GroundGame Affairs is a public affairs and government relations firm focused on strategy, advocacy, and results.
Every Move Matters.
Meet the Team
Teresa Loar, Founder & CEO
Bringing decades of experience in public service, government relations, economic development, and civic leadership.
Teresa served four terms on the Kansas City Council representing the Northland, with nearly 16 years of legislative experience. She chaired key committees, including Aviation during construction of the new KCI terminal, and helped lead major initiatives involving infrastructure, transportation, economic development, and city operations.
Beyond elected office, Teresa built a career in business development and government affairs, supporting infrastructure and economic development projects in the U.S. and abroad, including USAID-backed work in Kabul, Afghanistan.
Throughout her career, she has brought together government, business, and community leaders to advance projects and strengthen the region, while serving on numerous civic and nonprofit boards, including the Veterans Community Project.
Education
B.A. Political Science, Park University
Professional Membership, Affiliations, and Honors
Coming Soon
Heather Hall, Principal
With a career rooted in public service, Heather has dedicated herself to making Kansas City safer, stronger, and more accountable.
Heather served eight years on the Kansas City Council representing the First District, where she championed public safety, neighborhood investment, infrastructure, and fiscal responsibility. As a councilmember, she worked to improve city services, strengthen accountability, and advocate for the families and businesses of Kansas City’s Northland.
In addition to her service on the City Council, Heather has served on the Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners, helping provide oversight and direction for the region’s largest law enforcement agencies. She also served as Director of the Clay County Board of Election Commissioners, overseeing elections and ensuring the integrity and efficiency of the electoral process.
A longtime community leader, Heather has served on numerous civic and nonprofit boards and remains committed to bringing people together to solve problems and deliver results. Her leadership is defined by a practical, collaborative approach focused on keeping Kansas City safe, well-managed, and a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
Education
B.S. Journalism and Mass Communications, Kansas State University
Professional Membership, Affiliations, and Honors
Coming Soon
Justin Cohen, Principal
A seasoned political and operations strategist with more than 15 years of experience leading complex campaigns, executive operations, stakeholder engagement, and high-profile events at the national, state, and local levels.
His career spans presidential administrations, statewide political campaigns, higher education, Fortune 500 companies, nonprofit organizations, and public affairs consulting. Justin specializes in building high-performing teams, navigating complex stakeholder environments, developing strategic operations, and executing initiatives that require precision, discretion, and results.
Throughout his career, Justin has led operations for presidential events, national political campaigns, international programs, major corporate initiatives, and statewide political organizations. He has cultivated strong relationships with government leaders, elected officials, labor organizations, nonprofit executives, and business stakeholders across Kansas, Missouri, and throughout the country.
Whether advising campaigns, managing organizations, or directing large-scale initiatives, Justin brings disciplined leadership, strategic vision, and exceptional execution to every project. His ability to build partnerships and deliver results has made him a trusted advisor to leaders across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
Education
B.A. Business and Corporate Communications
Professional Membership, Affiliations, and Honors
Coming Soon
Carson Cuesta, Consultant
A native of Chanute, Kansas, he has been engaged in public service and civic leadership from a young age, including serving as the youngest county party chair in Kansas history when he became Chair of the Neosho County Democratic Party at just 20 years old. With deep roots in rural America, he brings experience and insight in grassroots organizing, state government, and community engagement to our team.
Education
B.S. Political Science, Kansas State University
Professional Membership, Affiliations, and Honors
The American Legion – Boys State Kansas, Lifetime Member
Chanute Chamber of Commerce, Member