OUR TEAM
Stephanie Saathoff
President
Stephanie Saathoff leads the team in developing long-term strategy, major wins and short-term results for clients with government, community, and media relations needs. She has successfully tackled complex projects in the San Diego region and beyond for more than 20 years, delivering results for a wide variety of projects, procurements and regulatory decisions for national and local clients.
A San Diego native, Stephanie started her career with the Holiday Bowl and San Diego International Sports Council before joining Carpi & Clay. She became President and Owner of The Clay Company in 2010. A Pacific Beach resident, she is involved with the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation, Circulate San Diego and numerous community and civic organizations
Lance Witmondt
Vice President
Lance Witmondt is Vice President at The Clay Company, bringing more than two decades of experience in government affairs, legislative strategy, and community engagement. Before joining ClayCo, Lance served as Chief of Staff in both the California State Assembly and the San Diego City Council, where he directed legislative operations, managed staff and budgets, advanced major policy initiatives, and helped coordinate disaster-response efforts following the Cedar and Witch Creek wildfires.
His prior leadership roles include work with United Way of San Diego County—supporting the region’s Plan to End Chronic Homelessness—and the North San Diego Business Chamber, where he strengthened public-private partnerships and guided regional public policy efforts. At ClayCo, Lance uses this experience to support clients in working effectively with government leaders and local communities.
Active in his community, Lance volunteers with Sports San Diego and STAR/PAL. He lives in San Diego with his wife, Dawn, and enjoys time with their four children and granddaughter.
Nikki Clay
Our Founder
Nikki led the San Diego office of Carpi & Clay until 2010, and served as Strategic Counsel to ClayCo until 2021. She continues to be a leader and passionate advocate for San Diego's civic and community organizations including the Old Globe, San Diego State University Campanile Foundation, Downtown San Diego Partnership, San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and LEAD San Diego