Who We Are

Staying attune to the state's ever-changing political landscape is imperative to any legislative effort. The influence necessary to impact legislation does not accrue overnight; rather it takes years of relationship building, constant contact with legislators and a willingness to work hard to achieve desired outcomes. The Howes Group has more than a decade of experience at the Colorado State Capitol.

We have the skills and experience that your organization requires for professional lobbying services at the state government level. Our business has been built on trust and professionalism. We work hard to keep you informed. You can depend on regular and dependable communications from our offices that will keep you current on the legislative proceedings. We pride ourselves on developing quality working relationships with elected officials and look forward to assisting you achieve your legislative agenda in Colorado.

Christopher D. Howes, President

Chris Howes founded The Howes Group, in 2001 with a mission of representing clients with integrity and focus. Since 1994 his lobbying and association management career has been built on representing a diverse group of industries and associations in Colorado including; pharmacy, agriculture, grocery, telecommunications, hospitals, big box retail, national beverage manufacturers, emergency radio, voting equipment, emergency first responders, police departments and commercial developers. His work on behalf of the state chamber of commerce, state hospital association and state retail association has established his reputation as one of the most trusted lobbyists under the golden dome. From 1994-1997 Chris Howes served as Vice President of the Colorado Retail Council and soon became the Council’s lead lobbyist on the issue of pharmacy regulation and legislation. Before moving over to the State Capitol, Mr. Howes was a Senior Associate for Maria Garcia Berry at CRL Associates, Inc., a contract lobbying firm in Denver specializing in municipal and county government. A registered Republican in Denver, Mr. Howes values the importance of working both sides of the aisle to gain support for our clients' legislative agendas.

Shannon Butler, Director of Government Affairs

In the fall of 2009, Shannon Butler joined The Howes Group. Ms. Butler’s career has included representing a wide array of clients in private, public and the non-profit industry. Ms. Butler has an interest and focus in health policy issues, state and tribal governments and electoral work.

Her focus around health care, government and non-profit policy comes from previous experiences as the Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs for the Office of Governor Janet Napolitano in Arizona, a government relations consultant for an Arizona-based public affairs firm, being the Government Affairs Director for the American Heart Association and work as a research analyst for the Health Promotion Program at the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). She has also been involved in a wide variety of electoral activities including managing a 501 c 4, various PAC’s and state legislative and ballot measure campaigns.

Ms. Butler has specialized in issues concerning obesity, physical activity and education, tobacco and chronic diseases along with an extensive background in women’s health issues. Ms. Butler is values the importance working with both parties to achieve successful outcomes for our clients’ legislative agendas.

Charles Sheffield, Senior Associate

Charlie Sheffield began his work with The Howes Group as an intern during his senior year at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Shortly after receiving his degree in Political Science Mr. Sheffield officially joined The Howes Group to serve in a variety of administrative capacities. While continuing to serve in a myriad of administrative roles, Mr. Sheffield also lobbies elected officials on a daily basis. He has experience working with PACs and 527s and chairs his own political committee. Working closely with both clients and legislators, Mr. Sheffield continues to develop the strong professional and political relationships that The Howes Group prides itself on.