PolicyAfterWork

Welcome to PolicyAfterWork, where business meets happy hour! Each episode dives into key topics like social media strategies, the power of SEO, building a strong brand, and making your voice heard through advocacy. We bring together experts to discuss practical tips on growing your online presence, boosting your media relations, and even tackling friendly debates.

Recorded in relaxed, after-hours settings—whether at a local bar or a sponsor’s location—PolicyAfterWork is where real conversations happen. With episodes under 45 minutes, it’s the perfect mix of education and fun. Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and get behind-the-scenes content on TikTok. So grab a drink, kick back, and join us in navigating the intersection of policy, branding, and business growth!

Contributors

Co-host

Jessica Maldonado

Jessica Maldonado is the VP of Public Affairs at PolicyWorks, leading the public affairs & public relations activities for clients. She graduated from Truman State University in Kirksville, MO, with a BA in Communication–Journalism and a minor in Spanish.

Prior to PolicyWorks, Jessica spent nine years at the Greater Des Moines Partnership where she managed legislative events, public policy projects, advocacy issues, workforce development initiatives, the Young Professionals Connection, and various other projects that strengthen the business climate and quality of life in Central Iowa.

She is a graduate of ABI's Leadership Iowa program, a Des Moines Business Record "Forty Under 40" honoree, a graduate of the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute, and is past president of the Clive Chamber of Commerce.

Co-host

McKinley Fisk

McKinley Fisk is the Creative Specialist for PolicyWorks. She manages social media outlets & assists in the creation of content for clients. Prior to joining the PolicyWorks team, McKinley was the Administrative Communications Intern for the Iowa Department of Agriculture. McKinley is a 2021 graduate of Iowa State University, where she received her B.S. in Agricultural Communications and a minor in Advertising.

Within the past few years, McKinley has established her own professional photography business called, McKinley Rayne Photography. She is also the Publicity Director of a non-profit organization called Smoke on the Water BBQ Competition and Benefit, which raises funds each year for a community member going through a health-related hardship. Outside of her career, McKinley and her husband have a row-crop farming operation and raise cattle.

Co-host

Megan Hurd

In her role as Social Media Coordinator, Megan plays a crucial part in overseeing clients' social media accounts and crafting content tailored for various platforms.

Before becoming a member of the PolicyWorks team, Megan served as a social media manager and graphic designer at a promotional marketing franchise. Armed with expertise in social media management, graphic design, and a deep understanding of the print marketing industry, Megan serves as a valuable asset to our clients in both the digital and print domains.

Megan completed her Associate of Marketing Degree at Marshalltown Community College in 2021, and immediately delved into the professional world post-graduation, eager to expand her knowledge. During her leisure time, you'll find Megan exploring local coffee shops in the Des Moines Metro and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen!

Guests

Guest

Christopher Rants

Christopher Rants, a partner at PolicyWorks, is a full-time lobbyist at the statehouse and provides clients with guidance on government affairs, grassroots strategies and political action engagement.

He served in the Iowa House of Representatives from 1993 to 2010 and led the Republican caucus for a decade, including four years as Speaker of the House. Christopher also advised the Romney campaign in 2008 and served as a policy consultant to the Governor Branstad campaign in 2010.

He is an Aspen Institute Rodel Fellow in Public Leadership and serves on the board of directors for the Republican State Leadership Committee and Top Level Registry Inc.

Guest appearance on:

Stories from Under the Gold Dome

Guest

John Cacciatore

John Cacciatore, Senior VP at PolicyWorks, is retiring after 35 years of shaping public policy and political campaigns. A trusted strategist, he has guided clients in public affairs, grassroots advocacy, government relations and business development. For three decades, John has been a steady presence in Iowa’s policy landscape, working in the political trenches, crafting and implementing policy, and advising state and federal leaders.

Before joining PolicyWorks Iowa, he served as Director of the State of Iowa’s Federal Relations Office in Washington, D.C. His career also includes roles as Chief of Staff, Policy Director and Campaign Manager for Gov. Tom Vilsack; top aide to Iowa Senate Presidents Leonard Boswell and Mike Gronstal; Finance Director for the Iowa Democratic Party; and canvass manager for Tom Harkin’s first U.S. Senate campaign. In 2017, he was honored as an Honorary Pioneer Lawmaker for his service.

Guest appearance on:

Stories from Under the Gold Dome

Guest

Madison Grady

As the Director of Government Affairs, Madison directs ICUL’s statehouse and executive branch lobbying efforts, engages in policy initiatives, leads the grassroots organization of Iowa credit unions, and manages the Credit Union Political Action Committee fundraising efforts.

Madison hails from the state of Montana, where she most recently was the Director of Government Affairs for the Montana Association of REALTORS®. Prior to that, Madison spent time in Washington DC, representing mutual funds on Capitol Hill and interning at the Cato Institute. She got her start in government affairs working as a Special Assistant to Idaho Governor Butch Otter.

Madison graduated from The George Washington University with a Master’s in Public Policy and holds a BS in Political Science and BA in Communication from Boise State University in Idaho.