We’re the team that will fuel your political campaign, government relations or public affairs initiative…even if we have to forge a new path to get there.
People with experience–come to us.
Meet BJ McCollister
RESURGAM GROUP FOUNDER & PRESIDENT
As Chief of Staff to Maine Senate President Troy Jackson, BJ managed caucus priorities, negotiated the state budget, and served as an executive legislative branch liaison. He thrives when he’s balancing multiple priorities, under a tight timeline. As Executive Director of the Maine Senate Democratic Campaign Committee, he led the Maine Senate Democrats to the greatest majority in almost 30 years. BJ also helped spearhead the Biden for Maine campaign to a 52% victory—a six-point increase from Clinton’s 2016 results. Nothing drives BJ more than a ‘W’ on the board (just ask his fellow Red Sox fans).
But where his work and experience really shine is at the ballot box. He was the leading consultant who strengthened the Maine Clean Election Act results. While he doesn’t let it get to his head (most days), BJ has a shelf of shiny awards including his Maine Educational Opportunity Association’s 2020 “Rising Star Award '' and MaineBiz’s 40 Under 40 in 2022.
But here’s what BJ loves most about his job: “I love the diversity of the issues that we get to work on, like fighting for the men and women in the labor movement, the strategy of figuring out how to fit the puzzle pieces together and sometimes getting a circle in a square hole, and using creative tactics in a holistic strategy that many people aren't used to. Our work can have a greater impact on people’s lives than any other industry.”
As Resurgam Group president, BJ has set out to leave a long-lasting positive impact on New England, with the goal of making life better for Maine families. He believes in changing the political tide for the better so always seeks out the opportunity to support the people and organizations who are ready to fight for change. Learn and connect with BJ on Twitter @bjmccollister or tune into the “The Political Brew” to hear his latest thoughts on the political climate.
Meet Max Rush
RESURGAM GROUP PARTNER
Max brings over a decade of campaign and legislative expertise to the Resurgam Group, most recently serving as Chief of Staff to Maine Senate President Troy Jackson. His experience in grassroots campaign organizing, political messaging, and as a legislative staffer gives him a unique, direct perspective on the interplay between politics and policy.
Growing up in the town of Houlton in southern Aroostook County, Max’s interest in history and politics was embedded at an early age. Stories of his grandparents’ local involvement with early campaigns of Ed Muskie, George Mitchell, and others inspired him to get involved and pursue a career in politics.
After majoring in History and Political Science at the University of Maine and spending a semester at the Peace Corps office in Washington D.C., Max worked as a field organizer for the Maine Senate Democratic Campaign Committee in midcoast Maine in 2012. In 2016, he became statewide Field Director for the Senate Democrats, helping them pick up two seats despite difficult state and national headwinds. Following the 2016 cycle, Max served as a Legislative Aide in the Maine Senate from late 2016 to 2018 before joining the Senate President’s Office as Special Assistant, expanding his role into policy and legislative committee coverage. In 2021, he began serving the office as Chief of Staff until 2024.
Max loves to pursue his passion for music in his free time, always on the lookout for concerts in Portland and beyond. He is also an amateur musician and enjoys playing piano, singing, and doing some recording in the studio. In the summer, Max likes to play golf and get in some time at Maine’s beautiful lakes, rivers and beaches.
We’re Always Growing
Interested in joining a dynamic, fast-paced, New England political firm?
(Sweet, we want to talk to you.)
Resurgam is Latin for “I Shall Rise Again.” When you pick your political partner, tenacity and resolve are essential. Here at the Resurgam Group, we’ll help you get to where you need to go, and if we hit a roadblock, we’ll navigate it together.
Our long-term vision is to support changemakers in their missions to spark positive change in New England.