Our partners boast a track record of collaboration and a deep understanding of business fundamentals. We go beyond traditional investment models, offering hands-on operational guidance, tailored strategies, and a robust network of governmental affairs experience to solve complex problems. Our diverse experience translates into solutions that drive your company's success.
Henry Huang is CEO of Hakim Unique Group, a privately held investment conglomerate focused on healthcare, technology, energy, and media. Henry founded two startups in technology and healthcare with successful exits through acquisitions and partnerships with global Fortune 500 organizations. Henry has over a decade of experience in operations, finance, and investments.
Before his business career, Mr. Huang spent many years in public service where he was the Commissioner for Information Systems in Los Angeles County, California. Before that, he served in positions for the Department of Treasury and at the U.S. Department of Labor. Henry earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of California, San Diego.
John Thomas is a seasoned entrepreneur and an award-winning political strategist with a proven track record in founding, scaling, and successfully exiting businesses across real estate, software, e-commerce, medical, and marketing industries.
John is the founder and President of Thomas Partners Strategies, a full-service media, strategy, and crisis communications firm where he is actively involved in shaping the political landscape across the nation. Thomas has advised business executives on everything from venture funding, company structure, and sales growth, to advertising and crisis communications which offers portfolio companies a unique advantage in navigating complex markets.
Former President Trump called Thomas a “highly respected Republican Strategist,” the LA Times named Thomas “Billy the Kid of Political Battles” and Campaign and Elections Magazine gave John their Rising Star Award. Thomas served as a CNN Commentator during the 2016 election cycle and is regularly quoted in the national news media. Opinion makers, candidates for office, and elected officials nationwide rely on John’s strategic advice and guidance regularly.
John received his bachelor’s degree in advertising from Southern Methodist University. He received his Master of Public Policy from the Pepperdine School of Public Policy where he served as a member of the School’s Board of Visitors. John was awarded Pepperdine’s School of Public Policy’s distinguished Alum of the Year in 2017 and gave the keynote address at commencement. He regularly guest lectures at universities across the nation.
Andrew Herzfeld brings to the Solid Energies team nearly a decade of executive experience in finance and strategy roles. His experience is international, spanning three continents: Asia, Europe, and North America. Andrew is well-versed in scaling companies, having founded and led multiple impact-driven technology startups.
Andrew holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from California State University, Long Beach, and a master’s degree in sustainable development with a focus on energy and finance from HEC Paris.
He developed a passion for clean energy technology while working as a venture capitalist in Switzerland, with a focus on projects with groundbreaking technologies.
Adrian Sakashita has amassed over thirty years of executive leadership ranging from start-ups through partners in tier-one management consulting, with a focus on large-cap tech. He is presently the managing partner of Questra Advisors LLC, which provides cross-border strategic channel development and M&A advisory consultation services. He was recently recognized as one of the world’s “Top 25” private club presidents, captains, and chairs in 2019 by BoardRoom Magazine.
Mr. Sakashita also brings more than a decade of proprietary trading experience in financial markets. He also earned his bachelor’s degree in operations/production management and computer science from California Polytechnic University, Pomona.
Valencia de la Vega has several years of successful manufacturing leadership as both an R&D test engineer manager and a Lean Six Sigma expert. Valencia led the initial build of several manufacturing test labs throughout Asia and the United States to meet specific customer demands. By implementing lean Six Sigma initiatives in a high-volume manufacturing environment, Valencia increased profitability by reducing operational costs and meeting and exceeding quality standards for well-known brands like Intel, Apple, and Dell.
Valencia is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point with a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering. She also has an MBA from the New York Institute of Technology and is a graduate of Oxford's Nanotechnology program. While serving in the United States Army, Valencia served in Afghanistan as part of a logistical battalion responsible for supplying joint military forces where she earned the Bronze Star Medal for combat operations.
Lauren Webb has amassed over sixteen years of executive leadership in human resources, specializing in compensation design, workforce restructuring, employee relations, and ensuring business compliance and cultural congruency. As an accomplished HR leader, she has successfully guided executive groups through complex organizational changes, emphasizing strategic alignment with business goals and fostering a cohesive company culture.
Ms. Webb's expertise extends to developing comprehensive compensation structures, driving HR initiatives in startup environments, and managing large-scale workforce transformations. Her focus on aligning HR practices with overarching business objectives has been instrumental in enhancing organizational effectiveness and employee satisfaction.
Lauren holds separate graduate degrees from both California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) where she earned an MPA with an emphasis in collective bargaining and NLRB compliance, and an MBA from UCLA , with specializations in industrial psychology and compensation design. Her distinguished academic background complements her professional achievements, making her a pivotal force in shaping HR strategies that support sustainable growth and dynamic workforce engagement.
Stuart Jolly is Director of Government Affairs & Global Strategies at Nestpoint Associates. He brings extensive experience in political strategy and government relations, having served as National Field Director for President Donald J. Trump's successful presidential campaign where he secured 22 primary victories. He subsequently served as National Political Director for Great America PAC. Prior to his current role, Mr. Jolly led the Education Freedom Alliance and provided counsel to international clients, including countries such as Somalia, Qatar, and New Zealand. He has also taught at East Carolina University and the University of Central Oklahoma. Jolly's political work is complemented by a distinguished military career. A retired Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army, Mr. Jolly served as an Aviation officer, flying UH-60 Blackhawks in the 101st Airborne Division and the 3rd Infantry Division. He served with distinction as a Company Commander in Germany and as a Foreign Area Officer in the Defense Attaché Office in the US Embassy in Brussels, Belgium. As a veteran of the Gulf War, he earned a Bronze Star and two Air Medals for his service in Iraq.
Tim Phillips is Director of Government Affairs & Global Strategies at Nestpoint Associates. As President of Americans for Prosperity from 2006 to 2021, he led the organization's growth from a grassroots movement with a few thousand activists to over four million across 35 states, making AFP a premier free-market advocacy group. Under his leadership, AFP became a political powerhouse with a budget exceeding $100 million and significant influence on national policy. Phillips also co-founded Century Strategies in 1997, where he worked on various political campaigns, including both Bush presidential elections, and played a pivotal role in forming the Christian Coalition. He served as Chief of Staff to Congressman Robert Goodlatte and has lectured on grassroots mobilization in Latin America and Europe. Phillips has appeared on networks like Fox News, ABC, and CNN and contributed to publications such as The Wall Street Journal and Politico. He was recognized as a “Top 50 Politico” by Politico and a “Top Lobbyist” by The Hill. A magna cum laude graduate of Virginia Tech with a degree in Political Science, Phillips has been a key figure in shaping conservative political movements both in the U.S. and abroad.
Paul Fickas is a partner at Nespoint Associates and a founder at the California Alliance Group with extensive experience in political consulting and campaign management across California, known for innovative voter guides and successful campaigns for significant political figures.
Bobby Kouretchian, a strategic consultant with Nestpoint, and principal and managing attorney at KOZA LAW GROUP APC, possesses extensive experience in business law and estate planning. His expertise encompasses litigation, intellectual property, corporate formation, governance, and complex transactions. Mr. Kouretchian's background includes serving as in-house counsel for private businesses and consulting for DLA Piper. He holds degrees from the University of Southern California and Pepperdine University School of Law.
Steve Matthews is a visionary sales strategist with 30 years of experience driving profitable growth and shareholder value. He has led global teams through diverse market cycles, securing over $2 billion in Total Contract Value. As an executive at CrowdStrike and former Global VP at Symantec, he helped scale Altiris into a high-growth technology leader, culminating in its acquisition by Symantec. He currently advises a leading California Credit Union and a fast-growing health and wellness company, is a PAX Momentum Investor, and lectures at Brigham Young University’s Marriott School of Business. Matthews holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Redlands.
Alex Olson, a partner at Nestpoint Associates and former CEO of Thomas Partners Strategies, is distinguished for his contributions to expanding the company's influence in the political consulting landscape. His experience spans general consulting, senior government staffing, and non-profit activism. Olson holds a Master of Professional Studies degree from George Washington University and a Bachelor of Science degree from Boise State University
Jason Mashburn is the Strategic Campaigns Advisor at Nestpoint Associates, bringing extensive experience in political strategy, voter contact, and fundraising. He has developed award-winning programs for numerous Republican campaigns, including key victories like U.S. Senator Pat Roberts’ 2014 come-from-behind win, Karen Handel’s 2017 special election triumph, and Governor Brian Kemp’s 2022 re-election. Jason has managed Independent Expenditure and Issue Advocacy campaigns for prominent organizations, including Congressional Leadership Fund and Senator Kelly Loeffler’s Greater Georgia Action Committee. Known for his expertise in direct mail and digital advertising, he has won multiple Pollie Awards for Campaign Excellence and Best Direct Mail Package. Before joining Nestpoint, Jason worked on Capitol Hill for former Speaker Newt Gingrich and U.S. Senator Paul Coverdell and consulted for top voter contact firms such as Creative Direct and The Lukens Company. A Political Science graduate from Liberty University, Jason is also a co-founder of Cancer Kicks, an Atlanta-based nonprofit supporting rare cancer research.
Michael P. Murphy, the Senior Advisor to Africa and the Middle East at Nestpoint Associates, is a distinguished real estate developer, entrepreneur, and strategic advisor with a dynamic career spanning the Armed Forces, financial services, real estate development, and risk management. As the CEO of Global Building Solutions (GBS), he elevated the firm from a regional player to a globally recognized leader in construction, achieving a notable milestone with a $560 million contract for the 2024 Qatar FIFA World Cup Workers’ Accommodation Villages.
A service-disabled veteran of the United States Army, Murphy continues his public service as a Public Trust Member on the U.S. Department of State Foreign Service Promotion Board and holds the Eisenhower Commission of the Republican National Committee. He is fluent in English and French and conversant in Italian, skills he utilizes in his strategic advisory roles, connecting clients with high-value opportunities across Africa and the Middle East.
Murphy's humanitarian efforts are evident in his position as Inaugural Ambassador for the Sovereign Order of Malta to the Kingdom of Lesotho and Permanent Representative to the African Union, where he has successfully negotiated multiple bilateral treaty agreements. Residing between South Carolina, Washington, and several African capitals, Murphy is committed to expanding his global impact through business, diplomacy, and humanitarian engagements.
Marc Burgat, a strategic advisor at Nestpoint Associates, has over 30 years of experience in politics, policy, government relations, and public relations, with a notable career including leadership roles at the California Chamber of Commerce and the City of Los Angeles.
Justin Wallin, a strategic advisor at Nestpoint Associates based in Washington DC, is the founder of J Wallin Opinion Research. Wallin is a “marketing concept” strategist, with over two decades of experience helping to develop communications strategy through opinion research working for high-profile clients across the nation from Fortune 500 companies, and government agencies to rough-and-tumble political campaigns
John Van Winkle, a Strategic Advisor at Nestpoint Associates, boasts 18 years of comprehensive experience in political campaigns, public policy analysis, and planning. He has orchestrated the development of master plans for school districts and municipalities, successfully advocating for over $400 million in general obligation bonds to finance vital capital improvements. John's expertise spans federal, state, and local initiatives, where he excels in fostering high-performance teams and nurturing collaborative partnerships. He holds a master’s degree in Public Policy from Pepperdine University and a bachelor’s degree in Government from the University of Redlands.
Erica Knight is a strategic advisor at Nestpoint Associates and the founder of Knox Strategies, renowned for her extensive expertise in public relations. With a history of working on both national and international projects, including political campaigns, corporate mergers, and IPOs, Knight has a proven track record of securing significant media coverage across major outlets. Her early career involved managing media relations for high-profile NFL athletes and collaborating with some of the world’s largest brands. Erica is also dedicated to mentoring emerging PR professionals, known for her swift action in plan execution and crisis management.
Milan Dalal is a strategic advisor at Nestpoint who has held a series of senior positions in government. In the U.S. Senate, Milan served as staff director of the Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on Securities, Insurance, and Investment, which oversees the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the accounting and insurance industries. During his tenure, Milan organized and led nearly a dozen hearings into complex topics, including equity market structure, high-frequency trading, fixed income market structure, and the Financial Stability Oversight Council and designation of Systemically Important Financial Institutions, among other key financial policy issues.
Steven Thomas, a strategic advisor at Nestpoint Associates, is a veteran nonprofit executive and political consultant who has guided six organizations as CEO and an additional three as Chairman. He has raised over $30 million for a variety of liberty-minded candidates and causes, and is a former candidate for House of Delegates in Virginia. He has a Master of Arts degree and a Bachelor of Science degree from Georgetown University
Hillary Shepheard, Vice President of Campaigns at Nestpoint Associates, has led a career in advertising and public relations in the non-profit sector that inspired her to pursue opportunities in international development. After her time spent abroad, she came back to the U.S. to begin her work in the world of politics, in the form of campaign management on the federal, state, and local levels. She recently finished her tenure managing Congresswoman Kay Granger’s campaign.
James Finley is a strategic advisor at Nestpoint Associates with over a decade of experience in public policy, lobbying, and operational strategy. He has represented clients before the White House, Congress, and federal agencies, successfully navigating complex legislative landscapes and fostering relationships with key decision-makers. Finley’s background spans multiple sectors, including healthcare, financial services, transportation, and public policy. He has crafted effective lobbying strategies, analyzed legislation, and provided strategic guidance to leaders in both government and business.
Daniel Garcia, a Client Success Manager at Nestpoint Associates, brings a robust background in account management, strategic sales, and client relationship building. With a focus on achieving top performance, he has consistently exceeded sales targets and driven engagement through strategic planning and consultative communication. Daniel's proven track record includes identifying and cultivating business opportunities, leading campaign mobilizations, and enhancing service delivery by fostering collaboration across teams. He is currently enhancing his skills through a BS in Data Science with a minor in Political Science at the University of Maryland
LA Harris is a strategic advisor at Nestpoint who has set himself apart from most political consultants in the nation through his experience in working every aspect of a campaign operation during his more than 30-year career. A seasoned professional with hundreds of political campaigns, LA Harris was on his first campaign payroll while still in college at the University of Kentucky where he earned his B.A. in political science. From coast to coast, LA Harris has been an integral part of America’s foremost campaigns. Time and time again, LA Harris has successfully implemented fundraising operations to help candidates and political committees fulfill their budgets across the country.
Greg Washburn is the senior production manager at Nestpoint Associates, an award-winning director with a rich background in entertainment and marketing, known for his creative leadership and strategic insight in producing compelling narratives for global brands.
Adriana Gonzalez is the Western Regional Vice President of Nestpoint Associates and has a decade of experience in media relations and business development, significantly contributing to the expansion of the California Alliance Group. She has been actively involved in issue advocacy work across California.
Charles Cortez is the senior graphics designer at Nestpoint Associates, with over 15 years of experience in crafting compelling visuals for diverse advertising and design projects, transforming concepts into visually impactful campaigns across print and digital platforms.
Nestpoint Capital is an impact-driven private equity firm. We believe capital should be a force for good. Our investments aim to democratize access to sustainable infrastructure, support communities, and build a more resilient future.