Miles Ross was in his 20s when the political bug bit, and it hasn’t let go.
From campaign coordinator for Sen. Roy Blunt’s 2002 congressional re-election campaign and his successful 2010 U.S. Senate campaign – with a few other political stops – Ross’ roots run deep in Missouri.
Two years ago, Ross bundled his experience and opened Veritas Public Relations, which offers full-service campaign management, nonpartisan initiatives expertise, and governmental and business public relations.
“A lot of people told me it was a horrible time to start a business and that I couldn’t make it,” Ross says. “We landed some great business and political clients and wound up having a bigger year than we projected. In 2012, we grew about 150 percent and have expanded our business services. For 2013, we are opening a St. Louis office.”
Part of last year’s growth is reflected by the campaign wins Ross helped achieve.
“It is very rewarding to see your collaborations with a client come together on a daily basis and add up to success,” he says. “The political side of our business had a record of 22 wins and five losses for 2012, not to mention our business clients’ successes.”
In the Springfield area, Ross has worked successful campaigns for state representatives Lincoln Hough, Kevin Austin and Lynn Morris.
Ross has recently assumed the role as spokesman for Fix the Debt Missouri, the state chapter for the nonpartisan Campaign to Fix the Debt. And one of Ross’ strongest areas is ethics reform, which doesn’t necessarily make him popular.
“I have not been afraid to stand up for what or who I believe in. Sometimes that has meant going against friends, business associates or the party line,” he says. “I believe we need comprehensive campaign ethics reform in Missouri and was against many of the changes that have been made in the last six years. I have worked with candidates, officeholders and opinion makers to pass serious ethics reforms and I am hopeful that in the next few years we can get it done.”
One of Ross’ proudest accomplishments is helping to pass the 1/8 percent law-enforcement sales tax last November. Organizers faced a shaky economy and tax fatigue.
“It turned out to be a great collaborative effort with an excellent team,” Ross says.
Outside his professional life, his energy goes toward addressing hunger and food insecurity, through charities such as Season of Hope, which delivered food to those in need. Ross’ interest is personal.
“My father died when I was young and it was just my mother and me,” he says. “We faced a lot of struggles, so I know what it is like to worry about your next meal.”
Ross believes the civic and political worlds are interconnected.
“I can’t just sit back and watch things happen,” he says.
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