A team ready to deliver results.
We started Commonwealth Strategy Group in 2014 by combining seasoned, professional lobbying firms into a robust partnership to expand our strategic capabilities, provide additional services and leverage years of experience, relationships and policy knowledge to benefit our clients.
We represent a diverse portfolio of clients before the Virginia General Assembly on issues in the healthcare, energy, education, transportation, pharmaceutical, entrepreneurial, small business, and non-profit sectors.
In 2015, we established our headquarters just steps from Virginia’s Capitol, making it available to our clients for receptions and meeting space.
Cal Whitehead, Founding/Managing Partner, represents diverse clients before the Virginia General Assembly and executive agencies. In addition to lobbying, he manages the firm’s business matters. For nearly 30 years, Cal has advised and managed client advocacy programs including policy development, political activities, and grassroots mobilization. Before his contract lobbying career, Cal served in various roles at the Virginia Association of REALTORS® and the Medical Society of Virginia.
A graduate of Randolph-Macon College, Cal holds a B.A. degree in Political Science with a Minor in History. He was raised in Harrisonburg and lives in Richmond with his wife and two children. Cal has served on numerous professional and community organizations including the Maymont Foundation, Randolph-Macon College, St. Bridget Catholic School, the Diocese of Richmond School Advisory Board, the Virginia Public Access Project, Richmond Business Council of Chamber RVA and Keep Virginia Cozy.
Aimee Perron Seibert, Founding Partner, brings over 20 years of experience in the legislative arena, representing large companies as well as non-profits, small businesses, and professional associations. Aimee lobbies on numerous matters, including health care, transportation, gaming and business issues. She started her career in the office of former state Senator John C. Watkins and then as an in-house legislative director for a statewide non-profit. In addition, Aimee has built successful coalitions, conducted grassroots organizing, and managed her clients' political action committees.
Aimee completed her B.A. from Boston College and holds a Master's degree in Social Work- Policy, Planning and Administration from VCU. She is a 2004 graduate of the Sorenson Institute for Political Leadership at UVA and was named one of Style Weekly's "Top 40 Under 40" in 2005. She currently serves on the board of the Maymont Foundation and previously served on the ChildSavers board and the Church Hill Association. Aimee lives in Richmond with her husband and two daughters.
Lauren B. Schmitt, Partner, has been lobbying in Richmond for over a decade and works with clients in the non-profit sector, professional societies and corporations. Lauren works on a wide range of policy issues, with a focus on health care and children’s issues. Lauren served as the Deputy Legislative Director for Governor Ralph Northam, in which she lobbied for the administration’s top priorities during the 2018 General Assembly Session.
Lauren grew up in Northern Virginia and graduated from James Madison University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Media Arts and Design. She also holds a Master’s degree in Social Work – Policy, Planning and Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University. Lauren is active in the community and served on the Board of Directors for Greater Richmond Fit4Kids. Lauren lives in Midlothian with her husband, two daughters and two hound dogs.
Alex Thorup, Vice President of Government Relations, advises clients on legislative, public policy and communications strategies. Prior to joining Commonwealth Strategy Group, Alex served as Director of Legislation & Policy for the 55th Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates, where helped drive the enactment of major policies, including passage of bipartisan regulatory and tax reform legislation. Previously, he held senior policy and operational roles with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and served as the legislative director for a member of the House of Delegates.
Alex earned his B.A. in Political Science from the University of Richmond and holds a certificate from the Virginia Institute for Economic Development at Virginia Tech. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Virginia Renewable Energy Alliance and volunteers his time with several local non-profit organizations. Alex lives in Richmond with his wife and daughter.
Trevor Moncure, Government Relations and Political Affairs Manager, oversees CSG’s day-to-day political activities, firm compliance and orchestrates impactful fundraising events with legislators. Trevor also lobbies for clients and supports the firm in a wide variety of areas including healthcare, energy, transportation and other complex policy issues.
A proud graduate of Randolph-Macon College where he held several student leadership positions,Trevor holds a B.A. in Political Science and Communications. Trevor’s dedication to public service is deeply rooted in his Richmond, Virginia upbringing. Having always called Richmond, Trevor has moved into the heart of the City into the Museum District.
The CSG team members bring their own distinct and broad backgrounds in government affairs. They have each successfully advocated for non-profits, professional associations, health care organizations, corporations, and small businesses with issues before the Virginia government. Their collaborative efforts have resulted in great successes and results for their clients. CSG is the culmination of their diverse experiences and individual skill sets, making them an exceptional government affairs team.