A Bipartisan Partnership
Washington today often feels like a room where everyone is talking, and no one is listening. Political division can turn even practical policy discussions into stalled debates. Ferox Strategies was built to operate differently, with a belief that straight talk and bipartisan cooperation still produce results.
The firm is led by Cristina Antelo and Mark Williams, two partners with different political backgrounds and a shared commitment to outcomes over ideology. Their partnership, recently highlighted in a Bloomberg Government article, shows that working across party lines is not a weakness. It is a strength that helps clients move forward when others get stuck.
Together, they bring balance to every engagement. Like two engineers checking the same structure from different sides, they ensure strategies are strong, realistic, and built to last.
Cristina Antelo, Esq.
Principal
Cristina Antelo A Story of Bipartisan Advocacy
Cristina Antelo brings more than a decade of experience from major lobbying firms in Washington. Throughout her career, she worked with both Democratic and Republican offices, learning how policy is shaped behind closed doors. That experience taught her that real progress depends on trust and preparation, not headlines.
Cristina founded Ferox Strategies with the belief that bipartisan advocacy should be a daily practice, not a marketing phrase. She wanted a firm that could move quickly, think independently, and stay focused on client goals. Starting with limited resources and a clear vision, she built a firm rooted in credibility and hard work.
Her professional philosophy is grounded in realism. Cristina believes markets drive growth and that smart policy should encourage innovation. She rejects the idea that being a Democrat means being anti business, and she pushes back on advocacy driven by emotion alone.
Cristina leads with clarity and discipline. She believes showing up prepared is like bringing the right tools to a job site. It earns respect and keeps conversations productive. This mindset shapes how Ferox Strategies approaches every client challenge.
Mark Williams
Principal
Mark Williams Capitol Hill Veteran and Republican Principal
Mark Williams joined Ferox Strategies with nearly two decades of experience on Capitol Hill. His background includes senior roles such as Chief of Staff and Legislative Director, where he worked closely with members of Congress and key committees. This experience gave him a deep understanding of how legislation is negotiated and finalized.
During his time on the Hill, Mark saw that bipartisan cooperation is not optional. On complex issues like tax and agriculture, progress only happens when both sides engage. This lesson shaped his approach to advocacy and aligned naturally with Cristina’s vision.
As a Republican principal, Mark brings policy depth and institutional knowledge to the firm. He understands how staff think, how committees operate, and where influence truly lies. This insight allows Ferox Strategies to anticipate challenges before they surface.
Mark was drawn to the firm because it offered the chance to build something meaningful. He wanted to help create a firm that could act with purpose and flexibility. His partnership with Cristina is based on trust, shared values, and a commitment to results.
Shared Values and Personal Alignment
Beyond their professional backgrounds, Cristina and Mark share personal common ground. Both are Texans, both are parents, and both value direct communication. These shared experiences helped establish trust early, like teammates who know how the other will respond under pressure.
More importantly, they share a practical political instinct. They believe advocacy works best when it focuses on incentives, outcomes, and relationships. Party labels matter less than understanding how decisions are made and who needs to be involved.
Their collaboration treats partisanship as a tool, not an identity. They start by defining the goal, identifying the decision makers, and building strategies that hold up from every angle. This approach creates advocacy plans that are resilient rather than reactive.
Approach to Bipartisan Advocacy
At Ferox Strategies, bipartisan advocacy means engaging with all sides respectfully and consistently. Cristina and Mark believe that maintaining open lines of communication is essential, even during tense political moments. Picking up the phone still matters.
Their work reflects a disciplined and thoughtful process. They listen carefully, speak plainly, and focus on areas of shared interest. This approach allows them to build coalitions that move policy forward instead of getting caught in gridlock.
The firm has delivered tangible results through this method. These include securing bipartisan support for appropriations requests, helping incorporate tax provisions into complex legislation, and reducing scrutiny for clients facing political challenges. Each outcome reflects steady, deliberate work rather than quick fixes.
Straight Talking Texans
Cristina and Mark are known for a style shaped by their Texas roots. Their straight talking approach values clarity over spin and honesty over performance. They believe people respond better to clear expectations than polished talking points.
This mindset influences how they advise clients. They explain risks plainly, outline realistic paths forward, and avoid overpromising. Like a guide who tells you exactly how steep the trail is, they help clients prepare for what lies ahead.
Their direct style builds trust with policymakers and clients alike. It creates conversations that focus on solutions instead of posturing.
Looking Ahead
Cristina Antelo and Mark Williams believe bipartisan advocacy is not outdated. It is necessary. As political divisions continue, clients need partners who can navigate complexity with calm and confidence.
Ferox Strategies is built for that environment. The firm combines experience, credibility, and straight talk to help clients succeed across changing political landscapes. Their partnership reflects a simple truth. When people focus on the work, progress is still possible.
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