Tim Hwang's FiscalNote is revolutionizing Washington lobbying with big data

Sue Zoldak is a public relations expert with a fierce competitive streak. Her surname in Slovak, as she likes to point out, means "mercenary." Her firm, the Zoldak Agency, uses targeted advertising and grassroots campaigning to help clients spur voters to press elected officials into voting yes or no on specific bills. While not strictly a lobbyist--she doesn't communicate directly with lawmakers--Zoldak fits squarely into the influence-peddling milieu of Washington, DC, with 15 years' experience on K Street, where lobbying firms are traditionally headquartered. Put simply, she's a go-to person for companies and organizations determined to shape public policy.