THE WINNING TEAM

JOHN JAMESON

President & Founder

John Jameson founded Winning Connections in 1996, transforming it into the nation's leading direct voter contact firm for Democratic candidates, issue advocacy campaigns, and progressive organizations. With strong roots in telecommunications, politics, and government, John brings decades of experience and strategic counsel to every client relationship. Before founding the company, John managed numerous statewide campaigns, served as a congressional chief of staff, and worked at the American Mobile Satellite Corporation. His thought leadership has appeared in The New Republic, The Washington Monthly, and Campaigns & Elections.

John has held leadership roles at EcoPeace, United Way, the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center, International Bridges to Justice, and Christ Episcopal Church. A son of Eupora, Mississippi, he now lives in Washington, D.C. He graduated with a B.A. from Millsaps College, a J.D. from Duke Law School, and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School.

MARK SCHAUER

Vice President

A former Member of Congress, Mark joined Winning Connections as Vice President in 2018, bringing his public service and candidate campaign expertise to the firm.

Before joining the firm, Mark was the 2014 Democratic gubernatorial nominee for Michigan, a U.S. Representative of Michigan's 7th Congressional District, a state senator (including the post of Democratic Leader), a state representative, and Battle Creek city commissioner. Mark repeatedly won elections in GOP-leaning districts, earning a reputation as a dogged candidate running sophisticated and effective campaigns – all of which relied on Winning Connections' programs for concrete results.

Mark earned a B.A. from Albion College, an M.P.A. from Western Michigan University, and an M.A. in Political Science from Michigan State University.

STUART JAMESON

Vice President, Campaigns

As Vice President of Campaigns, Stuart Jameson directs the creation and execution of winning client campaigns nationwide. His work has elected public officials like Governor Dan Malloy, Senator Jon Tester, and Congressman Raúl Grijalva and won hundreds of state and local campaigns in over 40 states.

A Mississippi native from Eupora, Stuart graduated with his B.A. from the University of Mississippi and his M.B.A. from the University of Pittsburgh. He brings a strategic, results-oriented approach to every campaign.

GLORIA A. TOTTEN

Chief Operating Officer

A nationally respected political strategist, Gloria Totten brings more than 30 years of leadership experience to her role as Chief Operating Officer. She brings a sharp eye for systems, strategy, and long-term growth to Winning Connections' operations.

Gloria founded the Public Leadership Institute, which works with progressive elected officials to promote proactive public policy. She is the past President of Progressive Majority, Political Director at NARAL Pro-Choice America, and Executive Director at Maryland NARAL. She has also led Minnesota campaigns to enact anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ people and to stop sexual assault.

Gloria's passion for justice, fairness, and strategic expertise fuels everything she undertakes.

BRIAN STEBLAY

Vice President, Operations

As Vice President of Operations, Brian leads our calling and texting programs, optimizing our proprietary data systems to ensure quality and efficiency. Brian has over 15 years of political and nonprofit experience, which he uses to develop Winning Connections' phone programs, making them best-in-class.

Before joining our team, Brian was a legislative aide for then-Congressman Gary Peters, worked on multiple congressional races, and co-founded No One Left Behind, a nonprofit organization that provides emergency financial aid and employment opportunities to former Afghan and Iraqi interpreters who resettle in the United States.

JOE HAYES

Principal

Joe Hayes brings a strategic mindset and sharp analytical skills to his client partnerships. As Principal, he works with organizations and campaigns to develop data-driven phone and texting programs that yield results.

Joe's experience includes working as an Account Manager at Moore Campaigns, a Legislative Fellow in the U.S. House of Representatives, and Assistant to the Director of the Bluhm Legal Clinic at Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law. His attention to detail and commitment to client success set him apart.

TONY COPPOLA

Principal

Tony Coppola is a seasoned political consultant who specializes in creating electoral and advocacy campaigns that win. With more than 15 years of experience managing field programs and leading campaigns and ballot initiatives at every level, Tony brings creativity, discipline, and a wealth of campaign know-how to his role as Principal.

He also leads much of the firm's marketing, keeping our efforts innovative and result-driven.

COLIN DEWITT

Senior Program Manager

Collin DeWitt supports research, coordination, and execution for Winning Connections' ballot measure, super PAC, and voter contact campaigns. Collin joined the company from two congressional campaigns in Pennsylvania and as a field organizer on Joe Biden's 2020 presidential campaign. He also has policy experience from his time at Encentiv Energy.