At Babbage Cofounder, we don’t just monitor policy —we shape it.
Whether you need to navigate local regulations, change state policy, or influence federal priorities, we connect you to the right decision makers to get results. With decades of experience navigating the halls of power, our team works to ensure your priorities are heard and acted on by key leaders.
Strengths You Can Rely On
Winning Advocate: From landmark model legislation to targeted fixes with big impact, we consistently deliver impact across industries.
Trusted Advisor: With 30+ years of experience, we’re known and respected by key stakeholders.
Strategic Partner: We craft and execute tailored strategies that expand your network and influence.
On-Call Expert: Our relationships and expertise drives smarter, faster wins.
Collaborative Champion: We work with all leaders, ensuring our clients’ priorities are advanced regardless of the political climate.
Custom Support: We offer end-to-end advocacy solutions tailored to your goals.
Guided By The Issue, Not The Zip Code
Local Level
When community challenges arise, we connect you with the local leaders and agencies who can move projects forward, resolve roadblocks, and keep your priorities on track.
State Level
We guide clients through the complexities of state government—building coalitions, shaping legislation, and securing policy and funding outcomes that create change.
Federal Level
When issues require national attention, we engage congressional and agency leaders to influence policy, protect your interests, and advance your goals at the highest level.
CASE STUDY: How a state-led coalition turned every $1 into $8—and unlocked $1.6B in federal funding.
Our History
As the grandson of Kentucky Governor Keen Johnson (1939-1943), Bob and his family have been at the center of political life in Kentucky for many years.
Twice elected statewide to public office in Kentucky as State Auditor (1988-1992) and Secretary of State (1992-1996), Bob has spent a lifetime shaping public policy. Having also served as a key assistant to Kentucky Governor Julian Carroll (1976-1979), a top aide to the former mayor of Lexington, KY, and as an advisor to former University of Kentucky President Otis Singletary, Bob’s experience in the public sector spans decades and traverses all levels of government.
But some of Bob’s most important work has come as the leading lobbyist of Babbage Cofounder. The name “Cofounder” stems from Bob’s visionary efforts to cofound Leadership Kentucky, launch the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership program in Kentucky, and help initiate the Lexington Dream Factory, among other programs.
The firm’s accomplishments have come at the federal, state and local levels, and include landmark events such as the 2004 federal jobs act resulting in a $10.1 billion farm provision, critical legislation affecting technology deployment and tax issues, and advocacy for new laws that have led to health advances in diabetes and cancer.
Top: Bob’s grandfather, Keen Johnson, with Presidents JFK and LBJ.
Bottom Left: Bob’s mother meeting Eleanor Roosevelt in the White House.
Bottom Right: Bob’s grandfather, Keen Johnson, riding with President Franklin D. Roosevelt
Top: Bob with President Clinton in front of Air Force One.
Bottom Left Right: Bob and Julie with President George W. Bush
Bottom Right: Julie interviews U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
Bob has also been recognized as Kentucky’s “top Frankfort lobbyist” by various media sources including the Lexington Herald-Leader, Louisville Courier-Journal and Huffington Post.
He has been one of the state’s “20 most influential” non-elected leaders by the Louisville Courier-Journal and one of the “Top 40 Kentucky Leaders” by The Lane Report, a leading statewide business magazine.
Babbage Cofounder is a true family enterprise, shaped not only by shared professional pursuits but by a deep commitment to service, education, and community. Two of Bob’s children have joined him in this work, continuing the firm’s values across generations. Bob’s equally accomplished wife, Laura, serves on the Board of Regents at Eastern Kentucky University— the alma mater of both Bob and Laura— and previously served as Director of Mission for CHI St. Joseph Hospitals. She has also worked as a chaplain across multiple hospitals for more than a decade, bringing a vocation of care and leadership to every role she holds.
Meet the Team Behind the Work
Discover the experience and dedication driving our results.
Call Us (859) 335-5869 →