Our Team
With extensive experience and deep relationships in the Capitol, our team is ready to successfully pursue Clients' policy objectives.
DAVID WINTON
FOUNDER & PRESIDENT
With over 30 years experience in the Missouri Capitol, David has become a trusted policy resource for members of the executive and legislative branches. His well-earned reputation for issue-area expertise and legislative strategy is built on two decades of successes in the policy and appropriations arenas. With deep relationships and unparalleled knowledge of clients’ issues, David has a proven track record of achieving policy objectives.
His work in the Capitol began in 1992 as Government Affairs Director for the Jewish Federation of St. Louis. Since 1994, David has represented a wide array of clients and issues, ranging from education to utilities. With this breadth of experience, David understands how to move, oppose, and negotiate complicated legislation. In addition to leading legislative and appropriations efforts as the sole lobbyist, David has developed close working relationships with his lobbying colleagues, allowing him to seamlessly work in coalitions. This ensures clients have access to his support, but also other allied groups that may see value in a particular area.
David has developed expertise in human service policy and the appropriations process. This places him in a unique position to protect existing budget items, explore funding mechanisms for new initiatives, and strategically maximize available revenue.
David’s commitment to hard work and accountability extends beyond the legislative session. After bills pass, he works closely with the Executive Branch on gubernatorial approval as well as department implementation and rule making. During the Legislature’s off-session, you’ll find him in Jefferson City or Legislators’ home districts, building relationships, gathering information on emerging issues, and consulting with clients on responses to opportunities and challenges.
He earned a degree in Economics and a Master's in Public Administration and Public Policy from the University of Florida at Gainesville. David lives in Columbia with his wife, Beth, and their younger son. Beth holds a PhD in Education from the University of Missouri. She teaches Gifted Education at Jefferson Middle School and directs the Gifted Education Program for the Columbia Public School District. Their oldest son, Jacob, graduated with a degree in Astrophysics from the University of Alabama and is now earning his MBA. David and Beth's younger son, Noah, is a student at Rock Bridge High School. He has earned a top position in the Missouri Valley Tennis Rankings. David enjoys spending time with his family and can often be found on weekends at his son’s tennis tournaments.
Michael Grote's background includes Missouri and federal lobbying, political consulting, and campaign finance compliance. A native Oklahoman, he moved to Missouri to attend Westminster College. Upon receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree, he earned his JD from the University of Missouri School of Law. He went on to work for a number of statewide and local political candidates in Missouri. Mike developed policy recommendations and directed the enactment of those proposals for political campaigns. In 2001, he joined the staff of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry as a lobbyist.
During his tenure with the Missouri Chamber, Mike served as vice-president of governmental affairs; he was responsible for developing the agenda and managing all legislative activity for the organization.
Since 2008, Mike has worked as vice-president of Grote & Associates, managing the government affairs activities of the corporation. In this capacity, he represents clients before the Missouri General Assembly, Governor, and the executive administration. Mike combines his more than 18 years in the Missouri Capitol with a unique understanding of the political process to successfully manage outcomes for clients. He also works as managing partner of the Grote Group L.L.C., a law firm specializing in campaign finance, election law compliance, and government relations. In addition to his practice at Grote & Associates and the Grote Group, Mike began working with the WPG lobbying team in 2018. He works alongside David and Jessica in the Capitol to support clients' legislative priorities in the Capitol.
Michael Grote
Lobbying Team Member
JESSICA PETRIE Thelemaque
Director of Operations
During Jessica’s ten years in the Capitol, she has developed a well-earned reputation for a relentless work ethic and detailed understanding of clients’ legislation. At Winton Policy Group, Jessica supports clients’ policy initiatives by engaging Legislators and staff, tracking legislation, monitoring hearings, and preparing research and communication. She also works closely with clients on a range of projects throughout the year, such as lobby days, advocacy trainings, legislative meetings, and member communication.
Before joining David in 2015, she worked in the Missouri House of Representatives. During her time at the Capitol, Jessica staffed five committees, including appropriations and policy committees focused on health and social services. She tracked legislation and amendments moving through these committees and managed a committee with over 150 bill referrals.
Jessica graduated valedictorian from Truman State University with a Communication degree and Political Science minor. She spent a semester interning full-time at the Missouri Capitol in the House Speaker’s office.
Jessica lives in Jefferson City with her husband, Henrio, and their daughter. In her free time, you’ll usually find Jessica walking her dog, Sky, or reading (presidential biographies and murder mysteries are the best genres).
Robin Sherman
Administrative specialist
With a background in education and coaching, Robin brings strong communication and planning skills to her role as Administrative Specialist at Winton Policy Group. She is committed to helping ensure client projects flow smoothly, and her attention to detail and organizational skills bring great value to events and meetings.
Prior to Winton Policy Group, Robin worked as an Elementary and Early Childhood educator in Columbia Public Schools for 31 years. She served on building leadership teams as well as the district technology committee. Robin coached high school and club volleyball at different times throughout her career and is currently a board member for the Missouri Juniors Volleyball Club.
At Winton Policy Group, Robin helps support clients through a range of projects, including event planning, arranging legislative meetings, facilitating meeting/ event logistics, and preparing materials.
Robin and her husband Craig live in Columbia and have three sons. Hobbies include visiting family, hiking, biking, and adventure!
