615-645-0233
511 Union Street, Suite 1100, Nashville, TN, 37219, 
Subjects: Agencies/Regulations, Alcohol, Appropriations/Budgets, Business/Commerce, Children/Family/Women, City/County Government, Civil Rights, Consumer Protection, Corrections/Criminal Justice, Education, Energy/Utilities, Environment/Recycling, Finance/Banking, Food/Restaurants, Gaming, Health Care, Housing/Real Estate/Development/Construction, Immigration, Insurance, Manufacturing, Medicare/Medicaid, Non-Profit, Pharmaceuticals, Planning/Land Use/Zoning, Privacy/Internet, Professional/Vocational Licensing, Public Safety, Public Sector, Retail, RFP/Procurement, Science/Technology, Taxes, Telecommunications, Tourism/Hospitality, Transportation/Vehicles
Mark Cate is the Founder and President of Stones River Group, a Nashville-based public affairs firm serving both Tennessee, regional and national clients. He formerly served as Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam's chief of staff, where he was his top advisor, strategist and negotiator.
2) ACT, INC.
4) Alliance Healthcare Services, Inc.
6) Aunt Bertha, a Public Benefit Corporation d/b/a findhelp
7) BlackRock Funds Services Group, LLC
10) Campaign for Great Public Schools dba as City Fund Action
13) CHEEKWOOD BOTANICAL GARDEN AND MUSEUM OF ART
14) Client Network Services, LLC
16) Cognia
17) Communities In Schools of Tennessee
18) Critical Nurse Staffing, LLC
19) Curriculum Associates, LLC
22) Edmentum
23) Empower Schools
30) Greater Nashville Regional Council
36) Knox County
37) Knoxville Zoological Gardens Inc.
38) Koch Companies Public Sector, LLC and Affiliates
39) Koch Government Affairs, LLC and Affiliates
41) Liminex, Inc dba GoGuardian
42) Livanova
43) Lorraine Civil Rights Foundation dba National Civil Rights Museum
44) MARK43 INC
45) Maximus, Inc.
46) Memphis Brooks Museum of Art Inc
47) Memphis Shelby Crime Commission
48) Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority
50) Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare
51) Nashville Soccer Holdings, LLC
52) PathGroup
53) PayIt, LLC
54) Salesforce, Inc.
56) SH Advisors LLC
57) Skinny Labs Inc. (dba Spin)
58) Southern College of Optometry
59) STV Incorporated
60) Tech901
61) Tennessee Charter School Allies
63) The Coalition for Better Health
65) TN Development District Assn
66) Uptown Property Holdings LLC
67) WASTE MANAGEMENT
6-10 years
I have been recognized by the Nashville Post list of In-Charge: Government & Politics for 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022
Our firm was recognized nationally by the Public Relations Society of America for our comprehensive public affairs campaign to bring Major League Soccer to Nashville
Mark Cate is the Founder and President of Stones River Group, a Nashville-based public affairs firm serving both Tennessee, regional and national clients. He formerly served as Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam's chief of staff, where he was his top advisor, strategist and negotiator.
During his tenure with the Haslam Administration, Mark led several legislative policy initiatives, including K-12 education reform, workers' compensation reform, civil service reform, an alternative approach to Medicaid expansion, and postsecondary education reform, including the nationally-acclaimed Tennessee Promise program.
Prior to serving in state government, Mark successfully managed Governor Haslam's first gubernatorial campaign in 2010, which led to a record-setting general election victory. He previously worked as an executive in real estate management and development and served for 16 years as a higher education leader. Over the course of his career, Mark has served as a chief development officer, chief planning officer, chief marketing officer, and as a chief financial officer—working on budgets ranging from $10 million to $30 billion.
Mark grew up in Maryville, TN and currently lives in Brentwood with his wife Cathy who serves as the Executive Director of Leadership Tennessee. He and Cathy have two daughters, Bailey who is a recent graduate at Rhodes College and currently serves as a fellow at the Crop Trust in Bonn, Germany; and Abbie who is rising junior at George Washington University.
Cate received a B.S from Carson-Newman College, an M.S from the University of Tennessee, and Harvard University's Institute for Educational Management certificate program. He's served on a wide variety of non-profit boards and was an elected member of the Maryville Board of Education.
615-645-0233
511 Union St #1100, Nashville, TN, 37219, 
Subjects: Agencies/Regulations, Alcohol, Appropriations/Budgets, Business/Commerce, Children/Family/Women, City/County Government, Civil Rights, Consumer Protection, Corrections/Criminal Justice, Education, Energy/Utilities, Environment/Recycling, Finance/Banking, Food/Restaurants, Gaming, Health Care, Housing/Real Estate/Development/Construction, Immigration, Insurance, Manufacturing, Medicare/Medicaid, Non-Profit, Pharmaceuticals, Planning/Land Use/Zoning, Privacy/Internet, Professional/Vocational Licensing, Public Safety, Public Sector, Retail, RFP/Procurement, Science/Technology, Taxes, Telecommunications, Tourism/Hospitality, Transportation/Vehicles
CJ Duncan supports SRG's government relations team, assisting in the development and execution of winning strategies to advance clients' state and local public policy objectives. Most recently, CJ worked for the government affairs division in the Montgomery, Alabama offices of Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP.
2) ACT
11) Edmentum
13) Ernst & Young
14) GoGuardian
16) Greater Nashville Regional Council
17) Knox County
18) Koch Companies
19) LHP Capital
20) LivaNova
21) Mark43
22) MAXIMUS
23) Merit
24) Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare
27) Salesforce
28) SAS Institute
29) Science Applications International Corporation
30) Southern College of Optometry
31) Spin
32) Tech901
36) VitalSource
0-5 years
CJ Duncan supports SRG's government relations team, assisting in the development and execution of winning strategies to advance clients' state and local public policy objectives. Most recently, CJ worked for the government affairs division in the Montgomery, Alabama offices of Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP. Previously, CJ interned for the Davidson Criminal Court under Judge Randall Wyatt.
CJ is a graduate of Vanderbilt University, where he majored in political science with a minor in corporate strategy. He also played wide receiver for the Vanderbilt Commodores throughout his college career. Vanderbilt coach Derek Mason called CJ "one of our most versatile and proven offensive performers, but even more than that, C.J. is very much a team-oriented player." In 2018, the Arizona Cardinals invited CJ to a rookie minicamp on a tryout basis, which resulted in CJ being signed to the Cardinals' 90-man offseason roster.
615-645-0233
511 Union Street, Suite 1100, Nashville, TN, 37219, 
Subjects: Agencies/Regulations, Alcohol, Appropriations/Budgets, Business/Commerce, Children/Family/Women, City/County Government, Civil Rights, Consumer Protection, Corrections/Criminal Justice, Education, Energy/Utilities, Environment/Recycling, Finance/Banking, Food/Restaurants, Gaming, Health Care, Housing/Real Estate/Development/Construction, Immigration, Insurance, Manufacturing, Medicare/Medicaid, Non-Profit, Pharmaceuticals, Planning/Land Use/Zoning, Privacy/Internet, Professional/Vocational Licensing, Public Safety, Public Sector, Retail, RFP/Procurement, Science/Technology, Taxes, Telecommunications, Tourism/Hospitality, Transportation/Vehicles
Stephen Susano is the Co-Founder and COO of Stones River Group, a Nashville-based public affairs firm serving both Tennessee, regional and national clients. He provides clients with strategic counsel on business opportunities and project management, regulatory matters, procurement, economic development, third-party engagement, and market positioning. Stephen leverages his lengthy private-sector experience and deep network of relationships with business leaders and key policymakers in state and local government across Tennessee to deliver solutions for clients in multiple industries.
3) Alliance Healthcare Services, Inc.
5) Aunt Bertha, a Public Benefit Corporation d/b/a findhelp
6) BlackRock Funds Services Group, LLC
8) Campaign for Great Public Schools dba as City Fund Action
10) CHEEKWOOD BOTANICAL GARDEN AND MUSEUM OF ART
11) Client Network Services, LLC
13) Communities In Schools of Tennessee
14) Critical Nurse Staffing, LLC
15) Curriculum Associates, LLC
24) Greater Nashville Regional Council
28) Knox County
29) Knoxville Zoological Gardens Inc.
30) Koch Companies Public Sector, LLC and Affiliates
31) Koch Government Affairs, LLC and Affiliates
33) Liminex, Inc dba GoGuardian
34) Livanova
35) Lorraine Civil Rights Foundation dba National Civil Rights Museum
36) MARK43 INC
37) Maximus, Inc.
38) Memphis Brooks Museum of Art Inc
39) Memphis Shelby Crime Commission
40) Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority
41) Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare
42) Nashville Soccer Holdings, LLC
43) PathGroup
44) PayIt, LLC
45) Salesforce, Inc.
47) SH Advisors LLC
48) Southern College of Optometry
49) STV Incorporated
50) Tennessee Charter School Allies
52) Uptown Property Holdings LLC
53) WASTE MANAGEMENT
6-10 years
Stephen Susano is the Co-Founder and COO of Stones River Group, a Nashville-based public affairs firm serving both Tennessee, regional and national clients. He provides clients with strategic counsel on business opportunities and project management, regulatory matters, procurement, economic development, third-party engagement, and market positioning. Stephen leverages his lengthy private-sector experience and deep network of relationships with business leaders and key policymakers in state and local government across Tennessee to deliver solutions for clients in multiple industries.
Prior to Stones River Group, Stephen served as Executive Director of the Tennessee Business Partnership (TBP), an advocacy organization supported by many of the state's leading enterprises. He spearheaded its efforts to advance pro-business policies, including education and judicial reforms, to encourage job growth and economic development. In 2014, Stephen led the statewide "Vote Yes on 2" campaign in support of the Judicial Selection Amendment to the Tennessee constitution. Stephen built a broad coalition of business groups, trade associations, legal advocates and community leaders in favor of the amendment. This coalition's successful mobilization helped ensure the amendment was approved with overwhelming support, carrying 94 out of 95 counties in Tennessee
Prior to working in the public affairs space, Stephen had an extensive career in the financial services industry. He served in operating and business development roles for several investment advisers and asset management firms. He has consulted with and raised capital for both U.S. and foreign-based investment firms, and has negotiated distribution and trading agreements with multiple financial services companies. Through his work, Stephen navigated complex regulatory regimes in domestic and offshore jurisdictions
Stephen grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee and currently lives in Brentwood with his wife, Ana. He and Ana have four children. Stephen serves on the board of the Nashville Downtown Partnership.
615-645-0233
511 Union Street, Suite 1100, Nashville, TN, 37219, 
Subjects: Agencies/Regulations, Alcohol, Appropriations/Budgets, Business/Commerce, Children/Family/Women, City/County Government, Civil Rights, Consumer Protection, Corrections/Criminal Justice, Education, Energy/Utilities, Environment/Recycling, Finance/Banking, Food/Restaurants, Gaming, Health Care, Housing/Real Estate/Development/Construction, Immigration, Insurance, Manufacturing, Medicare/Medicaid, Non-Profit, Pharmaceuticals, Planning/Land Use/Zoning, Privacy/Internet, Professional/Vocational Licensing, Public Safety, Public Sector, Retail, RFP/Procurement, Science/Technology, Taxes, Telecommunications, Tourism/Hospitality, Transportation/Vehicles
Chris Gobble is a respected government affairs specialist with deep issue expertise and a broad base of policymaker and stakeholder relationships. He leverages his insights into the state General Assembly, Tennessee executive branch, and local governments to help SRG clients navigate complex political challenges and effectively advance meaningful policy solutions. Prior to joining SRG, Chris served as senior director of public policy for the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and was the legislative and policy director for the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security under Governor Bill Haslam.
2) ACT, INC.
4) Alliance Healthcare Services, Inc.
6) Aunt Bertha, a Public Benefit Corporation d/b/a findhelp
7) BlackRock Funds Services Group, LLC
10) Campaign for Great Public Schools dba as City Fund Action
13) Communities In Schools of Tennessee
14) Critical Nurse Staffing, LLC
15) Curriculum Associates, LLC
18) Edmentum
19) Empower Schools
25) Greater Nashville Regional Council
29) Knox County
30) Knoxville Zoological Gardens Inc.
31) Koch Companies Public Sector, LLC and Affiliates
32) Koch Government Affairs, LLC and Affiliates
34) Liminex, Inc dba GoGuardian
35) Livanova
36) MARK43 INC
37) Memphis Shelby Crime Commission
38) Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority
40) Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare
41) Nashville Soccer Holdings, LLC
42) PathGroup
43) Salesforce, Inc.
45) SH Advisors LLC
46) Skinny Labs Inc. (dba Spin)
47) Southern College of Optometry
48) Tech901
49) Tennessee Charter School Allies
51) The Coalition for Better Health
53) TN Development District Assn
54) Uptown Property Holdings LLC
55) WASTE MANAGEMENT
0-5 years
Chris Gobble is a respected government affairs specialist with deep issue expertise and a broad base of policymaker and stakeholder relationships. He leverages his insights into the state General Assembly, Tennessee executive branch, and local governments to help SRG clients navigate complex political challenges and effectively advance meaningful policy solutions.
Prior to joining SRG, Chris served as senior director of public policy for the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, where he helped drive policy changes and facilitate government affairs efforts for 2,000 businesses representing over 180,000 employees. He also regularly and effectively collaborated with local, state, and federal elected officials to advance Chattanooga's status as a leader in education, workforce, and economic development.
Prior to Gobble's tenure in Chattanooga, he was the legislative and policy director for the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. In this role, Gobble worked closely with Governor Bill Haslam's office and the state legislature to develop and implement a variety of public policy initiatives.
Originally from Bradley County, Chris earned a B.A. in Political Science and Communications from Lipscomb University. He and his wife Sarah live in Nashville.
423-580-7703
511 Union Street, Suite 1100, Nashville, TN, 37219, 
2) ACT, INC.
4) ALLIANCE HEALTHCARE SERVICES, INC.
6) AUNT BERTHA, A PUBLIC BENEFIT CORPORATION D/B/A FINDHELP
7) BLACKROCK FUNDS SERVICES GROUP, LLC
10) CAMPAIGN FOR GREAT PUBLIC SCHOOLS DBA AS CITY FUND ACTION
13) COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS OF TENNESSEE
14) CRITICAL NURSE STAFFING, LLC
15) CURRICULUM ASSOCIATES, LLC
18) EDMENTUM
19) EMPOWER SCHOOLS
25) GREATER NASHVILLE REGIONAL COUNCIL
29) KNOX COUNTY
30) KNOXVILLE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS INC.
31) KOCH COMPANIES PUBLIC SECTOR, LLC AND AFFILIATES
33) LIMINEX, INC DBA GOGUARDIAN
34) LIVANOVA
35) MARK43 INC
36) MEMPHIS SHELBY CRIME COMMISSION
37) MEMPHIS-SHELBY COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY
39) METHODIST LE BONHEUR HEALTHCARE
40) NASHVILLE SOCCER HOLDINGS, LLC
41) PATHGROUP
42) SALESFORCE, INC.
44) SH ADVISORS LLC
45) SKINNY LABS INC. (DBA SPIN)
46) SOUTHERN COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY
47) TECH901
48) TENNESSEE CHARTER SCHOOL ALLIES
50) THE COALITION FOR BETTER HEALTH
52) TN DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT ASSN
53) UPTOWN PROPERTY HOLDINGS LLC
54) WASTE MANAGEMENT
423-580-7703
511 Union Street, Suite 1100, Nashville, TN, 37219, 
2) ACT, INC.
4) ALLIANCE HEALTHCARE SERVICES, INC.
6) AUNT BERTHA, A PUBLIC BENEFIT CORPORATION D/B/A FINDHELP
7) BLACKROCK FUNDS SERVICES GROUP, LLC
10) CAMPAIGN FOR GREAT PUBLIC SCHOOLS DBA AS CITY FUND ACTION
13) COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS OF TENNESSEE
14) CRITICAL NURSE STAFFING, LLC
15) CURRICULUM ASSOCIATES, LLC
18) EDMENTUM
19) EMPOWER SCHOOLS
28) JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF MIDDLE TENNESSEE
29) KNOX COUNTY
30) KNOXVILLE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS INC.
31) KOCH COMPANIES PUBLIC SECTOR, LLC AND AFFILIATES
33) LIMINEX, INC DBA GOGUARDIAN
34) LIVANOVA
35) MARK43 INC
36) MEMPHIS SHELBY CRIME COMMISSION
37) MEMPHIS-SHELBY COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY
39) METHODIST LE BONHEUR HEALTHCARE
40) NASHVILLE SOCCER HOLDINGS, LLC
41) SALESFORCE, INC.
43) SKINNY LABS INC. (DBA SPIN)
44) SOUTHERN COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY
45) TECH901
46) TENNESSEE CHARTER SCHOOL ALLIES
48) THE COALITION FOR BETTER HEALTH
50) TN DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT ASSN
51) UPTOWN PROPERTY HOLDINGS LLC
52) WASTE MANAGEMENT
276-685-9291
6100 Tower Circle, Suite 1000, Franklin, TN, 37067, 
615-645-0233
511 Union St., #1100, Nashville, TN, 37219, 
615-645-0233
511 Union St., Suite 1100, Nashville, TN, 37219, 
2) ACT, INC.
4) Alliance Healthcare Services, Inc.
6) Aunt Bertha, a Public Benefit Corporation d/b/a findhelp
7) BlackRock Funds Services Group, LLC
9) Campaign for Great Public Schools dba as City Fund Action
10) CHEEKWOOD BOTANICAL GARDEN AND MUSEUM OF ART
11) Cognia
12) Communities In Schools of Tennessee
18) Greater Nashville Regional Council
21) Junior Achievement of East Tennesse
22) Junior Achievement of Middle Tennessee
23) Knox County
25) Koch Companies Public Sector, LLC and Affiliates
26) Koch Government Affairs, LLC and Affiliates
28) Liminex, Inc dba GoGuardian
29) MARK43 INC
30) Maximus, Inc.
31) Memphis Brooks Museum of Art Inc
32) Memphis Shelby Crime Commission
33) Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority
34) Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare
35) Nashville Soccer Holdings, LLC
36) PayIt, LLC
37) Salesforce, Inc.
39) Tech901
40) Tennessee Charter School Allies
43) TN Development District Assn
44) Uptown Property Holdings LLC
45) WASTE MANAGEMENT