The people power behind Blue Wave Political Partners

Partner, Fundraising
Los Angeles, California

Ryan Baukol is a longtime California based Democratic fundraiser and strategist. Prior to joining Blue Wave, Ryan served as the President of Ryan Baukol Consulting, Inc. His past and current clients include - President Obama, President Biden, Gov. Gavin Newsom, CA Attorney General Rob Bonta, Democratic Governors Association, Sen. Jon Tester. He is a graduate of UCLA and the Pepperdine School of Law. Ryan and his family live in Los Angeles, CA.

Partner, Fundraising
Seattle, Washington

Kevin Geiger is the founding fundraising partner and currently serves as the Finance Director for Future Forward, a data-driven creative engine powering advertising behind issues and elections. His past and current other Blue Wave clients include --President Joe Biden, U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp-Perez, Rep. Marilyn Strickland, Building Back Together, Gen-z for Change, and many other national organizations and candidates running for office. Kevin started his political career in Seattle while he was waiting tables and stocking beer and interning on campaigns. He also worked at the Seattle Office of the Waterfront which is why it’s fitting he now serves on the Friends of Waterfront board. Originally from New York, he has spent significant time living in Egypt and Canada, and is based now in Seattle with his husband Jeremie and their dog and two cats.

Partner, Compliance
Ringold, Georgia

Lora Haggard has over 25 years of experience providing compliance, accounting and reporting services to political committees and non profit organizations. She has served as Treasurer for four presidential campaigns: Edwards for President John Edwards for President, Bernie 2016, and Bernie 2020, numerous Senate and Congressional Races, Gubernatorial/AG, and State Legislative Campaigns, and a multitude of nonprofit organizations.

Partner, Fundraising
Washington, DC

Maura Matthews has over a decade of fundraising experience and leads the firm's fundraising operations on the East Coast. She recently served as the finance director for Governor Steve Bullock’s presidential campaign and previously led the fundraising efforts for his leadership PAC in the lead up to the campaign. She is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame. Maura, her husband, and their dog Zambezi live in Washington, D.C.

Partner, Digital
San Diego, California

Samantha (Sam) Peterson is a seasoned digital campaigner with over a decade of experience in fundraising, public affairs, and online organizing. At Blue Wave, she leads cutting-edge digital strategy and online fundraising efforts nationwide. Renowned for her award-winning digital campaigns, Sam has raised millions of dollars for some of the nation’s most competitive Senate, House, and statewide races. Her expertise has supported prominent leaders, including Washington’s Senator Maria Cantwell, Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland, and Attorney General Bob Ferguson.

Partner, Compliance
Seattle, Washington

Jay Petterson has 23 years of compliance, reporting and accounting experience. He has held positions with several political committees including John Edwards for President, Maria Cantwell for U.S. Senate, Patty Murray for U.S. Senate and has administered various joint fundraising committees on behalf of federal candidates. Jay also worked in the compliance department at the Democratic National Committee for over three years supervising compliance research. In 2012, Jay managed Sen. Maria Cantwell’s reelection campaign. Jay’s clients include Patty Murray for U.S. Senate, John Fetterman for U.S. Senate, Lisa Blunt Rochester for U.S. Senate, Angela Alsobrooks for U.S. Senate Sharice Davids for Congress, Steven Horsford for Congress, Sara Jacobs for Congress, and Joe Morelle for Congress.