A leader within Florida's government relations arena, Mercer Fearington, Jr. has been representing clients before the executive and legislative branches of Florida government since the mid-1990's. Mercer is the past Chairman of the Florida Agricultural Coalition and is a graduate of the Wedgworth Leadership Institute for Agriculture -- an affiliate of the Institute of Food and Agriculture and Sciences at the University of Florida. Mercer is a graduate of Mercer University.

Mercer lives in Tallahassee with his wife, Lindsey, and their three daughters.

15-20 years

National Children's Alliance, Bud Cramer Award
Florida Bar, Family Law Section, Legislative Achievement
Kristi House Service, Former President Service Award

SSG has won numerous fundraising awards and recognitions
Managing Partner, Miami office, The Southern Group
Chairman, Republican Party of Miami-Dade County
Executive Board, Republican Party of Florida

Nelson D. Diaz concentrates his practice on government and community relations. Nelson has successfully represented local governments, businesses, trade associations and other corporate clients before the Florida legislative and executive branches of government. Nelson has become one of Florida's young rising stars since serving as Chief Legislative Aide to the Former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, and now United States Senator, Marco Rubio.

In addition, Nelson has successfully represented corporate entities before the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners, numerous Miami-Dade County agencies and departments, the City of Miami, the City of Hialeah, and several other municipal governments and authorities in Miami-Dade County. In addition to government relations, Nelson has successfully guided many corporate clients entering the South Florida market, providing community relations services. By advising new entrants to the market on who the key players are, which organizations to join, and how to navigate the local political waters, Nelson has assisted many clients successfully enter the South Florida and Miami markets.

Nelson began his political career as a volunteer in the 1996 Presidential campaign in Florida where he and many other young leaders, including now U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, State Senator Anitere Flores, Lt. Governor Carlos Lopez-Cantera, and many other now-elected officials, worked hard to build a strong Republican Party base in South Florida. Since then, Nelson has worked on countless political campaigns in Florida from federal races for Presidential and U.S. Senate, to state races for Governor, Cabinet offices, Florida House of Representatives, and Florida Senate, as well as many local government campaigns for county commission, city councils, and mayor's races. Nelson has also been active in various business and civic organizations locally, and counts many legislators, party officials, and legislative leaders among his personal friends. As a result of Nelson's service with U.S. Senator Rubio and his involvement in many campaigns, Nelson has established an extensive network of key contacts in Miami-Dade County and within the Florida Legislature. In fact, Nelson currently serves as the Chairman of the Republican Party of Miami-Dade County and serves on the executive board of the Republican Party of Florida.

Active in the local community, Nelson served on the City of Miami's Historical and Environmental Preservation Board, protecting the city's historical and environmental treasures, as well as the Miami-Dade County Community Council of West Kendall, a local land use and zoning board. Additionally, Nelson serves as the Immediate Past President of the Board of Directors for Kristi House, Miami-Dade County's child advocacy center for child victims of sexual abuse and human trafficking as well as the Board of Directors of the Good Government Initiative, a bi-partisan organization dedicated to cultivating leaders of excellence in South Florida. Recently, Florida Governor Rick Scott appointed Nelson to the statewide Children and Youth Cabinet for his service and advocacy on behalf of Florida's children.

Nelson attended Florida International University, where he earned his Bachelor's degree in International Relations, with a Certificate in Latin American and Caribbean Studies, as well as minors in Political Science and Geography. Nelson graduated from the University of Florida, College of Law, cum laude, and was admitted to the Florida Bar in 2004.

Chris joined the firm in November of 2000 after serving seven years in Florida government. During this time, Chris served as the Assistant to the Chief of Staff and the Deputy Chief of Staff to former Florida Governor Jeb Bush. Prior to serving in Governor Bush's administration, Chris served as the Deputy Chief of Staff, Deputy Legislative Director, and Special Assistant to former Florida Education Commissioner and former Florida Lt. Governor Frank T. Brogan. Chris also served as a legislative aide in the Florida House of Representatives. Throughout the years, Chris has worked on various state and local campaigns, including the 1998 and 2002 Bush/Brogan gubernatorial campaigns.

A devoted community activist, Chris was a finalist for Volunteer of the Year in 2007. Chris has served on the Board of Directors for the Mary Brogan Museum of Art and Science, where he served for two years as Chairman, the Board of Directors for the United Way of the Big Bend, and the Board of Directors for the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce. Chris is currently the Chairman of the Florida Network of Youth and Family Services, a not-for-profit statewide association representing agencies which serve homeless, runaway, and troubled youth. Chris also serves on the local advisory board for Hancock Bank and is a member of the Board of Trustees for the Maclay School. Chris was recently appointed by Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum to the Tallahassee Downtown Improvement Authority, an entity created by the Florida Legislature to promote the business and hospitality interests of downtown Tallahassee.

A native of Fort Myers, Florida, Chris Dudley graduated from the University of South Florida in 1993 with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science. Chris, his wife Susanne, and their two sons live in Tallahassee.

0-5 years

Ryan's extensive experience in small business, political strategy, and service to his community allows him to impact government officials while growing our client's influence in the Capitol and beyond.

Smith grew up in Northeastern Pennsylvania, deeply influenced by his family's restaurant business, where he worked throughout high school and college. Soon after, he honorably served for six years as a Military Police Officer in the Army Reserves. During that time, he engaged in local, state, and federal political campaigns, paving the way for a meaningful career with the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

Ryan then became political director for Governor Josh Shapiro's successful Attorney General campaign. He later consulted on multiple statewide races before joining the Pennsylvania Democratic State Party as deputy executive director/political director, where he helped secure victories for Pennsylvania House, Senate, Gubernatorial, and U.S. Senate and Congressional campaigns.

Following successful campaign cycles, Ryan served as deputy campaign manager for Governor Shapiro's Attorney General reelection and Gubernatorial races. He then served the Shapiro Administration as special assistant to the PA Secretary of Agriculture, where he advised on policy, legislation, communications, and stakeholder relations. These experiences deepened his appreciation for rural and agricultural policy, specifically the importance of supporting small, diverse, and innovative businesses and the significance of increasing economic development in our rural, suburban, and urban communities.

Throughout his career, Ryan has built strong relationships with elected officials from both parties, business organizations, community leaders, and professional associations. His extensive network and insights reflect his unwavering commitment to public service and improving the lives within our commonwealth.

Ryan, his wife Stefanie, daughter Ava, and dogs Abbey and Leila live in Cumberland County. He enjoys golfing, skiing, and spending time with his family.

6-10 years

Awarded "Forty under 40" from the Baton Rouge business Report in 2014

Association of Louisiana Lobbyists - President 2015-2016, Board Member 2013 - present

National Association of State Lobbyists - Secretary 2017-2018, Board Member 2015 -present

Active in young professional organizations in Baton Rouge and Louisiana (on service committee of Forum 35)

State Commissioner, Volunteer Louisiana Commission 2014 - present

Philanthropic and social involvements with wide range of organizations

Ryan K. Haynie is a partner with the Baton Rouge-based Haynie and Associates, a government relations and lobbying firm founded 39 years ago by his father and namesake. High-profile clients have become a hallmark of the firm and its reputation in state and national circles is secure, due in no small part to an established record of credibility and unfailing integrity. Ryan marks the next generation of leadership at Haynie and Associates. He was raised from inside the family business while simultaneously developing relationships with key Capitol staffers, lawmakers and the right mix of business leaders, influencers and decision-makers. In a short period of time, Ryan has proven himself to be an invaluable asset to the success of Haynie and Associates and its clients - and is regarded as one of the most effective lobbyists in the Louisiana Capitol.

Ryan has also started to leave his own impression within the firm's storied offices at Longview, the historic former home of Mrs. Earl K. Long. From Ted Dunham Drive along the Capitol Lake, he has facilitated and planned charitable events and political fundraisers, continuing and furthering Longview's famous open door policy. Ryan is likewise bringing the firm's communications arm into a new era. As president and co-owner of Louisiana Governmental Studies, Ryan publishes and markets the Grass Roots Guide to the Louisiana Legislature , which was created more than two decades ago and remains the foremost trusted name in Louisiana Legislative resources. In 2010 Ryan developed and launched an iPhone application and currently operated a mobile website (www.mobilelgs.com) that allows users to access a digital database of the most current legislative and executive branch resources. Future products promise to be just as exciting as Ryan continues to develop a full service client management system ripe with tools for client communication, lobbying, data analytics and advocacy.

Finding ways to leverage technology has become a niche role for Ryan at Haynie and Associates. He has transformed client and lawmaker communications with up-to-date and real-time policy research and media services. Ryan is also bridging generational gaps nationally. In 2009, he formed Young Professional State Lobbyists, an organization of hand-selected lobbyists age 40 or younger from every U.S. state. In 2010 Ryan was selected to serve as president of YPSL as well as Host Committee & Website Committee chairman. The mission of YPSL is to change the public perception of its trade and prompt discussions between up-and-coming lobbying professionals from across the United States. Building off of this alliance, Ryan is already an active board member of the Association of Louisiana Lobbyists, and a member in good standings with the American League of Lobbyists, and the National Association of State Lobbyists.

Ryan's other political experience includes internships in the offices of Congressmen Charles Boustany and Rodney Alexander. Ryan is an active member of The Mystick Krewe of Louisianians (Washington Mardi Gras), Krewe of RIO, Krewe of Bonaparte, the Krewe of Endymion and the Krewe of Bacchus. Ryan is a member of the Young Professional Organizations Forum 35 in Baton Rouge and 705 in Lafayette as well as a member and lobbyist for Blueprint Louisiana comprised of many of Louisiana's most prominent business leaders. Outside of politics and carnival time, Ryan is an avid hunter and sportsman and is one of only a handful of members of the historic Winn Hawkins Oak Grove Hunting Club in southern Cameron Parish. Furthermore, Ryan participates in the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, the Baton Rouge Chamber, the Lafayette Chamber and also serves as Vice President of Capitol View Development, operates Louisiana Trading Company LLC, and co-chairs the Haynie Family Foundation.

Born April 4, 1985, in Lafayette, Ryan attended St. Thomas More High School and went to work for Haynie and Associates upon graduating in 2003. Four years later, Ryan graduated from LSU's College of Arts and Sciences with a Bachelor Degree in Political Science. While an undergraduate, he presided over the Alpha Gamma Chapter of Kappa Alpha Fraternity and served on the Inner Fraternity Council. Ryan married Alana Robert in August of 2012 and they reside in Baton Rouge with their 4 year-old daughter.

MIKE TOMAN is responsible for the firm's day-to-day business operations. He is known for keen attention to detail and a grasp of such varied fields as health care, organizational budgeting, and procurement processes. Mike has been with The Success Group since 2000. Prior to joining The Success Group, he spent five years lobbying as a senior policy analyst with the County Commissioners Association of Ohio, worked for the Ohio Legislative Budget Office, and worked for the Ohio Supreme Court. Mike served as President of the Ohio Lobbying Association (OLA) and was a member of the OLA Board of Trustees for seven years. Currently, Mike serves on the Board of Trustees for The Advocacy Group (TAG) and on The Ohio State University's President's Advisory Board. Mike sits on select alumni committees at the John Glenn College of Public Affairs' Alumni Advisory Committee. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Criminal Justice at Eastern Michigan University and a Master of Public Administration at The Ohio State's John Glenn College.

Sydney Ridley brings years of legislative and political experience to Southern Strategy Group's Tampa Bay office. Sydney spent the past four years as the Chief Legislative Aide to House Majority Leader Dana Young, where she directed all priority policy and budget initiatives. Sydney's time as staff was at the highest level of the Florida House of Representatives, and she brings unmatched relationships with legislative staff, agency heads, and elected officials.

A political pro in Tampa Bay with extensive campaign management experience, Sydney guided Senator Dana Young to successive electoral victories in the Florida House and spearheaded her subsequent election to the Florida Senate. Sydney's political expertise, particularly in the Tampa Bay area, serves as a great strategic asset to our clients. In addition to her work with Senator Young, Sydney has served as both a political director and a field director on various Congressional and State Senate campaigns.

Born and raised in Tampa, Sydney is a third-generation Floridian, a graduate of the University of Virginia, a Florida Gator at heart, and a lover of history, golf, music, and football.

11-15 years

1st Vice President, Maryland Government Relations Association

Former General Counsel, Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation

Former General Counsel, Greater Bowie Chamber of Commerce

Pounds is an accomplished attorney and lobbyist with sixteen years of legal experience and served as General Counsel for government, quasi-government entities, boards & commissions, and businesses. After seven years in Prince George's as a senior campaign and transition staff member, an associate county attorney, and then General Counsel to the Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation, Pounds served six years as a partner and senior counsel in two prominent Maryland law firms. He represents clients in municipal and cannabis law, alcoholic beverage licensing; land use and zoning; business transactions, and government relations. He is a graduate of Virginia Tech, and received his Juris Doctor, with honors, at the University of Baltimore School of Law. Pounds is active in his community and serves on several boards, including the Greater Bowie Chamber of Commerce and the Maryland Government Relations Association. He lives in Bowie with his wife and two children.

0-5 years

Before beginning her lobbying career, Nora worked as the top aide to the former Speaker of the House Frank Chopp and several other House Democratic Leadership team members, including Representative Christine Kilduff, currently the Speaker's Attorney, and former Democratic Caucus Chair Eric Pettigrew. A graduate of the University of Washington and Washington State University, Nora has served for 17 years in the U.S. Army and is a Civil Affairs officer and Jumpmaster in the U.S. Army Reserve. She is based in and lives with her family in Olympia, WA.

DAVID A. SMITH is a partner in the Princeton Public Affairs Group, is a veteran of the public affairs arena and has successfully managed public affairs campaigns impacting auto insurance, life insurance, tort reform and environmental legislative initiatives. Mr. Smith received national acclaim when he was honored with a ""Pollie Award"" by the American Association of Political Consultants and named to their United States ""Public Affairs Team of the Year." Mr. Smith was also named one of the most influential players in New Jersey's Healthcare arena by the Annual HealthSense Listing. Since 2005, Mr. Smith has been a Commissioner on the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission (nominated by the Governor for two separate four year terms and confirmed by the NJ Senate) and currently serves as an Officer on the Commission (Secretary). Mr. Smith serves on the National Board of Directors of the Public Affairs Council, and was one of the few contract lobbyists in the Country to be appointed to a National Task Force charged with creating ethical standard for lobbyists throughout the United States. Mr. Smith is a founder and member of the Board of Directors of ProtectingAmerica.org, an advocacy organization Co-chaired by James Lee Witt, former Cabinet member under President Clinton and Admiral James Loy, Deputy Director of Homeland Security under President Bush. Mr. Smith also serves as an Officer (1st Vice President) of the New Jersey Hall of Fame Foundation Board of Directors and also serves on the Executive Committee (Secretary) of The Advocacy Group (TAG). Finally, Mr. Smith serves on the Board of Directors as an officer (Treasurer) of the State Capitol Insurance Company RRG, the first professional liability company for lobbyists headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Mr. Smith has appeared on television and radio stations representing clients' interests, authored dozens of articles on politics/policy issues in New Jersey and is a frequent guest speaker/lecturer at national and state conferences, legislative hearings, meetings and seminars. He has been a consultant to statewide and legislative political campaigns and is a member of the Executive Finance Committee of the Assembly Democratic Leadership Committee as well as the New Jersey State Democratic Committee. Prior to joining the firm in 1995, Mr. Smith served as Director of Policy and Planning for the New Jersey General Assembly Democratic Office. In that capacity, Mr. Smith supervised the partisan staff of all Assembly Committees and Task Forces while serving as senior staff aide to the insurance and commerce legislative committees. He was a Director with the New Jersey Dental Association from 1985 to 1990 and served on several national and state health care and insurance advisory committees.

Mr. Smith was awarded a Master of Science in Financial Services (MSFS) Degree from the Richard D. Irwin Graduate School of The American College. He is a Graduate Fellow of the Public Affairs Institute, a three year educational program of the Public Affairs Council located in Washington, DC. Mr. Smith also graduated with a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Political Science from Gettysburg College.

11-15 years

As President of Oxley and Associates, Evyan Andries manages the firm's operations and development of political strategy for its diverse client base. She brings over a decade of experience in helping clients navigate complex regulatory, legislative, and political issues with agencies, municipalities, and state and local governments. In her time at Oxley, she has built trusted relationships with legislators, local government officials and leadership at agencies across the state.

Evyan is an adept political strategist and negotiator. She has helped shape the political and regulatory environment on issues in health care, transportation, energy, criminal justice, agriculture, and labor and employment among others. When Oregon's decision makers debate controversial policies impacting corporations, businesses, associations, or nonprofits, Evyan ensures her clients have a seat at the table. She's supported several of Oregon's largest retailers in navigating an evolving regulatory and political environment, allowing them to build a a strong reputation within the community while maintaining their operational integrity. Her rapport, expertise, and work ethic have helped clients start important conversations in the state from modernization of the public defense system to bringing baseball to Portland through the Portland Diamond Project.

Evyan has built a strong reputation in crisis management, supporting clients through a challenging, ever-changing regulatory environment in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and wildfires. With boots on the ground, she was able advise clients on required adjustments to their operations to ensure compliance and safety in the community.

Evyan received her Bachelors degree in International Management from Pepperdine University and a Certificate in Dispute Resolution from the Strauss Institute at the Pepperdine School of Law. She currently serves on the Executive Committee of LEAP, Leaders and Executives Across Professions, an organization of women executives focusing on career advancement, mentoring and referrals. In her spare time, Evyan enjoys being with her husband Colin and son Jack, exploring Oregon's beautiful scenery, hosting casual dinner parties, attending shows and traveling internationally. She has an adventurous spirit and has lived in Italy and London, where she became proficient in Italian and French.

20+ years

Designated by peers as one of the most effective lobbyists in North Carolina

Recipient of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine

Recognized in Best Lawyers in America in the area of government
relations practice, and as Lawyer of the Year in government relations practice in Raleigh

Selected by the American Registry as the top 1% of America's Most Honored Lawyers for 2020

To be provided upon specific request

Former North Carolina State Senator Alexander "Sandy" Sands is the leader of the firm's Public Policy and Governmental Affairs Group in Raleigh. He is a Registered Lobbyist. He represents businesses and individuals who have matters before both the legislative and executive branches of government in North Carolina. He's proven himself to be quite effective. When the North Carolina Center for Public Policy surveyed members of the General Assembly and lobbyists in 2009, researchers found Sands to be the 3rd most influential lobbyist in the Tarheel state.

Sandy has used his many years as a litigator in state and federal trial and appellate courts to develop his advocacy skills, which he now uses effectively for his clients in his lobbying and administrative law practice. He served as a North Carolina State Senator from 1986 until 1994. During that service he rose to the position of Chairman of the Committee on Rules and Operations of the Senate.

20+ years

We are available to discuss past achievements in many areas of government relations.

We work across branches and across all agencies of state government.

Ben Patterson grew up in Florence, Alabama. He is a graduate of the University of Alabama and earned his Ph.D. from the University of Alabama where he taught seminars in State and Local Government and American Politics until 1996.

Prior to joining Fine Geddie in 2004 he served as the Deputy Finance Director for the State of Alabama under two governors and helped guide both administrations' legislative efforts on fiscal issues. He also held the position of Chief Information Officer, overseeing the state's technology acquisitions in the late 1990s. During his tenures in state government, he gained a thorough understanding of government operations, procurement, information technology, state budgets and controls, and the complexities of Alabama's tax structure.

Ben Patterson also served as the Director of Government Relations for the Alabama Bankers Association from 2000 until 2003 where he was the principal advocate for the state banking industry. He began his lobbying career as a Manager of Legislative Affairs for the Business Council of Alabama in 1996.

HEATHER SHOULDICE joined William Shouldice & Associates in 2005 and became President in 2009. Prior to joining the firm, Heather was a member of the House of Representatives in the Vermont General Assembly where she served on the House Ways & Means Committee. This assignment gave her the privilege of obtaining firsthand knowledge of Vermont's tax system. Heather's successes have been the direct result of developing relationships in a true tri-partisan manner, making lasting relationships. She is known as a consensus builder and has brought this valuable skill to the firm.

Through her expansive experience, Heather directs planning and implementation of custom designed legislative strategies for their clients. These strategies include issue research and monitoring, constituency management, briefings for various audiences including government decision-makers outside the Legislature, preparing expert testimony and ensuring the client is in the right place at the right time.

Jeffrey A. Zyjeski, Esq. ("Zeke") began working for Gaffney, Bennett & Associates in 1998 after completing an internship and working at the state Capitol as a staffer for the Legislature's Judiciary Committee. Jeff worked part-time at Gaffney, Bennett & Associates while in law school and joined the firm and the Law Offices of Jay F. Malcynsky, P.C. in 2002.

Jeff is also licensed to practice law in Massachusetts and before the United States Supreme Court

Jeff graduated cum laude with a B.A. from the University of Connecticut, and received his J.D. from the University of Connecticut School of Law. Jeff uses his legal and legislative experience to assist clients in matters of law, regulation and transportation. He currently serves as a member of the House of Delegates of the Connecticut Bar Association, and previously served on the Board of the Association of Connecticut Lobbyists.

20+ years

Bruce is the founder of Sheehan Phinney Capitol Group. Having worked the halls and hearing rooms of the State House for more than 40 years, he is one of the most experienced lobbyists in Concord and has developed deep relationships with key policy makers.

Bruce began his work in state government in 1980 as a college intern and later served as a legislative assistant to the New Hampshire House Majority Leader. He began his lobbying career as the Legislative Counsel to the Business & Industry Association of New Hampshire, the state's leading business advocacy organization.

Bruce has represented clients in a wide variety of policy issues during his career including taxation, environmental regulation, electric utility restructuring and health policy.

He has also been involved in political campaigns for the past 40 years and is a sought-after advisor to candidates during each election cycle.

Derek Snyder's upbringing in rural Pennsylvania and affection for government and impacting positive change brought him to Versant to combine his strengths and skillsets to help serve client needs.

From a young age, Snyder developed a love for agriculture and advocacy, with his first childhood job being a door-to-door fruit salesman for an Adams County orchard owner. As a middle and high school student, Derek traveled to Harrisburg several times to meet with state representatives and senators to discuss issues that were important to him and his community.

Snyder was born and raised in Cumberland County, where he still resides today. He is the grandson of Luther Snyder, who served as President of the Pennsylvania State Grange and was a Deputy Secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Derek continues his grandparents Grange involvement as a 5th generation member, holding various titles with the Pennsylvania State Grange and National Grange throughout the years.

Prior to joining Versant Strategies, Snyder worked as a legislative reporter for Pennsylvania Legislative Services and most recently served as a legislative aide for State Representative Torren Ecker. In college, he completed an internship with the UK Parliament in the House of Commons where he worked for MP Paul Maynard, who served as Rail Minister in Prime Minister Theresa May's and Boris Johnson's Cabinets. Snyder graduated from Penn State University and holds a Bachelor of Science in Corporate Innovation and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics.

In his free time, Snyder volunteers on the board of a local non-profit that helps individuals with Traumatic Brain Injuries. He enjoys hiking, Philadelphia and Penn State sports, traveling with his girlfriend Melissa, and spending time with family and friends.

20+ years

Louisiana Political Museum Hall of Fame Inductee (2016)

Lafayette General Hospital Foundation Board of Directors (present)

Moncus - Lafayette Central Park - Board of Directors (present)

232 Help- Board of Directors, Executive Committee (present)

Hillard University Art Museum - Hillard Society - Chairman (present)

Community Foundation of Acadiana - CFA - Board of Directors (present)

Opus Christi Magum - Catholic Charities - Co-Chair (present)

One Acadiana - Chamber of Commerce - Board of Directors (present)

Swamp Base - Boy Scouts - Capital Campaign - Co-Chair (present)

Evangeline Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, Advisory Board (present)

ICON Awards/ABC Fund - Advisory Board (present)

Order of Malta (Catholic Society) (present)

Louisiana Governor's Mansion Preservation Foundation (present)

Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities- Board of Directors (present)

National Association of State Lobbyists (NASL) Past President, President Emeritus (present)

ICON/Arts/Buisness/Culture: Patron Award (2019)

Lafayette Civic Cup 86th Recipient (2018)

National Outstanding Eagle Scout Award - NESA (2017)

Louisiana Association of Museums Outstanding Foundation Support Award (2017)

Louisiana Political Museum Hall of Fame Inductee (2016)

University of Louisiana at Lafayette Spring Gala "Alumni Honoree" (2014)

Lafayette Public Library - Major Donor Award (2009)

Bishops Charity Ball - King Louis XIII (2000)

Monsignor Alexander O. Sigur Award Recipient (Diocese of Lafayette) (1999)

Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem (Catholic Order) - Knight Grand Cross

Order of Malta (Catholic order)

Louisiana Statehood Bicentennial Commission (past)

Odgen Museum- Board of Directors (past)

Louisiana Commemorative Coin Advisory Commission (past)

Louisiana Association of Business and Industry Trade and Tourism Council (past)

Evangeline Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, Vice President of Finance (past)

Our Lady of Lords Hospital- Board of Directors (past)

St. Thomas More High School Foundation Board (past)

Bishop's Charity Ball, Fundraising Chairman (Diocese of Lafayette) (past)

St. Thomas More School Board (3-year term) (past)

Our Lady of Fatima School Board (past)

Boy Scouts of America/Evangeline Council Board of Directors (past)

Bishop Charity Ball Executive Committee (Diocese of Lafayette) (past)

Louisiana Lobbying Commission (Registration and Reporting) (past)

Our Lady of Fatima School Foundation, Board of Directors (past)

Old State Capitol Foundation, Board of Directors, Advisory Board (past)

Krewe of Gabriel, Lafayette, Louisiana (present)

Krewe of Bonaporte, Lafayette, Louisiana (present)

Krewe of Rio, Lafayette, Louisiana (present)

Louisiana Historical Society, Board of Directors (past)

Chairman of the University of Southwestern Louisiana Alumni Association's Legislative Relations (past)

Louisiana Insurance Lawsuit Reporting Commission (past)

Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee (State Police, Department of Public Safety) (past)

Louisiana Association of Business & Industry (LABI); Steering Committee of the Liability Reform Task Force; Steering Committee of the Unemployment Compensation Task Force; Steering Committee of the Worker's Compensation Task Force (past)

Lafayette Chamber of Commerce (Executive Committee; Board of Directors [1988-1990]; Past Chairman of the Oil & Gas Division/Long-Range Planning; Lafayette Leadership Board of Directors) (past)

Fine Arts Foundation, Board of Directors (past)

Commerce & Energy Bank of Lafayette, Louisiana, Advisory Board of Directors (past)

Louisiana Society of Association Executives, Board of Directors (past)

United Cerebral Palsy of Louisiana, First Vice-President (past)

Chamber of Commerce, Vice President of State/National Affairs (past)

Krewe of Louisiana, Washington, D.C. (1981-Present)

Association of Louisiana Lobbyists (Member; President [1985-88]; Past President [1989]; Board of Directors [1990]) (past)

Randy K. Haynie is the owner and president of Haynie & Associates, a government relations firm established in 1980 with offices in Baton Rouge and Lafayette, Louisiana. His son, Ryan K. Haynie, is his partner in the Baton Rouge-based firm of Haynie & Associates. From these bases of operation, he has been lobbying the Louisiana legislature for thirty-seven years and has served under the last seven Louisiana Governors.

Randy Haynie first acquired his taste for politics upon being elected SGA President of the College of Sciences at the University of Southwestern Louisiana. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, chemistry and mathematics, he became a Sergeant-at-Arms for the Louisiana Senate and then the personal aide of former Senator Edgar "Sonny" Mouton. He worked extensively in Mouton's gubernatorial campaign and with this experience under his belt; he opened the consulting firm of Haynie & Associates. The knowledge of the oil industry he picked up while working as a roughneck during the summer months while a student at USL helped him acquire one of his first clients, The Louisiana Oilfield Contractors Association, which he still represents today. It was not long before he began representing a wide variety of clients.

Presently, he represents national corporations such as JP Morgan/Chase, GE (General Electric) GM (General Motors), Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, Caesar's Entertainment Inc., Enterprise Rental Cars Inc., New Orleans Saints, National Football League, and Johnson Controls.

Ryan Haynie is President of Louisiana Governmental Studies, which has published a Louisiana Legislative Directory yearly since 1984. The firm has also published eight four-year editions of the Grass-Roots Guide to the Louisiana Legislature.

Randy Haynie is just as involved in civic and professional organizations as he is in his businesses, an important lesson he learned as he achieved the rank of "Eagle" from the Boy Scouts of America. He is the past National President of the National Association of State Lobbyists. Furthermore, he currently serves on various boards throughout Louisiana, including the La. Endowment for the Humanities, the Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum in Lafayette, and the Community Foundation of Acadiana. In addition, he has served on the Bishop's Charity Ball Executive Committee for the Diocese of Lafayette since 1996 and was selected the 13th Annual Bishop's Charity Ball King Louis XIII in 2000 and was inducted into the Louisiana Political Hall of Fame in 2016. Randy is an active member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre and was also accepted to the class of 2009 for the Order of Malta. In 2018, Randy was awarded the Lafayette Civic Cup, its 86th recipient since 1933.

On the personal side, he is an avid collector of objects associated with Louisiana and has an extensive collection of Louisiana obsolete currency, including state, parish, municipal, merchant and bank notes which date back to the 1800s. He also collects lottery tickets issued by the first Louisiana Lottery Company as well as photos of Louisiana governors and memorabilia related to their terms of office. He has several early maps of Louisiana and owns original paintings by well-known Louisiana and Southern artists. Randy Haynie showcases his Louisiana collection at Long-View, his Baton Rouge office that was once the home of one of Louisiana's most colorful governors, Earl K. Long.

11-15 years

Ron's governmental service ranges from City Council to the Chairman of the House Liquor Committee. His ability to navigate the many layers of government and work across the aisle in a bipartisan manner is second to none.

Ron has a close relationship with the current members of the PA House of Representatives and staff.

Ron's extensive experience in state and local government will help Versant's clients set strategies to achieve their legislative and regulatory goals. Ron served in the PA House of Representatives for over 20 years and was an active member of the House Consumer Affairs and Rules Committees. Ultimately, he was named Secretary of the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee and became Chairman of the House Liquor Committee. Prior to his election to represent the 162nd House District, Ron served as Mayor of Sharon Hill, Pennsylvania. More recently, he worked in governmental affairs serving a myriad of interests in the State Capitol.

20+ years

Former president, Arizona Public Affairs Association

Former president, National Association of State Lobbyists (NASL)

For nearly three decades, Trish Hart and Arizona Lobbying have successfully advocated our clients' interests, adopting a tailored approach towards a government relations plan that best fits their goals and objectives. Arizona Lobbying empowers progress and affects positive change for the businesses, trade associations, and nonprofit organizations we represent. We come prepared every day to tackle these dynamic situations and emerging issues head-on.

David Browning is one of Florida's top political campaign operatives. David has worked with Florida's most powerful elected officials and brings a new dimension to Southern Strategy Group's team of lobbyists in Tallahassee. David was instrumental in raising millions of dollars for campaign war chests in the 2010 election cycle for Governor Rick Scott. David also worked for Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater and Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam and set fundraising records for those campaigns. Fundraiser, strategist, and confidante, David is among a handful of insiders who help guide candidates to victory in Florida.

David has been equally busy helping the legislative branch. David served as the chief fundraiser for Speaker Dean Cannon. David's responsibilities included raising money for Speaker Cannon's personal campaign, as well as working with House leadership to raise money for the House Republican Caucus. Through these efforts, the Florida House returned 81 republican members giving them a supermajority.

In the Florida Senate David represented Senate President Mike Haridopolos and Senate Majority Leader Andy Gardiner. David worked with Senator John Thrasher who was elected in a highly contested special election. David brings his unique expertise to the Tallahassee team and offers our clients unprecedented insight into the workings of state government.

David is a graduate of Florida State University with a degree in Political Science.

Stephen R. Kinney , a partner in the firm, joined Gaffney, Bennett and Associates in 1985. A longtime political advisor to Democratic U.S. Senator Christopher J. Dodd, Steve played a pivotal role in Dodd's last four successful re-election bids and in his presidential campaign. Previously, he served as a member of Dodd's staff and acted as a liaison to the Connecticut General Assembly.

On the state level, Steve first earned his political stripes under former Democratic House Speakers Ernest Abate and Irving Stolberg. During their leadership tenures, Steve was principally responsible for coordinating the movement of legislative business on the House floor.

Over the past 30-plus years, Steve's coalition building skills, his knowledge of the legislative process, and his political "sixth sense" have become invaluable assets to the firm. His extensive government relations and political experience are highly regarded by lawmakers and other key decision makers in both Hartford and Washington, D.C. His counsel and expertise are regularly sought on a wide variety of subjects, including: health care, human services, general law, telecommunications, state regulatory and municipal issues, and budget and tax matters.

6-10 years

Bio: A proven leader, Peter has extensive experience implementing and executing government relations and public policy strategies for Fortune 500 companies, corporations, non-profits, labor organizations and trade associations, as well as, proven success in all facets of management and oversight of client matters.

A U.S. Army veteran, Peter has unique expertise in helping companies negotiate all levels of municipal government as they seek approval of local projects. He regularly represents clients in front of boards of selectmen, city councils, planning boards, health departments, zoning boards and other state and local agencies and works to achieve successful outcomes for both his clients and the municipalities.

Well versed in the regulatory needs of emerging markets, Peter has further developed a reputation as one of the leading strategists in the exploding cannabis industry. He is skilled at illustrating for communities the many benefits of the industry, including job creation, economic development and the creation of new tax revenue. He is also an expert at helping locate appropriate sites and assisting firms through the permitting process, including negotiating fair host community agreements.

Peter grew up in Natick and served for 11 years in the United States Army as a Chief Warrant Officer 3 and a Blackhawk helicopter instructor pilot. He traveled extensively while serving and focused on program and training development for U.S. and allied personnel. He represented the United States for government aviation operations with several nations, including Mexico, England, Germany, Turkey, Poland, South Korea, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Iraq.

He lives in Brookline, NH with his wife and two children.

20+ years

Tim provided a long sought-after voice to retirees in the Retired Detroit Police & Fire Fighters Association. He and his team successfully fought unions, the City of Detroit, and the pension board's opposition to amend decades-old state law. The association spent 25 years trying to obtain representation on its pension board through litigation and city charter amendment to no avail. Tim and his team did it in a fraction of the time.

Prior to becoming president of MLC, Tim was appointed as Governor John Engler's Campaign Manager to manage his 1998 re-election campaign, after having worked in the Governor's office as Director of External Affairs and Deputy Director of Public Affairs. Former positions also included stints in the Michigan House and Senate, Oakland County government and Senior Director of Government Affairs of the Michigan Credit Union League.

11-15 years

Melissa Gombosky is the principal lobbyist and owner of Gombosky Public Affairs. Melissa's bipartisan approach to advocacy before the Washington State Legislature and Office of the Governor has resulted in public policy improvements for her clients. In the 2020 legislative session Melissa lobbied on behalf of Microsoft to pass the first facial recognition policy in the United States. Her clients include Inland Empire Paper Company; Personal Care Products Council, The Washington State Dental Association, Association of American Publishers, Spokane, Central Valley, Evergreen, and Vancouver Public Schools, and Safelite Auto. Prior to her lobbying work, Melissa worked for the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America. She is a graduate of Whitworth University and former English teacher. She participated in the Governor appointed Rwanda delegation as part of the Woman in Democracy program. She also serves on the boards of the Boys and Girls Club and Olympia Education Foundation in Thurston County. Melissa and her husband live in Olympia and have two college age sons. She recently completed her Master Scuba Diver certification and is now working toward her first professional scuba credential.

20+ years

Results-oriented Professional Lobbyist with a proven track record for ethical standards, enhancing clients standing, consistent record of positive outcomes for client -- whether the mission is to pass or defeat legislation. Successful at year-round representation and first-rate communication with elected officials. Demonstrated ability to build and lead lobbying teams or work alone. Critical thinker and strategies designed to put the best information before elected officials in the best possible package

0-5 years

2019 30 Under 30 by AgGrad

With a focus on rural affairs, I work with numerous members of the legislature. I also engage regularly with the Department of Agriculture, Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and Department of Education.

Chief Operating Officer Caleb Wright's roots in Pennsylvania's agricultural community are deep, and accolades earned during his young career have marked him as a voice of rural Pennsylvania's new generation. Raised on a Huntingdon County farm that has borne his family's name for over a century, Caleb grew up as the grandson of the region's renowned veterinarian, Doc Kyper, with a family legacy of serving the rural community. Prior to joining Versant Strategies, he served as a PA State FFA Officer, was a National FFA Officer Candidate, and taught high school agriculture.

Caleb is a graduate of Penn State with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Extension Education. He was named as the College of Agricultural Science's inaugural Emerging Leader Candidate, working one-on-one with the College's Dean. Caleb investigated recruitment and retention of students in Agricultural Education as a Penn State research project. A skilled speaker, his energized commitment to rural education also earned him the Youth Agricultural Award presented by the Penn State Agriculture Council. Wright was elected to Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences Alumni Society Board and also serves on the Board of the PA FFA Foundation.

Along with managing day-to-day operations of the firm, Caleb actively lobbies and assists with organizational management.