marcus mason is a partner at the madison group. he is responsible for managing the firm's transportation, energy, tax and homeland security portfolio. in addition, he focuses on crisis management, complex integrated campaigns and coalition building. he has more than 15 years of political and policy experience. prior to joining tmg he served as amtrak's senior director of government affairs. a member of the board of directors of the black caucus foundation and on the political action committee and also a published author who writes spy thrillers which i just found out. next we have my home boy, jeff johnson. jeff is an award-winning journalist, social activist and political commentator and author. from his celebrated conversations with marquise world figures in the political business and entertainment arenas to his grassroots trench work to inspire the next generation of leaders, investigative journalist, political correspondent and activist, jeff johnson continues to be a trailblazing social entrepreneur and authentic voice for cha