Our Team
Marty Carpenter, Partner
For more than a decade, Marty Carpenter has been at the center of Utah’s most impactful movements. From politics to public policy to business advocacy, Carpenter is an experienced and innovative communicator with a proven track record of crafting the right message, delivering it strategically and influencing targeted audiences.
Carpenter has played key leadership roles in each of the past three gubernatorial elections and has served as director of communication for Utah Governor Gary R. Herbert. As a senior advisor to the governor, he crafted communication strategy and served as the administration’s primary spokesman.
Prior to joining the Herbert administration, Carpenter served as executive vice president of communication at the Salt Lake Chamber, Utah’s leading business association with roots pre-dating statehood. He also served as the primary spokesman and communication lead for Governor Herbert’s successful 2012 campaign, winning all 29 Utah counties en route to a 39-point victory.
After graduating cum laude from Weber State University with a bachelor’s degree in communication and electronic media, Carpenter worked for several years as a television sports reporter in Kansas and Oklahoma.
Wesley Smith, Partner
Wesley Smith helps organizations increase their influence. He served as senior vice president of Policy and Public Affairs at Western Governors University, leading external engagement functions. Prior to this, he was Director of State and Federal Relations for Utah Governor Gary R. Herbert, representing Utah in Washington, D.C., and playing a key role in policy and strategy development.
During Gov. Herbert’s term as a leader of the National Governors Association, Wesley worked with NGA staff and governors to advance federal policy efforts. Wesley was also EVP and General Counsel of the Salt Lake Chamber, directing public policy and advocacy initiatives for the business community.
He served in the George W. Bush Administration at the Environmental Protection Agency and clerked in the Office of White House Counsel. Wesley holds a J.D. from The George Washington University Law School and is a Brigham Young University graduate.