PRESIDENT
Robert Kennedy
In 2006, Mr. Kennedy founded Capitol Affairs, Inc., a Michigan-based, multi- client government relations consulting firm, after spending nearly five years as the senior lobbyist and practice group leader with a Lansing consulting firm. Mr. Kennedy has successfully represented a diverse list of clients ranging from small family businesses to blue chip Fortune 50 multinational conglomerates.
Prior to his position as a multi-client lobbyist, Mr. Kennedy served as the state and federal legislative coordinator for the Oakland County (MI) Sheriff’s Department, one of the nation’s largest full-service departments.
Before becoming a professional consultant, Mr. Kennedy spent much of the 1990s working in the Michigan State Senate, including key positions as a legislative aide and as the special assistant to the assistant majority leader and later the majority floor leader. Mr. Kennedy’s legislative background includes distinguished service on the staffs of the chairmen of the Senate Banking and Financial Services Committee, Senate Casino Gaming Oversight Committee and the Senate Education Committee.
In 2013, following a survey of their readers, a leading state public policy publication ranked Mr. Kennedy as the sixth most effective Michigan lobbyist.
Mr. Kennedy has a wealth of political campaign and legislative experience and leverages his strong Lansing presence for the benefit of his firm’s government relations clients.
Activities & Affiliations
WMU Alumni Association Board of Directors
Education
WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Science, Political Science/Public Law
SENIOR CONSULTANT
Phil Browne
Phil Browne joined Capitol Affairs in 2023, after more than two decades working in Michigan state government. Phil is an experienced problem solver with an innate ability to quickly analyze a situation and seize the moment.
With proven results at every step of the process, Phil has experienced it all, working in both the legislature and administration. As the Budget Director for both a Speaker of the House and a Minority Leader, he oversaw the entire Appropriations portfolio—developing and advancing funding requests and policy proposals.
During his tenure, he has shepherded hundreds of appropriations bills through the Michigan Legislature, delivering balanced budgets time and time again.
He has developed trust and leadership capabilities and maintains close working relationships with legislative leaders of both parties, in both the House and the Senate, as well as the State Budget Office and throughout the Governor’s administration.
Phil previously served in the executive branch as the Director of Government Affairs for the Michigan Department of Transportation and as Advisor to the State Transportation Commission. During his tenure with the Department of Transportation, Browne’s skilled legislative strategy received national attention, resulting in an award from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.
In his vast experience, he’s gained expertise on a variety of key topics, including lead staff for the House Appropriations and Education Committees, and Policy Advisor for Health Policy, Insurance and Financial Services, and the Economic Development and Small Business Committees. Other roles sharpened his ability to get results, including as Deputy Chief of Staff to the House Speaker, and Chief of Staff to a House Majority Whip. Phil’s political acumen, leadership skills and keen knowledge serve as the base for his results-driven approach.
Education
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
Bachelor of Arts, Political Science & Government
Senior Consultant
Karla Ruest
A fixture in the Capitol policy arena since 1994, Karla Ruest joined Capitol Affairs in 2023 to continue her long and distinguished career shaping major public policy issues in the state of Michigan.
Karla has provided leadership and knowledge as a trusted advisor both inside and outside of state government specializing in the complex world of health and human services while offering a widely respected voice in appropriations, insurance, and family issues.
Her government service includes nearly a decade directing the Legislative and Constituent Services for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Prior to that, she served as Chief of Staff to the Chair of the House Appropriations Committee and various other members of the legislature, as well as worked in the Governor’s Appointments Division. In all, she has served three Governors and multiple state legislators. If that wasn’t enough, in her free time, she serves as a member of the Ingham County Commission.
Karla has provided in-house representation for a Michigan-based health insurance company, and an international pharmaceutical company. She has also successfully represented numerous clients in a wide variety of subject matter areas during her years as a multi-client lobbyist.
Karla’s inside contacts and ability to navigate the inner workings of state government, especially the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, make her the go-to person to resolve issues by getting to the right people at the right time, which makes her an invaluable asset to the firm’s clients.
Karla Ruest holds a bachelor’s degree from Cleary University and a Master of Science in Administration and Health Care Management from Central Michigan University.
Education
CLEARY UNIVERSITY
Bachelors Degree
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Masters of Science, Administration & Health Care Management
Activities
Ingham County Commissioner