About Our Firm
Riverside Strategies is a boutique government affairs and political consulting firm located in Richmond, Virginia. Our team has over a decade of experience working in the highest levels of state government, on political campaigns, and with community leaders across the Commonwealth. We represent a broad range of clients, including large corporations, trade associations, non-profit organizations, and more. We pride ourselves on our deep-rooted expertise in government relations, driven by a commitment to effective advocacy and tailored solutions. Our collaborative approach, strategic insights, and relentless pursuit of excellence allows us to seamlessly serve our clients’ interests.
Our Team
Nicky Zamostny, President
Nicky Zamostny is the President of Riverside Strategies. Since she launched her firm in 2021, Nicky has represented and delivered success for a broad range of clients, including major international corporations, professional associations, nonprofit organizations, and small businesses. She has also served as a senior advisor to winning gubernatorial, mayoral, congressional, and state legislative campaigns.
Prior to her work as a consultant, Nicky served two Virginia governors, including as Deputy Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security under Governor Ralph Northam and as Assistant Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security under Governor Terry McAuliffe. In these roles, Nicky oversaw a number of state agencies within the Secretariat, including the Virginia State Police, the Department of Criminal Justice Services, the Virginia Parole Board, the Virginia Department of Fire Programs, and more. She was also responsible for managing all legislative initiatives within the secretariat and led the successful passage of major bipartisan initiatives.
During her tenure in both administrations, Nicky led and supported numerous high-profile initiatives. Notably, she served as the director of the task force established following the deadly Unite the Right Rally in Charlottesville, VA, which developed best practices for incidents of civil unrest. She also supported the implementation of a statewide school safety study and subsequent reforms, worked to pass bipartisan criminal justice and violence prevention reforms, and more.
Nicky grew up in Northern Virginia and now lives in Richmond, Virginia with her family. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Virginia Tech and a Master of Social Work degree from Virginia Commonwealth University.
What We Offer
Government Affairs
With over a decade of experience serving two Virginia governors, working with and within state agencies, and collaborating with local leaders, our team is well-positioned to leverage our relationships across the Commonwealth to provide the best advice and strategy to meet your unique needs.
Business Development
With relationships in every corner of the Commonwealth, our team partners with businesses of all sizes and backgrounds to grow their brands and presence in Virginia, and win new business. Whether you are a large international corporation or a small business looking to grow, we have the resource and expertise you need.
Lobbying
Our team brings extensive legislative and lobbying experience, which has allowed us to lead and support successful strategies at the General Assembly and with the Executive Branch. Whether it involves legislation, budget action, or the regulatory process, our team is equipped to help you achieve your goals.
Grassroots Advocacy & Coalition Building
Whether it’s a legislative initiative or a political campaign, our team understands the importance grassroots advocacy and coalition building plays in executing a successful strategy. Our team will work with you to organize and execute a grassroots or coalition-building strategy to deliver a win.
Policy Development
Through years of government service and campaign consulting, our highly experienced team specializes in comprehensive policy development. We are well-prepared to collaborate with you to expertly craft the most effective policy and develop a winning strategy that leads to your success.
Political & Campaign Consulting
From statewide gubernatorial campaigns, to local mayors’ races, our team brings extensive political consulting experience that will allow us to provide winning advice you can trust and count on. Our team has managed teams, developed comprehensive policy agendas, led debate prep, and prepared candidates for critical interviews.
Let’s Work Together!
Are you ready to grow your business, drive legislative change or build a coalition to support your work? Complete the form below, and our team will connect with you promptly. We look forward to collaborating with you soon!