After successfully securing the Freedom to Marry in Minnesota, United Strategies Partner Richard Carlbom served as the Director of State Campaigns for the New York-based Freedom to Marry national campaign. Overseeing a 34 state public engagement and education strategy, Richard traveled to 28 states to provide support to local leaders trying to secure marriage equality. Richard brought his first-hand knowledge of research and strategy to the table, paired with his work to help pioneer long-form conversation-based campaigns that changed the hearts and minds of individuals when it came to their support for marriage equality.

After building statewide campaigns to pursue ballot initiatives in Michigan, Ohio, Florida, and Arizona, the strategy shifted as marriage equality began to make its way through the federal courts. Quickly, Richard helped shift the campaign to a public education approach ensuring that well-respected voices and trusted messengers spoke of their personal journey when it came to supporting marriage equality.

In June 2015, Richard stood with his friends and family to celebrate the Supreme Court Decision allowing for the freedom to marry nationwide two years and a month after leading his home state of Minnesota to its own victory in the Minnesota Legislature.