In the premiere of Policy Wins, host Patrick Kalie sits down with Sean Kennedy, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs at the National Restaurant Association, to unpack one of the most significant grassroots victories of the past year: defeating a Massachusetts ballot measure to eliminate the tip credit. Sean walks us through how his team activated servers and restaurant operators across the state, coordinated a unified message, and achieved a 64–36% victory — all in one of the most progressive states in the country.

But this episode is about more than just one campaign. Sean reflects on how public affairs has evolved since the ‘90s, why trust and authenticity matter more than ever, and how his team has built an enduring grassroots program that ensures every member of Congress has a direct line to someone in the restaurant industry. Plus, you’ll hear the surprisingly effective advocacy tactic involving orange frisbees — and why Sean never forgot it.

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This episode was produced by Quorum
Editing by Mollie Becker
Visual Design  by Marcela Scarpelli

Special thanks to Sean Kennedy and the National Restaurant Association

Policy Wins is a show about how real change happens in government affairs. Hosted by Quorum, each episode pulls back the curtain on the strategies, relationships, and decisions driving policy outcomes across the country.

You’ll hear candid conversations with leaders from advocacy organizations, trade associations, PACs, and policy teams who are doing the work — building coalitions, influencing legislation, and shaping public opinion.

We go beyond talking points to explore what actually works, what doesn’t, and how success is measured in today’s policymaking environment.

If you’re a public affairs professional trying to move the needle, this show helps you learn from the wins that made it possible.