Local Roots, National Scale

Hubert Riley

Hubert Riley is a Public Affairs and Government Relations expert with 30 years of experience in building and managing high level government partnerships that influences public sector marketing. Prior to Ryegrass, Hubert oversaw government affairs and worked on business development for Lacuna Technologies, a services provider that helps transportation agencies better manage the public right-of-way. Hubert was a founding partner with Capitol Advocacy. Before joining Capitol Advocacy, Hubert was a partner at Cartwright & Riley, a Washington, DC based public affairs firm that served a variety of clients at the state and federal level. Hubert also served as deputy executive director of the Democratic Governors Association where he led their national fundraising and political efforts.

Dannie Nguyen

Dannie Nguyen has over 18 years of experience in data technology solution design and delivery. She is spearheading the development and operations of Ryegrass's technology products and solutions, including (1) a proprietary AI engine that enables rapid creator vetting, audience demographics analysis, and campaign measurement, and (2) custom Council platforms that enable clients to co-create and directly collaborate with dedicated armies of trusted messengers, trendsetters or social leaders for insights, innovations and PSA campaigns.

Prior to joining #teamRyegrass, Dannie led the development of an AI-powered system that identified, ranked and monitored 10 million+ financial influencers at Sentifi, and helped shape, launch, and globally expand the Smart Building Solutions offering at Accenture.

Andy Lutzky

Andy's 17-year career in marketing and communications has spanned the public and private sector, both agency and in-house.

Andy helps manage new client partnerships for Ryegrass. He joined after serving as a client of Ryegrass team members, while the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer for the City of San Jose, which executed some of the first influencer marketing campaigns of any city government agency.

Andy previously rose to the rank of Senior Vice President at Edelman, leading global, integrated PR and marketing work for clients including Samsung, Microsoft, Google, and others. Earlier in Andy's career, he managed editorial strategy for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League.

Nichole Brandt

Nichole is an experienced VP with over 12+ years experience. Since the start of the pandemic, she has been spearheading dozens of COVID-19 Response digital door-to-door programs for states, counties and cities around the country, including multiple campaigns within the State of New Jersey. Some public sector/NGO clients include Choose: New Jersey, the New Jersey Hospital Association, the Louisiana Department of Health, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, the Knight Foundation, the South Florida Health Foundation, etc. In the private sector, she has successfully led over 200 campaigns for fortune 500 brands, such as L'Oréal, Clorox, Showtime, Unilever and more. Previous to Ryegrass, Nichole led the marketing & PR efforts for an NGO based in southern California, whose goal was to provide full wellness centers (medical, dental, vision, reiki, acupuncture, and support groups) for those living with HIV/AIDS.

Outside of Ryegrass she is passionate about NGO work. She is a regular volunteer at food kitchens and youth programs and is on the advisory board of Mbesese, a nonprofit helping build sustainable methods out of poverty for rural Southeastern Africa.

Nina Kilgriff

Nina is a young professional passionate about making the world a kinder place. In her role as Account Manager, Nina is the point of contact with the majority of creators throughout the various Ryegrass projects. Using her skills of communication, problem-solving, and empathy, she works to ensure that both influencers and clients have positive and smooth experiences in their work with Ryegrass. With the experience navigating diverse frameworks surrounding local and national politics, human rights, and more, Nina aims to create connections in the marketing sphere that will help us all feel more connected in our fight for a common goal of tolerance, understanding, and community. Outside of work, you can find her walking around a lake, baking some sourdough, or cozying up with a good book!

Jaime Harrison

With more than two decades of experience, Jaime Harrison is one of the Democratic Party's leading strategists and voices. As Chair of the Democratic National Committee, he rebuilt party infrastructure, expanded the 50-state strategy, and helped deliver Democrats' strongest midterm performance for an incumbent president since the 1930s. In addition to senior roles on Capitol Hill, Jaime has held leadership positions at the Podesta Group and Peer Forward.

Ernie Grigg

Ernie Grigg is a veteran speechwriter and messaging strategist with over 20 years of experience. He has advised campaigns and elected officials at every level, as well as the DNC. Earlier, Ernie led advocacy efforts for clients including the U.S. Army, ExxonMobil, and the National Health Ministry of Taiwan, and he developed a global advocacy campaign that led the United Nations to establish the International Day to Protect Education from Attack.

Clay Middleton

He brings over two decades of political, governmental, and military leadership experience, advising Democratic campaigns from local races to the presidential level. He served as a senior advisor to Biden for President (2024), supported the Biden-Harris transition team, and held long-standing roles with Congressman Jim Clyburn. He has also worked with leaders including Senator Cory Booker and Secretary Hillary Clinton. Clay is a Lieutenant Colonel in the South Carolina Army National Guard, a Managing Director at Mercury, and a former Obama Administration appointee.