Director, Public Affairs
John-Paul Yates
Areas of Expertise: Public Affairs
Social
From the City Council to the Capitol, John-Paul builds public affairs strategies that work.
John-Paul helps clients navigate their public policy challenges with holistic strategies for engaging at the Capitol and beyond. He understands there are many pathways to influence public policy, and it starts with relationships. From neighbors and local-level decision makers to state agencies and legislators, he advises clients on who they need to know to reach their goals. Known for his steady demeanor and ability to forge strong relationships, John-Paul quickly makes meaningful connections for our clients. From insurance and finance to human services, he helps make the most complex policy issues understandable and connects the dots to the solutions that will help clients.
John-Paul has nearly 15 years of government, campaign and lobbying experience from serving as district director and campaign manager for U.S. Rep. Erik Paulsen to directing public policy for the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce. John-Paul honed his understanding of the complex human services landscape as committee administrator for the Minnesota Senate Human Services Reform Finance and Policy Committee.
John-Paul recently completed his 48th trip to the Boundary Waters and his second Chequamegon 40 mountain bike race. When not paddling or biking, John-Paul is touring local parks with his wife and two sons.
Joined Goff Public: 2022
Alma Mater: Seton Hall University
Conversation Starters
- Boundary Waters
- Coffee brewing
- Fat biking
Civic Involvement
- University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs Policy Fellows Program Selection Committee (2022-present)
- University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs Policy Fellows Program, 2021-2022 Cohort