About 19th Star

Over 25 years experience in lobbying, governmental affairs, advocacy, and political strategy.

The Public Affairs and Government Relations Firm to Trust in Indianapolis, IN

John Willey started 19th Star State Solutions with an idea of a personal approach to public affairs and government relations. John helps his clients navigate the sometimes confusing, ever changing, fast paced waters of the political process. Recognizing that no two issues are the same and that attention to detail is important, John offers each of our clients– whether advancing legislation at the state level or managing procurement issues – a personal hand’s on results orientated approach.

Our firm also operates as a focused legislative advocacy firm and legislative strategy firm, providing hands-on support for clients seeking to introduce, amend, or advance legislation. From initial concept through final passage, John delivers thoughtful strategy, clear communication, and proactive problem-solving at every stage of the process.

As an experienced lobbying firm and statehouse lobbying firm, we emphasize integrity, preparation, and relationship-building. John personally manages each engagement, ensuring clients receive direct access, consistent communication, and advocacy that is both ethical and effective. Contact our office in Indianapolis, IN today to speak with a member of our team.

John Willey

As principal of 19th Star State Solutions, LLC, a full service governmental affairs firm, John assists clients in their legislative, regulatory and executive branch lobbying needs. Mr. Willey has over 25 years experience in lobbying, state and federal relations, crisis management, grassroots advocacy, campaign/political strategy and development of political action committees.

Prior to forming 19th Star State Solutions he worked for Anthem, Inc for over 18 years managing public affairs for the State of Indiana as well as interests at the local, federal and regulatory level. In addition to his work on the lobbying side he was also tasked with  designing and implementing simultaneous PAC and Grassroots programs for associates in all Anthem states (At that time: Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Maine, Colorado, and Nevada).  Under his leadership Grassroots Membership rose from just fewer than 300 to nearly 1,400 and Anthem’s Political Action Committee tripled its PAC receipts as well as its membership to over 700 participants.

Decades of experience

Before joining Anthem, John spent over two years as Executive Director of the Indiana Republican Party running the day to day operations of a 10 person state party staff and managing a $600,000 political budget for the 1996 elections.

Prior to his work at the state party, he spent over two years at the Indiana House of Representatives’ Republican Caucus, serving as a Legislative Assistant, managing the caseloads of 5 State Representatives.

John has consulted on numerous state and federal political campaigns over the years and served as the Hancock County Republican Party Chairman for nearly eight years.  In the summer of 2002 John worked for Conservative David Willetts, MP (Member of Parliament) in the British House of Commons assisting with the day to day duties of his office.

Decades of Service

John has served on the Board of Directors of the Public Affairs Council in Washington D.C., the Indiana Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society and the American Lung Association – Indiana Chapter.  John is the immediate past Chairman of the Board of the Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention (CHIP) and recently served on the Board of Directors for the Lacy Leadership Association and currently serves on the SKL Advisory Board.  John also serves on the Indiana Chamber of Commerce’s Health Care Subcommittee and a member of its Indiana Business for Responsive Government Committee.  He is a member of the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce’s Political Action Committee; He is the former/past Legislative Chair and Vice President of the Indiana Association of Health Plans and is a member of the Government Affairs Society of Indiana.

John is a graduate of the 33rd class of the Stanley K. Lacy Executive Leadership Series, and is also a graduate of the Public Affairs Council’s 3 year Public Affairs Institute program.