11-15 years

2019: On the Move: Jason Barraza promoted to Veridus director

2018: Recognized by AzBusiness Magazine (March/April 2018) as an Influential Minority Business Leader

2016: HNBA Top Lawyers Under 40 Award

As a bipartisan firm, Jason has had extensive dealings with the State's electeds on both sides of the aisle. Additionally, thanks to the diverse nature of Jason's clientele, Jason has appeared before most committees, and has worked with agency heads in the Departments of Education, Health, Agriculture, Real Estate, Administration, and AHCCCS to name a few.

Prior to joining Veridus, Jason spent multiple stints assisting the coordinated campaign of the Arizona Democratic Party during the 2002, 2006 and 2008 campaign cycles. Jason also worked security, logistics and similar roles as part of each Democratic National Convention between 2000 and 2012, and also the 2016 DNC in Philadelphia, PA. He graduated with a bachelor's from the University of Southern California (2001), and a law degree from the James E. Rogers College of Law at the University of Arizona (2006).

In his service to the community, Jason was appointed by Governor Doug Ducey to the Maricopa County Trial Court Appointments Commission in 2017, and finished his service in 2020. He is also currently a member of the City of Phoenix's North Mountain Village Planning Committee, and is currently a member of the Board of Directors of Leading for Change, a non-partisan, political leadership training organization, having previously served as the Board Chairman. In 2017 Jason was the President of Los Abogados, the Arizona Hispanic Bar Association.

Jason and his wife, Leila, have two children. In his free time, he's an avid fan of the USC Trojans and also loves to read, golf, hike, and take on home improvement projects.

DOUGLAS STRUYK joined Carney Appleby P.L.C. as an associate in 2013. Doug is a native of Council Bluffs, Iowa, graduating from Saint Albert High School in 1988. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture from Iowa State University in 1992. Doug received his Juris Doctorate from Creighton University School of Law in 1996 with Cum Laude honors and was admitted to the Iowa Bar in June of 1996. He is also a past president of the National Association of Bar Executives' Government Relations Section.

After graduating from law school, Doug was Chief of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship's Agricultural Diversification Bureau. After working at the Department of Agriculture, Doug returned home to manage his family's business, Struyk Turf, Ltd. In 2002, Doug was elected to the Iowa House representing Council Bluffs. During his time in the Iowa House, he was elected Assistant Minority Leader and was the Ranking Member of the House State Government Committee. He also served on the Judiciary, Economic Development, Commerce, and Agriculture Committees. Doug retired from the House 2010. In November of 2010, Doug was named Chief Legal Counsel to the Iowa Secretary of State's office. Doug also served as the office's senior legislative liaison. In May of 2012, he was selected by the Speaker of the House to serve as his Executive Officer, a position Doug held until joining Carney Appleby Law.

Doug has nearly two decades of government relations experience including time as a lawyer, lobbyist, and legislator. He has worked at the highest levels of both the executive and legislative branches of Iowa's government. Doug is well known at the Iowa Capitol as a skilled problem solver with a proven record of working with both parties to resolve controversial issues. He was a respected leader in the Iowa legislative process with a well-developed network and skill set.

20+ years

Recognized as Best lobbyist by my peers and by various publications.

Board of the AZ Chamber of Commerce
Board of Teach For America

Wendy Briggs is a lobbying powerhouse with a reputation for taking on the toughest legislative issues and an unmatched record of success. She is widely recognized as one of Arizona's most accomplished lobbyists and has been named the top female lobbyist in the state. Wendy's success is based on a relentless pursuit of her client's objectives. Many of the nation's largest corporations and local associations have turned to Wendy for her ability to take command of the most complex issues, legal expertise, and attention to detail.

In addition to lobbying, Wendy has been involved in regulatory, legal, and campaign activities. She has represented clients on a variety of regulatory matters before many state agencies including the Departments of Insurance, Health Services, Liquor, and Revenue. She has taken the lead on legislative testimony regarding constitutional and legal matters and counseled issue and candidate campaigns on campaign finance laws.

Wendy is a proud Wildcat, having earned both her undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Arizona. After law school, Wendy spent a few years practicing law before discovering her passion for lobbying and the legislative process.

Outside of the office, Wendy is busy with community service and family activities. She serves on the Board of Teach For America and the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Wendy and her husband, Mark, can often be found watching their boys Marshall and Landon playing soccer or baseball.

20+ years

2005: "Forty Under Forty," Phoenix Business Journal
2004: "Valley Influential" in the Young Guns category, Phoenix Business Journal

Veridus is a bipartisan firm with a deep bench of government relations and public affairs professionals with diverse backgrounds and relationships. Our team is fortunate to have strong relationships throughout the executive and legislative branches of state government and local government.

Jay Kaprosy is a seasoned lobbyist and public affairs expert with more than 20 years of lobbying experience at the Arizona State Capitol. Jay also leads the Veridus team in running statewide ballot campaigns, issue and public affairs efforts, and independent expenditure campaigns. In his work with clients, Jay has excelled at developing comprehensive strategies that advance defined objectives and protect the client's brand. He has a genuine passion for the legislative process and enduring relationships with elected officials, policy makers, and other stakeholders.

Before joining Veridus, Jay had built a strong career in government relations and public affairs. He worked for two years at Steptoe & Johnson LLP, where he joined with Wendy Briggs and Jeff Sandquist. Prior to that Jay was the Vice President of Public Affairs and chief lobbyist for the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce (GPCC), Jay represented member businesses on a diverse array of business issues and managed the Chamber's extensive political and election-related activities. Stints as the legislative liaison for Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Lisa Graham Keegan and the Arizona Department of Education gave Jay invaluable firsthand experience in school finance, curriculum, teacher development, charter schools, and student assessment.

Jay graduated from the University of Arizona with a bachelor's degree in political science and a minor in business and earned his Master's in Public Administration from Arizona State University.

An accomplished gearhead, Jay's current projects include a 1937 Cadillac LaSalle hot rod and a 1963 International Scout. He and his wife have two children. In his spare time, Jay spends time with his family traveling, hiking, and visiting museums.

11-15 years

2019 - Arizona Capitol Times Breakdown Breakout Award Recipient
2019 - Arizona Capitol Times Best Lobbyist under 40 Nominee
2020 - Arizona Capitol Times Best Lobbyist under 40 Nominee

Shaun Rieve knows the world of lobbying and government ... from the inside out.

A veteran of both the Ducey and Brewer administrations, Shaun's is a familiar face at the State Capitol. Prior to joining Veridus in 2016, he was Director of Government and Legislative Affairs for the Arizona Commerce Authority, where he was tasked with overseeing the ACA's day-to-day legislative operations at the State Capitol and in Washington, D.C. Earlier, Shaun was a senior member of Attorney General Mark Brnovich's team, and instrumental in helping advance its legislative agenda.

Under Gov. Brewer, Shaun played a key role in developing and executing policy as her Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs. Additionally, Shaun has been a legislative liaison for both the Arizona departments of Gaming and Housing.

Shaun was raised in Lake Havasu City. He attended Arizona State University, graduating with honors in 2009 with a bachelor's in Political Science, a minor in Global Studies and certificates in Civic Education and International Relations. Shaun is fluent in French and enjoys playing soccer, softball, golf and cheering for the Diamondbacks, Cardinals and ASU football. He lives in Ahwatukee with his wife, Emily. They welcomed their first child, Rae in May of 2018.