About Us
We value passion, integrity, alignment, and relationships.
Your Team
Respected and known within the walls of the Capitol, our team is compact and focused for your cause. Working with Capitol Hill Associates means you get access to the breadth and depth of our whole team. We work together, leaning in on each other’s unique strengths and expertise.
Spending so much time together, you’ll find we’re more like family than a team. You can find us together at a Gopher football game, hiking canyons, or skiing mountains around the country during the legislative break. We’re better together – at work and at play.
SAM WALSETH
Sam Walseth has developed a respected reputation both inside and outside of the Capitol, based on hard work, a balance of aggressive advocacy and pragmatism culminating in a long track record of success for his clients. After a couple dozen legislative sessions, he’s still excited about the impact he and his team can have for their clients. Walseth understands the magnitude of what clients come to Capitol Hill Associates for and considers it an incredible opportunity and honor to represent their causes as the state legislature.
Walseth started his advocacy career in the State House of Representatives, literally on the ground floor as Page Captain. After joining CHA as a junior lobbyist Walseth got to learn from veteran lobbyists and their vast network of legislative allies. Seeing the process from the inside, he was hooked from the start and continues to enjoy this work.
R. REID LEBEAU II
As a child, Reid LeBeau II was often found at the State Capitol enamored with watching the legislative session. He was in awe of the process, reverence for the Capitol and the impact of the legislators. This early fascination with the political process fueled his passion for a career in federal and state lobbying.
Now, with over 20 years of experience, LeBeau has become a trusted advocate for his clients, representing their interests at the legislature. He prioritizes building strong relationships with his clients, understanding that the issues they face are deeply personal and impact their daily lives. Aware of the trust they place in him, LeBeau is fully committed to delivering success on their behalf.
What excites LeBeau most about lobbying is the strategic aspect—understanding how the legislative process works, navigating the operations of each chamber, and recognizing the unique personalities involved in every issue. He thrives on the challenge of this "chess match" and takes great satisfaction in guiding his clients through its complexities.
NICK ZERWAS
Nick Zerwas brings over seven years of experience in the House of Representatives, where he gained a deep understanding of addressing complex issues and driving effective solutions. His expertise shines in the health and human services and public safety committees, where he is both well-known and highly respected.
Transitioning into lobbying, Zerwas passionately advocates for causes close to his heart. His unique talent lies in telling compelling, actionable stories that resonate with key decision-makers in the legislature, making him a powerful force for change. Known for his problem-solving approach, he has made significant impacts in areas like health and human services, insurance, public safety, and other fields that affect his clients.
Zerwas also recognizes that navigating the legislative process can be daunting for many. He works closely with clients, guiding them through every stage—from crafting their narrative to preparing for testimony—ensuring they feel confident and supported throughout the journey.
ROB VANASEK
Rob Vanasek spent nearly seven years in Washington, D.C. lobbying at the Federal level after working on Capitol Hill before moving back to Minnesota to make an impact in his home state. Vanasek, a life-long learner, is always studying the legislative landscape and finding or creating an edge clients can take advantage of in the legislative process.
Minnesota’s rich political tradition and the ability to influence outcomes on behalf of incredible clients motivates Vanasek. He recognizes the importance and the impact he can have for clients and advancing or defending their unique interests.
Having served as a federal and state lobbyist for over 25 years, Vanasek especially enjoys when those worlds collide, and he gets to work on state issues that have nationwide impact. His knowledge and understanding of both state and federal process is an incredible asset for clients.
ANNE KILZER
Anne Kilzer held positions from Field Organizer to Press Secretary for a variety of Elected Officials and campaigns prior to entering the world of lobbying and association management. Her passion for politics and policy combined with her incredible skill in bringing order to chaos, makes for a powerful resource for Capitol Hill Associates.
Often referred to as a “puppet master” around the Capitol Hill Associates office due to her ability to get the right people in the right place at the right time, Kilzer works with organizations to maximize their impact in both operations and legislative initiatives.
Creating processes and structure energizes Kilzer. When she combines that superpower with an association’s legislative efforts, the results for the organization and its members are remarkable. Kilzer has skills to both set strategic priorities and execute the most detailed of plans, which proves to be an incredible asset for associations who lack the human resources or expertise to do it on their own.
BRITTA TORKELSON
Britta Torkelson’s incredible work ethic was developed on the farm she grew up on, but her passion for government came, in part, from seeing her father serve in the Minnesota House of Representatives.
Torkelson began her career as a social worker before attending law school, where she was particularly interested in policy development and legal research. She had a burning desire to have an impact, be involved in the lawmaking process, and have influence on policy work.
When researching firms, Torkelson noticed and appreciated that Capitol Hill Associates wasn’t the type of firm to take on any client, but that they only take clients they know they can work well for.
Torkelson is passionate about advocating on behalf of her clients, believing if you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu. Torkelson also enjoys the research, writing, and communication part of the advocacy process, excelling in communicating complex issues in understandable and effective ways.
Our Values
Passion
You won’t find a group that works harder for you, we’re sure of it. We’re competitive, thriving on advancing your mission.
Integrity
Our clients trust us with their most important work. We take that very seriously. We'll do our absolute best for you.
Alignment
We’re selective about who we work with. We believe that alignment in goals and values will help us be more successful together.
Relationships
We value relationships with clients, decision-makers, and each other. We believe in and enjoy the organizations we work with.
Ready to Connect?
Let’s schedule some time to connect and see what we can accomplish together!