Our Team
The professionals at Hicks Partners have more than six decades of combined experience in Public Affairs, Public Relations, Strategic Communications and Business.
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.
W. Zachary Holzapfel: Vice President
Zach Holzapfel is an accomplished government relations professional with significant experience and success in representing his clients. He adeptly coordinates and provides strategic planning services to both public and private-sector clients and offers an extensive background in providing public policy advice concerning, but not limited to, all aspects of healthcare, long-term care, licensing and regulations in environmental, Medicaid and local government.
Emily D. Turner: Project Manager
Emily Turner is a seasoned economic development and business incentives professional. With more than 18 years of experience, Turner has helped clients secure millions of dollars of state and local tax credits, loans and grants. In addition, Turner has helped numerous cities develop community reinvestment areas, local tax improvement districts, tax abatement agreements, and other incentives to improve local economic development.
Anthony Brigano: Government Relations Manager
Tony Brigano offers considerable government relations experience and acumen, with particular expertise in legislative issues regarding budget, 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.
Stacy Schad: Executive Assistant
Stacy Schad brings experience in the governmental sector as well as a history of work in private and nonprofit arenas to Hicks Partners. Her experience in coordinating office functions and managing communication and marketing efforts provides clients with support and information they need. She maintains these administrative duties while supervising special events planning as well.
Our Strategic Affiliates
Hicks Partners is pleased to work with several outstanding strategic affiliates to best serve our clients.
McCarthy Strategic Solutions, LLC
McCarthy Strategic Solutions LLC is one of the leading government relations firms in Kentucky. Lead by John McCarthy, a former senior aide to the governor of Kentucky and chairman of the KY Republican Party, MSS offers businesses, trade associations and individuals reliable, high quality solutions to their government relations issues at the local, state and federal levels in both the legislative and executive branches of government.
The Strategy Center LLC
The Strategy Center LLC is a full-service, full-spectrum communications consulting firm. Founded by Kevin Kellems, a former senior executive in the White House, US Department of Defense and Senator Richard G. Lugar (IN), The Strategy Center has offices in Madison, Indiana; Indianapolis and Northern Virginia, TSC gives clients an unparalleled opportunity to leverage the skills and expertise of the nation’s most seasoned professional strategists and communicators – around the clock.