Nashville, Tenn. – (July 7, 2026) – Stones River Group, an award-winning consulting firm specializing in state and local government relations, public relations, and strategic communications, announced today that Chris Gobble, Zoë Sams, Tony Niknejad, and Ann Waller Curtis have been made partners.
The promotions mark a significant expansion of the firm’s senior leadership team. Founded in 2015 by Mark Cate and Stephen Susano, Stones River Group has grown into one of Tennessee’s leading government relations and public relations firms by helping major companies, small businesses, non-profit organizations, and public entities advance their public policy, regulatory, lobbying, communications, thought leadership, community engagement, and business development goals across Tennessee and beyond. The firm recently relocated its headquarters to Nashville Yards as it continues to expand its team and services.
“Stones River Group has grown because of the caliber of our people and the results they deliver for our clients every day,” said Mark Cate, President. “Chris, Ann Waller, Zoe, and Tony have each demonstrated the judgement, integrity, and commitment to a high level of client service that defines our firm. Making them partners recognizes their meaningful contribution to our company and clients while positioning us to continue building a team and platform that delivers real impact across Tennessee and beyond.”
The new partners bring deep experience across state government, law, policy, and communications:
Chris Gobble advises SRG clients on legislative, regulatory, and policy matters at the state and local levels. With more than 15 years of experience in government affairs and public policy, he helps clients understand the political landscape, build support, and advance complex policy objectives before state and local decision-makers. Before joining SRG, he served as legislative and policy director for the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security and as senior director of public policy for the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce.
Zoë Sams is a government affairs strategist and attorney who advises SRG clients on challenging legislative, regulatory, and public policy matters at the state and local levels. She is known for her strategic judgment, disciplined advocacy, and ability to guide clients through difficult, sensitive, and high-profile matters. Before joining SRG, Sams served as deputy director of the Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference, and in senior roles across state government including Legislative Director of the Department of Children’s Services, and legislative liaison for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
Tony Niknejad provides counsel to clients navigating complex political, budgetary, and legislative matters. He brings deep expertise in appropriations, tax policy, procurement strategy, and policy implementation. Before joining SRG, he served as Policy Director for Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, advising the Governor’s Cabinet and helping lead many of the administration’s major policy reforms.
Ann Waller Curtis leads strategic communications campaigns for SRG clients, helping organizations effectively tell their stories and shape public narratives. With more than a decade of experience in public policy and public relations, she brings a practical understanding of how communications strategy can support broader public affairs objectives. Before joining SRG, she worked for FINN Partners and Congressman Jim Cooper.
With these promotions, Stones River Group expands its leadership team and strengthens its collaborative culture, and commitment to delivering results-driven counsel for clients facing public affairs challenges.
For more information, visit StonesRiverGroup.com.
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About Stones River Group
Stones River Group is an award-winning consulting firm, specializing in state and local government relations, public relations, and strategic communications. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, SRG advises major companies, small businesses, non-profit organizations, and public entities to advance their public policy, regulatory, lobbying, communications, thought leadership, and business development objectives. To learn more about our work, visit StonesRiverGroup.com.