0-5 years

Leadership Iowa Graduate

Nick is an experienced government relations, public affairs, and public relations professional with a successful history of executing lobbying and issue campaigns. He began his journey in the political arena at a young age and has had the opportunity to work a number of political campaigns at the local, state, congressional, and even presidential level.

Nick's career has included leading extensive public affairs issue campaigns, communications and public relations efforts, and marketing campaigns across the Midwest and country influencing state and federal policymakers and garnering media attention. He also spent a couple of sessions being fully immersed in the legislative process while working for a committee chairman in the Iowa House.

These diverse experiences have all culminated in Nick's successful ability to execute strategic plans to introduce, pass, block, or amend legislation at the Iowa Statehouse for clients and build strong relationships with lawmakers and stakeholders. From legislative agenda development and interim planning to PAC management and issue campaigns, Nick specializes in elevating a client's message and executing legislative strategies. Nick also leads Advocacy Strategies' administrative rulemaking engagement and media relations efforts on behalf of our clients.

Nick grew up in Byron, MN and made his way to Iowa through Simpson College's John C. Culver Public Policy Center where he was selected as a Fellow. He graduated Simpson with the highest academic honor with majors in Political Science and International Relations and a minor in Religious Studies and also received his Master's Degree in Public Policy and a Graduate Certificate in Public Administration from the University of Northern Iowa.

Outside of work, Nick is actively involved in his church community, local political activism, the Simpson College Alumni Association Board, and serves as the President of the John C. Culver Public Policy Center Alumni Association. He graduated from Leadership Iowa, the state's premier professional leadership development program, in June of 2022.

20+ years

Former Chief of Staff for the MS Department of Insurance Campaign Manager for Attorney General, Lynn Fitch Finance Director Commissioner of Insurance, Mike Chaney Campaign

Sandy S. Ray is a registered lobbyist and government relations professional with nearly 25 years of experience navigating Mississippi's legislative and regulatory landscape. She is founder and CEO of Southern Consulting Associates, Inc., a firm she established in 2004 to provide strategic advocacy and policy guidance for clients across a wide range of industries. Known for her strong relationships with legislators, state agencies and key stakeholders, Mrs. Ray represents clients on a broad spectrum of legislative and regulatory matters before state government. Her work has included issues such as insurance, economic development, state bond acquisition, agency operations, and other complex governmental maters, as well as policy areas including agriculture, banking, retail, judiciary, and taxation. She is known for her deep understanding of state government and for helping clients align immediate legislative priorities with long-term policy strategy through thoughtful, results-driven advocacy. Mrs. Ray previously served for 12 years as Chief of Staff at the Mississippi Department of Insurance, where she worked closely with policymakers, regulators and industry leaders to advance legislative and regulatory initiatives. A native of Cleveland, Mississippi, she has also held leadership roles in nonprofit and public service organizations and has been recognized among Mississippi's leading government relations professionals, including being named an MS Top 50 (lobbying category) honoree in 2020 and 2022.

20+ years

City Council Member, Windsor Heights

Leadership Iowa

Licensed Foster Parent

As President and CEO of Advocacy Strategies, Threase is responsible for the firm's overall business operations and strategy for delivering results. She has been serving clients before the Iowa Legislature for nearly 30 years. This experience has provided her with intimate knowledge of the legislative process and long-standing solid relationships with policymakers, staff, and key opinion leaders across the state. This allows her to tailor a strategy to meet the individual needs of our clients that deliver the best value to you. Advocacy Strategies' clients realize results when working with our team whether with a controversial legislative issue, securing and maintaining state appropriations, or working to find compromise to move issues forward.

In addition to lobbying, Threase has spent more than two decades developing and implementing successful public affairs and grassroots campaigns of all sizes from national campaigns across the country to smaller campaigns in Iowa communities. Her wealth of expertise in this area affords Advocacy Strategies a strong network of relationships with legislative and community leaders and a unique skill set in developing successful and innovative strategies to achieve policy goals that few firms can offer.

Threase started her lobbying career at the University of Northern Iowa as a student, then went on to work in the Iowa Senate on education issues before her employment with the American Cancer Society. From there, she took the position of Director of the Tobacco Use Prevention and Control division within the Iowa Department of Public Health, giving her the opportunity to use her passion to protect families from the hardships of illness and death from tobacco use. With multiple successes in the non-profit sector, Pfizer recruited her to be part of the Worldwide Alliance Development team. She has been an independent government relations contractor for 20 years helping organizations of all types and sizes.

Threase earned a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Iowa State University but remains loyal to her undergraduate alma mater the University of Northern Iowa where she received her Bachelor's Degree in Communication Studies while serving as Student Body President. She also serves as an elected member of the Windsor Heights City Council and on many advisory committees and community organizations.

Threase and her husband, Rick live in Windsor Heights. They have four children and are avid cyclists and licensed foster parents.

20+ years

JoLee Gudmundson has been providing governmental relations for over 20 years in South Carolina and has represented major business and association interests before the SC General Assembly, SC Congressional Delegation and state agency regulatory bodies.

Founded in 1998, Gudmundson Consulting is a bipartisan firm that represents a range of lobbying, monitoring, and public policy issues. Her expertise includes, healthcare, judicial, criminal law, banking and finance as well as non-profit, business and corporate interests.

She is experienced in facilitating industry working groups and maintaining good relationships with allied organizations and state licensing agencies. She is a frequent speaker providing continuing education credits for her clients as well as other nonprofit organizations.

JoLee has a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication and Journalism from Winthrop University.

As an active volunteer within her community and South Carolina, JoLee serves on several committees and boards, including the State Advisory Board for the South Carolina Small Business Development Center and the Board of Trustees for a leading Independent School in the Southeast.

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.

Paula A. Clarke, Esq. served as Legal Counsel to the House Republican caucus prior to joining Gaffney, Bennett and Associates and the Law Offices of Jay F. Malcynsky, P.C. In 1999, in her capacity as Legal Counsel, Paula developed critical skills in the drafting and screening of proposed legislation. Given her extensive experience working at the State Capitol and with state agencies, Paula is primarily responsible for legislative and administrative lobbying, and provides service to our clients in the areas of law, economic development, and regulatory matters.

6-10 years

Recently was a part of a successful lobbying effort in 2019 to pass into law a major energy transition legislation for renewable energy development across the state that's become one of the top national models, also helped pass updated oil and gas industry laws, successfully passed Scope of Practice legislation in 2017 for a healthcare client (which is no easy task in NM), assisted a racing-industry client in strengthening regulations regarding illegal drug use and tax protections.

I have good professional relationships with several house and senate committees, committee chairs and legislative leadership, Governor's office, Environment Department and Energy and Natural Resources Agencies, NM Racing Commission

I was born and reared in Albuquerque, New Mexico and received my college education at the University of New Mexico. My father was a State Representative in the 70's and was a lobbyist for 37 years until his retirement in 2016, so New Mexico politics has been a big part of my family for a long time. My father started bringing me and my brother to the capitol when we were toddlers where I got to watch him in action and learn how things work at the legislature; and more importantly, how to talk and connect with people. Through many years of following my dad around the capitol and traveling with him around the state for work, I was able to receive a comprehensive, but also intimate education in politics, legislative affairs and the unique inner-workings of the political environment of New Mexico. This experience prepared me to be able to work effectively in the family business for the last few years of my dads career and
successfully carry on the business when he retired in 2016. I've also been successful in obtaining my own clients and working on a variety of important issues in the state ranging from healthcare to energy policy. I'm proud to have a solid reputation as an effective and trustworthy lobbyist and I enjoy advocating for my clients and helping them reach their legislative and regulatory goals.

15-20 years

Angie is a government relations professional with over 15 years of experience in Harrisburg. During her tenure as Senior Associate for McNees-Winter Group LLC her duties include interaction with legislative and administrative officials in areas such as health care policy, economic development and tax policies, transportation issues, and procurement. Angie monitors regulatory developments, state contracts, and other state programs and communicates these items to clients on a regular basis. Angie represents clients across a wide spectrum of industries and excels at understanding their unique challenges. She participates in numerous coalitions on behalf of clients.

For seven years Angie was also the Managing Director of the Pennsylvania Association of Nurse Anesthetists. During her time spent there the association improved efficiencies and doubled attendance at annual conferences. She handled large and small scale event planning, coordinated annual elections, oversaw various committee functions, supported executive officers in their monthly activities, and handled day-to-day inquiries from association members.

Angie currently resides in Camp Hill, PA with her husband, Jim, and their two children.

11-15 years

In 2013, she was chosen to serve on Governor Terence R. McAuliffe's Technology Transition Team, and in 2017 was chosen to serve on Governor Ralph Northam's Commerce and Trade, Energy Workgroup. In 2018, she was a recipient of the Women in Business Award within the Hampton Roads region.

Principle Advantage has built a reputation with colleagues, elected officials, and agencies heads on both sides of the aisle in the business and the state and local government space. We have a vast database of relationships built in the state legislature, executive levels, state agency heads, local government and influencers throughout the state. merge In the high stakes, ever-changing government relations environment, we understand that relationships will get you in the right door, but you need a partner with you that is prepared with a persuasive message powered by facts and sound policy.

We match our reputation and relationships with solid messaging, legislative knowledge, and a vast network of relationships to deliver results for you.

Angie Bezik started her political and public relations career as the Legislative Director for a member of the Virginia House of Delegates. After seven years, she was recruited by a prominent Richmond-based lobbying firm to run its Hampton Roads office. Combining her desire to own her firm with what she saw as a need for more boutique firms in Richmond, Angie founded Principle Advantage Government Relations Group. Angie develops and implements successful strategies for legislation, budget items, and project coordination with an array of clients at the state and local level. She has successfully served clients within the alternative/renewable energy, health, technology, and transportation sectors. She also represents local government and quasi-governmental authorities. Additionally, she works with businesses and organizations to develop strategic plans to enhance their profiles, missions, and branding by making introductions to appropriate businesses, government officials and staff, community leaders, and organizations.Throughout her career, Angie has established solid relationships with local, state, and federal representatives, departments and agencies, and business leaders.

20+ years

Current member of the Dean's Advisory Council for the La State University School of Veterinary Medicine

Member of Council for a Better Louisiana (CABL) - A Non-Paritsan Policy Group

Sigma Nu Alumni Association

Former Member-Governor's DWI Task Force

Eric M. Sunstrom has had a distinguished career communicating complex issues to public officials; first as an in-house government affairs executive and most recently as the head of a successful lobbying firm. Eric's career began in local lobbying as the first ever director of governmental affairs for the St. Tammany Home Builders Association. From there he was hired as the Louisiana Restaurant Association's VP of government affairs.

His experience in the halls of the legislature made for an easy transition to contract lobbying and public relations. Eric launched The Chesapeake Group in 2004 bringing his expertise to a wider range of clients, designing and implementing programs to promote legislative and regulatory initiatives on their behalf. Since that time he has advocated issues from industry-supported fee increases, tax cuts and pro-business legislation. Currently, Eric serves as President of The Chesapeake Group, coordinating the legislative agenda for a number of clients. Mr. Sunstrom was recently appointed to the LSU School of Vetinary Medicine Dean's Advisory Council. He is a former member of the Governor's DWI Task Force, and the Hunting and Fishing Advisory Education Council.

Eric is a native of Baltimore, Md and attended Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, La where he received a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science. He resides in Baton Rouge with his wife Meg and their Doberman, Copper.

11-15 years

Natalie conducts client and legislative research and has become skilled at monitoring and communicating the actions of the PA General Assembly to clients. In addition to client communications on legislation, Natalie monitors the budget hearing process for clients; pinpointing pertinent information and relaying it in a timely manner. Natalie regularly interacts with legislative staff and administrative officials on client issues and has planned and executed advocacy days for multiple clients. She has also attended state board meetings on behalf of clients and monitors regulatory activity -- working to guide clients through regulatory process.