25 Years
Combined Experience
FinleyGroupllc
About Us
The Finley Group is a strategic advisory and government affairs firm focused on helping purpose-driven organizations create real, measurable impact. We work with clients committed to improving communities, solving complex problems, and moving big ideas forward—offering the guidance, access, and strategic clarity needed to turn priorities into action.
Our firm operates on a unified model that brings multiple disciplines under one roof. By integrating government relations, strategic communications, and business development, we give our clients a single, coordinated team capable of navigating political, regulatory, and operational challenges. This structure enables the firm to guide clients from strategic messaging to policy positioning to operational planning to—delivering practical solutions, measurable outcomes, and long-term value.
Every engagement is built around a tailored team of specialists—professionals with the policy expertise, communications experience, and industry insight required to advance our clients’ goals. Whether shaping legislation, securing partnerships, or positioning initiatives with key stakeholders, our teams are structured to drive outcomes, not just activity.
Organizations across the country rely on The Finley Group for clear strategies, actionable solutions, and long-term partnerships. We help clients influence policy, accelerate growth, and achieve lasting results that matter.
Our Mission
Delivering strategic advocacy and consulting with integrity, The Finley Group champions our clients’ interests to achieve meaningful, measurable results.
Vision Statement
To be the trusted leader in lobbying and consulting, shaping policy outcomes and setting the standard for quality service and real impact.
Our Team
James Finley, Founder and CEO
James Finley is the Founder and CEO of The Finley Group, where he leads the firm’s government affairs and strategic advisory practice. With more than a decade of experience in public policy, lobbying, financial analysis, and operational strategy, James helps mission-driven organizations navigate complex political and regulatory environments, position themselves effectively in the market, and secure the resources needed to achieve meaningful impact.
He has represented clients before the White House, Congress, and federal agencies—advancing major priorities across healthcare, financial services, transportation, education, and emerging technologies. James is known for developing clear, actionable strategies that connect policy objectives to organizational goals, communication needs, and strategic considerations.
At The Finley Group, he oversees the firm’s unified model, integrating government relations, strategic communications, and business development into a single platform. His leadership allows The Finley Group to guide clients across the entire strategic spectrum—from refining messaging and strengthening policy positioning to operational planning and business strategy. Under his direction, the firm has become a trusted partner to organizations seeking to shape policy, accelerate growth, and drive lasting change.
Ronrico “Rico” Smith, Consultant
Rico is a third generation Tampa native and steadfast leader in the community. He has effectively advocated for healthcare issues to federal, defense, and state officials on behalf of medical device companies.
Rico brings valuable board-level experience in both the government and healthcare sectors. Currently, he serves on the Corporate Board of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Tampa Bay and previously held the position of Board Treasurer for the Hillsborough County Hospital Authority. While serving on this board, he oversaw the approval of a $550 million capital improvement plan. Rico is a commissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force Reserves.
Alongside his board service and professional life, Rico volunteers his time with local veterans’ organizations and enjoys golfing and traveling with his family and friends.
Chris Chambers – Vice President of Strategic Partnerships
Chris Chambers brings over two decades of government experience with a concentration on law enforcement, security and emergency management operations.
Chris retired from the U.S. Coast Guard Chief after 21 years of honorable service, where he held positions as Program Manager for the U.S. Coast Guard Office of Emergency Management and Senior Enlisted Reserve Advisor. Experienced in analyzing geopolitical risk and fostering international partnerships, Chris has been successful at leveraging his extensive government experience on several political campaigns and community issues which resulted in successful outcomes.
Chris is passionate about community service, which is evide nt by his involvement and accomplishments. He is the 2019 recipient of the Tampa Bay Chamber’s Emerging Leader of the Year Award and a 2021 Tampa Bay Business Journal 40 under 40 Honoree.
Trey Stapleton – Vice President of Strategy and Operations
Trey Stapleton is the Vice President of Strategy and Operations at The Finley Group, where he leverages his background in government affairs, strategic communications, and organizational leadership to strengthen the firm’s strategic direction, operational discipline, and delivery of integrated solutions across government affairs, business development, and capital advisory work.
Trey’s career includes senior roles in government and politics—serving as Press Secretary for Senator Rick Scott’s first gubernatorial campaign, Communications Director for U.S. Congressman Bob Turner, and Public Affairs Director to Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi. In these positions, he advanced major policy initiatives and helped launch statewide programs including the Military and Veterans Assistance Program and the Fortify Florida school safety platform.
At The Finley Group, Trey leads the firm’s internal strategy and operational execution, ensuring the organization operates with the precision and structure necessary to support complex client needs. He develops and refines firm-wide systems, strengthens team workflows, and drives strategic planning and partnership development—providing the operational discipline that enables The Finley Group to evaluate new opportunities, coordinate effectively, and scale its capabilities.
Ronnie O’Brien Rice, Ph.D., Esq. – Attorney
Dr. Ronnie Rice operates at the intersection of law, policy, and organizational leadership, helping purpose-driven organizations navigate complex regulatory and governmental landscapes. With a unique background that includes a Juris Doctor, a Ph.D. in Human Resource Development, and a Master’s in Organizational Leadership, he brings both legal precision and strategic insight to every engagement.
Ronnie has led corporate social responsibility and government affairs initiatives for one of the Southeast’s largest law firms, managed multi-million-dollar trust and federal budgets, and supported large-scale research and grant programs addressing health disparities. His work is grounded in advancing institutional growth, civic impact, and long-term community outcomes.
A published author and frequent speaker, Dr. Rice is recognized for his expertise in leadership development, advocacy, and bridging the gap between private enterprise and public policy. He provides clients with the strategic edge needed to influence legislation, strengthen partnerships, and drive measurable change.
Anthony Collins – Government Affairs & Public Policy Executive
Anthony Collins is a seasoned public affairs strategist and former law enforcement executive with more than two decades of experience navigating complex government systems, building bipartisan relationships, and advancing policy solutions that strengthen communities and enhance public safety.
A Tampa, Florida native, Anthony began his distinguished career with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office in 2004, rising from Deputy Sheriff to Chief Deputy—the first African American in the agency’s 180-year history to hold the role. Over a 20-year tenure, he led large-scale operations and high-level initiatives in intelligence, homeland security, crisis response, and interagency coordination.
Today, Anthony serves as a lobbyist and public policy advocate, leveraging deep institutional knowledge and legislative insight to influence outcomes at the local, state, and federal levels. His work focuses on public safety, behavioral health, juvenile justice, and community reinvestment, partnering with lawmakers, agencies, and nonprofit leaders to drive meaningful change.
Anthony holds a Master of Science in Criminal Justice and a B.A. in Criminal Justice from Saint Leo University. He is also a graduate of the Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Police and the FBI National Academy.
Anthony brings a rare blend of frontline leadership and policy expertise, making him a trusted advisor in government affairs and public sector reform.
Jeffrey Melton – Senior Vice President of Business Development
Jeffrey Melton leads strategic growth initiatives at The Finley Group, LLC, focusing on revenue architecture, media innovation, and intelligent systems integration.
With more than 30 years of executive experience, he has generated record-setting performance across broadcast media, digital ecosystems, e-commerce platforms, and private community development. His background includes leadership roles with Hearst Television, Spectrum Media, Clear Channel (iHeartRadio), and Cumulus Media.
Melton specializes in integrating artificial intelligence into sales systems, marketing automation, forecasting, and operational infrastructure. His systems-first philosophy aligns human relationship capital with machine intelligence to create scalable, performance-driven growth frameworks.
In 2025, he expanded into the motion picture industry as an Executive Producer, extending his expertise into culturally driven media production.
He also serves as a minister and spiritual mentor, embedding ethical leadership and accountability into executive strategy.
Who We Serve
Our representation spans a broad and dynamic policy portfolio, built on a deep understanding of the legislative process, political strategy, and effective advocacy. Over the years, The Finley Group has established trusted relationships on Capitol Hill and throughout the private sector, enabling us to identify legislative champions and create ladders of opportunity for our clients at every level of decision-making within both the federal and executive branches.
We proudly represent a diverse spectrum of clients—including corporations, trade associations, non-profit organizations, professional associations, unions, municipalities, and public entities—each with unique goals and challenges. The Finley Group is uniquely equipped to serve organizations of all sizes and sectors, providing tailored government relations strategies that drive results and foster growth in an ever-evolving policy landscape.
