Elevation Strategies was founded by Sebastian King after serving as the Policy Director for NC House Majority Whip Rep. Jon Hardister. After consulting and advising Rep. Hardister for nearly a decade, Sebastian founded Elevation Strategies to provide support to a variety of industries in North Carolina.
Since our founding, we’ve built a reputation for delivering measurable results. Whether you’re seeking funding, navigating regulations, or advocating for policy change, our team brings the expertise, relationships, and proven track record needed to succeed.
Managing Partner
Sebastian is a seasoned lobbyist with over a decade of experience in state government. He is a graduate of Texas A&M and has worked for the Majority Whip of the North Carolina House, where he gained valuable experience in the legislative process.
Throughout his career, Sebastian has demonstrated a talent for developing and implementing successful lobbying strategies for his clients. He has passed several bills into law and has a track record of securing funding for clients.
Sebastian has a deep understanding of the political landscape and a talent for building relationships with key decision-makers. Clients have put their trust in him to navigate the complexities of government and to represent their interests with integrity and professionalism.
In 2023, 10% of all legislation that passed the General Assembly, Sebastian directly lobbied for. He also helped to secure over a quarter billion of state appropriations for his clients. In 2024, Sebastian pushed for and passed a Constitutional Amendment that the General Assembly placed on the ballot. He continued his success by also passing several local bills, regulation reform and state wide policy changes.
Sebastian was selected by Triad Business Journal as one of its ’40 Leaders Under 40′ for 2025
Chief Operations Officer
Jon was born and raised in Greensboro, NC as the only child of Wayne and Carolyn Hardister. He is a graduate of Grimsley High School and Greensboro College, where he obtained a BA in Political Science.
Jon served in the NC House for six terms from 2012 to 2024. In 2016, his colleagues elected him to serve as House Majority Whip, one of the top leadership positions in the General Assembly. He is the youngest and longest-serving House Majority Whip in state history.
Jon was considered to be one of the most effective leaders in the General Assembly during his time in office. He passed numerous bills and received various awards for his work. He also chaired several committees, including Education – Universities, Appropriations – Education, and Appropriations – Capital.
After leaving office, Jon provides consulting services for public affairs, business development, and strategic planning. This allows Jon to utilize his skills, experience, and connections to help businesses accomplish their goals. He also serves as the President of TREBIC, a firm that advocates for the real estate development industry.
Since leaving office, Jon received spotlight from the Triad Business Journal for being ‘Power 50 Five to Watch.’
In his spare time, Jon enjoys spending time with his family, working out, reading, and playing guitar.
Vice President of Government Relations.
Vaughan brings extensive experience to the firm, including more than two decades of leadership in local government and private sector experience, such as serving as Operations Manager at Talley Machinery, Executive Director of the Guilford Green Foundation, and as a licensed realtor.
Vaughan also served as a Board Member at Piedmont Triad International Airport. She is a long-time resident of Greensboro and attended Fairfield University.
During her time as mayor, Vaughan helped to lead major economic development projects in Greensboro, including the nearly $14 billion investment from Toyota (5,100 jobs); $500 million investment from Boom Supersonic (2,400 jobs); and a $4.7 billion investment from JetZero (14,500 jobs); and many more. These efforts, which Vaughan helped lead, have made Greensboro and the Triad region an economic development powerhouse.
Vaughan has received numerous awards and recognition for her work, including the Senator Kay Hagan Award for T1D Awareness and Advocacy, the Stanley Frank Economic & Workforce Development Award, and the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, among others.
Vice President of Government Relations
Patrick “Pat” Tillman is Elevation Strategies’ local government, education policy, veterans/military affairs and healthcare expert. Through his current service as a Commissioner in Guilford County and as a former member of the Guilford County Board of Education, Tillman is able to lead many of our client’s specific requests before the North Carolina General Assembly.
Previously, Tillman worked for PHD Laboratories, where he focused on enhancing patient outcomes through advanced medical testing services.
Tillman is a US Marine combat Veteran of Iraq and remains committed to civic involvement where was selected by Governor Cooper to serve on the NC Safer Schools Task Force. Tillman serves as Vice-Chair of The Heroes Center, a local 501c3 dedicated to providing Veterans with the resources and opportunities they’ve earned. In addition, Tillman was recently appointed to the Board of Visitors for Appalachian State University where he graduated with a B.S. in Political Science and Communications.
Director of Government Affairs
Kevin Scorsone was born and raised in Troy, New York. He is a graduate of the University at Albany and began his career in the New York State Legislature.
Kevin is a government affairs and political engagement professional with extensive experience advancing policy priorities for some of North Carolina’s most influential associations.
He served as Manager of Political Engagement for the North Carolina Nurses Association, where he led political strategy, member mobilization, and engagement efforts in support of the nursing profession. In this role, he worked closely with legislative leadership and grassroots advocates to strengthen the association’s voice at the General Assembly and build long-term relationships.
Kevin also served as Government Affairs Director for the Raleigh Regional Association of REALTORS®, representing one of the region’s largest business advocacy organizations. He directed local legislative strategy, advised industry leaders on regulatory developments, and engaged elected officials on issues impacting housing, development, and property rights.
Throughout his career, Kevin has built a reputation for thoughtful advocacy, disciplined practices, and strategic relationship-building. He brings deep knowledge of North Carolina’s political landscape and a track record of aligning policy engagement with organizational and business objectives.
Kevin and his wife moved to North Carolina in 2018 and are the proud parents of two sons. He considers his greatest joy in life to be spending time with his family. He is an avid golfer who calls Pinehurst, NC his happy place.
When you need a government relations partner who delivers real results, Elevation Strategies is ready to help your organization navigate complex challenges and achieve your objectives.
