Meet The Team
We are more than consultants. We are an extension of your team.
EXPERIENCED, CONNECTED, CREATIVE
Who We Are
Alex Tourk launched our firm in 2007 after over a decade of working in San Francisco Bay Area government and politics. He is supported by a team of seasoned professionals who bring their own unique backgrounds and understanding to client engagement. We specialize in building meaningful relationships between government, business, and the community.
Alex Tourk
Principal
Alex founded our firm in 2007. Prior to launching Ground Floor, he worked in Peninsula and San Francisco politics and government for 15 years, including in the administrations of Mayors Willie Brown and Gavin Newsom. As Deputy Chief of Staff to Mayor Newsom, Alex created and implemented Project Homeless Connect, a unique civic initiative that has since been adopted by over 200 cities worldwide. At Ground Floor, Alex is passionate about building winning partnerships that benefit our clients and the communities they call home. His deep relationships enable Ground Floor to build strong connections between the private sector, government, and community.
tourk@gfpublicaffairs.com
LINDSAY CALDERONE
Chief of Staff and Partner
Lindsay helps manage the firm on behalf of the principal, acting as the primary liaison among the principal, staff, and other parties; serves as a key advisor to the principal on both strategic and operational matters; and represents the firm to external stakeholders. Prior to serving as Chief of Staff, Lindsay was a Director at Ground Floor, where she managed public policy and community and media outreach for a diverse portfolio of clients. She joined the firm with five years of experience working on public policy issues in government and the private sector, in both Washington, D.C. and in the Bay Area. Lindsay has served as a staffer in the United States Senate, advising on issues that included appropriations and communications, and on the Government Relations and Federal and State Issues teams at the Silicon Valley Leadership Group. Lindsay holds a J.D. from the University of Maryland and a B.A. from Georgetown University.
lindsay@gfpublicaffairs.com
JEREMY WALLENBERG
Vice President and Partner
For over 15 years, Jeremy has led campaigns, built coalitions, effected policy, created partnerships, and shaped the news as a go-to political strategist for his clients. Advising a diverse cross-sector portfolio, Jeremy supports innovative private companies, public agencies, high impact nonprofits, influential civic leaders, and more. Prior to joining Ground Floor, Jeremy worked on both political campaigns and in government. From 2009 – 2011, Jeremy served as Legislative Aide and Chief of Staff in the Virginia General Assembly. In 2012, Jeremy played an instrumental role in the launch of sf.citi, the San Francisco Citizens Initiative for Technology and Innovation, as its first managing director. In 2017, Jeremy was appointed by San Francisco Mayor Edwin M. Lee as a City Commissioner serving a term of two years. A multi-generation San Franciscan, he is dedicated to community and improving the lives of others.
jeremy@gfpublicaffairs.com
THOMAS LI
Director
A San Francisco native, Thomas brings more than a decade of experience in public policy, government relations, and community engagement across technology, nonprofit, and public sectors. Previously at Meta and Facebook, he developed and executed external affairs and community relations strategies, representing the company before legislators and industry groups, guiding executive leadership on policy messaging, and managing high-profile relationships with community partners and civic leaders. Earlier in his career, Thomas advanced economic policy initiatives for the Office of Economic and Workforce Development at the City and County of San Francisco, led outreach campaigns that exceeded enrollment targets at Covered California, and managed several successful local political campaigns in San Francisco.
thomas@gfpublicaffairs.com
HAYDEN ANDERSON
Director
Hayden strives to build and foster positive relationships between his clients and key stakeholders in the Bay Area by engaging communities, tracking legislation, improving communication strategies, and addressing other client needs. Prior to joining Ground Floor, Hayden was involved in a series of winning campaigns in Arizona, including working for Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema and Secretary of State Katie Hobbs. After moving to San Francisco, Hayden built on his political experience by campaigning and working in a legislative capacity for the Board of Supervisors. Hayden is passionate about civic engagement and mobilizing San Franciscans to uplift the communities in which they reside. Hayden holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Arizona and an M.A. in Urban and Public Affairs from the University of San Francisco.
hayden@gfpublicaffairs.com
Quinta Chapman
Director
Quinta blends legal expertise, policy acumen, and strategic communications to deliver incisive advice to her clients. A lawyer qualified in England & Wales and admitted to the State Bar of California, she also holds an M.A. in International Relations and Public Policy from the London School of Economics. Before relocating to San Francisco in 2023, Quinta spent seven years practicing commercial and antitrust litigation at a leading international law firm in London. Driven by a passion for public policy and government affairs, and a deep commitment to social justice, Quinta joined Ground Floor in early 2024. She brings significant experience delivering strategic advice on sensitive, high-stakes matters to a diverse range of clients – from large corporations and start-ups to non-profits and government entities. Quinta leverages her legal acumen to navigate complex policy landscapes and legislative developments, while highly developed written and oral communication skills enable her to craft and execute effective communications strategies. Her rigorous approach to project management ensures seamless delivery across her client portfolio, combining precision, cross-disciplinary thinking, and a passion for helping her clients create meaningful impact.
CAROLINE LEIDGEN
Senior Account Executive
Caroline brings policy and political experience to deliver impactful results for her clients through establishing government-business partnerships, project management, critical research, legislative analysis, and strategic and creative advising. With B.A. and M.A. degrees in Political Science and International Security from the University of Arizona and experience working with California Legislator Tim Grayson, Caroline has developed expertise in community relationship building and stakeholder engagement. An East Bay native, she gained valuable experience in legislative processes and constituent services during her time in public service. In her free time, Caroline enjoys relaxing in the East Bay sunshine and spending time at home with her two cats, favorite video games, and a good book.
caroline@gfpublicaffairs.com
Jackson Nutt-Beers
Senior Account Executive
Jackson brings over 6 years of experience in public affairs and public policy to Ground Floor. Based in San Francisco, they work with clients to navigate the intersection of government relations, community engagement, and strategic communications across the Bay Area. Prior to joining the firm, Jackson served as the Public Policy Program Manager at the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce where they supported public policy and public engagement efforts for the San Francisco business community. They also served as the Senior Associate of Public Engagement at SPUR where they led public engagement efforts around the Bay Area. Jackson holds an M.A. in Urban and Public Affairs from the University of San Francisco and a B.A. in Humanities from the University of California, Santa Barbara. When not working, Jackson can be found at a vintage shop on Haight Street, biking through Golden Gate Park, or whale watching in Point Reyes National Seashore.
Claire Morgan
Account Executive
Rooted in San Francisco’s political landscape, Claire delivers impactful results for her clients through in-depth research, project management, and legislative analysis. A Dallas native with strong family roots in San Francisco, Claire has called the city home since 2022. Her previous experience includes retail, marketing, and an internship in the Office of Board President Raphael Mandelman. Through her time at City Hall and her role as a Research Assistant at Ground Floor, Claire developed expertise in local policy and the legislative process. She holds an M.A. in Urban and Public Affairs from the University of San Francisco and a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Arizona. Settled near the Mission District with her partner, Claire loves exploring the City, its parks, and its beaches in her free time.
KAILEN GROTTEL-BROWN
JUNIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Kailen serves as a Junior Account Executive, supporting multiple clients and advancing the firm’s research needs. He is passionate about bridging the gap between government, community, and organizations through strategic engagement, legislative analysis, and communications strategy. Kailen brings extensive experience across all levels of government, having worked with Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, Berkeley City Councilmember Ben Bartlett, California Governor Gavin Newsom, State Senator Scott Wiener, U.S. Senator Laphonza Butler, and most recently, San Francisco Supervisor Danny Sauter. Kailen graduated from UC Berkeley with a B.A. in Political Science and Public Policy, where he developed strong analytical and research skills that complement his government experience.
JOANNE BEECHER
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT AND OFFICE MANAGER
Joanne supports both our firm principal and the overall needs of the office. She loves working with the Ground Floor team to best serve our clients. A Bay Area native, Joanne works with several local nonprofits that support families, the homeless, veterans, and active troops, both as a fundraising lead and community volunteer. She brings a passion for community and government, and feels right at home with the work of Ground Floor. Prior to joining Ground Floor, Joanne studied business and management, and spent a twenty year career at Nordstrom as a senior-level Executive. Joanne lives in Foster City with her husband, a firefighter for the City of Alameda.
Visit Us
700 Montgomery Street
Suite 100
San Francisco, CA 94111
Call Us
(415) 291-9501
Email Us
info@gfpublicaffairs.com