Strategic Elements

Strategic Elements is a public affairs and communications firm that operates at the intersection of public policy, advocacy, and strategic messaging. Founded in 2009 by John and Christine Stineman, the agency serves clients across the public relations and communications spectrum, with a particular focus on issue advocacy, government affairs, and campaign management. Based in West Des Moines, United States, the firm has built a reputation for blending political strategy with corporate communications to help organizations navigate complex public policy environments.

Core Services and Specialties

Strategic Elements offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to support clients in shaping public opinion and influencing legislative outcomes. The firm's expertise spans traditional public relations and communications, as well as more specialized areas such as public affairs, crisis communications, and media relations. Their team of former political operatives and marketing professionals brings a data-driven approach to campaign management, ensuring that messaging reaches the right audiences through the most effective channels. Key services provided by Strategic Elements include:

• Public affairs and government relations
• Issue advocacy and grassroots mobilization
• Campaign management and strategic communications
• Crisis communications and reputation management
• Digital media and multimedia campaigns
• Media relations and national coalition engagement
• Market business development and advertising
• Video storytelling and content creation

These capabilities allow the firm to address a wide range of communication challenges, from managing reputational risks to building public support for policy initiatives.

Methodology and Approach

Strategic Elements emphasizes integrated campaign strategies that combine traditional media outreach with digital advocacy tools. The firm's approach is rooted in close collaboration with clients, ensuring that each campaign is tailored to specific goals and audiences. A notable example of their work includes a video storytelling initiative for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, which highlighted travel challenges faced by people with disabilities and contributed to legislative change. This project illustrates how Strategic Elements uses multimedia content to humanize complex issues and drive policy outcomes. The agency also develops sustainable mobilization models for issue advocacy, helping clients build long-term support networks rather than relying on one-off campaigns.

Location and Reach

While headquartered at 5550 Wild Rose Ln in West Des Moines, United States, Strategic Elements maintains a presence in Washington, D.C., allowing the firm to serve clients at both the state and federal levels. This dual-location strategy is particularly valuable for organizations navigating regulatory environments that span local, state, and national jurisdictions. The Iowa base provides deep roots in Midwestern politics and business networks, while the D.C. office offers access to national policymakers and media. This geographic balance makes Strategic Elements a practical choice for clients requiring both grassroots engagement and high-level government affairs support.

Strategic Elements is best suited for organizations facing complex public policy challenges, including trade associations, nonprofits, corporations, and advocacy groups. The firm is especially effective for clients who need to influence legislation, manage public perception during a crisis, or build coalitions around a specific issue. With a track record of blending political acumen with communications expertise, Strategic Elements offers a pragmatic, results-oriented approach to public affairs that prioritizes measurable impact over flashy messaging. For organizations looking to navigate the intersection of media, policy, and public opinion, this West Des Moines-based agency provides a grounded, experienced partner.