At Rapp Strategies, we:
Shape Understanding
We make your outreach and engagement plans more effective
Manage Risk
We help you navigate complex issues and mitigate risk to your organization
Strengthen Reputation
We work with you to protect your good name and build reputational capital
Advance Good Ideas
We help you manage challenges and seize opportunities so you can reach your goals
Services we provide:
Strategic counsel
Risk/reputation management
Scenario planning and preparation for crisis communications
Digital strategy, including web development and social media management
Grassroots engagement
Material development
Media relations
Opinion research
Our History
1982
The firm was founded by John Himle under the name Himle and Associates.
1989
Tom Horner joined the firm and it was renamed Himle Horner.
2008
After five and a half years as Managing Director, Todd Rapp became a shareholder and President of Himle Horner.
2010
Tom Horner retired from the firm.
2011
The firm rebranded as Himle Rapp.
2017
John Himle retired from the firm, which was rebranded as Rapp Strategies.
mEET THE tEAM
TODD RAPP
PRESIDENT + CEO
For three decades in public service and the private sector, Todd has been part of strategies that address some of our region’s most complex and important issues, including:
Transforming and stabilizing our energy supply
Reinvesting in public infrastructure
Adapting to changing demographics
Advancing public health goals
Rethinking economic growth strategies
Working with individual businesses and organizations, Todd has partnered to develop and implement strategic plans that have:
Advanced long-term business goals
Repositioned organizations
Protected and enhanced reputations
Predicted threats and prevent crises
Prior to joining Himle Horner in 2001, a predecessor to Rapp Strategies, Todd was Director of Government Affairs for Northern States Power and served in numerous leadership positions in state government and politics.
RICH FORSCHLER
SENIOR COUNSELOR
During a legal and public policy career spanning four decades, Rich has played a pivotal role in developing strategies to address many of Minnesota’s most important challenges. With an unparalleled knowledge about state issues, public policy and the inner workings of the Capitol, Rich brings valuable experience and connections to the team.
Skills and experience:
Government affairs counsel
Strategic counsel
Extensive knowledge of law and legal procedure
Reputation management and risk assessment
Business development and strategy
Prior to becoming a senior counselor at Rapp Strategies, Rich was a partner and head of the Government Advocacy team at Faegre Baker Daniels. Rich has served on the board of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and the Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce. He has a J.D. from the Georgetown University Law Center and a B.A. from the University of Minnesota.
TODD STONE
MANAGING DIRECTOR + CHIEF OF STAFF
Todd is a veteran news leader with an MBA who has worked for 20 years in management positions with various news organizations, including a successful five year stint as business editor at the Star Tribune. He offers strong knowledge of traditional media, social media and digital news reporting. He is an accomplished editor and writing coach with extensive experience managing projects and new media initiatives.
Skills and experience:
Project management
Media relations
Writing and editing
Synthesizing complicated subjects
Identifying story lines and trends
JODI BOYNE
SENIOR DIRECTOR
Jodi is a trusted communications strategist and project leader. With deep-rooted experience in government, nonprofit, and corporate organizations, Jodi has consistently demonstrated her ability to build relationships and work collaboratively to help clients advance their mission and achieve their goals through strategic communications.
As a Senior Director at Rapp Strategies, Jodi brings her extensive knowledge, leadership skills and collaborative spirit to the forefront. She is responsible for spearheading key projects and helping clients navigate the complex landscape of communication and public affairs. Her extensive background includes notable roles in public affairs and communications in the legislative, executive and judicial branches of state government, which further solidified her proficiency in strategic planning, legislative expertise, and media relations.
With a keen understanding of the ever-evolving communication landscape, Jodi helps craft comprehensive strategies that align with organizational goals, engage key stakeholders, and drive meaningful outcomes.
Skills and experience:
Strategic Communications
Reputation Management
Crisis Management
Political and Issue Communication
Media Relations
Paid and Earned Media Campaigns
SEAN OYAAS
DIRECTOR
With a decade of work in Minnesota politics, Sean brings a wealth of experience across the legislative, campaign, and private sector arenas. He takes a collaborative and inclusive approach to every project, ensuring that each team member's strengths are leveraged to produce the best possible outcomes. His extensive network in Minnesota spans across all levels of government, campaigns, and business leaders.
Skills and experience:
Campaign Management
Government Affairs
Legislative Expertise
Media Relations
Paid and Earned Media Campaigns
Political and Issue Communications
Prior to joining Rapp Strategies, Sean served as a senior member of the Walz-Flanagan political operation, managed two top-tier congressional races, worked on the Government Relations team for one of Minnesota's premier private companies, and spent three legislative sessions as a Legislative Assistant with the Minnesota Senate.
ANNA SHAY
SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Several years working for a bestselling Minnesota author allowed Anna to develop sharp writing and editorial skills. As a creative communicator and critical thinker, Anna is enthusiastic about elevating awareness through the power of story.
Skills and experience:
Creative writing
Content research and drafting
Editing and proofreading
Digital advocacy
Social media content creation and management
MEREDITH MITTS
SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Meredith is an experienced public speaker, spokeswoman, writer and editor. Before coming to Rapp Strategies, she was the public affairs specialist for AAA – The Auto Club Group in Minnesota and Iowa where she handled media and government relations, campaign creation, and event planning and execution. In addition to AAA, Meredith has worked with multiple small non-profits to optimize their communications and create strong, cohesive branding.
Skills and experience:
Media relations
Brand management
Educational and legislative campaign creation
Event planning and execution
Writing and editing
CULLEN TROBEC
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Cullen’s experiences as a copywriter, journalist, and nonprofit communications assistant have prepared him to be a writer for all formats and occasions. A quick learner and always up for a challenge, he prides himself on his thoughtful and detail-oriented approach to projects. Cullen earned his B.A. in Political Science from St. John’s University in Minnesota.
Skills and experience:
Political and issue communications
Writing and editing
Research
Website management
Social media content creation
ALIDA MITAU
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Alida’s is an experienced writer, editor and problem-solver with a knack for crafting and tailoring messaging for different audiences across a variety of mediums. Prior to joining Rapp Strategies, Alida was a channel marketing specialist at Piper Sandler and a communications and development leader at the University of Chicago Consortium on School Research. She also writes for a small neighborhood newspaper and earned her B.A. in English from Amherst College.
Skills and experience:
Writing and editing
Marketing
Strategic communications
Website management
Social media management
Stakeholder management
JULIA SCHAFER
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Julia is a creative problem-solver with a passion for telling engaging, impactful stories. Prior to joining Rapp Strategies, she facilitated volunteer and donor development at Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, where she managed volunteerism, event and program sponsorship, and donations from Twin Cities companies and faith communities. Julia excels at relationship building and leveraging her strong communication skills to help clients advance their mission. She graduated from Grinnell College with degrees in Environmental Science and Religious Studies.
Skills and experience:
Public speaking
Strategic communications
Relationship building
Event planning and execution
Social media management
COLETTE GANNON
ASSISTANT ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Colette’s background in communications and social media management has prepared her to create impactful content that connects with audiences. Her internships at two energy organizations and work for a university newsroom have equipped her with strong research, writing and editing skills. These experiences have exposed her to a variety of work that has shaped her ability to adapt and work with any client. Colette graduated from South Dakota State University with a degree in public relations.
Skills and experience:
Writing and editing
Research
Social media management
Media relations
Web content management
MADISON FULIN
ASSISTANT ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Madison's background in public relations at a marketing agency equipped her to manage and produce a range of communication services across various industries. Madison is a skilled communicator with a passion for crafting compelling stories and holds a commitment to growth for every client. She earned her B.A. from University of Minnesota – Twin Cities in Strategic Communication: Public Relations & Advertising. Madison is currently seeking her MA in Strategic Communication through the Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
Skills and experience:
Media Relations
Writing and editing
Social media management
Research and analysis
Media list building
Get in touch
Follow us on Twitter: @RappStrategies
Our Office
333 South 7th Street
Suite 2120
Minneapolis, MN, 55402
United States