Before joining Cornerstone, Frank Chiodo most recently served as Deputy Secretary of State under Iowa Secretary of State Michael Mauro. While with the Iowa Department of Economic Development, Frank worked closely with Governor Tom Vilsack and Lieutenant Governor Sally Pederson to secure passage of the Iowa Values Fund, the largest and most successful economic development program in state history.

Frank also worked on Senator Tom Harkin's 2002 Senate campaign, and in 1999-2000 helped Vice President Al Gore secure a victory in the Iowa Caucuses.

Frank served in the Iowa House of Representatives representing District 67 in Des Moines from 1997 through 2003. He was ranking member of the Commerce Committee and elected as the minority whip.

In 2017, Frank was recognized by the Iowa General Assembly as a Pioneer Lawmaker.

20+ years

Helped the New Jersey Staffing Alliance get recognized by their national organization as the number one state in the country as it pertains to government affairs and legislative advocacy. (2015)

Grew the New Jersey Associated Builders and Contractors apprenticeship training program thru legislation, they are now the biggest state chapter in the country vs the 68 other chapters nationwide.

Thru regulations and legislation helped secure and develop training and accreditation in ethics for the New Jersey Society of Professional Engineers.

I started as a legislative staff person in 1997 staffing various committees, Labor, Regulated professions, working on the Budget committee as well. Starting as staff person you understand the nuances of the legislative process. Taking an idea or a change in current law is common place. Currently working with Chairs of committees, introducing them to clients, explaining the change or new law we want to develop is a process we do on a regular basis, then moving forward on the concept to get it across the finish line.

Patrick Stewart worked in the state legislature for the Assembly Republican Majority office. During this time, he worked closely with legislators, forming policy, and helping educate assembly members on important issues. Stewart was responsible for staffing many assembly committees, including the budget, consumer affairs, regulated professions, and labor committees.

Patrick served as principal policy advisor to the Republican Majority Leadership and caucus on economic development, changing financial issues with the state budget and relaying needs from the business community.

Since 2001, Stewart has worked on a broad range of issues for his clients. Working with larger and smaller clients, he uses his working knowledge of the legislature, state departments, and the Governor's office to achieve the goal of the client.

He has developed a strong working knowledge of the insurance industry and labor arena, specifically dealing with workers compensation issues. Stewart handled other diverse clients in the pharmaceutical industry, manufacturing sector and temporary staffing industry.

Patrick is a 1996 graduate of Villanova University, where he earned his degree in political science.

6-10 years

Diana Carlen leads the firm's business and utility practice and has over 20 years of legal and legislative experience. Prior to joining Gordon Thomas Honeywell Governmental Affairs, Diana served as Leadership Counsel to the Senate Republican Caucus. In that role, she also served as the caucus attorney for the following policy issues: energy, natural resources, agriculture, land use, telecommunications and water issues. Prior to working for the Senate, Diana practiced law for several years focusing on land use and environmental issues and also served as a Law Clerk to Chief Justice Gerry Alexander of the Washington State Supreme Court. Diana represents several of the firm's business clients, public utilities, and port clients.

0-5 years

Insider NJ Rising Generations Power List

Insider NJ Top 100 Lobbyist List for 2024 & 2025

Prior to joining PSI, I served as a legislative aide and Chief of Staff to multiple New Jersey legislators, giving me a broad network of relationships with legislators and legislative staff across the state. I also served in the Governor's Administration, where I gained an in-depth understanding of the inner workings of state government and the most effective strategies for navigating an administration and advancing client priorities.

Samantha Bender joined Public Strategies Impact (PSI) in 2023. Before joining PSI, she served for two years as a Senior Legislative Aide in Governor Phil Murphy's administration, where she developed expertise in education, higher education, transportation, and criminal justice policy. In this role, she supported the administration's legislative agenda and helped advance key legislative initiatives. She also served as the Governor's Legislative Affairs liaison to a bipartisan delegation of South Jersey legislators.

Prior to her work in the Governor's Office, Bender served on the staffs of Senator Bob Andrzejczak, Assemblyman Bill Moen, and Assemblywoman Carol Murphy. Through these roles, she gained experience across a broad range of policy areas, including agriculture, tourism, and consumer protection, while developing a strong understanding of New Jersey's legislative process.

As a lifelong New Jersey resident, Bender grew up in Cape May and currently resides in Camden County. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Rider University in 2018.

Title - Managing Partner

Roger Bodman is widely respected for his depth of knowledge of state government and politics. He has served in gubernatorial cabinet posts, guided presidential campaigns in New Jersey, and appeared as a political commentator for NJTV, formerly New Jersey Network, for 4 decades.

Early in his career, Bodman served as district office manager for the late New Jersey Congresswoman Millicent Fenwick and as chief of staff for former New Jersey Congressman James Courter. In 1981, he was selected as manager of Tom Kean's campaign for governor. Following Governor Kean's victory, Bodman was named to two cabinet posts. As the State Commissioner of Labor, he implemented extensive legislative reforms of the unemployment insurance program. Later, as the State Commissioner of Transportation, he was the chief advisor to the governor on transportation matters. He also served as chairman of New Jersey Transit.

In 1987, Bodman was appointed by the governor to chair the Study Commission on Regulatory Efficiency, a role that earned him the Alliance for Action's Eagle Award. In 1988, he served as vice chairman of the New Jersey Bush for President committee.

A native of Bernardsville, New Jersey, Bodman graduated cum laude from Ohio University in 1974 with a degree in political science. Bodman was also a visiting professor at Rutgers University's Eagleton Institute of Politics.

Matt Hinch brings over a decade of experience in state and federal government and as a well-respected campaign and political strategist. Most recently, Matt served as chief of staff to Governor Terry Branstad and Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds, where he oversaw the day-to-day operations of the State of Iowa's executive branch and the Governor's office. In addition, he served as the chief policy and political advisor to the Governor leading successful legislative efforts to strengthen Iowa's infrastructure, improve workforce training and reduce student debt.

Prior to his role in the Governor's office, Hinch served as the senior vice president of government relations and public policy for the Greater Des Moines Partnership, Iowa's largest chamber of commerce representing 21 affiliate chambers throughout the State and 5,300 business members. While at the Partnership, Hinch developed the concept and spearheaded the successful passage of the Iowa Reinvestment Act, a creative funding strategy bringing $100 million in resources to spur development into Iowa communities. Hinch was also influential in building support for the largest property tax reduction for all classes of property in Iowa's history and the Governor's historic education reform initiative, which has been recognized nationally by education organizations and the U.S. Department of Education for its innovative Teacher Leadership and Compensation plan.

Previously, Hinch served as chief of staff to Iowa House Speaker Kraig Paulsen. As the top aide to Paulsen, Matt was instrumental in assisting the Speaker and the House Republican Caucus as they successfully worked to eliminate a $900 million budget shortfall.

Hinch also served as legislative director and campaign manager for Congressman Tom Latham. With Latham, Hinch managed the Congressman's legislative portfolio and his work on several House Appropriations subcommittees, assisting the Congressman in securing millions of dollars for his Iowa constituents. He also led two successful grassroots re-election efforts for Latham, including a 21-point victory in 2008.

Matt is involved in a variety of local community initiatives including the Every Student, Every Day, Dowling Catholic High School Annual Appeal. Matt is also an active member in the Iowa State Blue Ribbon Foundation, an organization that works to promote and enhance activities for Iowa youth at the world-renowned Iowa State Fair. Matt is a contributor to the University of Iowa Foundation and the University of Iowa Athletics Department.

Matt holds a B.A. in Communications, a minor in Political Science and a certificate in Entrepreneurship from the Henry Tippie College of Business, all at the University of Iowa. A native of Des Moines, Matt resides in West Des Moines with his wife and two children.

6-10 years

2023 Meadowlands Chamber of Commerce 50 Under 30 Honoree

2022 Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore Phenomenal Woman Under 40

2019 New Jersey Business and Industry Association Rising Star Award

Included on several power lists including:
ROI-NJ ROI Influencers Women in Business
ROI-NJ ROI Influencers People of Color
InsiderNJ's Rising Generations
InsiderNJ's Women's Power
InsiderNJ's 100 Millennials

Alexis Bailey joined Public Strategies Impact in 2023 after serving as Vice President of Government Affairs for the New Jersey Business and Industry Association (NJBIA). While at NJBIA, she covered labor and employment, workforce development and insurance issues impacting the state's business community. Prior to joining NJBIA, Alexis worked as a Legislative Research Associate for the Kaufman Zita Group and as a Government Affairs and Communications Consultant for the New Jersey Public Charter Schools Association.

In addition to lobbying at PSI, Alexis contributes to our association management practice by serving as Executive Director for the Association of NJ Recyclers, NJ Cable and Internet Association, NJ State Society of Anesthesiologists, and NJ American Society of Landscape Architects.

Alexis has been recognized as a leader in New Jersey, being named to ROI-NJ's ROI Influencers: Women in Business, ROI Influencers: People of Color, InsiderNJ's Rising Generations, InsiderNJ's Women's Power, and InsiderNJ's 100 Millennials lists. Alexis was recognized as a 50 Under 30 Honoree by the Meadowland's Chamber of Commerce in 2023. She was also honored as a Phenomenal Woman Under 40 by the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore in 2022 and was named a Rising Star Award recipient by NJBIA in 2019. She graduated with summa cum laude honors from Rider University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.

Alexis is involved in her community as a Member-At-Large of the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore's Board of Directors and a Board Member for the Women's Political Caucus of New Jersey. She served as a faculty in residence for the Center for American Women and Politics' NEW Leadership program in 2026. She previously served on the Toms River Zoning Board of Adjustments.

0-5 years

Jake bring more than ten years of experience working directly in the Iowa legislature. He most recently served as Chief of Staff to the last three House minority leaders. In this role, he was responsible for managing legislative agendas, coordinating caucus operations, and serving as a trusted advisor on political and policy strategy.

Before his tenure in legislative leadership, Jake served as Executive Officer to the State Treasurer, and worked on political campaigns throughout the state of Iowa. Throughout his career, he has built a reputation for thoughtful leadership, strong working relationships across the aisle, and a deep understanding of Iowa's political landscape.

Jake is a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa and earned his Master of Public Administration degree from Drake University.

15-20 years

J.L. Wilson comes with a 16-year history in public affairs and lobbying as past Executive Director of NFIB/Oregon and past Senior Vice President of Government Affairs at Associated Oregon Industries. Wilson has been a full-time lobbyist representing primarily business interests since 2000. Prior to that, he served as Legislative Director for two Speakers of the Oregon House.

15-20 years

Joshua Hodes, Partner, has more than 15 years' experience representing various clients before the legislative and executive branches of New Jersey Government. During his career, Josh has represented a diverse client base ranging from Fortune 100 companies to New Jersey based nonprofits. At Public Strategies Impact, he is responsible for a broad range of issues, including education, energy, healthcare, and redevelopment work. Josh prides himself on his strong relationships with his clients, which enables him to become the most effective advocate on their behalf.

Previously, Josh served as Chief of Staff to the Assembly Majority Leader and as senior staff member of the Assembly Majority Office, advising the Assembly Democratic Caucus on public policy initiatives. As a former legislative staffer, Josh brings his experiences and knowledge of the statehouse to his daily advocacy work. Prior to joining the Assembly Majority Office, Josh served as an associate in government relations at Public Strategies Impact.

Josh is active in local, state, and national politics. In 2008, he served as a political advisor to the Hillary Clinton for President Campaign in New Jersey and was a member of the NJ Delegation at the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado. Josh also served on the New Jersey Democratic State Committee's Committee on Vacancies, which was responsible for selecting the New Jersey Electoral College members.

In 2016, Josh served as a member of the National Rules Committee for the Democratic National Committee in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Josh has served as a gubernatorial appointment to the New Jersey Educational Facilities Authority since 2010. He currently serves as Chairman for the Authority.

Josh received his bachelor's degree from Rutgers College and a Master's in Labor and Employment Relations from Rutgers University.

6-10 years

Paige joined the firm's Iowa office after serving as an attorney at BrownWinick Law Firm for nearly two years.

Prior to joining BrownWinick, she served as the deputy chief of staff for Governor Kim Reynolds (R-IA). In that role, Paige oversaw the development of the Governor's policy agenda and successfully led efforts to enact the Governor's proposals to expand and fund mental health services, build broadband infrastructure, remove workforce barriers and expand educational opportunities. She also advised the Governor on the development of the state's $8.4 billion general fund budget and provided counsel on some of Iowa's most significant challenges in recent years, including the pandemic, civil unrest and a derecho. Before her time as deputy chief of staff, Paige worked as a policy advisor for Gov. Reynolds, focusing on health care and serving as the liaison to agencies, including the Departments of Human Services and Public Health and the Iowa Insurance Division.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Iowa State University and her Juris Doctorate degree and Health Law Certificate from Drake University Law School. She was admitted to the Iowa Bar in April 2011.

20+ years

As a top democratic strategist, William Maer is a well-respected lobbyist with a career spanning more than 30 years. He was appointed to Governor Sherrill's Interdisciplinary Advisory Task Force to advise the incoming Administration on State related polices. He served in several government positions, including aide to former Governor James Florio, chief of staff to the late Congressman William J. Pascrell, Jr., associate executive director of the Assembly Democratic Legislative Leadership Office, and senior advisor to Governor Jon S. Corzine and 2009 campaign. Maer was a leading Democratic political consultant, having worked on dozens of campaigns at virtually every level of New Jersey politics. Currently, Maer serves as chief spokesman for the Passaic County Sheriff and serves on the Democratic Governors Association National Finance Committee.

Appointed by three governors, Maer served on the New Jersey Building Authority, the Brookdale Community College Board of Trustees, and the Governor's Council to Prevent Disabilities. He also served o the Democratic National Committee (DNC) member of the credential committee for the 2016 Democratic National Committee Convention.

Maer received his bachelor's degree in government from Clark University in Massachusetts, and in 1990, he was granted a master's degree in political science from Villanova University. In the last two decades, he has appeared on every top power list, including:
PolitickerNJ's Power List
InsiderNJ Power List
New Jersey Globe Power List
NJ Cannabis Media's Cannabis Policy Insiders and the 2026 ROI NJ Government Affairs Influencers Power List.

11-15 years

David Adelman joined Cornerstone Government Affairs in 2010, bringing over 10 years of substantial experience in grassroots advocacy, developing and implementing strategic legislative campaigns, drafting and analyzing legislative language and reports and establishing, administering and advising political action committees.

Before joining Cornerstone, David worked for a law firm in West Des Moines where his practice focused on government relations, legislative law, PAC compliance and strategic advising, and election law. David continues to secure millions of dollars for clients through appropriation language, enables clients to secure major policy changes in a variety of issue areas and helps defeat language that would have been detrimental to clients' interests.

Prior to his role at the law firm, David worked with the Department of Justice, in the Iowa Attorney's General Office and clerked in the State Senate.

David worked in Washington, D.C. at the Democratic National Committee where he helped to design the voter protection program in 2004 and returned to Des Moines where he assisted in the establishment of the legal protection network for the Iowa Democratic Party. David served two terms on the Iowa Democratic State Central Committee; the Board of Directors for the Democratic Party.

Raised in Des Moines, David earned a B.S. in Marketing and Business Legal Studies from Miami University, and a certificate in International Business studying in London, England. He received his law degree with a Legislative Practice Certificate from Drake University Law School.

David and his wife, Liz, reside in Des Moines where they are active in the community and have three sons, Michael, Benjamin and Sam.

6-10 years

Track Record of Success
Ms. Jones consistently delivers results for clients passing legislation and seeking funding in each of the three budgets. Through her work during the last seven legislative sessions, Ms. Jones has served in both lead and supporting roles to pass and defeat legislation. Outlined below are just a few of her public policy achievements from the last two biennia:

* Passed legislation to authorize the extension of wastewater services beyond the urban growth boundary for partnerships between cities and tribes.
* Passed legislation to require repeat speeding offenders to participate in a program to stop dangerous, habitual speeding.
* Passed legislation to authorize transit agencies to produce, use and sell to the public green electrolytic hydrogen.
* Amended legislation to hold bus operators harmless for firearms enforcement on buses.
* Successfully amended legislation considered harmful to health care clients.
* Passed legislation to strengthen the workforce and education pipeline for certified registered nurse anesthetists.
* Passed legislation to strengthen communication between public employers and the Paid Family & Medical Leave program.
* Developed multiple coalitions comprised of public, private, non-profit and individual advocates to support state legislation.

Below are her most recent budgetary achievements over 2024 and 2025 legislative sessions, where she served as the lead lobbyist:
* $2 million in capital budget funding for a health sciences building at Pacific Lutheran University (PLU, 2025 session).
* $400,000 in capital budget funding for La Center's downtown expansion (La Center, 2025 session).
* $500,000 in capital budget funding for transit-oriented, workforce housing in Lynden, WA (Whatcom Transportation Authority, 2025 session).
* $1.3 million in transportation budget funding for transit signal prioritization (Pierce Transit, 2024 session).
* $1 million in transportation budget funding for the Pacific Highway Shared Use Path (City of La Center, 2024 session).
* $250,000 in capital budget funding for community center upgrades (City of La Center, 2024 session).

Hanna has established relationships with legislative leadership, key policy staff within Governor Ferguson's office, and committee chairs across the Washington State Legislature. She has established relationships with legislative leadership, key policy staff within Governor Ferguson's office, and committee chairs across the Washington State Legislature. She also regularly interacts with - and maintains strong working relationships with - staff at the Department of Revenue, Health Care Authority, Department of Health, Department of Ecology, Department of Transportation, and the Washington State Transportation Commission.

Hanna Jones has nearly a decade of experience as a state lobbyist, representing clients to the Washington State Legislature, Governor's Office and executive agencies. She is registered as a lobbyist with the PDC. Ms. Jones represents clients with a wide range of issues, including water, local government, health care, higher education, technology and budget appropriations. This background means she has relationships with many legislators and with both partisan and non-partisan staff. Throughout her tenure at the firm, Ms. Jones has represented numerous public, private and non-profit clients, including associations. This means that she is adept at meeting client needs regardless of the organizational structure and is accustomed to providing varying levels of service depending on the needs of the client.

Ms. Jones has demonstrated a successful track record in assisting firm clients with development and execution of legislative strategy at each step in the process, including, but not limited to stakeholder outreach, policy research, legislative agenda development, and execution of legislative strategy during each session. Evidence of Ms. Jones' diligent approach to lobbying is exemplified through successfully securing millions in legislative budget appropriations for her clients, and in executing creative public policy solutions to achieve client objectives.

Ms. Jones holds a master's degree in public administration from Seattle University, a bachelor's degree in political science from Gonzaga University, and resides in Seattle with her husband.

Sara Allen joined Cornerstone in September 2016. Sara brings over five years of healthcare experience, as well as years spent lobbying, developing and executing policy positions, engaging grassroots advocates, and assisting with political action committee campaigns and endorsements. Sara assists clients throughout the legislative and rule-making process, focusing on health care and state government concerns.

Most recently, Sara worked as a state lobbyist and staff attorney working for the Iowa Hospital Association, representing all 118 Iowa hospitals at the statehouse and various administrative agencies. In this position, Sara gained expertise in a variety of areas impacting hospitals and other health care providers; these areas include financing and reimbursement, behavioral health, value-based healthcare delivery reform models, informational technology innovation, regulatory and legal compliance, scope of practice concerns for specific providers, public body concerns, and public health initiatives.

Before her position at the Iowa Hospital Association, Sara worked for a physician staffing company as associate corporate counsel. In that role, she was responsible for maintaining the corporation's business compliance, contract drafting and enforcement, and managing the human resources function.

Sara received her juris doctorate from Drake University in December 2010 and was admitted to the Iowa Bar in April 2011. Prior to Drake, Sara received her Business Administration degree from Grand View University. In addition to her formal education, Sara received her private pilot's license in 2005 and enjoys recreational flying.

Sara lives in Des Moines with her husband Colby and her three young children, Briar, Blake, and Boone.

20+ years

Tracie DeSarno, senior partner, has more than 3 decades of experience representing hospitals, major corporations, nonprofit groups, and associations, and municipal, county and state government in Trenton and Washington. At Public Strategies Impact, she is responsible for a broad range of issues, including healthcare, financial services, telecommunications, and entertainment. Throughout her career, she has successfully represented clients on major legislative initiatives and budget deliberations.

Ms. DeSarno has been with PSI for more than 30 years. She came to the firm from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, where she served as government affairs assistant to the president of New Jersey's premier technology university. Previously, she had served as Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for Essex County, gaining invaluable experience in government operations from the municipal to federal level.

During her tenure with Essex County, she was the County Executive's liaison to the State Legislature, state agencies and the 22 municipalities in the county. She was responsible for legislative initiatives at the state and federal level, and assisted in grant procurement and state budget analysis, successfully directing additional state funding to the county.

Ms. DeSarno is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Douglass College, Rutgers University, and holds a bachelor's degree in political science and sociology. She has served as an elected member of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee, and as a member of the Union County College Board of Governors. She also served for years as a PTA president and executive board member in Union Township.

In 2008, the New Jersey Hemophilia Association recognized Ms. DeSarno as the recipient of its Congressman Dean A. Gallo Memorial Award for Distinguished Legislative Leadership.

15-20 years

Christopher serves on the board of directors of the Republican State Leadership Committee and is an active participant in the RLCC.

0-5 years

Successful design and implementation of a modernized tax processing system for New Jersey.

Established partnerships with vendor community for handling and preparing 1.6 million paper
tax returns.

Developed a modernized data entry platform for tax and remittance processing.

Created a full disaster recovery and business continuity system for Treasury operations.

Deployed a fully functional e-procurement system for New Jersey.

Contracted the State's institutional footprint saving millions of dollars annually.

Maintain professional relationships with critical policymakers and operational staff in various State departments such as Treasury, Human Services and the Office of Information Technology.

Christopher Trappe served in New Jersey State government for 34 years. Starting as a writer in Governor Tom Kean's Office of Constituent Relations, he moved on to run the New Jersey General Assembly's 34th Legislative District Office for seven years and later moved to the Department of the Treasury. Trappe's Treasury service includes a decade as Chief of Staff at the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services, a seven-year stretch as head of the Division of Taxation's Management Services and six years as Program Manager for the Division of Purchase and Property's NJSTART procurement system

Trappe has developed an expertise in technology systems and procurement. While at Treasury, he played a key role in the modernization of the State's tax and remittance processing systems, infrastructure modernization, network upgrade and desktop support efficiency efforts. Trappe also shepherded the full activation of the State's e-procurement system, in use by all state agencies.

Additionally, Trappe was responsible for managing the Statewide debt collection program known as SOIL and the Statewide Motor Vehicle Surcharge program.

A graduate of Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History, Trappe was inducted into Phi Alpha Theta National Honor Society for History and earned distinction completing the Henry Rutgers Honors program.

20+ years

Served eight years as an officer in the United States Army Reserves, Judge Advocate General's Corps, earning the rank of Captain.

Justin currently serves on the board of the Iowa Taxpayers Association. Formerly served on Board of Adjustment for City of Johnston.

As CEO of PolicyWorks, Justin Hupfer is responsible for the firm's overall business operations and achievement of client objectives, while also serving as a full-time lobbyist during the legislative session. He previously served as Vice President of Government Affairs for the Iowa Credit Union League (ICUL), overseeing its federal and state government affairs activities and political action fundraising. Prior to that, he worked on the Republican caucus staff in the Iowa House, staffing the House Commerce and Economic Development Committees. Justin received his law degree with honors from Drake University Law School and graduated from Grinnell College in Iowa. He also served eight years as an officer in the United States Army Reserves, Judge Advocate General's Corps, earning the rank of Captain. Justin currently serves on the board of the Iowa Taxpayers Association.

20+ years

TOM MCBRIDE has advocated for groups and organizations that depend on fair and reasonable treatment under the law for more than 20 years. He has developed a reputation as an effective lobbyist, founded on high ethical standards, aggressive advocacy and personal authenticity.

Tom began his career as a private practice attorney representing commercial and financial interests, with a focus on commercial litigation and bankruptcy law. He went on to serve as government affairs director for fiscal and transportation issues on behalf of the Association of Washington Business, Washington state's chamber of commerce. He then directed the government relations program for the West division of the McDonald's Corporation.

Tom also has firsthand experience working within Washington state government. As director of intergovernmental affairs for the Washington State Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development, he oversaw regulatory and legislative interests in energy, economic development, housing, international trade and growth management.

In 2008, he founded McBride Public Affairs, to advocate for clients on legislative and regulatory matters in Washington state.

A 1994 graduate of Gonzaga University School of Law, Tom holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science from Whitman College. He and his family make their home in Olympia.

20+ years

Matthew Halpin joined Public Strategies Impact in 2001 after serving as manager of government relations for the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce. There, Matt was responsible for issue areas that included economic development, international trade, and corporate taxation. Coming from a large association, Mr. Halpin brings management skills as the head of the firm's association management division.

Matt's lobbying efforts at PSI span a variety of business issues for corporate clients and several trade associations. He is well known for his ability to handle complex issues and to deftly strategize on behalf of his clients. Matt brings a unique set of skills that allow him to not only be his client's eyes and ears in the Capital, but he also prides himself on being well-versed in the intricacies of his clients' interests so as to be an effective advocate.

Beyond traditional lobbying, Matt has also enjoyed participating on corporate teams to help manage the public affairs components of the overall project. Additionally, Matt contributes to our association management practice by serving as Executive Director for the NJ Society of Municipal Engineers, the American Institute of Architects of NJ, and the NJ Academy of Ophthalmology. Further, he has successfully completed numerous strategic planning sessions for both our corporate and association clients.

Mr. Halpin received a Master's in Business Administration (MBA) from the Rutgers Business School with a concentration in Finance. He also has a bachelor's degree in political science and economics from Rutgers College and is an associate of the Eagleton Institute of Politics.

20+ years

Joseph DeSanctis, Partner, has extensive knowledge of the legislative and executive branches stemming from more than 30 years of advocacy on behalf of a diverse client base. He has advocated for clients in industries ranging from major corporations and government entities to trade organizations and professional associations. He has specialized knowledge in the areas of transportation, energy, and water systems, as well as environmental issues.

Mr. DeSanctis is considered an expert in project siting and has also represented many clients at the local level on various projects. These include commercial and residential developments, the siting of natural gas pipelines, and other energy-related projects throughout the State. Mr. DeSanctis has helped clients in developing a community relations plan, establishing contacts with key officials and stakeholders, and providing grassroots support. He has assisted in timely acquisition of State and local permits, along with coordinating other results-oriented solutions across various state agencies.

Mr. DeSanctis has served as Manager of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs for the New Jersey Society of Professional Engineers; on whose behalf he worked on legislative and regulatory issues and other matters affecting the engineering community's permitting process and also served as the Executive Director of the New Jersey Society of Municipal Engineers.

Mr. DeSanctis holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science & Public Administration from Trenton State College.

11-15 years

As the Director of Government Affairs, Catherine is NJ REALTORS chief lobbyist in Trenton, overseeing all aspects of the association's legislative and advocacy efforts. Prior to joining NJ REALTORS, Catherine served in the offices of several members of the New Jersey congressional delegation, most recently as District Director for U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer. A lifelong resident of New Jersey, Catherine lives in Metuchen with her husband and two children.

6-10 years

Justen Rainey is a full time lobbyist and political strategist for Public Affairs Counsel. Prior to joining Public Affairs Counsel in 2012, Justen served as the Legislative Director for Oregon House of Representatives Co-Speaker Bruce Hanna. Justen held a similar legislative position with the Oregon Senate Republican office. Rainey began his professional career in 2001, where he spent 7 years as an aide to U.S. Congressman Greg Walden in his Washington D.C. office and Bend office.