Charles has spent more than a decade at the forefront of integrating data-driven strategies with traditional advocacy to shape, influence, and advance innovative public policy initiatives nationwide.
Drawing on a deep background in digital communications, public policy research, data analytics, and grassroots advocacy, he has advised more than 100 organizations – ranging from Fortune 25 companies all the way to citizen coalitions and non-profits – on how best to advocate for their issues and engage their stakeholders in an increasingly digital world.
A core focus of Charles’s practice is land use, with a particular emphasis on data center development and energy infrastructure. He has led or supported research, engagement, and advocacy strategies for major development projects across 16 states in just the past three years, helping clients navigate politically sensitive siting, permitting, and regulatory environments while aligning public opinion research and communications with policy and business objectives. His broader work also includes economic development, education, and gaming advocacy initiatives.
Before joining the firm in 2011, Charles gained significant hands-on experience in politics and government by directing a nonprofit advocacy organization, managing a re-election campaign, and advising on policy for then-Delegate (now Congressman) Ben Cline, and supporting Governor Bob McDonnell’s political action committee and successful gubernatorial campaign, along with several additional volunteer, internship, and campaign management roles. He also founded and operated a digital strategy firm focused primarily on political and small business clients.
Charles earned a B.A. in Political Science from Virginia Commonwealth University and is an alumnus of the University of Virginia’s Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership’s 2012 Political Leaders Program. Originally from western Virginia, he lives in Richmond with his wife, Amy, and their two children.
Charles has spent more than a decade at the forefront of integrating data-driven strategies with traditional advocacy to shape, influence, and advance innovative public policy initiatives nationwide.
Drawing on a deep background in digital communications, public policy research, data analytics, and grassroots advocacy, he has advised more than 100 organizations – ranging from Fortune 25 companies all the way to citizen coalitions and non-profits – on how best to advocate for their issues and engage their stakeholders in an increasingly digital world.
A core focus of Charles’s practice is land use, with a particular emphasis on data center development and energy infrastructure. He has led or supported research, engagement, and advocacy strategies for major development projects across 16 states in just the past three years, helping clients navigate politically sensitive siting, permitting, and regulatory environments while aligning public opinion research and communications with policy and business objectives. His broader work also includes economic development, education, and gaming advocacy initiatives.
Before joining the firm in 2011, Charles gained significant hands-on experience in politics and government by directing a nonprofit advocacy organization, managing a re-election campaign, and advising on policy for then-Delegate (now Congressman) Ben Cline, and supporting Governor Bob McDonnell’s political action committee and successful gubernatorial campaign, along with several additional volunteer, internship, and campaign management roles. He also founded and operated a digital strategy firm focused primarily on political and small business clients.
Charles earned a B.A. in Political Science from Virginia Commonwealth University and is an alumnus of the University of Virginia’s Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership’s 2012 Political Leaders Program. Originally from western Virginia, he lives in Richmond with his wife, Amy, and their two children.
Helped major companies in the data center industry overcome local issues facing rezoning and data center development across the county
Managed several successful referendum efforts across the country, most notably the most successful casino referendum in Virginia after the state legalized casino gaming in 2020
Helped manage a multistate effort that resulted in tens of thousands of comments into local, state, and federal elected official in support of a major energy infrastructure project
Assisted the Virginia Chamber – Virginia’s premiere pro-business organization – with the creation of their two major state policy plans and interactive companion websites for both, as well as their efforts to bolster paid internships, veterans hiring, small business healthcare, and a business-friendly economic climate in Virginia
Ran a majorly successful effort in opposition to proposed rule-making by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, helping facilitate what was then the most comments ever into the agency during a public comment period
Helped design, develop, and manage the business-led Grow By Degrees and Growth4VA initiatives of the Virginia Business Higher Education Council to highlight higher education’s crucial positive impact on economic growth and to promote sustained reform and reinvestment in Virginia’s higher education system
Helped design, develop, and manage the GO Virginia initiative aimed at spurring public-private partnerships between and within Virginia’s unique regions that has since transformed into a state-funded and state-managed program to invest in and incentivize collaboration between business, education, and government across Virginia
Assisted clients on how to best integrate digital solutions with traditional advocacy to shape public policy issues including technology, land use, infrastructure development, economic development, gaming and entertainment, healthcare, and higher education
Designed and developed McGuireWoods Consulting’s website
Commonwealth Alliance for Rural Colleges
Board Member
2014-Present
Virginia Public Access Project (VPAP) Partners Board
Board Member
2014-2017
Virginia Charitable Gaming Board
Board Member
2013-2017