Our Team

Rob Simms has over 20 years of experience advising candidates, campaign committees, corporations, and public affairs clients throughout the United States. Before founding Convergence, Rob served two historically successful terms with the NRCC, working as the Executive Director in the 2016 cycle and Political Director in 2014.

Since starting the firm, Rob has worked with a wide variety of clients across the country and internationally including campaigns for US Senate and Governor, independent expenditure units, SuperPACs, political committees and campaigns for state and local offices from Georgia to Alaska. In 2017, he acted as the general consultant and media strategist for Karen Handel's campaign, which resulted in her historic win in the most expensive congressional race in US history.  Rob has also advised Fortune 500 companies, trade associations, public affairs organizations and non-profits.

Previously, Rob was a partner at a public affairs firm and served as Chief of Staff to Congressman Bill Shuster, as well as Deputy Secretary of State under Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel. In that role, Rob oversaw the administration of the 2008 presidential elections and later testified before the US Senate on matters concerning voter fraud and Photo ID. He has also served as an Adjunct Professor at his alma mater, George Mason University.  He has also been a featured speaker at dozens of conferences, panels, and media-sponsored roundtables.

Rob is a lifelong fan of the Redskins, Bullets, Nationals, Capitals, Newcastle United, and DC United. He and his wife Cindy reside in Alexandria, Virginia with their son Jack and their mini-golden-doodle, 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. Since joining Convergence, Tom has built one of the largest and most powerful digital teams in Republican politics and oversees digital operations for Governors, leadership in Congress, and campaigns across dozens of states. In 2021, Tom was honored by the American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC) as one of the 40 best and brightest campaign professionals under 40 years old.

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 built an online fundraising program for Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy from scratch into a national powerhouse and helped elevate Congressman Devin Nunes into one of the most prolific small-dollar fundraisers in the Republican Party. 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 and daughter Lydia in Alexandria.

Highlights:

• Honored as one of the top 40 political consultants under the age of 40 by the American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC)

• Oversees the entire digital operation for Convergence

• Served as the NRCC Digital Director in the 2016 cycle

Ben Miller is the Vice President of Production and joined Convergence at its founding in 2017. Starting on production sets on large commercial and corporate shoots, he went on to work in communications roles on Capitol Hill, served as the director of public affairs for a large grassroots organization, and was the Vice President at a political media firm.

Ben oversees the production of all television, digital, and radio advertisements for Convergence’s clients, managing the creative process from conceptualization to placement. An award-winning ad maker, he has produced ads for various candidates, campaign committees, SuperPACs and corporate clients.

Ben is from Alpharetta, Georgia and a graduate of the University of Alabama. He heads up our Atlanta office, where our production operation and post-house are based. He and his wife Shea have three sons: Shaw, Collins, and Tucker Nile.

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 Vice President of Operations at Convergence. As the head of the firm’s operations, Hunter manages the office day-to-day and effectively streamlines our internal processes. She directs business development, oversees personnel, and manages Convergence’s financial operations. By synergizing Convergence’s internal operations with the external needs of our clients, Hunter efficiently implements the wide variety of products and services Convergence provides.

Hunter joined Convergence after working at the Congressional Leadership Fund during the successful 2016 election cycle. During her time at the Congressional Leadership Fund, Hunter helped secure Republican victories in the U.S. House of Representatives. Since joining Convergence, Hunter has brought organizational mastery, innovative problem solving, and analytical strength to our team. Hunter is a proud alumna of University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Highlights:

• Oversees and manages the day-to-day operations at Convergence

• Legislative Assistant to North Carolina Representative Jason Saine

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

Tyler Q. Houlton is the Vice President of Public Affairs at Convergence and has worked at the intersection of public policy, media relations and politics throughout his career in a wide variety of senior level positions in the Executive Branch, on Capitol Hill and on political campaigns.

Houlton is a skilled communicator with nearly two decades of public affairs and issue advocacy experience navigating the most difficult media environments, driving strategic communications goals, leading crisis management, and shaping and defending public policy on the international stage as well as the local, state and national levels.

Houlton is nationally recognized for his successful navigation of high-profile issues in the press. At the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Houlton served as the Acting Assistant Secretary of Public Affairs and Press Secretary. In this capacity he was a “trusted adviser” to multiple former Secretaries of Homeland Security and successfully “managed the department's public response during a number of high-profile security incidents, the midterm elections and hurricane season.”

After managing the Office of Public Affairs at DHS, Houlton served as DHS Deputy Chief of Staff, where he oversaw and managed the daily operations of the Office of the Secretary. Houlton also oversaw the External Affairs of the Department, including the Office of Public Affairs, the Office of Legislative Affairs, and the Office of Public Engagement. For his service to our nation, Houlton was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, the Department of Homeland Security’s highest honor.

Houlton previously served at the U.S. Department of State where he advised the Department on critical foreign policy issues and helped shape our nation’s response to global challenges in both foreign and domestic media markets. Prior to his service in the Trump Administration, Houlton was a Chief of Staff in the U.S. House of Representatives and a spokesman and policy advisor for the National Republican Congressional Committee. He has a Master’s Degree from Georgetown University and a B.A. from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Highlights:

• Served in multiple senior level roles at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, including Deputy Chief of Staff, Assistant Secretary for International Affairs, Acting Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, and Press Secretary

• Senior Advisor at the Bureau of Global Public Affairs, U.S. State Department

• Chief of Staff, U.S. House of Representatives

• Spokesman and Policy Advisor, National Republican Congressional Committee

• Maverick PAC’s Future 40

• Author of Presidential Politics and the Ayatollah: The Impact of the 1979 Iranian Hostage Crisis on the U.S. Presidential Election of 1980.

Remy Hart is Managing Director of Digital Marketing at Convergence. As the senior member of our digital team, Remy oversees internal operations, working to enhance the entire team's potential by implementing systems and processes so the firm and our clients continue to grow and succeed. From hiring new digital teammates to managing training and continuing education for the whole department, Remy works to elevate everyone's knowledge and advance their skillset to better serve our clients' needs.

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

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

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

Charles Barbour is the Managing Director of Production at Convergence. He started his career at Cartoon Network in Marketing and moved over to Production, creating award-winning ad campaigns for CN partners like LEGO, Kraft and Nintendo. Charles joined Convergence in June 2021 and discovered that politics and cartoons have much in common (at least from an ad perspective). Diving right in as a Writer, Producer, Director, and Drone Operator, he has executed over a hundred ads for various candidates, campaign committees, SuperPACs and corporate clients.

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

Highlights:

• American Business 2021 Awards: Gold Stevie for Cartoon Network - "Stop Bullying: Speak Up"

• Campaigns & Elections 2022 Reed Awards: Best Online Video - 30 Seconds or Under (Republican) - "Publicity Stunt"

Jamie Vosseller is the Director of Production Operations at Convergence. In this role, Jamie oversees the operations and finances of all production and post-production projects. This includes booking crew and editors as needed, actualizing budgets and maintaining production numbers throughout the year, as well as streamlining processes to ensure the department’s continued growth and success. Her vast experience started 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.

Jamie is a graduate of Hollins University and lives in Atlanta, GA

Highlights:

• Marvel Red Carpet Premieres in Los Angeles, including The Eternals, Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame, Captain Marvel

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

Austin Fiala is a Director of Client Strategy at Convergence Media. Specializing in housefile fundraising, new donor acquisition, and voter engagement, Austin provides a data-driven approach to help our clients meet their fundraising and political needs. He graduated from the University of Mississippi with degrees in both Public Policy Leadership and French. He currently lives in Washington, D.C.

Highlights:

• Managed strategy for all channels of the RNC's Digital Fundraising program in 2021

• Managed and executed nationwide peer-to-peer prospecting SMS for Donald J. Trump for President in 2020

• Former Student Body Attorney General and member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity at the University of Mississippi

Liam O’Toole is the CORE 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 at Convergence. As a senior member of the Production team, 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. He is also a fully licensed drone operator, capturing drone footage across the country for various Convergence clients

Previously, Tanner worked on national marketing campaigns at Massive Media, leading marketing teams at Comic-Con, Super Bowl LII, and the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards. In college, he worked as a Production Assistant for the Jay Barker Radio Show in Tuscaloosa, AL. Tanner 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

Megan Pariseau is a Content Manager at Convergence Media. As a member of the Digital team, she is responsible for crafting effective fundraising messages and utilizing data analytics to lead copywriting, creative and content strategy. Megan currently lives in Jacksonville, Florida.

Highlights:

• Produced fresh, innovative work that translates into compelling digital experiences and print materials for audiences in all 50 states

• Trained, hired, and oversaw a team of creative copywriters at Majority Strategies

• Established writing department standards as it relates to production, quality, and productivity

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

Wyly Walker is a Client Strategy Manager at Convergence. As a member of the Digital team, Wyly brings a combination of campaign and digital experience to the table. He graduated from Patrick Henry College with a degree in American Politics and Policy and currently lives in Loudoun County, Virginia.

Highlights:

• Wyly developed a passion for politics at 11 years old and has been volunteering and working for campaigns ever since. Notable campaigns include: Ted Cruz for President (2016), Bryce Reeves for Lt. Governor (2017), Nick Freitas for U.S. Senate (2018).

• Wyly enjoys hiking, campaign, and all things outdoors.

Sarah Mautino is an Advertising Manager 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

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

Kathleen Ashmore is a Prospecting Analyst at Convergence. As a member of the Digital team, Kathleen helps run internal email/peer-to-peer list offerings, coordinates with external prospecting vendors, and monitors email and peer-to-peer deliverability. Kathleen emphasizes the importance of data driven decision making in order to increase fundraising efforts for all digital clients. Kathleen graduated from Wofford College with a degree in both Humanities and Spanish and lives in DC.

Highlights:

• Ecommerce intern at SCOUT bags where she analyzed the retail website daily and worked with the e-comm platform Magento

• Marketing intern at the Hughes Agency in Greenville, SC where she learned all things behind PR, marketing, tracking data, and graphic design

• Interned with US Congressman Trey Gowdy in the Greenville, SC office where her communication skills as well as verbal and written skills were strengthened

Michael Bonilla is a Client Strategy Analyst at Convergence. As a member of the Digital team, Michael works to drive engagement for clients by employing various marketing and design strategies. Michael graduated from Boston College with a degree in Political Science and Film and currently lives in Alexandria, VA.

Highlights:

• Interned in Convergence's Production department

• Interned in Rep. Joe Wilson's (SC-02) congressional office, leading constituent tours of the U.S Capitol

• Assisted in production of multiple documentaries focused on WWII Germany and Hitler's Mein Kampf to be distributed in Europe through the Boston College Film Department

Michelle Barrientos is a Client Strategy Analyst at Convergence. As a member of the Digital team, Michelle assists with developing and executing strategic marketing campaigns. Michelle graduated from Palm Beach Atlantic University with a degree in Public Relations and Political Science and currently lives in Arlington, VA

Highlights:

• Interned on the DeSantis for Governor Campaign

• Digital Marketing Intern for Harris Media

Tyler Melvin is the Operations Coordinator at Convergence. Day to day, Tyler handles all scheduling for the partners of the company, communicating with campaign teams across the country. Additionally, he handles managerial tasks at the Convergence office in Alexandria. He graduated from Mississippi State University with a degree in History in 2022.

Highlights:

• Presidential lifetime achievement award recipient for community service in 2018.

• Social Media Manager and President for the Mississippi State speech and debate team from 2019-2021.

• TIPDA Debate national champion, 2022.

Landon Huffman is a Client Strategy Manager at Convergence Media. As a member of the Digital team, Landon manages the digital strategy and execution of top-performing, fundraising-centric clients. Landon graduated from Appalachian State University with a degree in Communication Studies and currently lives in Arlington, VA.

Highlights:

• 2022 Client Lead - Katie Britt for Alabama, Congressional Leadership Fund and Hellfire PAC.

• 2020 Digital Lead - National Republican Congressional Committee, Jake Ellzey and Zach Nunn.

• Architected the digital strategy for the NRCC and multiple House clients.

• Led the charge on new prospecting methods within mobile and sms.