RALEIGH — Checkmate, a leading government relations and public affairs firm based in North Carolina, is expanding its federal practice by opening a new office in Washington, D.C. and adding key personnel.
The firm’s leadership team includes Managing Partner Ches McDowell, COO Nelson Freeman, Director of National Strategy Fritz Vaughan, Government Relations Director John Easterling and Chief of Staff Lauren Henderson.
Former U.S. Ambassador Jim Cain will join as a senior adviser, and Chris LaCivita Jr. will serve as public affairs director.
“I am very excited about the future of Checkmate with the firepower of Chris and Ambassador Cain joining our team and formalizing our position in Washington, D.C.,” McDowell told North State Journal.
McDowell was an adviser for Senate Leader Phil Berger (2009-11) and previously served on Kilpatrick Townsend’s government relations team in the firm’s Winston-Salem office. He was named one of NSJ’s top 10 lobbyists for 2024.
McDowell’s sibling, Addison McDowell, is headed to Congress in January representing the state’s 6th Congressional District.
Cain was U.S. ambassador to Denmark under President George W. Bush and is a former president and COO of the National Hockey League’s Carolina Hurricanes and their parent company, Gale Force Holdings.
Cain has held leadership roles in various civic and nonprofit organizations, including the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce, the American Red Cross and Boy Scouts of America. Cain also served as the Republican national committeeman for North Carolina and held significant roles in the Bush-Cheney 2004 campaign.
LaCivita has worked as a marketing and advocacy specialist based in Washington, D.C., and will help lead Checkmate’s new public affairs offerings for federal and multistate clients.
Before joining Checkmate, LaCivita worked at Safari Club International, where he managed marketing and digital advocacy services and also founded “Sportsman’s Culture,” an outdoor marketing company with high-profile clients. He is the son of Chris Lacivita Sr., a longtime political strategist who served as a senior adviser and co-campaign manager to President-elect Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign. Lacivita Sr. also became the chief operating officer of the Republican National Committee in March 2024.
According to Checkmate press release, the firm aims to become a full-service federal firm by 2025, leveraging its extensive experience and relationships in government, law and regulatory agencies. The firm serves more than 80 clients across various sectors, including financial services, health care, transportation and technology.
“I have spent many years working alongside Ches and the team at Checkmate,” Fred Whitfield, Charlotte Hornets’ president and vice chairman (retired) said. “They are the best in the business, great to work with, and do not quit until the job is done. They will build a powerhouse in Washington!”
