Our team
Carl Kime
Founding Partner
Carl has extensive service in the Executive and Legislative branches of government. He provides government, industry and university clients with strategic advice and guidance on program development and management, business development, technology transition, industrial teaming arrangements and nuances of the federal acquisition process.
Letitia White
Founding Partner
Letitia served as a key staff member on Capitol Hill. She has a unique and comprehensive understanding of the federal legislative process. As a result, she has long-standing relationships with a number of Members of Congress, their staff, and professional staff members on many Congressional Committees.
Jean Denton
Founding/Managing Partner
Jean has over twenty years of experience working in the legislative arena, with a particular expertise in dealing with the appropriations process. Her work with a diverse group of clients brings a well-rounded knowledge of issues, which is extremely helpful in understanding and impacting the legislative process.
Katelyn Costello
Executive Associate
Katelyn brings over a decade of experience in administrative management, communications, politics, and public policy to Innovative Federal Strategies from her time on Capitol Hill and at the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Michael Fearon
Staff Assistant
Michael joins IFS with a degree in Political Science from The George Washington University as well as internships with Representative Mary Peltola and the Center for Political Accountability.
Austin Gage
Senior Associate
Austin brings a decade of federal service and legislative experience to Innovative Federal Strategies, including senior positions in the House of Representatives serving the Dean of the House on the Appropriations Committee.
Erynn Hook
Senior Associate
Erynn most recently served as Chief of Staff for a Member of the New York Congressional delegation on the Energy and Commerce Committee. Erynn is from Western New York and served in various roles on Capitol Hill for 7+ years before joining the firm in 2020.
Benjamin J Jarrett
Senior Associate
Ben has extensive experience helping defense, science, and technology-oriented clients advocate for their federal policy goals. Ben came to the firm after over a decade of experience interacting with the legislative and executive branches of the federal government.
JD Key
Executive Associate
JD brings nearly two decades of experience in political strategy, congressional operations, and public affairs. His career spans campaigns at every level, from local elections to presidential races, before transitioning into senior congressional roles.
David Kilian
Senior Advisor
Dave brings about twenty-nine years of service to the federal government in both the executive and legislative branches. This includes eight years as a civilian budget analyst for the U.S. Air Force, one year as a supervisory budget analyst in the Department of the Treasury, and twenty years as a Professional Staff Member of the House Appropriations Committee.
Joe Minges
Associate
Joe comes to the firm with over nine years of experience on Capitol Hill. Prior to joining Innovative Federal Strategies, Joe served in the office of Congressman Ed Perlmutter. His portfolio included foreign affairs, defense, and veterans affairs.
Juan Buhigas Palinkasev
Legislative Analyst
Juan has supported defense, science, and technology clients in advancing their federal policy objectives, with particular experience working with agencies funded through the CJS appropriations bill. He comes to IFS with a degree in International Relations and a master’s in international Affairs Policy and Analysis, concentrating on security and defense.
Susan Paxon
Junior Associate
Susan joined IFS after interning on Capitol Hill for former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senator Roger Wicker. She served in a similar capacity for another government relations firm in Washington, DC before coming to the firm.
Sam Swinson
Legislative Assistant
Sam has supported municipal, defense, and technology clients support of their appropriations and NDAA priorities. Sam comes to IFS with a degree in Political Science from The George Washington University, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude. During his tenure at GW, he interned for 4 Members of Congress.
Jeannette Windon
Senior Advisor
Jeannette has over twenty years of experience working in the federal government, including sixteen years on Capitol Hill. As a former Legislative Director for a House and Senate Appropriations Committee member, Jeannette is an expert in appropriations and the legislative process of both chambers.
