top of page
McDowellCharles_newbodyshot_edited_edited.jpg

Ches McDowell

Managing Partner

Charles F. McDowell IV – “Ches” – leads Checkmate's team and manages Checkmate's Washington D.C. and North Carolina practices.

CheckmateGovernmentRelations_edited.jpg

Nelson Freeman

Chief Operating Officer

Nelson is a seasoned government affairs professional who has represented a myriad of clients before Congress as well as the North Carolina legislature and executive branch.

cgr small-043_edited.jpg

Fritz Vaughan

Director of National Strategy

Frederick W. Vaughan – “Fritz” – brings two decades of experience in law and politics to help clients achieve policy and business objectives at the national, federal, and state levels.

R5_edited.jpg

Chris LaCivita Jr.

Public Affairs Director

Chris LaCivita, Jr. is a marketing and advocacy professional in our nation’s capital.

tkm.Koury_Caitlin_1000x714_ENV.jpg

Caitlin Koury

Government Relations Director & Healthcare Practice Lead

Caitlin specializes in health care compliance and market access matters, including regulatory and policy issues under federal health care programs.

R6.02-24-2025_edited.jpg

Jackson Hines

Public Affairs Advisor

Jackson Hines joins Checkmate after serving for two years as a close personal advisor to and operator for Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. 

cgr small-069_edited.jpg

Hampton Billips

Government Relations Director

Hampton Billips is Checkmate’s resident appropriations expert. He leads many of our clients’ budget requests before the North Carolina General Assembly.

CMGR-17_edited.jpg

John Easterling

Government Relations Director

John Easterling is a lobbyist with a strong background as a political operative – excelling in public affairs and political campaigns at every level before joining the Checkmate team.

cgr small-023_edited.jpg

Lauren Henderson

Chief of Staff

Lauren Henderson is an expert in earth sciences. Her background in earth sciences, biology, and chemistry give her a unique perspective on health care, biotechnology, agricultural, and environmental issues.

CGR_edited.jpg

Kendall Conger

Government Relations Advisor

Kendall assists clients with an array of state government relations issues, and advocates on their behalf before both the United States Congress and the North Carolina General Assembly.

CMGR_edited.jpg

Macey Russo

Client Relations Associate

 Macey previously worked for United States Senator Ted Budd and supports clients with a wide variety of issues before the United States Congress and North Carolina General Assembly. 

Check out our firm's services

bottom of page