Our Team
Modern Fortis is more than a firm—it’s a force for transformation. Built on a foundation of strength and innovation, we redefine the legislative landscape with bold strategies and fresh perspectives. By challenging the status quo and charting new courses, we empower businesses, nonprofits, and policymakers to conquer the complexities of governance. Together, we don’t just navigate change—we lead it.
Margo Klosterman
Partner & Principal
Margo is a Partner at Modern Fortis where she brings 20 years of policy and political experience to provide clients with strategic advice and insights. Over the past decade, she brought her knowledge and creativity to help advance - or thwart - policies in various issue areas including health care, tax, energy, small business, education, and child safety.
Through her expansive network, she has successfully formed and led stakeholder coalitions around issues from car dealers to Medicare policy. Before joining MF, Margo served as an advisor to two members of Congress - an authorizer and an appropriator, a Republican Governor, and a Democratic Mayor giving her unique understanding to help navigate the government.
Outside Politics
Margo splits her time between Washington, DC and Jacksonville, FL where she resides with her three Newfoundlands; Kona, Waffles, and Biscuit. She is the Founder of Ladies of the Vine, a women's networking group in Jacksonville. When she isn't running and paddleboarding to enjoy the Florida sunshine, she is following her beloved Reds, Bengals, and Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
Frank W. Russo, Jr.
Partner & Principal
Frank is a Partner at Modern Fortis, joining the team after spending the last decade as a leading voice on public safety, technology advancements, and legal analysis. He brings a wealth of experience on the policy issues that directly relate to the ongoing changes in our Nation’s criminal justice system, guiding clients on the best approaches to securing legislative success at all levels of government.
Before joining the Fortis team, Frank served as a policy director and in-house counsel for major trade and political organizations including the National District Attorneys Association (NDAA) and Conservative Political Action Coalition (CPAC). He is also a veteran of Capitol Hill, clerking at the House and Senate Judiciary Committees. During his time in these roles, Frank has provided expert testimony before Congress, the Executive Branch, and State Legislatures.
Frank is a graduate of the Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law and received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia. He holds a license to practice law in the State of Georgia.
Outside Politics
Frank resides with his family in Woodstock, Georgia where you can often find his young children and rescue dog, Stella, frequenting the many amazing parks in the area. A proud Georgia graduate alongside his wife, the Russo Family spends their fall weekends faithfully rooting for the Bulldogs.
Phoebe Johnston
Vice President
Phoebe Johnston serves as the Vice President of Modern Fortis.
Prior to her position on the team, Phoebe served as a Legislative Assistant to a Member of Congress on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, where she managed the legislative portfolios for the Subcommittee on Communications & Technology and the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, & Trade. She advised the Member on telecommunications and spectrum policy, data privacy, artificial intelligence, commercial and entertainment issues, supply chains, and domestic manufacturing competitiveness, while also managing an expansive cross-committee portfolio spanning agriculture, natural resources, judiciary and oversight, financial services, Armed Services and Veterans’ affairs, defense, and foreign affairs.
Phoebe is a graduate of Hillsdale College, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and a minor in biology. She is currently pursuing her law degree part-time at the George Washington University Law School, where she is developing a particular interest in international, trade, and national security law.
Outside politics
Phoebe lives in Washington, D.C., where you can usually find her trying a new coffee shop, restaurant, or bar so she can add it to her Beli rankings, attending a Barry’s class, or planning her next trip. She enjoys traveling, staying active, and spending time with friends and family.
