-election campaign in Kentucky, with campaign total spending of $32 million

• Architected the $8 million digital program for Governor Rauner’s 2018 re-election campaign in Illinois

• Worked on the re-election campaign of former U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (IL) the same year that her Chicago Cubs won the World Series

Ashley Craig is the Senior Director of Client Strategy at Convergence. As a member of the Digital team, she ensures that our clients receive the highest quality in service from a knowledgeable and well-trained digital staff. Ashley joined Convergence with nearly seven years of political media experience.

Ashley is a graduate of Montreat College, received her Masters in Internet Marketing from Full Sail University and lives in Alexandria, VA.

Highlights:

• Got her start at the NRCC where she managed numerous websites and worked with Members of Congress to produce video content and TV ads

• Has worked with numerous political organizations, such as PJTV and NumbersUSA, to develop and execute online marketing strategies, create content, and manage websites

Charles Barbour is the Director of Production at Convergence. He spent the last 13 years at Turner in Atlanta, starting as a Marketing Assistant before switching over to the production side of the business. He worked his way up to the position of Sr. Writer/Producer at Cartoon Network, where he developed and executed award-winning, co-branded campaigns for Fortune 500 companies across TV, digital and social. A few of the clients included Sony Pictures, Mattel, Kraft, LEGO, Paramount Pictures, Pilot Pen, McDonald’s, Subway and Hasbro.

Charles hails from Houston, Texas. He graduated from the University of Washington & Lee, where he met his wife, Emily. They live in Atlanta with their son, Charlie, and daughter, Mary Benson.

Highlights:

• Sr. Writer/Producer at Cartoon Network.

• 2021 Gold Stevie Winner at the American Business Awards for writing Cartoon Network’s 2020 PSA for their Stop Bullying: Speak Up Campaign.

• Directed A-list talent at promotional junkets, including Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson at Cartoon Network’s  junket for Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle.

Jamie Vosseller is the Director of Production Operations at Convergence. As a member of the production team, Jamie helps oversee logistics and budgets for shoots, as well as manage all the post-production.  She has vast experience in production starting in New York with Calvin Klein as the Associate Producer for their in-house advertising department, working on both print and commercial campaigns. Jamie then relocated to Atlanta, where she worked as the Senior Production Manager for Turner Studios. During her time at Turner, Jamie managed and produced promos, short and long form series for all the Turner Brands (TNT, TBS, TCM, Turner Sports and Cartoon Network), as well as live events for their networks.

Highlights:

• Producing all Marvel Red Carpet Premieres in Los Angeles, including Black Panther, Captain Marvel, Avengers: Endgame, etc.

• Producing all Award Red Carpets (Broadcast and Social Platforms) for Turner Clients (TNT and TNT Latin America) including Academy Awards, Emmys, Latin Grammys and Screen Actor Guild Awards

• Producing several series for Turner clients, such as Turner Classic Movies’ “Trailblazing for Women” and Cartoon Network’s “Fried Dynamite” and “Friday’s” live-action series

Cassie Hammond is a Client Strategy Director at Convergence. As a member of the Digital team, Cassie runs the day-to-day operations for some of our top-level congressional and PAC clients.

Cassie graduated from Eastern Kentucky University and currently lives in Washington, D.C.

Highlights:

• Served as a Senior Strategy Director for Majority Strategies, with multiple client wins

• Managed the campaign for Laura Lavine, a Mayoral race in Syracuse in 2017

• Captured her first campaign win as Deputy Campaign Manager for Jeff Pastor in Ohio

• Helped the senate, attorney general, and gubernatorial candidates in Indiana secure general election victories as an opposition researcher in 2016

• Ran field operations for Kentucky gubernatorial candidate Hal Heiner in 2015

Will Flores is a Client Strategy Director at Convergence Media. As a member of the Digital team, Will manages political and nonprofit accounts and develops strategies to help them win.

Will graduated from Texas A&M University and lives in Alexandria, VA.

Highlights:

• Served as Digital Director for Citizens Against Government Waste, a conservative nonprofit

• Worked for the Congressional Joint Economic Committee and in the office of Congressman John Campbell

• Managed a winning congressional campaign in Texas

Liam O’Toole is the Data, Insights and Reporting Director at Convergence. As a member of the Digital team, Liam supervises the full life cycle of all digital data from managing proper tracking and storage to building compelling visualizations and in-depth analyses. Liam designs and runs the Marketing Intelligence platform for the digital team, providing insights to make data-driven decisions. Before joining Convergence, Liam worked on the digital team at the RNC during the presidential election cycle.

Liam is a graduate of the University of Dallas and currently resides in Alexandria, VA.

Highlights:

• Served as Senior Data Analyst on the RNC digital team during the 2020 Presidential campaign, overseeing reporting and analytics on the more than $1 billion raised during the cycle

• Designed and implemented the RNC Marketing Intelligence platform driving analytics and marketing decisions

Tanner Williams is the Producer for our Production Team, originally joining Convergence in 2020 as a Production Coordinator. As Producer, he contributes to every step of the creative process from conceptualization to placement and plays a key logistical role for production shoots — hiring crews and talent, scouting and securing locations.

Previously, Tanner worked on national marketing campaigns at Massive Media and as a Production Assistant for the Jay Barker Radio Show in Tuscaloosa, AL. He got his start in politics interning for the communications team in Rep. Mike Rogers’ (AL-03) office.

Tanner graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in Public Relations and French. He is from Birmingham, Alabama and currently resides in Washington DC.

Highlights:

• Project Coordinator at Massive Media

• Press Intern for Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03)

• Production Assistant for the Jay Barker Radio Show

Alex Collie is an Fundraising Manager at Convergence. As a member of the Digital team, Alex manages a variety of internal email list offerings, coordinates with external prospecting vendors, and generates internal fundraising email reports. Alex utilizes multiple of top-of-the-line programs to analyze data and optimize fundraising strategies for all of Convergence’s clients.

Alex graduated from Wofford College with a degree in both Business Economics and Spanish and lives in Virginia.

Highlights:

• Assisted in managing and executing House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy’s external prospecting program to reach the campaign’s multi-million dollar fundraising goal in 2020

Jesse Stokes is a Client Strategy Manager at Convergence. As a member of the Digital team, Jesse manages client expectations, develops messaging, and tracks client fundraising initiatives day-to-day.

Jesse graduated from The University of South Florida with a degree in Political Science and lives in Alexandria, VA.

Highlights:

• Ran the communications and social media in the U.S. Representative Ross Spano’s re-elect campaign

• Interned in the Congressional Office of U.S. Representative Ross Spano

• Served as the Editor-in-Chief of The Oracle, The University of South Florida’s student-run newspaper

Walker Thomas is a Client Strategy Manager at Convergence. As a member of the Digital team, Walker creates cutting-edge campaigns tailored to win.

He graduated from the University of Mississippi with a degree in History and currently lives in Atlanta, GA.

Highlights:

• Political Director for Congressman Rob Woodall

• Managed mail, print, and digital production to deliver projects to clients across the country

• Produced IVR polling and peer-to-peer text message campaigns

AnnaKatherine Deiana is a Client Strategy Manager at Convergence. As a member of the Digital team, AnnaKatherine works to develop strategy, as well as create and send content to further clients’ agendas.

AnnaKatherine graduated from Covenant College with a degree in History and currently lives in Phoenix, Arizona.

Highlights:

• Created digital concepts for several top House races in 2020 that increased fundraising and list building efforts

• Drafted thousands of digital concepts for multiple races in over 35 different states

• Helped grow and maintain client house files through original programs tailored to fit their specific race

John Mondi is a Client Strategy Manager at Convergence. As a member of the Digital team, John manages digital campaigns, sending schedules and content for a number of clients.

John graduated from Rhodes College with a degree in Political Science and currently lives in Arlington, Virginia.

Highlights:

• Worked for the U.S. Representative Dr. Joe Heck’s campaign in 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2016

• Interned at Targeted Victory and Red Rock Strategies

• Played four years of college lacrosse at his alma mater and was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity

Madi Puzey is a Digital Marketing Manager at Convergence. As a member of the Digital team, Madi creates and edits content, develops landing pages for both fundraising and engagement emails, and works with clients to find the best digital strategy to meet their goals. Prior to joining Convergence, Madi spent two years as a content creator at a real estate marketing firm.

Madi graduated from Brigham Young University and lives in Arlington, VA.

Highlights:

• Developed a small-dollar "Buy a Cup of Coffee" campaign that increased donations to a member of Congress by over 300%

• Improved overall quality of digital content sent out by multiple clients

Jacob McLaughlin is a Client Strategy Manager at Convergence Media. As a member of the Digital team, Jacob manages clients accounts and advises them on their digital operations. He graduated from College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA and currently lives in Washington, DC.

Highlights:

• Ran the day-to-day operations for the digital fundraising program for one of top House Republican PACs during the 2020 cycle. Helped defy the expectations with winning back 15 seats in the House

• Served as executive director for a one-of-a-kind political staffing agency that worked with campaigns, committees, agencies, nonprofits and other entities

• Assisted political operatives of all experience levels find jobs and opportunities through networking

• Managed digital and mobile advertising campaigns along with direct mail projects during the 2018 cycle for national and Congressional campaigns

• Worked on the John Persinger for Mayor campaign in his hometown of Erie, PA in 2017 and helped to nearly pull a massive upset in a heavily Democratic city

Madeline Mills is the Executive Assistant and joins Convergence after working as a Political Appointee under the Trump Administration at the Environmental Protection Agency focusing on COVID relief efforts. She graduated from University of Central Florida with a degree in Political Science, minor in Global Peace and International Security, and a certificate in Leadership Studies. During her time at UCF, she served as the Vice President of Student Government, overseeing 66,000+ students and accomplishing a wide array of student initiatives.

Highlights:

• Political Appointee at the Environmental Protection Agency serving in the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention

• Vice President of Student Government at the University of Central Florida

• Case study intern for Senator Marco Rubio

Matt Heitmann is a Junior Graphic Designer at Convergence Media. As a member of the Digital team Matt develops and executes the creative needs of clients and the company. Prior to joining Convergence, Matt was a multimedia production specialist for a litigation support firm creating video and trial graphics to be used in court.

Matt is an Iowa State alumnus with a degree in industrial design and currently lives in Arlington, Virginia.

Highlights:

• Worked multiple high-profile court cases creating graphics for everything from GMOs to drone patents

• Freelance graphic design work for a member of congress

• Interned for IPI designing public seating created from recycled street signs

Makenzie is the Production Assistant at Convergence. As a member of the production team, Makenzie assists with research, asset collection, script writing and concept development. Prior to joining Convergence, Makenzie worked as an elements producer and scriptwriter for a national political talk show on One America News Network.

She graduated from Loyola University New Orleans with a degree in Strategic Communications and Public Relations. During her time in school, Makenzie worked at the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and interned for the Republican Party of Louisiana. She now resides in Alexandria, Virginia.

Highlights:

• Producer at One America News Network

• Field Organizer for Rep. Darrell Issa (CA-50)

• Intern for the Republican Party of Louisiana

Brandon Messian is a Client Strategy Analyst at Convergence. As a member of the Digital team, Brandon supports clients in developing and executing various strategic marketing initiatives for top political races across the US.

Brandon graduated from The George Washington University and currently lives in Washington, DC.

Highlights:

• Coordinated operations and surrogate events for a presidential election campaign

• Interned in the Executive Office of the President at the White House

• Interned with the California State Assembly

Katie Kistler is a Client Strategy Copywriter at Convergence. As a member of the Digital team, Katie writes prospecting and fundraising copy for clientele and collaborates on media strategy.

Katie graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in English and Texas State University with a Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing. She currently lives in Alexandria, VA.

Highlights:

• Featured speaker at 2019’s Southwest Popular/American Culture Association Conference

• Has been published in Camping Magazine, High Shelf Press,The Stirling Spoon, Appalachian Review, and Meniscus Literary Journal, among others

Sarah Mautino is a Client Strategy Analyst at Convergence. As a member of the Digital team, Sarah assists with developing and executing strategic marketing campaigns.

Sarah graduated from the University of Richmond with a degree in PPEL concentrating in Political Science and currently lives in Richmond, Virginia.

Highlights:

• Spent her senior year interning and assisting on local, gubernatorial, and senatorial races in Virginia

• Interned at Data Trust working on their clients leads and development team

• Interned at the Republican Party of Virginia assisting with the Trump Victory Campaign

Joe is a Client Strategy Copywriter at Convergence. As a member of the Digital team, he creates and edits data-driven content.

Joe graduated from Saint Louis University with a degree in Political Science and currently lives in Arlington, Virginia.

Highlights:

• Created and wrote direct marketing pieces for various political clients as a political copywriter at The Lukens Company

• Communicated the mission and vision of multiple network organizations as a member of the communications team at In Pursuit Of

• Served as an intern on the Ann Wagner for Congress campaign during the 2016 election cycle

Parker Magid is a Client Strategy Analyst at Convergence. As a member of the Digital team, Parker assists with developing effective marketing strategy and creating engaging content for campaigns.

Parker graduated from the University of Miami with a degree in Political Science and Economics.

Highlights:

• Assisted the 2020 Trump campaign at its national headquarters in Washington

• Worked with the Communications and War Room teams at the National Republican Senatorial Committee

Mark Jennings is a Client Strategy Analyst at Convergence Media. As a member of the Digital team, Mark assists in developing fundraising programs for various clients. He graduated from the University of Arizona and currently lives in Alexandria, Virginia.

Highlights:

• Served as 3rd Vice Chair of the Arizona LD9 Republican Party

• Assisted with grassroots operations for Yvette Herrell’s successful 2020 campaign and served as her Staff Assistant in Congress

• Assisted with grassroots operations in Northern Virginia for Glenn Youngkin’s successful campaign for governor in 2021

Benjamin Nichols is a Client Strategy Analyst at Convergence Media. As a member of the Digital team, Benjamin assists with developing effective marketing strategy and creating engaging content for campaigns. Prior to joining Convergence, Benjamin wrote and produced for a national news show on One America News Network.

He graduated from Hillsdale College with a degree in Politics and Psychology and currently lives in Arlington, VA.

Highlights:

• Wrote and produced at One America News Network

• Interned at The Daily Caller News Foundation

• Interned for Rep. Darin LaHood (IL-18)'s district office

Wesley Meadowcroft is a Client Strategy Analyst at Convergence Media. As a member of the Digital team, Wesley assists with developing marketing strategy and creating content for congressional, gubernatorial, and state-level campaigns. He graduated from the University of Maryland with a dual degree in Marketing and Public Policy and currently lives in Alexandria, VA.

Highlights:

• Worked with the National Republican Senatorial Committee in the War Room under their communications department

• Completed a senior capstone with the National Academy of Public Administration to find private solutions to public inefficiencies