Philip Molfese, President & CEO
As President and co-founder of Grainger Terry, Inc., Phil leads the firm’s management of strategic initiatives, ensuring our clients’ business objectives are met. Guiding the firm’s public relations and government affairs clients, he plays a key role in the formation and execution of public relations strategies, the conceptualization of political campaign mail, and platform development for fundraising efforts.

Phil brings a history of more than 15 years of winning local and national political campaigns, as well as countless successful public relations initiatives for corporate, retail and legal clients. He has provided innovative and effective strategic consultation to numerous clients including U.S. Congressmen, State Legislators, Mayors, Aldermen, Judges, County Board Members, Fortune 500 companies, non-profit organizations and law firms.

Before his leadership position at Grainger Terry, Inc., Phil was a Psychological Operations Specialist in the Special Operations Force of the United States Army Reserve, where he was responsible for the design and implementation of marketing campaigns for foreign audiences. As the Assistant to the Director of Corporate Securities at AO Classical Financial Corporation in Moscow, Russia, Phil researched securities traded on the New York Stock Exchange.

Phil has a B.A. in Political Science from DePaul University and has completed studies at the Moscow Institute for Advanced Studies, the J.F.K. Special Warfare College and the Ron Brown − Paul Tully Institute for Political Action. He has been a guest speaker for Campaigns and Elections Magazine, DePaul University and other educational organizations. He is a member of the American Association of Political Consultants and the Chicago Chamber of Commerce. Phil has provided commentary on public affairs, crisis communications and public relations to major media outlets including the L.A. Times, the Chicago Tribune, the Chicago Sun-Times and Capitol Fax. 

Wayne Steger, Ph.D., Senior Advisor
Wayne Steger is an Associate Professor of Political Science at DePaul University, where he teaches courses including Campaigns and Elections, Representatives and Representation in Chicago, Congress and the Legislative Process, the American Presidency, Research Methods and Public Policy. He is Associate Editor of the Journal of Political Marketing: Campaigns for a New Millennium, an international journal for practitioners and academics specializing in all facets of campaigns and marketing in politics. He is co-editor of Campaigns and Political Marketing, (Hayworth Press, 2006). His current research focuses on competition in party politics, nomination campaigns; as well as agenda setting, message framing and candidate positioning in campaigns.

Steger has worked with local, state and national campaigns in the Midwest. He has experience in fieldwork, sampling and survey design, statistical analysis and targeting. His policy research includes experience with subjects as varied as budgeting, education, welfare, tax policy and the use of force in foreign policy.

Steger has served as president of the school board and on the school finance committee at Queen of Angels Elementary School. He currently serves on the Steering Committee for the Office of Catholic Schools’ Genesis Project to revitalize Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Steger received his PhD in political science from the University of Iowa, specializing in research methods, American politics and international relations.

*Work performed by Wayne Steger does not imply the support or endorsement of DePaul University for any candidate or party.

John E. Davis, Senior Account Advisor
John E. Davis has been described by his peers as a reporter’s reporter—a truly exemplary newsman.  John worked for WBBM-TV for 21-years, where he co-anchored for (CBS 2 Chicago) weekend newscasts while continuing to serve as a weekday general assignment reporter.  He is a fixture in the Chicagoland community and his commitment to journalism has earned the viewers’ trust. Davis recently, in the fall of 2007, served as the press secretary and media consultant for Alderman Howard B. Brookins, Jr.’s campaign for Cook County State’s Attorney.  He served in a similar capacity in 2006, as press secretary for Chicago Mayoral Candidate Dorothy Brown.  He also is a media consultant to several other political candidates and companies. John is president of his own television production company. His company developed several documentaries for television, including one on the recovery and aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Most of us remember John as the premier news reporter and anchorman at CBS-2 Chicago.

Davis joined the station in 1982 as a general assignment reporter.  Prior to that, he was a weekend anchor and general assignment reporter at KGW-TV, the NBC affiliate in Portland, Oregon.  Since making Chicago his home, he reported for all of WBBM’s newscasts and frequently served as a substitute anchor.  John Davis was the first reporter from the United States to talk with South African Leader Nelson Mandela, following his release from prison on February 11, 1990.  Davis filed daily, in-depth reports on South Africans’ reactions to the freeing of Mandela.  These reports ultimately became a long-form Emmy nominated documentary entitled, “South African Journal: Winds of Change,” which has been used as an educational tool in many schools.

Davis’ coverage of national and international stories for WBBM has also included:  daily reports from Europe during the 1985 TWA Iran hostage crisis; leading a team of reporters in covering the Los Angeles riots of 1992, and; being one of the nation’s first reporters on the scene of the 1993 siege by David Koresh and the Branch Davidians in Waco, Texas.  John Davis’ countless contributions to local news have included his breaking the infamous Chicago firehouse videotape story, which resulted in sweeping changes in the policies and administrative personnel of the Chicago Fire Department. 

Davis was the first reporter on-air to cover the airplane death of beloved WGN radio personality, Bob Collins.

Throughout his career, John Davis has earned a multitude of awards, including a local Emmy Award for his coverage of Chicago Mayor Harold Washington’s life and death.  Due to Davis’ notoriety as a compassionate role model, the vast majority of his awards have been in recognition of his constant, hands-on commitment to various civic and community groups.  Much of his personal time is spent mentoring and lecturing to youth groups, such as the “We Care” role model program of the Chicago Public Schools and Chicago Police Department.

In 2004, Davis formed John E. Davis Productions. Since then, he has produced several significant documentaries, including “Brown v Board: Racism, Change, Challenge” for Public Television stations.  In February 2006, Davis completed the documentary, “Hurricane Katrina, The Unmasking of New Orleans.”

When asked about his most important work, Davis says, “My greatest news story and my most memorable speech have yet to be delivered.”  Davis graduated from Washington State University with a degree in Communications from the Edward R. Murrow School.

Myk Snider, Senior Strategist
Myk Snider is a specialist in managing complex tactical projects to achieve strategic communications goals. He is a process expert on public relations, media relations and the techniques of activating community groups such as chambers, block clubs, service organizations and other local organizations. He has managed many complex and controversial projects, and is experienced at project management in campaigns involving multiple parties with multiple roles.

As Principal of Sphere Public Relations Group, Snider assisted Taco Bell Corp. national strategic development team by developing their vision statement, developing a government and community relations strategy and training the company’s regional staff on the process. He has managed similar campaigns for a diverse number of clients, including KFC of America, Pizza Hut, Red Lobster, Dominick’s and a number of other real estate projects.

Also with Sphere PR Group, Snider directed development of a neighborhood relationship-marketing model for Harris Chicago Community Bank, transforming it from a single downtown facility to a multiple branch-based operation. Snider managed the communications efforts for the Chicago School Finance Authority, leading to the reform package that granted Mayor Richard Daley control of the Chicago Public School system and the suspension of the Finance Authority.

In addition, Snider has managed major campaigns for United HealthCare, the Illinois Road and Transportation Builders and a statewide coalition for education funding for the Chicago Urban League.

Previously, Snider was the director of recycling for the City of Chicago, where he helped to develop and oversee its innovative citywide recycling program. This urban recycling program had a capital budget of $41 million and a procurement team representing seven city departments.

He has won numerous awards for his writing and design, and recently served as president of the prestigious Chicago Area Public Affairs Group. Snider was the founder and first chairman of the Political Action Committee for the Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce and served on that Chamber’s board of directors. He is a co-founder of the Civic Coalition, and has served on both the Public Affairs Committee and the Communications Committee of the Union League Club of Chicago.

James Briggs, Senior Account Director
With over 10 years of public and media relations experience, James focuses on client strategy, communications and media relations. James has a unique ability to break through societal noise and deliver our clients’ message in a way that resonates with their target audience, as well as the dozens of columnists and reporters the firm speaks to everyday.

James has worked with several notable clients, including: Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, Scottrade, Bank of New York, the Harvard Medical School, Bear Stearns, Duke University School of Medicine, and others. He provided strategic counsel to several Fortune 500 clients and advised clients in the financial services industry on mergers & acquisitions and healthcare.

In addition, James has garnered high profile media placements in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, BusinessWeek, The Chicago Tribune, The Chicago Sun Times and Forbes Magazine. His talent has also secured coverage for clients on a variety of television and radio broadcasts, including CNBC, Good Morning America and national news broadcasts.

James received his B.A. in Political Science from Clemson University and his Master’s Degree in Mass Communications from the University of South Carolina.

Kevin A. Bartholomae, Account Manager
Kevin A. Bartholomae brings a proven record of success in strategic planning and political fundraising to his position at Grainger Terry, Inc. During his career, Kevin has worked with several prominent city, state and federal officials to raise necessary campaign funds for winning elections.

Kevin creatively designs custom fundraising plans for each campaign. His unique approach resonates with key constituencies and leads to successful fundraising events for his clients.

Kevin is also a skilled political consultant devising winning campaign strategies for candidates and elected officials. During his career, Kevin has worked with notable elected officials, including Vice Mayor of Chicago Alderman Bernard Stone, Cook County Commissioner Deborah Sims, Congressman Bobby Rush, Cook County Judge Michael Hyman and many others. He currently manages several high-level accounts for Grainger Terry, Inc.

In addition to providing successful fundraising and political campaign consultation, Kevin is also a skilled media relations specialist. His efforts have garnered media coverage in the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, Fox News Chicago, National Public Radio (NPR) and numerous other outlets throughout Illinois.

Kevin received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from Loyola University Chicago and his Masters in Public Administration/Public Policy from DePaul University.

Jose Luis Delgado, Graphic Designer
Jose Luis Delgado, Graphic Designer on the Grainger Terry, Inc., team, has continually demonstrated an ability to organize varied text, images and themes into compelling and effective material whether print or web-based. His ability to produce resonant biographical, issue-oriented and commercial documents that move their target audience has made him an integral member of the Grainger Terry, Inc. operation. 

Jose was both educated and an educator at Robert Morris College in Chicago where he graduated with honors and became a teaching assistant in the graphic design computer labs of the school. His experience guiding students to produce tight, organized materials with clear messages provided him a solid foundation on which to build his subsequent career in graphic advocacy – a career that has made exceptional contributions to countless campaigns, causes and companies.

Jose Luis Delgado broadened his understanding and experience at photographic studios, newspapers and publishing operations. Whether our clients need books, flyers, brochures, advertisements, solicitations, direct-mail pieces or websites, Jose brings a wealth and diversity of experience to the project, ensuring tight copy, outstanding graphic imaging and a look that causes readers to positively respond. Importantly, his periodical and newspaper experiences have inculcated an ability to produce solid material on-time and on-budget – an attribute that has made him a valuable resource to campaigns, candidates, community-based organizations and businesses alike; it has also made him an essential part of the progressive team at Grainger Terry, Inc.