A graduate of University of Kansas School of Law, Sean earned his Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M and then worked for the University's alumni association until 2004 directing alumni outreach and legislative affairs. In 2004, he moved to Kansas to attend KU Law where he focused on Environmental and Natural Resource law. He worked for the Kansas Water Congress and served as campaign manager for the gubernatorial campaign of former House Speaker Robin Jennison before joining Capitol Strategies in 2007. Sean became a partner in the organization in 2015.
Sean Miller
Michelle Butler
Michelle joined Capitol Strategies in 2009 after serving as the Chief of Staff for the Speaker of the Kansas House of Representatives during the 2007-2008 biennium. She brings a wealth of legislative experience at both the state and federal levels having also served as Chief of Staff to three Kansas House Majority Leaders as well as serving as Chief of Staff to a former Member of Congress. Michelle received her Bachelor of Science in Journalism from the University of Kansas.
Tom joined CS in 2021 after working in the Kansas Office of Recovery as part of the State’s Covid-19 response. Prior to working in Kansas, he served as the legislative liaison for the Iowa Office of the Chief Information Officer, helping develop Iowa’s broadband program and handling procurement matters. He holds a bachelors in Journalism from the University of Kansas and a J.D. from Washburn University School of Law.
​
tslaughter@kansasstatehouse.com
Tom SLaughter
Ron Thornburgh
Ron brings 40 years of State government Executive Branch experience to Capitol Strategies. The newest member of the team, Ron joined the firm in 2025 after 15 years of leading nationwide government relations strategy for publicly traded companies. Working with statewide elected officials across the country, he coordinated local government relations consultants, shaped policy, and put out fires. Prior to his work in the private sector, Ron was elected four times as Kansas Secretary of State serving from 1994-2010. He joined CS in March 2025.
​
Keely joined the Capitol Strategies team after a postgraduate internship in 2022. She earned a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Northern Arizona University. She has a keen awareness of social systems and utilizes her training in the systems approach as the lens for understanding critical policy issues. Keely has held a variety of legal and political positions, including political canvassing and advocacy work. She brings strong research skills, and knowledge of the legislative process and the Kansas legislature to CS.
​
Keely Carney
Jake joined Capitol Strategies in 2024 after a successful tenure at Tyler Technologies, where he focused on Government Relations and Business Development, aligning business solutions with government needs. A proud veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, Jake served during Operation Enduring Freedom, bringing his leadership and dedication to his role at Capitol Strategies. His unique background positions him to effectively navigate the complexities of state policy and regulation for our clients.
​
Jake Wareham
We lost our colleague, mentor, and dear friend, John Peterson, in early January 2025. John founded Capitol Strategies in 1976 and remained a fixture in the legislature until his final days. Prior to his lobbying career, John served in the Kansas House. He received his undergraduate degree in Political Science from Stanford University and his J.D. from Washburn University School of Law. John was considered a Dean in the Kansas lobby community and his understanding of the legislative process was second to none. He was an active participant in nearly every major piece of business legislation over the last three decades. John was a devoted husband, avid golfer, and was known around Topeka for his quick wit and wisdom. He will be greatly missed.