J. Charles “Chuck” Coughlin is the CEO and President of HighGround, Inc., one of Arizona’s premier public affairs firms. He founded the company more than 30 years ago as a political consulting firm focused on campaign management and has since grown it into a full-service public affairs agency offering lobbying, strategic communications, public opinion research, digital media, and campaign management services.
A veteran political strategist, Coughlin served as Chair of Governor Jan Brewer’s 2009 transition team and was campaign manager for Governor Fife Symington’s successful 1994 re-election campaign, which overcame a double-digit post-Labor Day deficit to secure victory.
Under Coughlin’s leadership, HighGround has become one of the most recognized firms in the Southwest. Most recently, the firm was named Arizona Capitol Times’ 2026 Best PR Firm, Best Polling Firm, and Best Lobbying Firm, and was honored as Public Affairs Firm of the Year by Campaigns & Elections in 2022. HighGround has also earned more than 100 awards from Campaigns & Elections and the American Association of Political Consultants for excellence in public affairs, communications, advocacy, and campaign strategy.
Coughlin’s contributions to Arizona public policy and politics have earned widespread recognition. He was named to Phoenix Magazine’s 2025 The Great 48 and has been honored as a “Leader of the Year in Public Policy” by the Arizona Capitol Times in 2024, 2023, and 2019. His strategic expertise has earned him five “Best Political Operative” awards, along with two “Person You Would Least Want as a Political Opponent” honors, distinctions that underscore his reputation as one of Arizona’s most respected and effective public affairs professionals.