COLTON R. OVERCASH
Charlotte
Summary
Strategic government affairs and public policy executive with 15 years advising Cabinet officials, Congress, federal agencies, and Fortune 500 leaders. Recognized for driving $250M+ in public-sector contracts, shaping AI, cybersecurity, and telecom policy, and guiding national security decisions at the White House and DHS Cabinet levels. Expert at building coalitions, securing appropriations, and positioning emerging technologies for adoption across federal and state markets. Holder of Top Secret/SCI clearance.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Founder & Managing Principal
Vertex Strategies
07.2023 - Current
- Founded and scaled a consultancy built entirely through referrals and professional reputation, trusted by executives navigating complex public-sector markets. Advise technology innovators, growth-stage firms, and established enterprises on government relations, procurement, and public affairs strategies to accelerate market entry and scale.
- Secured FedRAMP certification for a cloud solutions provider — meeting stringent compliance standards and unlocking access to the $30B+ annual federal cloud market, positioning the client for long-term enterprise growth.
- Guided a client in negotiating a public–private research agreement with the Department of Energy (CRADA), shaping AI standards in energy efficiency by aligning R&D objectives with federal priorities.
- Developed winning federal funding proposals that secured $1.1M in competitive innovation awards (SBIR) for technology startups.
- Positioned an AI startup for a $2M prototype partnership with the U.S. Air Force, aligning advanced capabilities with mission priorities.
- Facilitated high-level private–public engagements that enhanced client visibility, credibility, and positioning in government markets.
Strategic Government Affairs Director
Motorola Solutions
06.2021 - 07.2023
- Directed 16-state government affairs program driving $250M+ in public-sector contracts and delivering the #1 growth region across North America.
- Managed $1.2M budget and 40+ external lobbyists, ensuring disciplined, compliant execution of advocacy campaigns.
- Advanced legislation on AI, cybersecurity, biometrics, and telecom policy to expand corporate market access.
Public Affairs Consultant
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
09.2019 - Current
- Serve as long-term strategic advisor to DHS Science & Technology leadership, shaping communications, appropriations strategy, and interagency engagement.
- Advise the Under Secretary and senior leaders on policy positioning and congressional relations to reinforce DHS credibility with stakeholders.
- Directed messaging and stakeholder engagement for the DHS Artificial Intelligence Roadmap, positioning the agency as a national leader on emerging tech policy.
- Supported White House AI Task Force initiatives, ensuring DHS priorities were represented in interagency policy development.
- Crafted communications strategies for emerging technologies (AI, cybersecurity, biotech) to build bipartisan support and mitigate legislative risks.
- Strengthened DHS visibility with Congress, driving adoption of budget priorities and sustaining authorities during appropriations cycles.
- Contract, 2021–Present
Legislative Advisor
Federation for American Immigration Reform
07.2018 - 09.2019
- Championed state-level policy efforts across 13 states, securing enactment of 2 bills and expanding advocacy into workforce, education, and taxation.
- Positioned organization as a credible stakeholder through testimony, media engagement, and coalition building.
District Representative
U.S. House of Representatives (Rep. Virginia Foxx)
06.2017 - 07.2018
- Directed congressional engagement and constituent services as chief liaison to municipal leaders, business executives, and community stakeholders.
- Secured $1M+ in federal appropriations for infrastructure and municipal initiatives.
- Negotiated Title 42 waiver expanding rural hospital services, creating 25 jobs and $12M in private investment.
- Strengthened district visibility through targeted media coordination and policy messaging, expanding earned media reach by 20%.
Regional Representative
U.S. Senate (Sen. Thom Tillis)
07.2015 - 06.2017
- Managed 30-county territory (~1.2M residents) as the Senator’s senior regional representative, advising on legislative priorities and crisis response.
- Secured $20M+ in federal disaster recovery and public safety funding to stabilize regional economies.
- Directed regional crisis communications during wildfires and major infrastructure disputes; served as spokesperson to press and government leaders.
- Built bipartisan coalitions with county officials, business leaders, and federal agencies to advance constituent priorities.
- Political Campaigns (2011–2015): Field Director, Advisor, Strategist — Delivered wins in 2012 NC gubernatorial race and 2014 U.S. Senate campaign.
- Legislative Intern (2014): U.S. House of Representatives (Rep. Mark Meadows) — Contributed to homeland security and defense policy proposals.
Education
M.A. - National Security & Strategic Studies
U.S. Naval War College
B.S. - Political Science, Sociology
Western Carolina University
Skills
- Government Relations; Federal Procurement; Appropriations Strategy; Lobbying & Advocacy; Legislative Affairs
- Emerging Tech Policy (AI, Cybersecurity, 5G/6G); Telecom; Public–Private Partnerships; Coalition Leadership
- Fed/SLED Sales Enablement; Regulatory Engagement; Strategic Communications; Executive Advisory
CREDENTIALS
Top Secret/SCI Clearance
Timeline
Founder & Managing Principal
Vertex Strategies
07.2023 - Current
Strategic Government Affairs Director
Motorola Solutions
06.2021 - 07.2023
Public Affairs Consultant
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
09.2019 - Current
Legislative Advisor
Federation for American Immigration Reform
07.2018 - 09.2019
District Representative
U.S. House of Representatives (Rep. Virginia Foxx)
06.2017 - 07.2018
Regional Representative
U.S. Senate (Sen. Thom Tillis)
07.2015 - 06.2017
B.S. - Political Science, Sociology
Western Carolina University
M.A. - National Security & Strategic Studies
U.S. Naval War College
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