AS ONE OF FLORIDA’S TOP EDUCATION LOBBYING FIRMS, the consultants who comprise our team are experts in navigating the complex world of K-12 and higher education. Founding Partner Ron LaFace began his career at the Florida Department of Education in the professional practices unit and has successfully advocated on behalf of education clients for over 15 years. Ron currently represents a diverse group of education clients including the Florida Association of District School Superintendents, Florida Keys Community College, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, and four school districts. Some of Ron’s recent legislative successes include securing $1.5 million in fixed capital outlay for a manufacturing training center, $2 million for storm surge mitigation, and $500,000 for a summer learning academy. Ron also successfully lobbied the legislature to exempt school district local funding from the Department of Education’s state facilities review process.

Capital City Consulting’s Chris Schoonover is one of Florida’s premier education lobbyists and was recognized as the Education Lobbyist of the Year by Influence Magazine in 2017. Chris’ legislative successes include securing nearly $10 million for building additions and approximately $14 million in recurring dollars to increase enrollment on behalf of New College of Florida. Chris also helped to secure $8 million to enable a campus expansion on behalf of Florida International University and $3 million for STEM courses and a program to improve student success and graduation rates.

Megan Fay brings a wealth of education advocacy experience from her time serving as Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Rick Scott. In that role, Megan oversaw the Department of Education and was the Governor’s chief advisor on K-12 and Higher Education policy decisions. Megan also crafted the Governor’s response to the Marjory Stoneman Douglas shooting, which culminated in the passage of comprehensive legislation addressing school safety. Megan’s depth of knowledge and experience in education issues allows her to effectively advocate on behalf of K-20 and higher education clients in front of the legislature and executive branch agencies.

Additionally, Founding Partner Nick Iarossi and Consultant Scott Ross represent the Brevard County School Board and Step Up for Students, and consultant Andrew Ketchel serves on the University of South Florida Alumni Association Board of Directors. Lastly, Ashley Kalifeh formerly worked for the Florida Senate Committee on Education and is a graduate of Peabody College.