“Define Yourself” with Brad Rateike & Jonathan Kopp of BAR Communications

The Hoosier Hub Podcast

Recorded July 27th 2023

From the INDOT’s Major Moves I-69 Project & Propel Indy to Hydrogen Hub, Brad & Jonathan share their stories and experiences using communications as a tool to get infrastructure projects in Indiana to the finish line. With numerous and diverse stakeholders with interest in these projects, Brad discusses the process to “Define Yourself” as well as the strategy and legwork to ensure success. In addition, learn why experts believe Indiana is poised to become for hydrogen what Texas is for oil as the Hoosier state becomes a player in green hydrogen. Book RecommendationsBrad – A Pirate Looks at Fifty by Jimmy Buffett Jonathan – The Long Game: A Memoir by Mitch McConnell

Relevant Links:

Midwest Alliance for Clean Hydrogen: https://machh2.com/

Midwest Hydrogen Coalition MOU: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.in.gov/oed/files/Final-H2-MOU.pdf Propel Indy: https://propelindy.com/

INDOT Major Moves I-69 Project: https://www.in.gov/dot/div/contracts/i69.htm

Connect with BAR Communications: Website: https://barcommunications.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarComms Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barcomms/

Connect with Brad & Jonathan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradrateike/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-kopp-331b73105/

Brad Rateike Brad Rateike is the founding principal of BAR Communications where he has directed public relations strategy and message development for corporate, government and nonprofit clients in the Midwest and in Washington, D.C. since 2010. Brad has created and managed public affairs campaigns for Fortune 50 companies in addition to directing media relations and grassroots outreach for small businesses and startup companies.

Brad took a hiatus from the firm in 2016 to serve as a communications and policy advisor for the Donald J. Trump for President Campaign and the Trump/Pence Presidential Transition Team. After being recruited to join the White House Office of Communications, Brad served as the director of Cabinet communications where he coordinated message strategy and rollout of Presidential priorities with Federal agencies in addition to assisting agencies with crisis management. Additionally, Brad served as the communications lead in assisting Cabinet nominees through the Senate confirmation process.

Prior to founding the firm, Brad served for five years as deputy press secretary and policy director for former Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels. In that role, he handled media outreach and worked with state agencies and external stakeholder groups on grassroots initiatives to advance the governor’s legislative agenda.

In November 2021, Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb appointed Brad to the White River State Park Development Commission. He is also a contributing columnist on business and political issues for the Indianapolis Business Journal and is a volunteer with the White House Office of Presidential Advance.

Brad was selected as a member of the Stanley K. Lacy Executive Leadership Series Class XLI and was recognized as a member of the Indianapolis Business Journal’s “Forty Under 40” Class of 2020. Brad serves as a pro bono communications advisor for the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation and has been a mayoral appointee and chairman of the Indianapolis Citizens Police Complaint Board.

Brad served as an organizational development volunteer in the United States Peace Corps and has experience in trade association management. He received a bachelor’s degree in English from Franklin College, where he was president of the student body.

He is married to Lawren Mills, chair of the public affairs practice group at Ice Miller LLP. They split their time between Indianapolis and Washington, D.C.

Jonathan Kopp Jonathan Kopp is the Director of Strategic Communications for BAR Communications. Jonathan has over five years of experience in communications and public affairs, most recently serving as the director of a grassroots energy advocacy organization where he organized support for local projects, educated elected officials, and created and curated content for social media.

Prior to that, Jonathan served the Indiana GOP and Eric Holcomb for Indiana in the communications department, as well as on a U.S. Senate Primary campaign where he worked with the political and communications teams.

Jonathan is a graduate of Marian University in Indianapolis, where he graduated summa cum laude in Management as a member of the men’s soccer team. He is also a member of the Indiana Leadership Forum Class of 2022, the American Enterprise Institute Millennial Leadership Network, and the Marketing & Communications Co-Chair for the CFA Society of Indianapolis Board. Originally from Avon, Indiana, Jonathan now resides in downtown Indianapolis.

Who are the hosts?

Austin Crites, CFA: Austin is a past-president and current committee member of CFA Society Indianapolis. Professionally, he is the Chief Investment Officer at Aurora Financial Strategies where he manages US-focused, all-cap, style-agnostic equity strategies as the core of client portfolios. Austin is a 2008 graduate of Marian University in Indianapolis where he is now an adjunct professor in the Byrum School of Business.

Matt Henry, CFA: Matt is a Senior Investment Officer at STAR Wealth Management. He is also a Past President and a director of CFA Society Indianapolis. When he’s not managing porfolios, Matt teaches Finance 300 at Ball State University. He enjoys air conditioning, wi-fi, and the conveniences of indoor living.