Jim Obradovich
President and Lobbyist
Jim Obradovich is the founder and president of The Capitol Group, a respected bipartisan government relations firm representing leading education, health, and public sector organizations before the Iowa Legislature and executive branch. With more than 30 years of experience in public policy and advocacy, Jim is widely recognized for his integrity, strategic insight, and ability to communicate complex issues to policymakers and the public alike.
A former award-winning broadcast journalist, Jim began his career as a reporter and anchor at WHBF-TV in the Quad Cities before transitioning into government affairs in the early 1990s. His background in journalism continues to inform his advocacy approach—clear, persuasive, and grounded in credible communication.
Under Jim's leadership, The Capitol Group has represented a diverse portfolio of clients, including the Iowa School Counselors Association, Iowa School Nurses Association, Iowa School Psychologists Association, Iowa Public Airports Association, and other statewide professional and nonprofit organizations.
Jim is also a frequent guest lecturer at Iowa colleges and universities, where he speaks on topics including legislative advocacy, political messaging, and the intersection of media and public policy. Known for his collaborative approach and steady professionalism, he has earned the respect of lawmakers, agency officials, and fellow advocates throughout his decades of service.
A native of Chicago, Illinois, Jim graduated from Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, where he began his broadcast career at WVIK-FM and WKBF-AM. He now resides in Des Moines, Iowa, and remains a trusted voice for organizations that serve Iowans through education, public health, and community development.
Jim is a frequent guest lecturer on the topics of state government, local government and political messaging at local and regional colleges and universities.
He also serves the Catholic Diocese of Des Moines as a permanent deacon and as director of the diocese's diaconate. He currently serves on the board of directors of the Iowa Radio Reading Service for the Blind and Print Handicapped and the Calvin Community continuing care retirement center.
Jefferson Fink
Lobbyist, Political Strategist, and Legal Counsel
Jefferson Fink is a lobbyist, attorney, and political strategist with a distinguished record of advocacy before the Iowa Legislature, state agencies, and administrative boards. A lifelong Iowan and graduate of Iowa's Regents institutions, Jefferson brings a unique blend of legal insight, policy acumen, and political experience to his work representing public-sector and education clients.
Jefferson earned his Juris Doctor from Drake University Law School, completing certificates in Legislative Practice, Constitutional Law, and Civil Rights. In conjunction with his law studies, Jefferson earned his Master of Arts in Political Science from Iowa State University, where he authored his thesis "Law, Politics, and the Creation of Public Policy: How the Two Can Come Together and Create Better Public Policy."
Before joining The Capitol Group, Jefferson practiced law in a boutique law firm, where he established himself as a leading advocate in professional licensure defense and administrative law.
Today, in addition to lobbying, he operates The Law Office of Jefferson Fink, a Des Moines–based solo practice focusing on administrative law, professional licensure defense, and government relations. The firm represents individuals and organizations navigating complex regulatory and disciplinary proceedings before Iowa's state agencies and licensing boards. Combining legal precision with a deep understanding of Iowa's legislative and administrative processes, and provides strategic, client-centered representation that protects professional integrity and ensures due process under the law.
A native of Carlisle, Jefferson quite literally grew up at the Iowa State Capitol, attending legislative sessions alongside his father, former State Senator William (Bill) Fink. That early exposure to public service shaped his deep respect for Iowa's legislative process and his commitment to principled, bipartisan advocacy.
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