Rick Colby

President

Rick Colby, president, founded Colby & Company in 1996 and has successfully managed government affairs programs across the United States for 24 years. A national expert on the functions of state health departments, he has extensive experience in legislative affairs, patient advocacy, government management, health care policy and communications. Mr. Colby worked in state government in two states: as director of legislative affairs for the Ohio Department of Health, where he developed and managed the agency's state and federal policy and legislation; and as chief of staff in the New Jersey Department of Health's long-term care ombudsman agency. Mr. Colby's legislative experience includes working as a senior legislative aide in the New Jersey General Assembly, where he managed the Higher Education and Regulated Professions Committee, the Assembly Aging Committee and the State Government Committee. Other state government positions include: assistant to former New Jersey Governor Thomas H. Kean; media director for the state of New Jersey during the Statue of Liberty's 100th Anniversary in New York City; and public affairs director for the Philadelphia Mental Health Corporation. His political experience includes working as executive director for former New Jersey Gov. Thomas H. Kean's reelection campaign in Bergen County and as a field coordinator for Connecticut Reagan-Bush '84. A Connecticut native, Mr. Colby holds a Masters Degree in Government Administration from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelors Degree in Corporate Video Communications from Southern Connecticut State University.

Kevin Fuller

Partner

Kevin L. Fuller is the founder of the Fuller Group and a senior partner with Colby and Company. The Fuller Group is a government affairs consulting company specializing in state, local and federal affairs, helping clients navigate through the regulatory and legislative process and creating value for businesses by solving complex legislative and policy issues. Before launching the Fuller Group, Kevin spent over 20 years in the pharmaceutical industry, holding positions in sales and government affairs. He developed in-depth knowledge of Medicaid and the legislative process, working a variety of legislative issues ranging from health care, environmental, energy, taxes and economic development incentives. He is also an experienced advocate, building coalitions and grassroots networks through allied development. His experience in government affairs started with holding elective office in Pennsylvania as a Township Supervisor and working locally for a Congressman by assisting in media outreach and winning legislative campaigns. He successfully started up and led a state government affairs department for a Fortune 500 company and has been a departmental leader in community affairs for a major managed care organization. Kevin has been appointed to several task forces and boards in a variety of industries and has served as a trusted and highly sought after campaign advisor. Kevin is a graduate of California University of Pa. with a B.S. in Business Administration and holds an MBA in Marketing from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia.

Christa Colasante

Senior Consultant

Christa Colasante, senior consultant, is president of CMC Consulting Services, LLC with clients in Ohio and Illinois. CMC Consulting Services is a political and advocacy consulting company for state and local affairs, along with building successful campaigns, coalitions and event planning. Before launching her own company, Ms. Colasante worked in Ohio politics for over 20 years and was the senior legislative aide for the Senate Insurance, Commerce & Labor Committee. She has also worked as an administrative and legislative aide in the Ohio House of Representatives. Her portfolio of legislative issues included insurance, commerce, finance, education, transportation, pensions, labor and Workers’ Compensation. Christa’s experience in government relations was as a lobbyist for two insurance trade associations representing independent insurance agents at the Ohio Statehouse. Christa is a graduate of the Jo Ann Davidson Leadership Institute and a recipient of many community awards due to her civic involvement. She's a graduate of Bishop Watterson High School and Capital University with a degree in political science. At Capital she was elected to student government and served as student body president and vice president.