Executive Summary
I am a startup advisor, investor, and go-to-market executive with a proven track record in building, acquiring, and selling venture and private-equity backed software companies. As the founding CEO of Capitol Canary (f.k.a. Phone2Action), I led the SaaS startup to 1,000+ customers and 50x growth between 2015 and its acquisition by Quorum Analytics in Fall 2022. I also lecture on Ethics in Public Policy at Stanford University's Washington, DC campus.
Career Trajectory
I hold a BA in International Relations from Stanford University and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. My early career included a seven-year tenure with IMI Plc, where I was selected for and participated in their global management training program. I had the opportunity to lead market development in Southeast Asia for one portfolio company and manage key account sales for another, working with clients like Coca-Cola and McDonald’s China.
After returning to the U.S. in 2007, I spent four years with DCI Marketing in Milwaukee, WI, where I learned how to sell to Fortune 500 clients and ultimately built a small business unit within the company.
In 2012, I cofounded Capitol Canary with Ximena Hartsock, building it into the leading digital SaaS platform for grassroots advocacy. The platform engaged millions of users annually on public policy initiatives.
Significant Achievements
Grew Capitol Canary from concept to scale with 1,000+ clients.
Raised $80M+ in seed, Series A, debt financing, and secondary financing rounds
Secured 25% of Fortune 100 companies as clients, including Walmart, Pfizer, Google, and Meta.
Clients engaged on 100,000+ advocacy campaigns sending 135M+ messages to Congress.
Landed top nonprofit clients, such as American Heart Association, BIO, and the March of Dimes.
Multiple-year recipient of Washingtonian Magazine’s Tech Titan award (2018-2022).
Frequent speaker at industry events like the National Restaurant Association’s Public Affairs conf.
Awarded a patent in 2021 by the USPTO for Capitol Canary’s technology.
Volunteering and Other Roles
I am fortunate to be a judge for both the University of Chicago and the Booth School of Business annual New Venture Challenges. I live in Washington, DC with my wife and two children. I enjoy traveling, having visited 40 countries, and swim in my free time.