Bios

Carl Forti

Carl Forti has over fifteen years experience in media relations, campaign strategy, strategic communications and public affairs.   He has served in leadership positions on Capitol Hill and a presidential campaign.

Before founding the Black Rock Group, Forti was Executive Vice President for Issue Advocacy at Freedom’s Watch, an organization that was a strong voice for conservatives and impacted the public policy debate at local and national levels.

Prior to Freedom’s Watch, Forti served as Deputy Campaign Manager – Political Director for Romney for President, where he built and managed the national political operation which produced 11 primary or caucus victories. 

Forti also has extensive experience on Capitol Hill.  He served in numerous capacities at the National Republican Congressional Committee including Communications Director and Issue Advocacy Director, where he managed an $80 million dollar independent expenditure campaign.

Originally from Western New York and a graduate of The George Washington University, Forti resides in Alexandria, VA with his wife Sandy and three children.

Michael Dubke

Michael Dubke is a Founding Partner of the Black Rock Group, a strategic communications and public affairs firm based in Alexandria, Virginia.

Since 1988, Mr. Dubke has been involved in local, state and federal politics, as well as issue and public policy advocacy.  His experience has brought him a unique understanding of the relationship between political strategy and public policy development.

In the spring of 2001, Mr. Dubke founded Crossroads Media, LLC and in the 2008 elections, Crossroads Media distinguished itself as one of the major media placement firms on the national scene.

Mr. Dubke also served as President of Americans for Job Security (AJS).  Over the past decade, AJS has been active in over 45 states and has spent in excess of $55 million in direct issue advocacy.

Prior to co-founding AJS, Mr. Dubke held the position of Executive Director of both the Ripon Society and the Ripon Educational Fund.  As executive director, Mr. Dubke oversaw the growth of the TransAtlantic Conference and the re-emergence of the Ripon Society as a participant in national politics.

Mr. Dubke is a graduate of Hamilton College, a Buffalo Bills season ticket holder and resides in Alexandria, VA with his wife Shannon and their two children.