About Us

Chris has spent nearly three decades immersed in Nevada politics and public affairs. He began his career as a legislative intern, gaining a formative education working alongside some of the state’s most iconic leaders—Bill Raggio, Joe Dini, Bernice Mathews, Joe Neal, Randolph Townsend, and a young Assemblyman named Brian Sandoval. It was an early political apprenticeship no classroom could replicate.

In 1997, Chris joined The McMullen Strategic Group under the mentorship of legendary strategist Samuel P. McMullen. There, he managed high-profile clients including the Retail Association of Nevada, Barrick Gold, Enron, and the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, thriving in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.

Chris’s growing reputation led Assembly Floor Leader Pete Ernaut to recruit him to gubernatorial candidate Kenny C. Guinn’s 1998 campaign. Traveling the state with the Guinn family, Chris forged a close personal and professional bond that continued after Guinn’s election. He joined the administration, overseeing boards and commissions and serving as a legislative liaison, roles that expanded his relationships across every level of Nevada government.

Building on his Guinn-era network, Chris joined Brown & Partners, the advertising firm founded by Mark Brown. He expanded the firm’s public relations, advocacy, and lobbying practice, representing clients such as MGM and working closely with Senator Harry Reid’s efforts opposing Yucca Mountain. He also played key roles in statewide campaigns on medical malpractice and construction defect reform.

Following R&R Partners’ acquisition of Brown & Partners, Chris reunited with mentor Pete Ernaut as Director of Government Affairs at R&R Partners. There, he represented clients at the local, state, and federal levels during the agency’s most iconic era, including the height of the “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” campaign.

In 2008, Chris co-founded Ferrari Smith Public Affairs with Patrick Smith, longtime lieutenant to political legend Sig Rogich. After a successful 2009 legislative session, Ferrari Public Affairs was launched.

Over the past 17 years, the firm—now Ferrari Reeder Public Affairs—has grown into one of Nevada’s most respected government relations firms, representing Fortune 500 companies and major trade associations. In 2021, Brian Reeder became the firm’s first partner, marking the next chapter of strategic growth.

As President, Brian leads lobbying operations and client management at Ferrari Reeder. His command of the legislative/regulatory process, issue monitoring, communications and campaign strategy is key to identifying and avoiding pitfalls on our clients’ road to success. His broad policy expertise includes construction, energy, K-12 and higher education, health care, technology, finance, fintech, economic development, and general business and employment issues.

Brian joined the firm after serving as the in-house lobbyist with the Nevada Chapter Associated General Contractors. With AGC, Brian successfully represented the Northern Nevada construction industry at the state and local level on many issues, including securing dollars for public works infrastructure, bringing fairness to state contractor pay policies, and successfully advocating for construction trades to be taught in high school.

Brian’s first job in politics was with Grassroots Campaigns, Inc. where he led fundraising efforts for the San Francisco office, achieving massive success on myriad campaigns. He also spent time as a broadcast news reporter in Northern California covering local politics and later accepted an opportunity to work with national media outlets as the Communications Director of a Bay Area-based technology trade association.

Brian graduated from the University of Nevada Reno with a bachelor’s in journalism and minor in political science. He enjoys biking, hiking, classic cars, and anything related to sports. He lives in Reno with his wife Ellie, their two daughters and their dogs.

As Vice President, Donna draws on her public and private sector experience to successfully guide clients through Nevada’s legislative and regulatory processes. She has delivered meaningful results across a wide range of issues including health care, workforce development, and technology. Donna is also able to help clients forge important relationships across the state which have resulted in significant procurement wins.

Donna began her career in government relations at Ferrari Reeder while completing her Public Health degree at the University of Nevada, Reno, where she was also Executive Vice President of Sigma Kappa Sorority. After graduating, she returned to Sacramento and spent five years with the California Department of Health Care Services, where she specialized in Medicaid subrogation and developed a deep understanding of the laws, budgets, and operational complexities that shape one of the nation’s largest health programs.

Based in Reno, Donna lives with her husband, Matt, their son, Dillon, and two rescue dogs. Outside of work, she is a die-hard 49ers fan and loves spending time with her large extended family.

Cade joined the Ferrari Reeder team in October 2024 to support the team with policy research, legislative analysis, and client projects. During the 2025 legislative session, he served as one of the firm’s Legislative Analysts, gaining firsthand experience with Nevada’s policymaking process by monitoring legislative committees, analyzing legislation, and assisting the team with implementing lobbying strategies for the firm’s clients. After demonstrating a strong command of the work and burgeoning talent in advocacy, Cade was hired to continue with the team on a permanent basis as an Associate.

Prior to joining the team, Cade graduated magna cum laude from the University of Nevada, Reno with a degree in Business Administration and a minor in Sports Management.

Outside of work, Cade enjoys staying active, following sports, and spending time with family and friends in Nevada.