Benjamin is the CEO and co-founder of Jones Mandel. Based in Seattle, WA, Jones is a veteran strategist with 23 years of experience working on statewide, Congressional, local and issue campaigns across 46 states from Washington to Maine.

As a consultant, he is passionate about running a great company where employees are empowered, deadlines are met, clients are taken care of and problems are solved. All that + high quality research deliverables.

A native of Georgia, Benjamin worked for a Governor and two Senators in his home state before moving to Washington, DC to complete a masters degree at George Washington University. Post graduate school, Jones stayed in DC for 12 years working at various campaigns and organizations including: MD Governor Parris Glendening, League of Conservation Voters, the DSCC and EMILY’s List. From 2001-2006, Ben split his time between the DSCC and EMILY’s List working to elect Democrats around the country. In both organizations, he ran the research operations, assessed candidates and advised campaigns on management, message and strategy.

Ben started his consulting practice in 2007, first with Hildebrand Tewes, then New Partners and now at Jones Mandel. Across the last 10 years, Ben has built a highly reputable research practice, working for the country’s top Democratic political leaders, national political committees, prominent issue groups, labor unions, high-profile corporations, non-profits and foundations.

Under Ben’s leadership, JM has helped elect six current U.S. Senators, six current Governors, numerous U.S. House Members and many local leaders.

Since 2009, Benjamin has called Seattle home with his wife Alyson, kids and dog Mudd. He has spent a great deal of time researching how much it actually rains in Seattle. Just ask him, he will tell you. Ben holds an MA from George Washington University and a BA from Presbyterian College.

Emma conducts research to help clients and campaigns assess vulnerabilities and inform strategy. Previously, Emma worked in Corporate Strategy at Capital One and then spent three months interning for a Democratic House Member on the Hill. Emma grew up just outside of Scranton, Pennsylvania and graduated from Brown University in 2015 with a degree in Human Biology & Health Policy. She now lives in the Park View neighborhood of Washington, D.C.

Nate is an experienced research consultant with experience working with candidates for Governor, U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives and State Legislatures across the country. Through his detailed research, Nate helps our clients identify and craft strong messages and respond to their opposition. In addition to his work with candidates, Nate has helped independent expenditure efforts, non-profits, unions, and advocacy groups use strategic research to assess their vulnerabilities and strengths, and those of their opponents. Nate received his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Richmond. He grew up in Cincinnati, OH, and lives in Washington, DC.

Brian performs research for clients on themselves, their opponents, and other relevant parties to help our clients identify vulnerabilities and produce winning messages. In the 2016 cycle, Brian worked as a Research Associate at the Atlas Project, where he also performed opposition research. He has also done humanitarian research for EPIC, a nonprofit focused on education in Iraq.

Brian has his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Washington University in St. Louis. Brian has roots in Missouri and Massachusetts, and now lives in Washington, D.C.

Lauren is an experienced opposition researcher and vetter. Prior to joining Jones Mandel, she served as the Research Director for the Obama White House’s Office of Presidential Personnel (PPO) from 2015 through 2017. In this capacity, she helped vet individuals under consideration for high-profile Presidential appointments throughout the federal government and trained PPO staff on background vetting.

In 2014 and 2015, she served as the Deputy Research Director for Rapid Response for the Democratic National Committee (DNC). Prior to that, she served as the Northeast Regional Research Analyst for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, where she provided strategic research and policy guidance to over 20 top-tier congressional campaigns.

In the 2012 cycle, Lauren served as Deputy Research Director for Tim Kaine’s Senate campaign in Richmond, Virginia. She previously worked for Kaine in the Chairman’s Office at the DNC.

She began her career at Struble Eichenbaum Communications, a media consulting firm that produced television and radio ads for Democratic candidates.

Lauren is excited to be a part of the Jones Mandel team and looks forward to helping elect Democrats.

Lisa provides clients with political intelligence to identify the facts, figures and information needed to produce clear and factual message narratives. Her work helps our clients such as – Democrats running for office or progressive issue groups – outline the facts for their message and helps inform their campaign strategy.

Lisa previously worked as a Communication Associate at an education nonprofit and interned for Rep. Duckworth and Senator Durbin. Originally from Illinois, Lisa received her bachelor’s degree in Political Science from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota.

Michael conducts research for clients to best understand how they can parlay their strengths and weaknesses effectively into victorious campaigns. Michael is a recent graduate from the University of Georgia with degrees in History and International Affairs, and he was born and raised in the Atlanta area.

While at the University of Georgia Michael interned at the Democratic Governors’ Association, worked with the Chalis Montgomery for Congress campaign, the Tony Eubanks for Athens District 3 campaign, and founded a media website with colleagues at the university. He now lives in Washington, D.C.