Meet our team here at Mapes & Mapes:
Joseph Mapes
Joseph A. Mapes is serving his 36th year as a Louisiana lobbyist having been elected president of Mapes & Mapes, Inc. in January of 1995 to succeed M.L. “Bud” Mapes. A native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Mapes is a Louisiana State University graduate. Prior to, and during, his LSU “fightin’ tigers” college career, Mapes worked, in some capacity, in every special, regular, and fiscal session since 1974. That’s some 100 plus legislative sessions Mapes has worked drafting legislation, lobbying legislators and administrators, working, in alliance, with other governmental relations firms, as well as working with Governors and their staff.
Mapes’ potential as one of Louisiana’s most effective governmental relations consultants was apparent early in his career. He has worked on issues related to almost every industry and profession. This body of work has earned Mapes the respect of Louisiana’s business and political communities.
Mapes is married to the former Sandy Altazan of Port Allen, Louisiana, and has two beautiful step-daughters, Bilee Yelverton and Brittany Morvant, and six grandchildren Lennon, Grant, Luke, Andrew, William, and Crawford. Mapes and his wife are members of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Brusly, Louisiana.
George Sutton
George Sutton came to Louisiana from Tylertown, Mississippi in 1957 after a four year stint in the US Navy. He was quickly noticed by BellSouth who promoted him to Executive Director of Governmental Affairs in Louisiana. In 1995, after more than 30 years helping to shape the Louisiana telecommunications industry, George retired to pursue an independent consulting career. He is a principle in his own firm, G E Sutton & Associates, Inc as well as an associate in the Mapes & Mapes firm The Clients Mapes and Mapes serve are fortunate Mr. Sutton decided to ally himself with the organization.
Sandy Mapes
Sandy Mapes founded the Louisiana Salon Owners Association in 1980, ultimately becoming its president and lobbyist. Her career encompasses experience as business owner and entrepreneur. This diverse expertise led to Mrs. Mapes’ participation in Louisiana’s political process and her affiliation with Mapes & Mapes where she remains as an integral part of the company.
Barbara Haynes
Barbara Haynes, one of Louisiana’s first African American governmental relations consultants, began her career with a Washington, D.C.-based firm and progressed to represent the East Baton Rouge Parish government. Ultimately, Ms. Haynes started her own independent consulting firm. She began affiliation with Mapes & Mapes over 25 years ago and is still active in both her private practice as well as her association with Mapes & Mapes.
