Bullpen is a political consulting firm specializing in innovation policy and the adoption of new technologies into markets and government jurisdictions. Bullpen advocates on behalf of innovative companies and partners with political influencers to help to shape policies and identify opportunities for forward thinking companies to grow and succeed.
Bullpen provides world-class consulting services to our partners, including:
We've helped some of the world's most innovative companies introduce new technologies into challenging markets:
Mike Dorsey
Founding Partner
Alex Samuelson
Director of Policy & Research
John Griffin, Esq.
Founding Partner
Tia White
President of Operations
Josh Griffin
Founding Partner
Chelsea Capurro
Government Affairs Specialist
Matt Griffin, Esq.
Founding Partner & General Counsel
Mike Dorsey joined Bullpen after two years at Uber as Director of Public Policy for America West. At Uber Mike lead his team to pass legislation establishing regulations for ridesharing making Uber legal in the states in the American west including signature wins in Nevada, California, and Portland. The Uber public policy team at the time has been acclaimed as one of the most successful in US history.
Before Uber, Dorsey had more than 15 years working in campaign politics. He worked as a message, targeting and advertising consultant to multiple federal, state, and mayoral campaigns across America. He was an initial staff member to Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign serving as Midwest Political Director and State Director in Missouri (primary), Rhode Island (primary), Western Pennsylvania (primary) and Montana (general). Dorsey also managed winning statewide multi-million dollar campaigns for U.S. Senator Boxer in California and U.S. Senator Whitehouse in Rhode Island.
Dorsey holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas and currently resides in Los Angeles.
Alex Samuelson is a knowledgeable researcher and policy analyst who joined the Bullpen team in 2018. She graduated from the University of Rochester with a B.S. in Neuroscience and a B.A. in Political Science, and supplemented her education with a study of classical piano at the Eastman School of Music. Alex worked as a Paralegal at a law firm in upstate New York before moving to Nevada to join Bullpen. Alex’s proficiency in data collection, in addition to her unique and comprehensive approach to technical research, allows her to compile in-depth reports for the firm and its clients. She utilizes her abilities to assist in the development of market and competitive analyses, as well as go-to-market strategies, for a diverse range of startups and modern companies. Alex is an avid hiker, yogi, and rock climber who enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors.
John W. Griffin is an experienced government relations attorney. His focus is primarily in the areas of governmental relations/lobbying, administrative/regulatory matters, strategic planning, land use planning, and technology.
John has successfully represented numerous client interests at the state and federal level in a broad range of issues, securing victories on transportation, development, health care, taxation, gaming, e-commerce, telecommunications, transportation, data security, and technology matters. He has helped numerous companies, from early start-ups to some of the largest companies in the world, and advised them on strategic and policy matters. John has developed a respected technology practice based upon his successes for clients such as Amazon, Zappos, Switch, Tesla, Directv, DISH, and Uber.
Prior to graduating from the University of Nevada, Reno in 1995, John served an internship in the office of U.S. Senator Harry Reid in Washington, D.C. After graduating from the University of Utah College of Law in 1998, John served as an extern for the Honorable Howard D. McKibben, U.S. District Court Judge for the District of Nevada.
Tia has a background in political campaign finance and state legislative and regulatory matters which has allowed her to play a vital role within the firm. Her experience in business management, in addition to her strong relationships with various government offices, has given her a unique and valuable ability to assist clients. Tia oversees day-to-day office operations, formulates policies and strategic plans, manages personnel and handles the Company’s purchasing and administrative operations. She earned her A.A.S degree in Paralegal Studies from Truckee Meadows Community College.
Josh Griffin has played a vital role in building one of Nevada’s most successful public affairs firms. Josh’s interest in politics began as an intern for former Congresswoman Barbara Vucanovich while a student at the University of Nevada-Reno (where he graduated in 1993). He worked on dozens of political campaigns including those of Governor Kenny Guinn, Congressman Jon Porter and his father, Reno Mayor Jeff Griffin.
In 2002, Josh decided he would take a turn as the candidate and successfully ran for the Nevada State Assembly representing Henderson. As the youngest member of the Nevada Legislature in 2003, Josh was elected to serve as the Assistant Minority Leader and served on the Ways and Means, Taxation and Commerce and Labor Committees.
Josh decided against re-election and started to build his government and public affairs practice. Josh has represented some of the state’s largest companies in their industries. With a keen focus on taxation, construction, energy and healthcare, Josh understands the depth of these policies well. Josh also represents many of these same clients before local governing bodies in Southern Nevada, thereby providing a breadth of service to his clients as well as the depth that comes with issues which often cross between local and state jurisdictional boundaries.
Josh has served on the Board of the Public Education Foundation and, with 6 children in the Clark County School District, he is actively involved in improving education in Nevada.
Chelsea is an experienced government affairs specialist that has been working in public policy since 2009. She has extensive knowledge of policy issues, including health care, technology, energy, education, gaming, and mining. Her comprehensive scope of industry knowledge has allowed Chelsea to build relationships with many elected officials and businesses. She received both her Political Science degree and Master’s degree in Business Administrations from the University of Nevada, Reno, and is fluent in Spanish.
Matt Griffin's practice concentrates on election and political law, ballot initiatives, and constitutional law. In addition, as part of his practice, Matt represents several of Nevada's largest gaming and mining companies in legal matters involving government and politics and has drafted various legislative and regulatory policies relating to energy, gaming, market structures, technology and ethics. Matt has also advised trade associations, businesses, political action committees and individuals on compliance with laws regulating institutional and personal political activity, lobbying, fundraising and initiative petitions. Most recently, he assisted in the formation and operating procedures for VegasStrong and the Las Vegas Victims’ Fund, nonprofit organizations created to help the victims of the 1 October mass shooting in Las Vegas.
Matt holds a Juris Doctorate from the William S. Boyd School of Law at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Nevada, Reno. Upon completion of law school, Matt served as law clerk to Chief Judge Howard D. McKibben in the United State District Court, District of Nevada. Matt also served as a criminal prosecutor before being appointed by Secretary of state Ross Miller to be Nevada’s Deputy of Elections.
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