Our desire is to put individuals and groups in positions of influence within their communities and throughout Oklahoma. Each has a unique contribution to make to our continued prosperity. Our team brings diverse experiences at the state and federal levels and is focused on meeting the needs of our clients.
Tyler Powell is a trusted advisor who is well-versed in federal and state policy development and implementation. His experience working for a Member of Congress, a Governor, and a government relations professional provides a unique perspective on accomplishing clients’ goals.
Tyler founded CSS Partners to help clients with policy and political needs in Oklahoma and before the federal government. The Firm has now grown into a multi-principal firm that represents clients ranging from Fortune 100 companies to start-ups, trade associations, governments, and non-profits. Tyler and the CSS team have been trusted for their insights and guidance in complex policy and political situations.
Before founding CSS Partners, Tyler served as Oklahoma’s Deputy Secretary of Environment. He was the Secretary of Energy and Environment’s principal advisor and worked on every significant energy and environmental policy between 2011 and 2017. Tyler represented the state before Congress, the White House, and numerous federal agencies. During his tenure, he worked on natural resource issues related to environmental permitting, endangered species, infrastructure development, water policy, electricity markets, and oil and gas policy.
Tyler began his career working for U.S. Congressman Tom Cole. He graduated from Oklahoma State University as an Oustanding Senior with a degree in agribusiness.
Committed to working with stakeholders and building coalitions, Tyler is focused on providing sound counsel and strategy to solve complex challenges.
Brookes Wright joined CSS Partners after serving five years in the office of U.S. Senator James Lankford. In his time in the Senator's office, Brookes served as the Field Representative for the Senator in Oklahoma City and Northwest Oklahoma from 2015 to 2020. During that time, he oversaw the Senator's constituent engagement activities and fostered deep relationships with local and state leaders.
As the Senator's point of contact, Brookes worked on many different policy projects, including the CARES Act implementation, the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and the 2017 Northwest Wildfire Disaster Relief. Brookes coordinated the Senator's public appearances and constituent outreach in the Oklahoma City metro.
Before his time in the Senator's official office, Brookes worked on Lankford's 2014 campaign for U.S. Senate.
Kirby Smith is a Principal at CSS Partners, bringing more than a decade of distinguished service in state and federal government. Known for her strategic expertise and a reputation as a dedicated leader, Kirby’s career reflects her commitment to serving Oklahoma and its people with integrity, insight, and results.
Most recently, Kirby served as Chief of Staff to Oklahoma Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell, where she led the implementation of high-impact initiatives supporting economic development, tourism, and rural revitalization. Her ability to build coalitions and navigate political landscapes ensured the successful execution of programs that directly benefited Oklahoma’s citizens and industries.
Kirby’s connection to rural Oklahoma runs deep. As a graduate of Oklahoma State University’s Ferguson College of Agriculture, she combines firsthand knowledge of the state’s agricultural backbone with a sophisticated understanding of policy-making. Her leadership roles, including serving as Alumni Board President for the Ferguson College of Agriculture and as a member of the Oklahoma FFA Alumni Association Board, have solidified her as a trusted voice for rural communities.
Her tenure as Public Information Manager at the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry and her work as a Field Representative for Congressman Frank D. Lucas further showcase her expertise in fostering transparency and trust between government and constituents. From shaping communication strategies to managing complex stakeholder relationships, Kirby’s career exemplifies a rare combination of rural values and political savvy.
At CSS Partners, Kirby leverages her extensive experience and deep ties to Oklahoma’s communities to provide unmatched counsel. Her understanding of government’s inner workings allows her to anticipate challenges, craft innovative solutions, and deliver results that matter. Whether advocating for rural constituents or navigating high-stakes policy issues, Kirby is the ally clients trust to get things done.
With her network, expertise, and relentless drive, Kirby Smith embodies the essence of effective leadership, bringing clarity and confidence to even the most complex challenges.
Krista Carroll joined CSS Partners after working for two years in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. She served as the legislative assistant to Deputy Majority Floor Leaders John Pfeiffer and Steve Bashore from 2023 to 2025. During that time, Krista managed constituent casework and worked with various state agencies to resolve constituent issues within House District 38 and District 7.
Before her time at the State Capitol, Krista worked in Oklahoma Farm Bureau's communications department, where she developed her passion for public policy by hosting a weekly legislative update series shared with Farm Bureau members. Krista served as an Oklahoma State FFA Officer and is currently a member of the Oklahoma FFA Alumni Association Board, which has secured her ability to connect with rural Oklahoma values and voices.
Krista is a proud alumna of Oklahoma State University’s Ferguson College of Agriculture with a degree in agricultural communications. Krista brings a solution-oriented work ethic and problem-solving ability to the CSS team.
