At Rapp Strategies, we:
Shape Understanding
We make your outreach and engagement plans more effective
Manage Risk
We help you navigate complex issues and mitigate risk to your organization
Strengthen Reputation
We work with you to protect your good name and build reputational capital
Advance Good Ideas
We help you manage challenges and seize opportunities so you can reach your goals
Services we provide:
Strategic counsel
Risk/reputation management
Scenario planning and preparation for crisis communications
Digital strategy, including web development and social media management
Grassroots engagement
Material development
Media relations
Opinion research
Our History
1982
The firm was founded by John Himle under the name Himle and Associates.
1989
Tom Horner joined the firm and it was renamed Himle Horner.
2008
After five and a half years as Managing Director, Todd Rapp became a shareholder and President of Himle Horner.
2010
Tom Horner retired from the firm.
2011
The firm rebranded as Himle Rapp.
2017
John Himle retired from the firm, which was rebranded as Rapp Strategies.
mEET THE tEAM
TODD RAPP
PRESIDENT + CEO
For nearly four decades in public service and the private sector, Todd has devised strategies that address some of the region’s most complex and important issues. Working with individual businesses and organizations, Todd has partnered to develop and implement strategic plans that:
Transform and stabilize our energy supply
Reinvest in public infrastructure
Advance public health goals
Rethink economic growth strategies
Protect and enhance reputation capital and corporate goals
Prior to joining the firm in 2001, Todd was Director of Government Affairs for Northern States Power and served as Executive Director to the Speaker in the Minnesota House of Representatives, Political Director for the Senate Majority Caucus and on the staff of a member of Congress from Minnesota.
Todd serves as a political analyst for Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) and is often invited by other media and organizations to share his perceptions on state and national politics and emerging policy debates.
RICH FORSCHLER
SENIOR COUNSELOR
During a legal and public policy career spanning four decades, Rich has played a pivotal role in developing strategies to address many of Minnesota’s most important challenges. With an unparalleled knowledge of state issues, public policy and the inner workings of government, Rich provides valuable experience, connections and insight for clients in almost every field.
Skills and experience:
Strategic counsel
Reputation management and risk assessment
Business development and strategy
Prior to becoming a senior counselor at Rapp Strategies, Rich was a partner and head of the Government Advocacy team at Faegre Baker Daniels. Rich serves on the board of Crescent Cove, Minnesota’s first and only hospice home for children, and has previously served on the board of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce.
He holds a J.D. from the Georgetown University Law Center and a B.A. from the University of Minnesota.
TODD STONE
MANAGING DIRECTOR + CHIEF OF STAFF
After two decades in management positions with leading news organizations across the country, Todd knows a thing or two about how the media can impact an organization’s success. At Rapp Strategies, he helps clients navigate the changing landscapes of traditional, digital and social media to improve visibility and shape the public’s understanding of their goals. Todd is regularly sought by executives and their organizations for his insight into how to manage news crises, engage and inform communities, and build strong relationships with members of the media.
There are few projects that Todd does not play a role in. As Chief of Staff of the Account Team, he nimbly ensures that all clients receive the right combination of staff, expertise and resources to meet their goals.
Skills and experience:
Media relations
Writing, editing, and research
Project management
Crisis planning
Prior to joining Rapp Strategies, Todd held news leadership roles at the Denver Post, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Houston Chronicle and Minnesota Star Tribune. He received his M.B.A. from Texas A&M University.
JODI BOYNE
SENIOR DIRECTOR
Jodi is a trusted communications strategist and project leader. With deep-rooted experience in government, nonprofit, and corporate organizations, Jodi has consistently demonstrated her ability to build relationships and work collaboratively to help clients advance their mission and achieve their goals through strategic communications.
As a Senior Director at Rapp Strategies, Jodi brings her extensive knowledge, leadership skills and collaborative spirit to the forefront. She is responsible for spearheading key projects and helping clients navigate the complex landscape of communication and public affairs. Her extensive background includes notable roles in public affairs and communications in the legislative, executive and judicial branches of state government, which further solidified her proficiency in strategic planning, legislative expertise, and media relations.
With a keen understanding of the ever-evolving communication landscape, Jodi helps craft comprehensive strategies that align with organizational goals, engage key stakeholders, and drive meaningful outcomes.
Skills and experience:
Strategic Communications
Reputation Management
Crisis Management
Political and Issue Communication
Media Relations
Paid and Earned Media Campaigns
SEAN OYAAS
SENIOR DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
With a decade of work in Minnesota politics, Sean brings a wealth of experience across the legislative, campaign, and private sector arenas. He takes a collaborative and inclusive approach to every project, ensuring that each team member's strengths are leveraged to produce the best possible outcomes. His extensive network in Minnesota spans across all levels of government, campaigns, and business leaders.
Skills and experience:
Campaign Management
Government Affairs
Legislative Expertise
Media Relations
Paid and Earned Media Campaigns
Political and Issue Communications
Prior to joining Rapp Strategies, Sean served as a senior member of the Walz-Flanagan political operation, managed two top-tier congressional races, worked on the Government Relations team for one of Minnesota's premier private companies, and spent three legislative sessions as a Legislative Assistant with the Minnesota Senate.
ANNA SHAY
SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
After more than eight years at Rapp Strategies, Anna is a skilled public affairs professional and trusted voice at the firm. Anna's wide range of experience spans areas such as health care, local government and major public projects, enabling her to provide tailored communication strategies and solutions for her clients. Prior to joining Rapp Strategies, Anna worked for bestselling Minnesota author Julie Klassen. Anna earned her B.A. in English from Concordia University, St. Paul.
Skills and experience:
Project management
Writing and editing
Digital and social media strategy
Earned media strategy
Educational outreach and community-driven advocacy
Research and analysis
MEREDITH MITTS
SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Meredith is an experienced public speaker, spokeswoman, writer and editor. Before coming to Rapp Strategies, she was the public affairs specialist for AAA – The Auto Club Group in Minnesota and Iowa where she handled media and government relations, campaign creation, and event planning and execution. In addition to AAA, Meredith has worked with multiple small non-profits to optimize their communications and create strong, cohesive branding.
Skills and experience:
Media relations
Brand management
Educational and legislative campaign creation
Event planning and execution
Writing and editing
CULLEN TROBEC
SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Cullen’s expertise in public opinion analysis helps clients understand their biggest strengths, weaknesses and opportunities. He excels at using both quantitative and qualitative research to help clients be strategic with their communications and make informed, data-driven decisions. His strong writing skills developed during his time as a copywriter, journalist, and nonprofit communications leader make him uniquely positioned to shape research insights into compelling public messaging.
Cullen earned his B.A. in Political Science from St. John’s University in Minnesota.
Skills and experience:
Public opinion research and analysis
Strategic communications planning
Writing and editing
Website and social media management
ALIDA MITAU
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Alida is an experienced writer, editor and problem-solver with a knack for crafting tailored messaging for a variety of audiences and mediums. She works closely with clients in health care, local government and higher education to build public support and anticipate challenges around high-profile projects and decisions.
Prior to joining Rapp Strategies, Alida was a marketing specialist at Piper Sandler and a communications and development leader at the University of Chicago Consortium on School Research. She also writes for a small neighborhood newspaper and earned her B.A. in English from Amherst College.
Skills and experience
Writing and editing
Strategic communications
Website management
Social media management
Stakeholder management
JULIA SCHAFER
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Julia is a creative problem-solver with a passion for telling engaging, impactful stories. Prior to joining Rapp Strategies, she facilitated volunteer and donor development at Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, where she managed volunteerism, event and program sponsorship, and donations from Twin Cities companies and faith communities. Julia excels at relationship building and leveraging her strong communication skills to help clients advance their mission. She graduated from Grinnell College with degrees in Environmental Science and Religious Studies.
Skills and experience:
Public speaking
Strategic communications
Relationship building
Event planning and execution
Social media management
Get in touch
Follow us on Twitter: @RappStrategies
Our Office
1300 Godward Street NE
Suite 4500
Minneapolis, MN, 55413
United States