Our veteran staff has more than nine decades of combined experience in government, public relations and strategic communications. We’ve been at the heart of shaping public perception and policy in Ohio and the nation for years.

In addition, our broad experience gives us a network of business leaders and a keen understanding of what drives important business decisions. We know corporate leaders. We know how to sell your business proposition and we get profitable results for you.

Brian K. Hicks: President & CEO

Brian Hicks is the founder, president and chief executive officer of Hicks Partners, LLC. His experience in and deep understanding of government affairs, economic development and public relations bring a wealth of experience and strategic service to Hicks Partners’ clients. And as an entrepreneurial businessman himself, he understands and relates to the many issues facing business leaders throughout Ohio and the country.

 Anthony Brigano: Senior Director, State Government Relations

Tony Brigano offers considerable government relations experience and acumen, with particular expertise in legislative issues regarding budget, education, utility and energy matters. This experience, coupled with his excellent relationships with members of the Ohio House and Senate, makes Brigano an effective liaison in representing clients’ needs and issues before the Ohio General Assembly.

 Keith A. Conroy: Vice President

Keith Conroy adds a wealth of economic development experience to the Hicks Partners team. He was responsible for many of the state’s economic development projects and successfully drew funds and companies to the state. With 20 years’ experience in both the public and private sectors, locally and internationally, Conroy expertly assists clients through the economic development process securing tax credits, loans and grants.

W. Zachary Holzapfel: Vice President

Zach Holzapfel is an accomplished government relations professional with an over 20-year career spanning work both with public and private sector organizations. He understands complicated policy issues and their impact as well as the ins and outs of all levels of government offering clients effective advocacy.

 Erik Mikkelson, Esq.: Senior Director, State Government Relations

Erik Mikkelson focuses his legal knowledge and extensive experience in the executive and legislative branches of government as a Director for State Government Relations for Hicks Partners. He effectively addresses clients’ needs, develops strategies, and represents these matters before the Office of the Governor, cabinet agencies, members of Congress, Ohio General Assembly, and local government entities.

Ian Nickey: Director, Communications & Government Relations

Ian Nickey has a deep background and expertise with the intersection of government, business and media. With his experience working on a wide variety of public policy initiatives within agencies and before the General Assembly, enhanced by his understanding of economic development issues and media strategies, Nickey successfully offers a unique blend of services to Hicks Partners’ clients.

Lauren Strope: Manager, Client Relations and Administration

Lauren attended Miami University where she received a master’s degree in Political Science with a concentration in policy analysis with a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration. While attending Miami she spent her breaks working for Fairfield County Commissioners and Fairfield County Regional Planning and Building Department. Lauren completed a fellowship studying pretrial justice policy in Cincinnati and D.C. After graduation she worked on a county-wide campaign before joining the Ohio House of Representatives.  

 Eric Vinyard: Manager, Government Relations & Public Affairs

Eric Vinyard supports a broad range of services to accomplish our clients’ goals as Manager of Government Affairs and Public Relations at Hicks Partners. As a registered lobbyist, he works directly with lawmakers to affect change and inform state leaders of client priorities and positions, while also supporting public relation campaigns. Prior to joining Hicks Partners, Vinyard worked for AARP and in Washington, D.C. for the National Academy of Public Affairs.