The Elected and their Impact on Nonprofits

The people we elect to represent us are important stakeholders in nonprofit work. From sharing our stories, to creating policy, and even funding opportunities, those in office must understand the role we, as nonprofits, play in all aspects of the community, our economy, and for our neighbors. Join the Watkins Public Strategies team to learn more about how you can ensure you are helping the elected support your organization.

Jason Watkins, Founder and President of Watkins Public Strategies

Having spent nearly two decades working in Kansas politics, he is a well-known and respected policy advocate and political strategist.  Jason is focused on delivering results for his clients and has a reputation among policymakers as a trusted problem solver.

His career includes three terms of service in the Kansas House of Representatives representing the Wichita area.  During his time in the legislature, Watkins served as Vice Chair of the Appropriations Committee and Chairman of the General Budget Committee, in addition to membership on the Judiciary, Utilities and Energy, and Health and Human Services committees. He also held various leadership positions including Vice Chair of the Republican House Campaign Committee and Delegation Chair for the south-central Kansas delegation.

Before entering public service, Jason worked in the private sector as the owner and operator of multiple security and fire alarm companies throughout the Midwest.  He won the Wichita Metro Award for the fastest growing privately held company in 1999 with growth of 1,891% over three years; it's a record that remains unbroken today.  Jason has also helped numerous businesses start and grow as an investor and advisor.

Family is the cornerstone of his life. He and his wife, Kelly, have four children and two dogs.

Jessica Lucas, Vice President

Jessica Lucas is a business communications graduate of the School of Journalism at Kansas University and melds her public relations acumen with government affairs. In advocating for policy changes, Jessica understands it involves more than just knowing how things work under the dome. Today’s government affairs work demands the use of earned media, grassroots engagement, and digital advocacy, and these are tools she effectively employs to meet our clients’ objectives. Recognizing the importance of a trained workforce, she successfully executed a campaign in her rural hometown to build a community college geared toward technical education degrees in aviation manufacturing, information technology, and agricultural studies. She’s represented Fortune 500 companies in crisis communications work, served as spokesperson on statewide policy initiatives, and established herself as a trusted, hardworking lobbyist. Outside of work, she commits her time as a member of the Topeka Capital-Journal Editorial Advisory Board and serves as President of the Friends of Cedar Crest Association, the 501(c)3 organization that supports the Kansas governor’s mansion.