COVENANT
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
Why Covenant...
We are a premier government relations firm dedicated to providing expert representation and advocacy services in political and legislative matters. Our team offers strategic solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. By leveraging our in-depth knowledge of government processes and strong relationships, we navigate complex political challenges with precision and expertise.
Let Covenant be your leading advocate and empower your voice in Government.
Meet Team Covenant
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John Roberti is Founder and Managing Director of Covenant Government Affairs, a full-service consulting firm specializing in federal government relations and international business development and strategy advisory services.
John Roberti most recently served as senior vice president of government relations and strategy for Cubic Corporation, a global leader in the defense and transportation industries. In this role, he was responsible for government relations with the executive and legislative branches (transportation and defense authorization and appropriations committees) of the U.S. Government, supported international market development and led the corporate strategy development process across Cubic Corporation. Prior to that position, John was the vice president of Washington operations for Cubic Defense Systems.
John has more than 30 years of defense experience across a variety of assignments and transitioned from active duty service as a Rear Admiral in the U.S. Navy. His last assignment while on active duty was as the Deputy Director, Joint Strategic Planing on The Joint Staff, J-5 in the Pentagon. There he was responsible for the DoD's Joint Strategic Planning System including the National Military Strategy and the annual Chairman's Risk Assessment. He was also co-director of the 2010 Nuclear Posture Review.
Jeff Duncan was born and raised in South Carolina, instilling in him a deep-rooted connection to his community and state. An alumnus of Clemson University, he graduated in 1988 with a bachelor's degree in political science. During his time at Clemson, Jeff was not only dedicated to his studies but also played football under the guidance of the esteemed Head Coach Danny Ford. His experience in team sports fostered a sense of discipline and leadership that would later influence his political career.
Before venturing into the political arena, Jeff began his career as a community banker, where he developed a keen understanding of the financial challenges faced by everyday citizens. Displaying entrepreneurial spirit, he later founded his own real estate marketing firm. This venture showcased his innovative business acumen and commitment to economic development within his community.
Jeff’s political journey commenced in the South Carolina General Assembly, where he served from 2002 to 2010. As Chairman of the House Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Environmental Affairs Committee from 2007 to 2009, Jeff played a crucial role in shaping policies that balanced development with environmental stewardship. His involvement in strategic energy planning included serving on the U.S. Department of the Interior's Outer Continental Shelf's five-year Planning Sub-Committee and the state's Natural Gas Offshore Drilling Study Committee.
In 2010, Jeff was elected to represent South Carolina’s Third Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, a position he held with distinction until 2024. His tenure was marked by significant contributions across several domains.
Jeff was an active member of key committees such as the House Natural Resources Committee, the House Homeland Security Committee, and the House Foreign Affairs Committee. He held leadership roles as Chairman of the Oversight and Management Efficiency Subcommittee and Chairman of the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee. In 2017, Jeff began using his passion for American energy on the House Energy and Commerce Committee. As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security, he led efforts to achieve American energy dominance through comprehensive policies, with a particular focus on nuclear energy as a clean and efficient resource. As a founding member of the House Freedom Caucus, Jeff was a prominent conservative voice. He was an integral part of the Republican Whip Team, a member of the Leadership Council under Majority Leader Steve Scalise and contributed significantly to the Republican Study Committee's Steering Committee and Executive Board.
Jeff also served on the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Innovation Data, and Commerce; the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations; the Subcommittee on Environment; and the Subcommittee on Telecommunications.
Jeff Duncan's legislative accomplishments underscore his dedication to energy security and economic growth. One of his signature achievements was the passage of the Advance Act, aimed at fostering a Nuclear Renaissance in the United States. Additionally, Jeff championed policies supporting offshore and onshore energy exploration, advocating for job creation and revenue generation that would also support conservation efforts.
Throughout his distinguished career, Jeff has been the recipient of numerous accolades, including Freedom Fighter Award, Friend of the Farm Bureau, National Security Patriot Award, Guardian of Small Business, Hero of Main Street, and Taxpayer’s Hero. In recognition of his substantial contributions to South Carolina, he was awarded the prestigious Order of the Palmetto by the Governor.
Rachael Aughtman serves as Covenant's dynamic and accomplished Director of Operations, bringing over 12 years of expertise in financial management and accounting to her role. Her extensive background and dedication have made her an invaluable asset to the organization.
Prior to her current role, she served as the Chief Administrative Officer & Human Resources Director for Hayes Automotive Group. In this capacity, she managed large-scale financial operations, frequently stepping into the role of Comptroller when necessary. In addition to her comptroller responsibilities, Rachael also played a significant role in human resource management for a team of 85 personnel.
Rachael is passionate about cultivating positive workplace environments. Her commitment to operational excellence ensures that Covenant is well-positioned to navigate the challenges of the modern business world and to achieve sustained success.