Cobalt Team
Meet Our Team
Meet Amy
MANAGING PARTNER
Amy Thoma Tan is an experienced strategist with nearly 20 years of experience at the intersection of communications, politics and public affairs. She has created strategic campaigns for individuals and organizations large and small, leveraging traditional and digital media, advertising, grassroots and other tools.
Amy has led crisis communications, litigation communications, advocacy and reputation management for California’s two largest healthcare systems, Kaiser Permanente and Sutter Health. In these roles she served as a senior counselor in the areas of public affairs, litigation support, issues and crisis management and corporate reputation.
During the first 10 years of her career in California politics, Amy led communications, media relations and social media for a variety of corporate, nonprofit, association and government clients. She also built and managed coalitions and led communications strategy for statewide and local ballot initiative and issue advocacy campaigns. Amy also worked in senior communications roles in the California State Legislature and in the Secretary of State.
As a trusted source and frequent spokesperson, Amy has been quoted by the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, CalMatters, Los Angeles Times, CNN, MSNBC, Kaiser Health News, Politico, the Sacramento Bee and others.
Amy has a degree in Political Science from UCLA. She lives in Sacramento with her family and is on the board of directors for the Sacramento Children’s Home.
Meet Chad
OF COUNSEL
Chad Mays advises clients on issues spanning the intersection of public policy and industry. With more than two decades of experience in the public sector, he brings a unique perspective and unparalleled expertise to the firm’s clients.
Mayes began his career as a financial advisor and small business owner. He then served as Mayor and Council Member at the Town of Yucca Valley, and as a board member of the San Bernardino Associated Governments and the League of California Cities. He later served as Chief of Staff to the Chair of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors.
In 2014, he was elected to the California State Assembly, representing the 42nd District in the Inland Empire. While in the Assembly he served as Assembly Republican Leader.
On statewide issues, Mayes played a key role in crafting and passing some of California’s most significant policy reforms, including California’s landmark Cap and Trade Law, the SB 901 Commission that reformed wildfire response and mitigation efforts, and the bill that created the California Wildfire Fund, which protected ratepayers, held utility executives accountable, and helped victims regain their lives.
Mayes is a graduate of Liberty University and currently resides in Rancho Mirage with his wife, Dr. Andis Almasi Mayes and daughter, Mila.
Meet Allen
Vice President
Allen Young is Vice President at Cobalt Public Affairs. He brings experience from previous roles as a press secretary for two California Attorneys General and a State Senator.
Allen also built a distinguished career as a political journalist based in Sacramento. Most recently, he served as interim host of Insight, the flagship public affairs talk show on CapRadio, Sacramento’s NPR affiliate. His journalism has been featured in publications such as Comstock’s Magazine, The Daily Beast, The Sacramento Bee, Sacramento Business Journal, and The Washington Post.
Allen lives in Sacramento with his wife, Lily, and their two young daughters.
Meet Claire
ACCOUNT COORDINATOR
Claire Latimer is an Account Coordinator at Cobalt Public Affairs. In her role, Claire uses her strong writing and analytical skills to support the firm’s healthcare and litigation support clients.
Claire has previously worked as a legislative analyst, legal assistant and political fundraising support associate.
Claire has a degree in Creative Writing, as well as a minor in Business Administration from Chapman University. She currently lives in Sacramento with her family.
Meet Etta
ACCOUNT COORDINATOR
Etta Lauchland is an Account Coordinator at Cobalt Public Affairs. She is a highly skilled communicator with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Chapman University, where she graduated cum laude in 2024. She has demonstrated her ability to excel in fast-paced environments, with a strong focus on issue advocacy, political strategy, and incident response. Etta brings experience in project management, having led event logistics and strategic partnerships at the Childhood Cancer Society, as well as managing social media campaigns. Her leadership roles during university, such as serving as an Orientation Leader and Gamma Phi Beta Fidelity Officer, reflect her adaptability and teamwork abilities. Etta applies her expertise in communication, advocacy, and event coordination to support the firm's clients in navigating complex public issues.