Matthew represents a wide array of clients before the legislative and executive branches, primarily in the defense sector. With a career deeply rooted in advocacy, Matthew is an expert in navigating the intricate landscape of federal national security institutions.

Beginning at the firm as an analyst focused on legislative and budgetary matters, Matthew has spent his entire career working in federal defense advocacy and consulting.

His expertise encompasses a broad range of defense policy disciplines, including military acquisitions ranging from Major Defense Acquisition Programs (MDAP) to Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) projects. He excels in developing and implementing comprehensive advocacy campaigns that support clients of all sizes, ensuring their strategic objectives are met within the competitive and regulated defense market.

Matthew has built a career on successfully guiding clients through the complexities of federal government interactions. With his in-depth knowledge of legislative and regulatory landscapes and his strategic approach, he helps clients overcome challenges and reach their most important objectives.

Matthew holds a degree in Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

James Gentry is a seasoned expert with 25 years of experience in Washington, D.C., working in government and defense industry consulting, managing and representing clients engaged in defense acquisition programs, niche technology adoption, military vehicles, aerospace, federal contracting, and U.S. and foreign defense policy matters. He has played a pivotal role in consulting with both the Administration and Congress, advocating for client interests essential to U.S. national security. James’ strategic guidance and direct engagement throughout the many complexities of the U.S. government process has been critical in securing vital technology to the war fighter, while assisting industry in establishing strong, efficient and stable programs of record.

In the realm of foreign and trade relations, James has provided consultation to the British, Norwegian, and Netherlands Ministries of Defense; segments of the Canadian government; and various groups of U.S. allies and partner nations through multiple Washington, D.C.-based networks. These engagements aim to assure key defense technology and trade policy between the U.S. and our allies are in place for optimal interoperability and national security.

Throughout his 20+ year career with the firm, James has excelled in assembling the optimal teams for client success. He effectively integrates business development resources and subject-matter experts to ensure all necessary components are in place for achieving mission objectives. These processes and structured pursuits significantly reduce client time to market.

Prior to joining the firm in early 2001, James worked in the U.S. House of Representatives, focusing on foreign policy and defense issues. Originally from Baltimore, Md., James is a proud graduate of Towson University.

Brendan Kretzschmar supports a broad range of small, medium and large companies for the firm. His responsibilities encompass policy and budgetary implementation to advance client interests that are good for the U.S. Government and taxpayer.  He plays a key role in the development and execution of client strategies, encompassing research, analysis, and reporting on federal policy and budgets, congressional oversight hearings, and legislative activities related to authorization and appropriation activities.

Brendan has effectively advocated for a wide range of military acquisition programs and policy issues before the Administration, Congress, NASA, and the Department of Defense, advancing client interests from research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) efforts to the procurement and deployment of cutting-edge technologies and services.

Throughout his career, Brendan has been instrumental in supporting the firm’s aerospace portfolio, concentrating on space and satellite policy for companies engaged in remote sensing capabilities, communications and launch services.

His knowledge of legislative and regulatory processes, coupled with a proactive approach, empowers clients to navigate significant hurdles and reach critical milestones.

Before joining the firm in 2013, Brendan served as a Legislative Assistant in the House of Representatives. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Colorado in Boulder.

Shannon Scott-Paul is an experienced, bi-partisan government affairs specialist with over 25 years of successfully developing and implementing public policy, contracting, and federal authorization and appropriations strategies for the firm’s diverse clients. She has a proven track record of advancing strategic initiatives in wide range of issue areas to include defense technology procurement, military readiness, national security policy, international trade, maritime and aerospace innovations, critical communications, advanced space and satellite capabilities, tax policy, veterans’ affairs, and health care. Shannon is also a seasoned manager of large strategic coalitions to support grassroots lobbying campaigns.

She is instrumental in creating new government market opportunities for clients by fostering effective communication between agencies and Congress, building cross-agency and industry partnerships, and driving policy initiatives that result in new or expanded government procurement requirements and contract opportunities.

She is also a recognized leader in advocating for free and fair trade in defense procurement and innovative acquisition strategies that ensure U.S. and allied warfighters have access to the most advanced military equipment for national security.

Shannon serves as the Vice President of the Board for the Navy League’s National Capital Council, which advocates for the United States sea services, and serves as Co-Chair of the Board for Kidsave, a non-profit that connects older children with families for adoption.

Prior to joining the firm in 1999, Shannon worked in the offices of Democratic House Minority Leader Dick Gephardt.

Dan Wagner brings a wealth of experience and a nuanced understanding of both Congress and the legislative process, coupled with deep expertise in the Defense Department and the National Security industry. As a combat veteran, Dan’s firsthand military experience provides him with a unique perspective on defense policies and appropriations.

With over two decades of government experience, Dan excels in navigating bipartisan relationships and strategic planning, ensuring his clients are well-positioned in the political landscape. His approach includes policy advocacy, legislative analysis and appropriations, all underscored by a strong commitment to ethical standards and legal compliance.

Dan has achieved numerous legislative victories, particularly in defense acquisitions and fiscal appropriations. He has successfully advocated for critical defense policies and secured funding for essential projects. His strategic insights and effective communication with policymakers, industry groups and stakeholders make him an invaluable asset.

Dan is known for building consensus and fostering strong relationships. His expertise spans the Department of Defense’s processes and the broader national security landscape, ensuring clients receive informed and strategic guidance. He is focused and dedicated to his clients so they can focus on their customers.

David O’Brien has been a prominent leader in Washington, D.C., specializing in federal policy, defense and fair-trade practices. With over 40 years of experience, he has successfully represented domestic and international clients in weapons systems, strategic communications, space and satellite technology, military construction, logistics, base realignment, aerospace and shipbuilding programs.

Throughout his career, David has built strong bipartisan relationships in Congress to advance critical defense initiatives and secure significant revenues for clients. He has collaborated with military departments to gain Congressional support, developed new opportunities and expanded government markets.

Recognized for advocating fair and open defense markets, David has promoted U.S. company sales abroad and opposed protectionist policies among allies. He has advised the Canadian Commercial Corporation and the British, Netherlands, and Norwegian Ministries of Defense on major policy matters.

David founded O’Brien & Associates in 1981, which became O’Brien, Gentry & Scott in 2012, and he remains an integral member of C2 Strategies. Before this, he served as a reorganization specialist in the Administration and as a Senior Consultant with Washington Management Group, contributing to major corporate reorganizations.

Tom Harper brings to C2 Strategies over 23 years of distinguished service in the U.S. Army, complemented by several years of legislative work on Capitol Hill. His extensive experience spans tactical roles in Special Operations Forces, strategic and policy positions within the Department of Defense, and significant legislative efforts navigating both authorizations and appropriations processes for Army and National Guard senior leaders.
 
Tom honed his legislative expertise during his tenures as a Defense Congressional Fellow, Army legislative liaison, and Legislative Assistant to the Director of the Army National Guard at the Pentagon. In these roles, he developed and pursued Congressional objectives for DoD leaders, focusing on readiness, procurement, military construction, energy, and the environment.
 
In addition to his Capitol Hill and Pentagon experience, Tom is a multiple-tour combat veteran. He was twice wounded during combat operations in Afghanistan in 2009 and 2013 and is one of fewer than 10 U.S. service members to receive the Croix de la Valeur Militaire from the government of France.
 
Tom’s deep understanding of the legislative process and his ability to navigate complex political landscapes make him an invaluable asset to C2 Strategies. His commitment to ethical and legal standards and effective communication ensures that clients receive strategically informed guidance in their legislative and policy endeavors. Tom is known for his expertise in strategic planning, ability to distill and articulate complex issues, and skill in cultivating meaningful connections across Congress and the Executive Branch.

Kevin Alvarez is a Marine veteran currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration (MPA) with a focus on International Development and Security Studies at The George Washington University. He holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Arts in Political Science from Boise State University.

Kevin has experience in national security and international relations, having served as a National Security Legislative Fellow in the U.S. Senate and as a Marine infantryman. At C2 Strategies he conducts substantive defense and legislative research to support the firm’s operations.