LGN Government Relations Team Welcomes New Members
We are excited to announce the addition of two new members to Lockridge Grindal Nauen’s Government Relations team.
Kate Wagner joins us as a Government Relations Professional, bringing a strong background in finance and a deep understanding of the political landscape that will enhance our advocacy efforts.
Akorede Balogun joins as a Legislative Intern, contributing his knowledge in public safety, governance, and community engagement to support the team’s work.
Please join us in welcoming Kate and Akorede to the LGN team! You can read more about their impressive backgrounds below.
Kate E. Wagner brings a strong background in finance, both in the political and private sectors, to the Lockridge Grindal Nauen Government Relations team. Working in the local government space, Ms. Wagner’s dedication, broad variety of experience, and knowledge of the political landscape will be beneficial for the firm’s clients.
Before joining LGN, Ms. Wagner worked in financial reporting for Securian Financial, as well as worked on the finance team for the Minnesota House DFL Caucus. Ms. Wagner also worked for the Citizens League, where she furthered the nonprofit’s multi-partisan policy work. Ms. Wagner earned a B.A. in Political Science and a B.S. in Data Analytics with a concentration in Criminal Justice from the University of St. Thomas.
Akorede Balogun joined the LGN government relations team in 2025 as a ‘Capitol Pathways’ intern, bringing experience in local government and a strong motivation to make a positive impact in his community. Growing up in Nigeria, Mr. Balogun witnessed firsthand the challenges communities face when basic public services are inadequate. These experiences ignited his passion for public service and inspired him to focus on finding solutions.
Mr. Balogun holds a degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Political Science from Minnesota State University, Mankato. During the summers of 2023 and 2024, he gained valuable experience interning with the Hopkins Police Department and Hopkins City Administration, where he developed a deeper understanding of public safety, governance, and community engagement.
During his time at LGN, Mr. Balogun is eager to apply his skills in support of clients’ goals and to deepen his knowledge of the legislative and legal processes to make a meaningful impact.
