about
Capitol & 5th public strategies
out-of-the-box planning aimed at client success
Veteran government relations consultants Courtney Atnip, J.A. Bucy and Dustin Goforth founded Capitol & 5th Public Strategies as an independent Tennessee state government relations firm to serve corporate, government and non-profit organizations.
Capitol & 5th provides effective, top-level public policy and advocacy to help national, regional and local clients achieve their goals in Tennessee. Capitol & 5th's approach is built on decades of experience, while its winning strategies are based on outside-the-box game planning aimed at client success.
political advocacy
public relations
governmental affairs
Refining what a government relations firm should be, each of our founders brings something unique to the table from
corporate insight
As a result, we approach issues from all sides and identify new, creative ways to achieve our clients' goals.
Courtney Atnip
Founding Partner
Courtney began lobbying over a decade ago for persons with disabilities needing healthcare and she has never stopped being a tireless advocate for clients. She manages complicated public policy issues and develops multi-tiered, targeted strategic plans to achieve positive outcomes largely through managing legislative agendas, grass roots initiatives, and public information campaigns. Atnip has built a reputation throughout Tennessee for rolling up her sleeves to find the best solution for clients. She and her husband live in Nashville with their daughter Lizzie. She holds undergraduate and Master's degrees from the University of Tennessee and is a native of Knoxville.
One thing we all have in common:
decades of experience and a proven track record.
Meet the firm
J.A. Bucy
Founding Partner
J.A. is a public policy expert with over 25 years of experience helping businesses, candidates, associations, and governments achieve their objectives by building and effectively leveraging political capital with elected officials, government employees, and the general public. He has worked in and around politics since 1984 when he was in middle school and his governmental experience includes working in the administration of Governor Ned R. McWherter, two years working in the Tennessee Senate, and three years in the Tennessee House of Representatives as Chief of Staff for the House Majority Leader.
One thing we all have in common:
decades of experience and a proven track record.
Meet the firm
J.A. Bucy
Founding Partner
J.A. is a public policy expert with over 25 years of experience helping businesses, candidates, associations, and governments achieve their objectives by building and effectively leveraging political capital with elected officials, government employees, and the general public. He has worked in and around politics since 1984 when he was in middle school and his governmental experience includes working in the administration of Governor Ned R. McWherter, two years working in the Tennessee Senate, and three years in the Tennessee House of Representatives as Chief of Staff for the House Majority Leader.
One thing we all have in common:
decades of experience and a proven track record.
Meet the firm
Dustin Goforth
Founding Partner
Dustin brings a balance of corporate experience with more than a decade of government relations knowledge on issues that include real estate, corporate business regulations, health care, food and beverage, communications, taxation, manufacturing and municipal government. He served on Capitol Hill as Research Analyst and Policy Advisor for the Chairman of the Senate Health Committee, Senator Rusty Crowe. Coupling his knowledge of government with his extensive relationships provide his clientele with key tools to be successful within Tennessee.
One thing we all have in common:
decades of experience and a proven track record.
Meet the firm
One thing we all have in common:
decades of experience and a proven track record.
Meet the firm
Meet the firm
Dustin Goforth
Founding Partner
Dustin brings a balance of corporate experience with more than a decade of government relations knowledge on issues that include real estate, corporate business regulations, health care, food and beverage, communications, taxation, manufacturing and municipal government. He served on Capitol Hill as Research Analyst and Policy Advisor for the Chairman of the Senate Health Committee, Senator Rusty Crowe. Coupling his knowledge of government with his extensive relationships provide his clientele with key tools to be successful within Tennessee.
Melanie Bull
Principal
Melanie Bull is a seasoned policy professional with over a decade of experience working with Tennessee State Government. She has served in a variety of positions, with a breadth of policy experience ranging from healthcare and education to local issues like voting and accessibility.
Melanie grew up in East Tennessee, but has called Nashville home for the past 17 years having moved there to attend Belmont University. In 2020 Melanie was selected as one of Nashville’s 40 under 40 by the Nashville Business Journal.
One thing we all have in common:
decades of experience and a proven track record.
Meet the firm
Melanie Bull
Principal
Melanie Bull is a seasoned policy professional with over a decade of experience working with Tennessee State Government. She has served in a variety of positions, with a breadth of policy experience ranging from healthcare and education to local issues like voting and accessibility.
Melanie grew up in East Tennessee, but has called Nashville home for the past 17 years having moved there to attend Belmont University. In 2020 Melanie was selected as one of Nashville’s 40 under 40 by the Nashville Business Journal.
One thing we all have in common:
decades of experience and a proven track record.
Meet the firm
Nick Crawford
Senior Associate
Nick started his political career organizing state-level campaigns and political action committees fostering a track record for winning. Since then, he has hosted a top-rated political talk radio show, lobbied for regional cable companies, and served as senior advisor for the House Majority Caucus. Nick brings expertise in grassroots mobilization, fundraising, and understanding how legislation impacts everyday Tennesseans. He is known as a straight shooter and a tireless advocate for those who need a voice the most.
Nick lives in Hendersonville with his wife, Jessie, and their Australian Shepherd, Bella. He holds an undergraduate degree in Political Science from the University of Tennessee and is a Juris Doctor candidate at the Nashville School of Law.
One thing we all have in common:
decades of experience and a proven track record.
Meet the firm
Nick Crawford
Senior Associate
Nick started his political career organizing state-level campaigns and political action committees fostering a track record for winning. Since then, he has hosted a top-rated political talk radio show, lobbied for regional cable companies, and served as senior advisor for the House Majority Caucus. Nick brings expertise in grassroots mobilization, fundraising, and understanding how legislation impacts everyday Tennesseans. He is known as a straight shooter and a tireless advocate for those who need a voice the most.
Nick lives in Hendersonville with his wife, Jessie, and their Australian Shepherd, Bella. He holds an undergraduate degree in Political Science from the University of Tennessee and is a Juris Doctor candidate at the Nashville School of Law.
One thing we all have in common:
decades of experience and a proven track record.
