THE WINNING TEAM

JOHN JAMESON

President & Founder

John founded Winning Connections in 1996 and built it into the nation's premier direct voter contact firm for interest groups, associations, and Democratic candidates.

Before he started Winning Connections, John spent years cementing his telecommunications, politics, and government expertise. He has managed multiple statewide political campaigns, served as a congressional chief of staff, and worked for the American Mobile Satellite Corporation. His unique knowledge makes him an invaluable resource to clients seeking meaningful conversations with voters and constituents.

John's work and writing have been featured in POLITICO, The Washington Post, The New Republic, The Washington Monthly, and Campaigns & Elections. He has held leadership positions in multiple organizations, including EcoPeace, United Way, the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center, International Bridges to Justice, and Christ Episcopal Church.

John is a proud native of Eupora, Mississippi, and currently lives in Washington, D.C. He earned 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 the Vice President of Campaigns, Stuart is critical in securing victories for clients including Governor Dan Malloy, Senator Jon Tester, and Congressman Raul Grijalva, as well as dozens of legislative and municipal races in 40+ states.

Stuart is originally from Eupora, Mississippi. He received a B.A. from the University of Mississippi and an M.B.A. from the University of Pittsburgh.

GLORIA A. TOTTEN

Chief Operating Officer

Gloria brings 30 years of executive management experience to Winning Connections as Chief Operating Officer. A nationally recognized political strategist, she has led advocacy, organizing, and electoral campaigns at the federal, state, and local levels.

In 2015, Gloria founded the Public Leadership Institute, which works with state and local elected officials to drive proactive, progressive public policy. From 2001-2015, Gloria formed and ran Progressive Majority, the nation's most comprehensive candidate recruitment, training, and campaign operation at the state and local levels.

Gloria served as Political Director for NARAL from 1996-2001 and Executive Director for Maryland NARAL from 1993-1996. In her home state, Gloria worked as the Education Director for Pro-Choice Resources, President and Lobbyist for the Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault, and Media Chair for It's Time Minnesota!, a campaign that expanded anti-discrimination protections to LGBTQ+ individuals under the state Human Rights Code.

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

As Principal, Joe works with our clients to develop innovative ways of meeting their goals through the strategic use of phone and texting services. Whether he is analyzing polling data and demographics to target likely favorable constituents or evaluating legislative agendas to develop outreach plans, Joe ensures our client's goals are met promptly.

Before joining Winning Connections, Joe worked as an Account Manager at Moore Campaigns, a Legislative Fellow at the U.S. House of Representatives, and the Assistant to the Director of the Bluhm Legal Clinic at Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law.

TONY COPPOLA

Principal

As Principal, Tony utilizes his 15 years of political campaign experience to run electoral programs for campaigns up and down the ballot. He also works with interest groups to design grassroots advocacy programs that impact legislation and handles many of our firm's electoral marketing efforts.

Before joining Winning Connections, Tony ran field programs and managed campaigns and ballot initiatives at the federal, state, and municipal levels.

GORDON LEVITT

Communications Director

As Communications Director, Gordon focuses on writing winning messages for the firm and its clients. Before joining the team, Gordon worked for Oregon Senate Majority Leader Rob Wagner and advocated for progressive climate policies worldwide.

Gordon earned his J.D. and M.S. in Conflict and Dispute Resolution from the University of Oregon School of Law.