Kate Casas
Education
Webster University, Master of Art, Elementary Education and Teaching
Millikin University, Bachelor of Arts, Communications and Political Science
Recognition
Missouri Wonder Woman, The Missouri Times (2018)
Top 30 Women Changing Missouri Politics, The Missouri Times (2016)
Best New Hire, The Missouri Scout (2016)
The 100 List, The Missouri Times (2013-2015)
Eisenhower Fellow, China (2015)
Organizations
Missouri Charter Public School Association Board (2016-2024)
About
Widely recognized as an elite counselor throughout all levels of state government, Kate Casas is known for being both a force and a friend—someone who can navigate the most complex negotiations, bringing to the table envoys with differing and competing interests, and then come out the other side with both the client deliverables she sought and her well-cultivated relationships intact. It’s a tough tightrope to walk, and Kate’s decades of experience handling high-profile policy initiatives have led her to its mastery.
A generalist who works across multiple industries, Kate is highly regarded as one of the state’s leading education authorities. During the 2024 legislative session, she helped orchestrate support for passing the most comprehensive education reform bill in Missouri’s history. She didn’t do it alone but led the effort with skill and dexterity. Her business acumen is highly regarded, as she carefully analyzes challenges and positions the team to achieve the strongest outcomes.
Kate’s career began in Washington, D.C., where she was first introduced to grassroots lobbying, political campaigns, and policy work on education and housing. This experience would go on to shape her life’s work. Recognizing the importance of understanding policy beyond the Beltway, she joined Teach for America and relocated to St. Louis, where she taught in the St. Louis Public School District. It was an eye-opening experience that led her to become deeply engaged in local education and housing policy.
Seeing firsthand the impact effective policy can have on people’s lives inspired Kate to pursue a lobbying career, which initially focused on education before expanding into broader government affairs. In 2018, she played a pivotal role in forming Nexus Group. Today, she and her partners represent a diverse client base, offering expertise in all facets of government relations, including legislative advocacy, appropriations, procurement, and influencer and crisis management.
A member of popular culture’s “5 a.m. Club,” Kate is not one to let any grass grow under her feet. She was a scholarship athlete who played volleyball at Millikin University. For her, maintaining her physical fitness goes hand-in-hand with fueling her mental acuity, which is among the reasons she is an avid yogi and strength trainer, and often hits the pavement, a nearby gym or a yoga studio before sunrise.
Kate resides in St. Louis with her husband and daughter.
FAQs
What does a typical day look like in session and out of session?
When the legislature is in session, my days are fast-paced and unpredictable. I start very early, monitoring committee hearings, tracking bills, and meeting with legislators to advocate for our clients’ priorities. Most of my time is spent in the Capitol Building, engaging with policymakers, providing strategic insights, and ensuring our clients’ voices are heard at the right moments. Every day brings new challenges, whether it’s responding to unexpected amendments, rallying support for a bill, or navigating last-minute negotiations.
During the interim, when the legislature is not in session, my focus shifts to strategy and preparation. I work closely with clients to refine their legislative goals, research policy trends, and engage with key stakeholders to lay the groundwork for the next session. This is also the time when we as a firm dedicate a lot of time to strengthening our relationship with policymakers, and when we help clients navigate regulatory challenges outside of the legislative process. It’s definitely a team effort to anticipate what’s ahead and position clients for success.
What got you interested in government affairs?
I was drawn to the industry because I saw how policy decisions directly impact businesses, communities, and individuals. Early in my career, I realized that being part of the legislative process wasn’t just about understanding the law—it was about shaping it. I wanted to take an active role in helping organizations and individuals navigate government systems and influence outcomes that matter to them. That passion led me to advocacy, where I found I could help bridge the gap between policymakers and those affected by their decisions.
How does your experience with Teach for America make you a better lobbyist?
Through Teach for America, I gained firsthand experience with the real-world impact of policy decisions, particularly in education. That experience gave me a deep understanding of how legislative actions affect individuals and communities, fueling my passion for shaping policy. It also honed my ability to connect with diverse stakeholders, from policymakers to grassroots advocates, and to build compelling cases for legislative change.