Robert F. Klaffky is the President of Van Meter, Ashbrook & Associates. When he joined the firm in 1986, he was instrumental in fashioning its unique and highly successful approach to enhancing the political action programs of some of the firm’s largest corporate clients. In that process, Mr. Klaffky conducted over 500 political education seminars around the country, training approximately 15,000 individuals in civic involvement, campaign strategies, issue advocacy, and community engagement.
In addition to directing the firm’s legislative and executive agency lobbying, Mr. Klaffky has also developed a successful practice in grassroots public affairs campaigns. He has managed complicated and diverse coalitions for corporate public affairs, issue advocacy, and statewide ballot issues.
Prior to joining VAA, Mr. Klaffky worked in the Ohio legislature in varying capacities for the Ohio Senate Republican Caucus. Mr. Klaffky’s practical campaign experience spans local, state and federal elections, having worked on his first political campaign over 35 years ago. He has developed a particular expertise in formulating creative earned media campaigns for his clients and friends. He has served as a key advisor to numerous candidates for public office including Ohio statewide office holders, a significant number of state legislators, and many county and municipal officials throughout the state of Ohio. Most recently he advised the presidential campaign of Ohio Governor John Kasich. Mr. Klaffky directed the governor’s debate prep for all 12 of the nationally televised presidential debates during the primaries. He also assisted in the preparations for major speeches and appearances.
Mr. Klaffky has served as a board member of the Franklin Park Conservatory, a leading cultural institution in Central Ohio and currently serves on the Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board, where he was appointed by the Governor to the sole public member position.
