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Ryan Mann, Founder

Headwind Strategies

Ryan Mann has spent nearly two decades at the intersection of government, politics, and policy—advising elected officials, shaping legislative strategy, and helping organizations navigate complex public affairs challenges. His career spans presidential and congressional campaigns, senior roles on Capitol Hill and in city government, state elections administration, and private legal practice at a global law firm.

Ryan founded Headwind Strategies to offer the kind of counsel that's hard to find: direct, experienced, and genuinely invested in each client's success. He works as a trusted advisor rather than a vendor—someone in your corner when the stakes are high, the politics are complicated, or the path forward isn't obvious.

A photo of Ryan Mann, founder of Headwind Strategies. He is wearing a blue suit, with a light blue shirt and navy blue tie. He is standing with his arms cross in front of a blurred office backdrop.

State & Local Government

  • Special Counsel, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett

  • Chief Policy Officer, City of Indianapolis

  • Co-Director, Indiana Election Division

Hands-on experience leading a state agency, navigating executive and legislative leadership, municipal operations, and local political dynamics.

Strategic Communications

Adept at translating legislative jargon and government speak into messages that resonate, and pressing leaders to ditch tired rhetoric and actually say something that lands. 

  • Speeches, talking points, and press statements

  • Testimony and Q&A preparation

  • Debate preparation and message testing

Campaigns & Elections

  • Presidential: Obama for America, Chris Dodd for President

  • Senate: Donnelly for Indiana

  • Congressionall: Donnelly (IN-2), Space (OH-18), Carson (IN-7)

From campaign communications, operations, and field work to overseeing state election administration, I understand the world of campaigns and the regulatory environment in which they operate.

Capitol Hill & Federal Government

  • Legislative Director, Rep. Joe Donnelly

  • Political Designee & Special Asst., Sen. Joe Donnelly

  • Government Affairs, Dentons

Deep understanding of how Washington D.C. works: congressional procedure, federal agency engagement, and legislative strategy. 

Experience and Expertise

With a career that has touched every level and branch of government, I've learned that

being a generalist is a specialty.

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