Strategy, Access & Execution
Public Affairs, Government Relations
- Lobbying, Local, State, National, International
- Political and Communications Campaigns
- Public Opinion, Polling
- Media Relations
- Creative Design, Copy and Media
Gibson McKay
- Get's it done
- Relevant
- Access
- Strategy
- Process Expert
Execution Haiku
- Grasping Politics
- To Navigate the Complex
- For Trusted Outcomes
YEAH, we do that...
Polling, yeah we do that...
Public Opinion Survey - Pollster
ConservAmerica
Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick
Arizona Senate
Citizens for School Choice
The Goldwater Institute
Arizona House of Representatives
Arizona Capitol Times
New American Economy
Redflex
Maricopa Integrated Health System
Arizona Assn. of Realtors
ABC News (local) 15 News
Tucson Electric Power
Blue Cross/Shield (AZ and National)
Salt River Project
Freeport McMoRan
Arizonans for Responsible Water
Arizona Cattlemen Assn.
Arizona Farmers Assn.
Arizona Chamber of Commerce
Northern Arizona University
Stand for Children
Fiesta Bowl
John McCain
Arizona Technology Council
Gila River Indian Community
Western Growers Assn.
Samples:
TV, Radio, the Web... Yep:
TV: Joe Arizona
Radio: Taxes
Web & Campaign: Proposition 303
Advertising: Vaping and Mail
Social: Right to Try
Media: Stop the HIT
Polling: Proposition 400
"When we're not walking legislative or congressional hallways, we run their campaigns... our business model works that way"
Initiative and Other Campaigns
2000 McCain Arizona Presidential Primary
2002 No of Prop 202- Citizens Growth Mgmnt Initiative
2002 Yes on Local Wal-Mart re-zoning issues – (10 for 11)
2003 Phoenix Hotel Initiative –Stop Government Overreach
2003 Yes on 414 – Maricopa Integrated Health System
2004 People for Arizona – Gaming Initiative
2004 Maricopa 20/20 Regional Transportation Plan
2005 Mesa Riverview – Rezone
2008 Freedom in Health Care Choice
2008 McCain Presidential Campaign
2012 Proposition 457 – Save Police and Fire
2014 Proposition 303 – Right to Try Campaign
Arizona and National IE 2012
92% win rate
3 Corporation Commission Races
16 Arizona Legislative Races
3 City Races
2 Ballot Measures
12 United States Congressional Races
1 United States Senate Race
Arizona and National IE 2014
89% win rate
1 Governor Race
1 Attorney General Race
8 Arizona Legislative Races
1 City Race
1 Ballot Measure
1 Out of State Lt. Governor Race
17 United States Congressional Races
Arizona and National IE 2016
91% win rate
2 Corporation Commission Races
7 Arizona Legislative Races
3 City Races
2 Ballot Measures
12 United States Congressional Races
1 United States Senate Race
Arizona and National IE 2018
94% win rate
10 Arizona Legislative Races
9 United States Congressional Races
2 City Races
Gibson McKay, Principal
A nationally recognized, award winning public affairs and government relations professional, Gibson McKay is a pre-eminent political strategist, campaign authority and lobbyist.
The architect of more than 150 successful initiatives, referendums and candidate campaigns at the state, local and national level, McKay achieves results by safely guiding his clients through treacherous political terrain.
Prior to launching Sherpa Public Affairs, he was a founding Director of Veridus, one of Arizona’s most prestigious government relations lobbying firms. His work includes public affairs, legislative analysis, public opinion surveys, advertising/communication and overseeing the execution of complex communication/lobbying and campaign strategies.
Before leveraging his public affairs acumen to help Veridus gain a sterling reputation, he served as Maricopa County Chief of Staff and later as Director of Government Relations and Communications for Maricopa Integrated Health System. As director of HighGround Public Affairs division, McKay helped the firm become what it is today. Gib, as he is known, operated as Director - lobbying on behalf of the Home Builders Association of Central Arizona.
He is well known to have aided Governor J. Fife Symington in establishing the Arizona Department of Gaming, acting as Communications Chief – he was pivotal in establishing Arizona’s Indian gaming compacts.
Shaping his philosophy, McKay cut his teeth working for Arizona’s senior statesman, former United States Senator John McCain. Shuttling between Arizona and Washington, D.C. for most of the ‘90s helped McKay understand the power structure inside the beltway. McKay served Senator McCain’s presidential bid as his “whip” during the Republican National Convention in 2008.
A graduate of Northern Arizona University, together with his wife Rebecca, they are raising a sixth generation of Arizonans — sons Jack, Charlie and Sam.