Team Bios
Wendy Briggs, Director
Wendy has been recognized as “Arizona’s Top Female Lobbyist” for her attention to detail, “killer work ethic”, and her successful representation of clients. She provides clients with an impressive resume of experience that includes success in representing clients on legislative and regulatory matters relating to issues as diverse as workers’ compensation, environmental law, taxation, employment, and the First amendment. Wendy’s legal training gives Veridus clients a competitive advantage when advancing or defeating legislation and when navigating the complexities of Arizona’s campaign finance laws.
Email Wendy Briggs at: wbriggs@veridusaz.com
Jeff Sandquist, Director
With a background that includes more than 15 years of lobbying and legal experience as a Legislative Analyst for the Arizona State Senate and legislative liaison for the Arizona State Land Department, Jeff has amassed a deep knowledge of a diverse array of policy topics. He has represented clients’ interests before federal, state, and local government bodies on issues regarding real estate development, homeowners associations, agriculture, utilities, oil and gas, taxation, gaming, environment, transportation, privatization, and general business matters. Jeff is also regularly called upon to assist political campaigns with their campaign strategy and compliance needs.
Email Jeff Sandquist at: jsandquist@veridusaz.com
Jay Kaprosy, Director
With a resume that includes representing Arizona’s elected Superintendent of Public Instruction and serving as the Vice President of Public Affairs for the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, the state’s largest business organization, Jay has established himself as a respected and accomplished lobbyist on a variety of key issues. Policymakers and clients commonly turn to him for advice in the areas of education, school finance, taxation, the state budget, and general business issues. In addition to Jay’s extensive lobbying experience, he has also managed or advised on a number of successful statewide proposition campaigns.
Email Jay Kaprosy at: jkaprosy@veridusaz.com
Karen Kruse, Director
Having held positions with the Arizona Democratic Party and as a Director of Government Relations in private industry, as well as having run her own consulting firm; Karen has acquired a diverse set of skills and knowledge. With particular strengths in procurement, political fundraising, grassroots organizing and business development she provides Veridus clients with an unmatched depth of services. She has worked with companies in telecommunications, transportation, education, healthcare, insurance, securities litigation and real estate development. Karen’s unique set of skills and background strongly compliments our message development and implementation of lobbying and campaign strategies.
Email Karen Kruse at: kkruse@veridusaz.com
MARK BRIGGS, DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL PROJECTS
Mark advises our clients in regulatory and procurement matters at the state and local levels on a multi-state basis. He also assists our clients with campaign strategy, finance and messaging issues. Mark also coordinates the firm's client development and general business efforts.
Email Mark Briggs at: mbriggs@briggslawgroup.com
JASON BARRAZA, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
With a background in campaigns, election law, legal research and field organization, Jason entered the political world at the 2000 Democratic National Convention assisting in the logistical and operations planning of the convention. Upon returning to Arizona, Jason was involved with congressional and statewide campaigns, focused primarily on campaign finance and public affairs. Remaining a part of the state and national democratic machine, Jason provided logistical support for both the 2004 and 2008 Democratic National Conventions, serving as the Deputy Director of Security for Access Control at the Denver convention. In 2006 and 2008, Jason was the Election Protection Director for the Arizona Democratic Party. He has worked for the Center for Progressive Leadership, a nonpartisan political leadership training institute, and is on the Board of Directors for the Friends of the Phoenix Public Library and Los Abogados, Arizona Hispanic Bar Association.
Email Jason Barraza at: jbarraza@veridusaz.com
For additional information on the Veridus team
please contact us at 602-229-1129.