R.D. Sewald | Co-founder & Principal
The co-founder of Sewald Hanfling, RD Sewald works with Josh Hanfling to chart the course for the firm and to ensure every client engagement has the bold, strategic and outcomes-driven approach that has defined Sewald’s 30 years in state and local government. RD’s deep connections in the community and his vision for the possible are key factors in the results he consistently delivers for clients. From efforts to modernize and restructure regional cooperation to support some of Colorado’s most prized community assets to fostering business environments that allow new businesses to thrive and positioning Colorado as a national and global leader for the future economy, RD has led some of the firm’s most impactful engagements. His skills navigating complex political and regulatory environments led 5280 to include him among the Power List’s Rising Stars.
When it came time to look to the future, Adams County officials looked to RD’s expertise and vision as they sought FAA approval for Spaceport Colorado. In August of 2018, with the issuance of its operators license, Colorado became one of only 11th facilities of its kind, setting the stage for continued growth of the robust aerospace industry in Colorado. In 2013, RD was instrumental in the firm’s efforts on behalf of Uber and creating a regulatory environment that allowed the growing business to operate and create jobs for thousands of Coloradans. These successes on behalf of clients come from RD’s understanding of Colorado’s long history of leading the way for the nation through the community’s frontier spirit and his experience navigating complex regulatory environments. RD also understands the value of some of Colorado’s most loved institutions and the need to ensure they have the foundations to grow into the future. In 2018, he worked with the Denver City Council to create the Metropolitan Football Stadium District, navigating the political and financial challenges of crafting the District that includes all or part of the seven counties in the Denver metropolitan area and establishes long-term strategies for the management and growth of the home of the Denver Broncos.
RD’s ability to craft effective strategies that deliver results for Sewald Hanfling clients and his leadership of the firm’s growth is built on his decades of experience inside local and state government. Prior to founding Sewald Hanfling in 2012, he was the Senior Strategic Advisor and Director of Government Affairs for Colorado’s Governor John Hickenlooper. Drawing on his skills bridging divides between stakeholders and building consensus, RD served as one of the Governor’s primary relationship managers among state and local elected officials, government agencies, community boards and a wide range of stakeholders. RD’s trusted position representing Governor Hickenlooper in the community was a continuation of the role he previously served in as then Mayor Hickenlooper’s Council Liaison where he was responsible for all contracts and ordinances going through Denver City Council, monitored and evaluated legislative actions for the administration and was responsible for the administration’s legislative team. During his time in the Mayor’s office, RD was the Mayor’s lead on the zoning rewrite and redesign, setting the foundation for Denver’s balanced and robust growth.
Sewald has more than 20 years of experience in state and local government with an emphasis on public policy and political management. Before his mayoral appointment, Sewald was the Director of Government and Community Affairs for the Denver Auditor’s Office, appointed by Auditor Dennis Gallagher. He also was the Deputy Director of Denver’s Planning Department and Zoning Enforcement for the Webb Administration and worked as Director of Neighborhood Inspection Services from 1998 to 2002.
Sewald’s political experience includes work on several campaigns, including Roy Romer for Colorado Governor in 1994, Wellington Webb for Denver Mayor in 1995, Denis Gallagher for Denver Auditor in 2003, Hickenlooper for Denver Mayor in 2007 and Hickenlooper for Colorado Governor in 2010 and 2014. In 2014 Sewald was tapped as Political Director for Latino Outreach for the state and ran the “Get Out The Vote” effort in the last 60 days of the campaign.
Outside of the office, boardroom and capitol, RD is an active member of the community and makes giving back to the community part of every week. He serves as the varsity lacrosse coach at Denver East High School and as a volunteer lacrosse with Cherry Creek Youth Sports. RD has served as Board of Trustee of The Denver Academy and on dozens of planning committees, boards and non-profit organizations in his community. RD lives in Denver with his wife Abigail and the two have three sons.
JoshUA Hanfling | Co-founder & Principal
Josh Hanfling is a co-founder of Sewald Hanfling Public Affairs. During his 27 years in Denver, Josh has worked with officials and stakeholders in a range of industries, including real estate and construction, telecommunications, technology and software, disruptive businesses, professional sports, retail, financial services, restaurants, private equity, non-profits, and more. Josh delivers results for his clients. He secured the approval of a $1.8 billion, 34-year public/private partnership remodel of the Great Hall at the Denver International Airport; led Uber’s successful effort in obtaining licensing to operate legally in Colorado; and ensured his clients’ perspectives were heard in the crafting of state regulations for the marijuana industry. In addition to these achievements, Josh has successfully navigated real estate, zoning, and licensing issues, such as ensuring Century Link was given the opportunity to compete in the Denver market.
Josh’s passion for Denver drives his work. As an active supporter of the community, he feels fortunate to have called Colorado his home for almost three decades. Outside of work, Josh frequently donates time and resources to Denver non-profits, political organizations, and candidates. He currently serves on the boards of the Foundation for the Denver Fire Department, AMP the Cause, the Colorado Music Hall of Fame, the South Kent School, and the Mohamed S. Farsi Foundation. Additionally, he is the chairman of the board for the Denver Health Foundation and Imagination Library Denver. Josh also organizes the Denver Public Safety Luncheon and the Denver Rustlers each year and ran for the Colorado State House of Representatives in 2008.
Josh grew up in Washington, D.C. and has a B.S. in management with a major in entrepreneurial studies from Babson College. Prior to founding Sewald Hanfling, Josh was the founding CEO of the London-based Mohammed S. Farsi Foundation, an international foundation focused on global health, education and culture. Josh was named one of Denver’s 25 most powerful people by 5280 Magazine; elected to the "40 under 40" by the Denver Business Journal; named one of Colorado’s “Hottest Politicos” by Face the State; voted one of Denver’s “Movers & Shakers” by the Colorado Statesman; selected as one of Colorado’s top philanthropists by Colorado Company Magazine; and serves as the Honorary Consul to the Kingdom of Morocco for Colorado.
Sami Davis | Vice President of State Affairs
Ms. Davis is now going into her eighth session in the Colorado General Assembly. For the first two sessions, Ms. Davis served as the caucus director for the Colorado Senate Majority Office under the leadership of President Bill Cadman. While there, she was an active leader on the Senate Majority Staff, charged with overseeing legislative aides and interns as well as outreach and office operations.
After serving two years there, Ms. Davis was actively recruited to join a top public affairs firm in Denver, Sewald Hanfling Public Affairs. Because of her extensive knowledge of policy, the legislative process and deep relationships, Ms. Davis has successfully passed several key pieces of legislation impacting cannabis, higher education and transportation.
She has been involved in, supported, defeated, or amended numerous bills. In addition to her highly successful lobbying experience she also excels in public engagement, managing complex stakeholder relationships, and working with decision makers. She is well-versed in corporate communications, public relations and event management.
Ms. Davis graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Colorado Denver. Upon graduating, she began her career as an associate at Novitas Communications, where she worked on media relations, corporate communications and issue management. In her spare time, she enjoys anything involving sports and the Colorado outdoors.
Mariah Cook | Vice president of State Affairs
Mariah serves as Vice President of State Affairs for Sewald Hanfling Public Affairs.
Mrs. Cook focuses her lobbying practice on health care, technology, construction, education and association representation.
Mariah provides counsel on the legislative process as well as advocating for clients on bills of interest before the Colorado General Assembly. In her position she has worked through every stage of the legislative process from drafting language on legislation all the way to the Governor’s signature. Mariah also provides monitoring services with respect to state agencies as well as boards and commissions that regulate client business activities.
Mariah has successfully passed, amended, and defeated a number of bills on behalf of her clients and has an in-depth understanding of the legislative process. Mariah fosters close relationships with the members of the legislature from both sides of the aisle as well as departmental staff, legislative aides and fellow lobbyists. Mariah is passionate about representing her clients and fighting for causes that positively impact the future of Colorado.
Her experience includes public relations, event coordination, fundraising, and campaign management. Mariah lobbies for several pro-bono clients for the firm and fundraises for multiple nonprofits in her spare time including the Alzheimer’s Foundation and the St. Baldricks foundation. Mariah was awarded the 35 under 35 award and was featured in the Sigma Kappa Triangle in 2023.
Mariah graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a double minor in Legal Studies and Sociology.
Tate Carpenter | Local affairs associate
Tate Carpenter serves as the Local Affairs Associate at Sewald Hanfling. She works closely with clients to navigate the complex landscape of local government and community relations across Colorado, including conducting research, analyzing data, drafting reports, implementing community outreach plans, and presenting recommendations to clients and community leaders. Tate also handles social media for the firm.
Tate brings over seven years of experience from Denver City Council, where she was the senior council aide under City Council President Jolon Clark and council aide to Councilwoman Kendra Black, helping to develop and implement policies that improve the lives of Denver residents. Tate also served as a legislative aide in the Colorado General Assembly under Western Slope State Representative Diane Mitsch Bush. She has managed several state and local campaigns across the Denver metro area. Additionally, Tate has worked as an aide in the Hawaii State Legislature and Montana State Legislature.
Originally from Bozeman, MT, Tate traded the cold weather and graduated from the University of Hawaii at Manoa with a double degree in Political Science and Spanish Language. Tate takes pride in being involved in the community. She tutors students learning English in programs like Reading Partners and previously in Denver Public Library's Plaza Services for Immigrants and Refugees. She serves on several boards including the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Colfax Marathon Board, and the Boulder Chamber of Commerce Community Affairs Council. Outside of work and volunteering, Tate enjoys playing soccer, traveling, reading and dancing bachata.
Emily Cordes | Executive Assistant & Associate
Born and raised in Denver, Emily, is a seasoned political professional with over 8 years of experience. A graduate of Colorado State University with degrees in History and Political Science, she has worked for several senate presidents and senators in Republican leadership at the Colorado state capitol.
Emily holds the roles of Executive Assistant and Associate at Sewald Hanfling. Her practical expertise in navigating government complexities and assisting the firm’s large portfolio of clients make her a valuable contributor to the success and efficiency of our lobbying team. With an attention to detail, Emily excels in organizing key stakeholders, ensuring smooth interactions between elected officials, our firm, and city and state staff.
Outside of work, Emily is an avid sports fan and enjoys playing soccer and golf in her free time.