Our Team

Our Values

Trust

Improvement

Respect

Drive

Our Promise

At Government Strategies Group, we promise to serve our clients and community ethically and with a mission to bring more growth, vibrancy, and support to the Greater Cincinnati region. We work together as a team to leverage our deep experience and relationships to give your organization, project or mission a voice in the process, eliminate obstacles, and help you succeed.

Our Team

Charles “Chip” Gerhardt

Jim Benedict

Anne Sesler

Doug Moormann

Alana Tucker

Jessica Wilcher

Strategic Partners

Mark Mallory is President and CEO of Mark Mallory & Associates, LLC, a consulting firm focused on urban revitalization, economic development, transportation, and sustainability. Prior to starting his consulting firm, he served as the 68th Mayor of the City of Cincinnati. He was first elected Mayor in 2005 and was re-elected in 2009. His election marked a new era for City Hall as the first two-term Mayor under the City’s new Stronger-Mayor system, the first directly-elected black Mayor. Mark previously served in the Ohio House of Representatives and Ohio Senate.

Strategic Partners

Mark Mallory is President and CEO of Mark Mallory & Associates, LLC, a consulting firm focused on urban revitalization, economic development, transportation, and sustainability. Prior to starting his consulting firm, he served as the 68th Mayor of the City of Cincinnati. He was first elected Mayor in 2005 and was re-elected in 2009. His election marked a new era for City Hall as the first two-term Mayor under the City’s new Stronger-Mayor system, the first directly-elected black Mayor. Mark previously served in the Ohio House of Representatives and Ohio Senate.

Vehr Communications is a fully integrated marketing communications agency that helps brands think deeply, create boldly and engage completely. It partners with some of Greater Cincinnati’s most cherished brands on strategic planning and positioning; issues management and crisis communications; internal and external communications; community and media relations; content development; design; and social media engagement.

Contact Us

Government Strategies Group
700 Walnut Street
Suite 450
Cincinnati, OH 45202

Phone: 513.651.4100

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Charles “Chip” Gerhardt

President & CEO

Chip Gerhardt has made government affairs, economic development, and issue advocacy his life’s work. He’s worked for decades in the public and private sectors, and advocated at the local, state, and federal levels of government. In 2007, he used that experience to found Government Strategies Group, a full-service government relations firm. At GSG, he works directly with clients, helping them navigate the complicated intersection of politics, public policy, and business.

In his many years in public policy, Chip has been involved in significant policies including; creation of tax increment financing districts, the Clean Ohio program, Cincinnati City Center Development Corporation, and most importantly, the passage of the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act. He has also been at the forefront of some of the biggest developments in Greater Cincinnati, including the Horseshoe (now Hard Rock) Casino, TQL Stadium for FC Cincinnati, parking garage structures at The Banks, and the redevelopment of the @580 building. Rarely is there a public policy endeavor in Cincinnati that does not involve GSG.

Chip received his B.B.A in Marketing from the University of Notre Dame and his Juris Doctor from the St. Louis University School of Law. He lives in Anderson Township with his wife Jane. Son Charlie is a local chef and children Hank and Anne have completed their education and started lives of their own.

Focus areas:

State and local government relations
Economic development
Issue advocacy

Driven by:

A lifelong interest in the political system has driven Chip to a career in public policy and politics. As a parent of three, one with Down syndrome, has compelled him to promote public policies designed to help others. Whether it is enabling financial independence for people with disabilities, advancing funding for housing families facing homelessness, or assisting with economic development projects, Chip involves himself in things that make a positive difference.

In the community:

Hamilton County Board of Elections member
Current Board Member for Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati, People Working Cooperatively, Corporation for Findlay Market, goVibrant, and the African American Chamber of Commerce
Former Chairman of the Board for the National Down Syndrome Society
Former board member of the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, the Cincinnati Museum Center, the Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority, the Clermont County Chamber of Commerce, and the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati
Cincinnati Magazine’s 300 of the Region’s Most Powerful Business Leaders, 2021-2022
Cincy Magazine Power 100, 2011-2022

Alana M. Tucker

Senior Director of Government Affairs

Alana Tucker is passionate about local government and community engagement. Alana served three years as a Councilwoman in the City of Cheviot. Having served as an elected official, she has firsthand experience on issues impacting local communities and how to best communicate with government administration and elected leaders.

Alana joined Government Strategies Group in 2014. As GSG’s Senior Director of Government Affairs she specializes in government relations, political strategy and communications.

Prior to GSG, Alana was a Community Outreach Director for Cincinnati City Councilwoman Amy Murray where she focused on issues such as public services, transit, city budget and community relations.

Alana has been involved in political campaigns for nearly 20 years, including presidential, congressional and local campaigns. Her campaign work has included fundraising, grassroots outreach, communications and political strategy. Alana began her career in education as a high school teacher in Northwest Local School District, and continues to maintain her teaching license.

Alana received her Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science, as well as a Masters Degree in Education from Miami University. Alana is a lifelong Westsider, residing in Green Township with her husband Gary and their son, Jackson.

Focus areas:

State and local government affairs
Political strategy
Communications
Sector focus: Arts and Culture, Education, Human Services and Nonprofits, Municipalities

Driven by:

I believe in making our community better. Whether I’m working with clients or serving on a board, my goal is to create a better place for my neighbors and my son.

In the community:

Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden Ambassador Council
Hamilton County Commission on Women and Girls
Hamilton County Republican Party, Executive Board member
SHELeads, Executive Board member
Western Economic Council, Board member

Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, WE Lead Class 11
JoAnn Davidson’s Leadership Institute, Member
City of Cheviot, Former Councilmember

Jessica Wilcher

Director of Operations and Community Affairs

Jessica Wilcher is an accomplished professional with a background in the public service sector. As the new Director of Operations at Government Strategies group, Jessica brings her expertise and dedication to effectively manage operations, contracts, compliance, and local community engagement.

Prior to joining GSG, Jessica made significant contributions during her three-year tenure at Hamilton County Job and Family Services. There, she played a crucial role in the successful implementation of the ERAP (Emergency Rental Assistance Program), diligently working to distribute federal funds into the community and provide much needed support to individuals and families facing housing challenges.

Passionate about psychology and mental health, Jessica holds an Associate of Arts degree in Psychology from Sinclair College of Dayton. Demonstrating her commitment to continuous learning and professional growth, Jessica plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Forensic Psychology while at GSG. Her long-term aspiration includes attaining a master’s degree in the field, further equipping her with knowledge and skills necessary to make a positive impact.

Born and raised in Lebanon, Ohio, Jessica maintains strong ties to her community and is deeply invested in its well-being. She continues to reside in Lebanon, where she remains connected to the needs and aspirations of the local population.

With her proven track record, passion for public service, and commitment to personal development, Jessica Wilcher is a valuable asset to GSG, driving operational excellence and making a lasting impact on the community she serves.

Focus areas:

Mental Health
Criminal Justice and Judicial Reform

Driven by:

Economic empowerment for women and minority business owners
Criminal justice and judicial reform
Community-driven solutions in developmental disability housing, family homelessness, and mental health intervention

In the community:

NAMI – National Alliance on Mental Illness