TODD RAPP
PRESIDENT + CEO
For three decades in public service and the private sector, Todd has been part of strategies that address some of our region’s most complex and important issues, including:
Transforming and stabilizing our energy supply
Reinvesting in public infrastructure
Adapting to changing demographics
Advancing public health goals
Rethinking economic growth strategies
Working with individual businesses and organizations, Todd has partnered to develop and implement strategic plans that have:
Advanced long-term business goals
Repositioned organizations
Protected and enhanced reputations
Predicted threats and prevent crises
Prior to joining Himle Horner in 2001, a predecessor to Rapp Strategies, Todd was Director of Government Affairs for Northern States Power and served in numerous leadership positions in state government and politics.
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 about state issues, public policy and the inner workings of the Capitol, Rich brings valuable experience and connections to the team.
Skills and experience:
Government affairs counsel
Strategic counsel
Extensive knowledge of law and legal procedure
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 has served on the board of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and the Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce. He has 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
Todd is a veteran news leader with an MBA who has worked for 20 years in management positions with various news organizations, including a successful five year stint as business editor at the Star Tribune. He offers strong knowledge of traditional media, social media and digital news reporting. He is an accomplished editor and writing coach with extensive experience managing projects and new media initiatives.
Skills and experience:
Project management
Media relations
Writing and editing
Synthesizing complicated subjects
Identifying story lines and trends
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 experiences as a copywriter, journalist, and nonprofit communications lead have prepared him to be a writer for all formats and occasions. A quick learner and always up for a challenge, he prides himself on his thoughtful and detail-oriented approach to projects. Cullen earned his B.A. in Political Science from St. John’s University in Minnesota.
Skills and experience:
Political and issue communications
Writing and editing
Research
Website management
Social media content creation
ALIDA MITAU
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Alida’s is an experienced writer, editor and problem-solver with a knack for crafting and tailoring messaging for different audiences across a variety of mediums. Prior to joining Rapp Strategies, Alida was a channel 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
Marketing
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