20+ years

represented care providers before state regulatory agencies & legislative committees
advised a Fortune 500 insurance company on how to maintain balanced statutory and regulatory treatment to assure similar treatment in other jurisdictions
represented a federally recognized native American tribe on economic development initiatives
represented a major telecommunications provider before state regulatory agencies and legislative committees
led ballot question committee counsel and strategy development culminating in a ballot question to repeal new tax on alcohol
secured tens of millions for distressed hospitals
successfully secured consumer discount legislation

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
Director of Public Affairs, Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce
Massachusetts Director of Government Relations, National Federation of Independent Business
Private practice attorney

EDUCATION
Suffolk University Law School, J.D., 1983
Holy Cross College, B.A., 1978

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.

MICHELLE MCGEE focuses her practice on government affairs representation before government bodies at the local, state and federal levels. She has extensive experience representing clients' interests before both the Massachusetts and Connecticut legislative and executive branches of government. Formerly, Michelle worked at New England Electric System (now National Grid) where she developed and implemented comprehensive legislative and external strategies to achieve New England Electric's public policy initiatives in both Massachusetts and Connecticut. Prior to establishing Kearney, Donovan & McGee, LLC, Ms. McGee was a member of the government affairs practice group at Choate, Hall & Stewart.

20+ years

In 2017, Governor-elect Phil Murphy selected Eric to serve on the Human Services Committee for his transition team. During that same year, he was nominated by Kentucky State Senator Jimmy Higdon and commissioned by Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin to become a Kentucky Colonel.

In 2004, Eric was nominated by New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey to serve on the South Jersey Port Corporation's Board of Directors, which is responsible for the development of port facilities in South New Jersey. Eric was reappointed in 2008 by Governor Corzine and again in 2017 by Governor Chris Christie.

In 2018, Eric was appointed to the Advisory Board of the Burbank International Film Festival.

Eric is also a founding member of the Board of Directors for the NYC Fashion Manufactures Alliance of Design Educators and Save the Garment Center in New York City; a position he's held since 2008.

In 2007, Eric was selected by the American Council of Young Political Leaders, a bi-partisan not-for-profit international exchange organization, as a delegate to Vietnam for a two-week political exchange program. Eric joined six other young political leaders from the U.S. to study Vietnam's political system, engage in dialogue on international issues, and forge professional relationships. He's also participated in international trade missions, including trips to the Netherlands, China and the United Arab Emirates.

Eric was appointed in 2007 by New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine to serve as a member of the Economic Growth Council to assist with statewide economic development policies.

Eric is a former Committee Chairman for the Mercer County College Board of Trustees Advisory Committee and a former member of the Board of Trustees for the Arts & Business Partnership of Southern New Jersey. He's served on the boards of the Mercer County Workforce Investment Board, the Mercer County Economic Development Committee and Junior Achievement. Eric was appointed by Assembly Majority Leader Paul DiGaetano in 2002 to the New Jersey Council of Local Mandates and served as Vice Chairman until 2004.

Regularly engaged in the highest-level budget and policy negotiations from within the innermost circles of Massachusetts state government

Worked closely with then-Chairman DeLeo to pass four state budgets, multiple bond bills and major pieces of legislation including health care reform and clean energy initiatives.

Responsible for shaping the House legislative agenda, overseeing its execution and strategically advising the Speaker through high-stakes negotiations

Works closely with all parties including the Senate President and Governor, majority and minority legislative leadership, chairs and cabinet officials.

Policy Advisor at Preti Strategies

Chief of Staff and Chief Policy Advisor to Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives.

Chief of Staff and Press Secretary to House Committee on Ways and Means

Chief of Staff and Press Secretary to House Committee on Bills in the Third Reading

Education:

Suffolk Law School
Hamilton College
Belmont Hill
The Fessenden School

DENNIS J. KEARNEY concentrates his practice in government. He provides legal, legislative and strategic services to clients affected by local, state or federal government policy, legislation or regulation. Dennis formerly served in local, state and county government including 12 years in elected office as a member of the Massachusetts Legislature and as Sheriff of Suffolk County. Prior to forming Kearney, Donovan & McGee, LLC in 2003, Mr. Kearney managed the government practice group at Choate, Hall & Stewart, and served as President of Kearney & Gleason, P.C.

20+ years

6-10 years

Dianne began her career at the Massachusetts State House alongside freshman State Representative Marty Walsh, now former Secretary of the US Department of Labor. From there, she led public policy and intergovernmental relations for Massachusetts public safety and public health agencies. In those roles, she secured major funding for operations and capital improvements, and policies to improve services to the Commonwealth's most vulnerable residents. Shortly after Walsh became Mayor in 2014, she helped him build out Boston's first-ever Economic Development cabinet.Her experience includes public policy, legislative, and regulatory work for legislative, executive, and independent state agencies, municipal government, political campaigns, and private consulting. Dianne specializes in public safety, construction trades issues, the cannabis industry, and public health.

20+ years

represented a major retailer for relief from outdated pricing statute
represented major manufacturers on product liability legislation
steered passage of Massachusetts Gaming Control Statute
negotiated settlement in lieu of ballot question on teacher evaluation
intervened on legislation for private non-profit consumer finance counseling agency
achieved passage of legislation providing statutory recognition for professional behavioral health counselors association
defeated attempts to expand medical scope of services to non-medical professionals

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
Issues Management Group, Counsel 1992-2013
Massachusetts House of Representatives 1984-1992
Joint Legislative Committee on Government Regulations, Research Director 1989-1992, Research Staff, 1987-1989, Legislative Aide 1984-1987

EDUCATION
Suffolk University Law School, J.D. 1993
Suffolk University, B.S. 1988

Member, Governor's Commission on Intellectual Disability
Board Member, Special Education Parents Advisory Committee
American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL)
New England Council
House Chiefs of Staff Association (organization of former U.S. House chiefs of staff)
Republicans Associated for Mutual Support (organization of current and former Republican chiefs of staff, agency heads and staff directors)
302(b)s (organization of former Professional Appropriations Committee staff)

Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Carnevale was chief of staff to a Northwest Member of Congress who served on the House Appropriations Committee. She managed all aspects of the office and was the Congressman's top advisor for all political and policy matters. Prior to becoming chief of staff, Ms. Carnevale served as legislative director and legislative assistant in the same Congressional office. In this capacity, she was responsible for a wide range of issues, including appropriations, natural resources, energy, housing, health care, labor, education, banking, budget and taxes. Ms. Carnevale also has prior experience at a Washington, DC-based think tank, and worked in the George H.W. Bush Administration at both the White House and the Office of National Drug Control Policy.

Ms. Carnevale is an elected member of the Massachusetts Republican State Committee and serves on the State Party's Executive Committee. She was an elected Trump delegate to the 2016 Republican Convention and served on the Platform Committee at the Convention. Ms. Carnevale was also selected one of 11 electors for Donald Trump for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Ms. Carnevale was appointed in 2017 by Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker to serve on the Governor's Commission on Intellectual Disability.

CHARLENE RIDEOUT provides government relations and lobbying services to clients of Kearney Donovan & McGee, P.C. Formerly, Ms. Rideout served as Intergovernmental Affairs Manager for the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA). In that capacity, she was responsible for implementing legislative and regulatory strategies as well as promoting and advocating MWRA's legislative agenda. Prior to working at MWRA, Ms. Rideout was legislative director for the Massachusetts State Senate Assistant Majority Leader and Senate Chair of the Banks and Banking Committee.

15-20 years

Matt Keswick is the President of Keswick Consulting, a Boston-based government relations and business development firm dedicated to helping organizations achieve maximum results when pursuing public policy objectives.

Prior to founding Keswick Consulting, Matt worked for three Massachusetts Governors, where he held several high-ranking personnel and policy positions. As Deputy Chief Secretary, he was responsible for overseeing more than 2,500 political appointments to several hundred boards and commissions, including many regulatory authorities. As a result, Matt forged many strong business and political relationships that endure to this day.

In his capacity as Assistant Chief of Staff, Matt was designated as a key administration liaison to the federal government, which included oversight of the Commonwealth's Office of Federal Relations in Washington, DC; he also served as designee to the National Governors Association and the New England Governors Conference / Eastern Canadian Premiers.

In addition to representing clients at all levels of government, Matt is strategically aligned with CanAm Strategies, a Boston and Montreal-based government relations and business development firm. Matt works in partnership with CanAm to further develop business and political relationships between entities in the United States and Canada.

Since departing state service, Matt has been active on dozens of political and philanthropic campaigns; his fundraising prowess has translated into millions of dollars raised for the various finance committees on which he has served.

Matt is a member of the Board of Trustees at Cardinal Spellman High School and the Board of Diesel Direct, as well as a past member of the Board of Trustees at Bridgewater State University and the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority. Matt is an alumnus of Boston College where he is an active member of their alumni association. He and his wife, Christy, reside in Milton with their son, Anderson.

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
Manager of State Government Advocacy, Massachusetts Hospital Association
Deputy Director of Inter-governmental Affairs, Massachusetts Water Resources Authority
Government and Media Relations Liaison, Massachusetts Water Resources Authority Advisory Board
Administrative Aide, Massachusetts House of Representatives
Legislative Aide, Massachusetts State Senate

EDUCATION
Suffolk University Law School, J.D., cum laude, 1996
Bowdoin College, B.A., cum laude, 1987

11-15 years

ANTHONY PETRUCCELLI came to Kearney, Donovan & McGee LLC with extensive experience at the municipal and state levels of government in Massachusetts. First elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 1999 and then the Massachusetts Senate in 2007, Anthony is well-versed in legislative issues and is able to use his unique perspective to successfully advocate for his clients' interests.

Helped lead $1.7B agency including management, budget, technology, procurement and legislative affairs at MBTA

Led multiple technology upgrades at MBTA that resulted in a significant leap forward innovation at the agency, also became very proficient in state procurement processes and rules

Helped develop and coordinate strategy to consolidate functions of six transportation departments as Legislative Director at MassDOT

Routinely worked with staff and vendors on hundreds of millions of dollars in road and bridge projects annually

Responsible for writing and tracking all legislation and budget matters for Asst. Minority Leader

Policy Advisor at Preti Strategies

Chief of Staff, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority

Legislative Director, MassDOT

Chief of Staff, Massachusetts Highway Department

Chief of Staff and Legislative Director, Assistant Minority Leader, Massachusetts Senate


Education:

University of Massachusetts

Part of Boston's State and Local Affairs practice, representing clients ranging from Fortune 50 companies to non-profits. Represents a diverse set of clients; i.e., energy, high tech, healthcare, finance, consumer, and non-profit. Mulvey manages Boston's state and municipal procurement practice.

Prior to coming to DSG, Mulvey was a Principal at Fort Hill Advisors, a boutique lobbying firm located on Beacon Hill in Boston. Mulvey also worked in the Government Law & Strategies Legal practice at the Law Firm of Brown Rudnick. He also served as General Counsel for the Retailers Association of Massachusetts.

Mulvey was born and raised in Belmont, MA. He currently resides in Reading, MA with his wife and four sons. Mulvey is a 1991 graduate of Stonehill College and a 1997 graduate of the Massachusetts School of Law.

20+ years

15-20 years

With twenty years of senior leadership experience in public policy and external affairs, Michael is a valued partner for business leaders navigating the intersection of the public and private sectors at the state level. Michael helps lead the state health care practice, while his passion for emerging technology has translated to a thriving practice in this space for Tremont Strategies.

Before his role as a founding partner at TSG, Michael served as Vice President for External Relations at an international medical services where he led government affairs, communications, business development and community relations.

Prior to that, Michael was Executive Vice President at a top healthcare public affairs firm, as well as Managing Partner at a multistate and federal government relations firm. Michael began his career in working in the Maine State Senate and later served as senior staff member for the Massachusetts Democratic Party.

Michael is on the Board of Directors of the Harvard Street Neighborhood Health Center and a Liaison Board Member for the Goldfarb Center for Public Affairs. Michael graduated with distinction with a degree in Government from Colby College.

Victoria joined the firm in 2018 after several years working in politics, including as Deputy Campaign Manager for U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton.

A graduate of Suffolk University where she double majored in Government and Philosophy, Victoria is a key part of our public affairs and legislative teams. She is a hands-on strategist who works directly with clients whether organizing "Days of Action" on Beacon Hill, leading grassroots efforts or building relationships for clients through grasstops connections.

A political fundraiser and campaign advisor for Moulton and other state and local candidates, she has also worked regularly with the Massachusetts Democratic Party. Prior to her political work, Victoria worked at Scholars Strategy Network and the Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency in the 40B department.

Victoria is a guest lecturer at Suffolk University and serves on the fundraising committee for Emerge Massachusetts, a nonprofit that provides training and resources for female political candidates. She was Suffolk’s student commencement speaker and has been featured in the Boston Globe. Victoria has also been a volunteer for More Than Words, a literacy program for underserved and homeless children.

A native of North Andover, she currently lives in Arlington.

PAUL DONOVAN's practice is focused in the area of government relations, including representation before government bodies at the local, state and federal levels. He has extensive experience representing clients before the Massachusetts General Court, where he has been successful helping clients meet their governmental objectives.

Paul worked for 10 years at the Suffolk County Sheriff's Department, earning a seat on the Sheriff's Department management team. In addition, Paul provided counsel to the Massachusetts Sheriffs' Association on various legislative issues. Paul has been involved in numerous political campaigns, including a 1993 Boston mayoral campaign, in which he was responsible for directing a field operation of more than 2,500 people. Prior to establishing Kearney, Donovan, and McGee, LLC, Mr. Donovan was a member of the government practice group of Choate, Hall & Stewart.

20+ years

I served over twenty years at the local, state legislative and executive levels of government before entering the private sector. My background includes serving former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney as Legislative Director and working along-side the former Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, Thomas M. Finneran. I also worked as the Director of Government Relations & Educator Licensure for the Massachusetts Department of Education. Elected to two terms as a Revere, Massachusetts City Councilor-At-Large, and a member of Revere's School Committee for 6 consecutive years, I am also a licensed Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent and School Business Administrator in Massachusetts.

Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to establish lasting relationships which have led to noteworthy victories on behalf of clients. Whether it is legislative or regulatory; fiscal or procurement related, my respect, access and ability to nimbly navigate government is unrivaled.

20+ years

supported a major e-commerce company with launch of local office
represented a licensed professional association for insurance coverage
represented a major health care organization for creative bond financing
represented an environmental services/energy company for inclusion in renewable portfolio standard
successfully represented a major physician group on scope of practice
represented a major drug manufacturer for insurance coverage
represented health care entities on payment reform
steered passage of Massachusetts Gaming Control Statute
negotiated settlement in lieu of ballot question on teacher evaluation
convinced private insurers to include orphan drugs in their formulary

President of Issues Management Group
President of Murphy, Ryan & O'Keefe Attorneys at Law, Peabody, MA
President of Murphy and Rennick Attorneys at Law, Peabody, MA and Washington, D.C.
Member of Great and General Court, 1971-1984
Chairman, Committee on Bills in the Third Reading
Majority Whip
Majority Leader
Past Member of Executive Committee of National Conference of State Legislatures
Past Member of Executive Committee of Council of State Governments

EDUCATION
Suffolk University Law School, J.D., 1968
Providence College, B.A., 1965

6-10 years

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
Massachusetts State Senate, Legislative Aide
Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, Legislative Director
Sullivan & McLaughlin Companies, Project Manager

EDUCATION
Middlebury College, B.A. 1992

Greg has been a force in public affairs and lobbying for the past 18 years, helping execute effective and successful government relations and public policy strategies for Fortune 500 companies, corporations, non-profits, labor organizations and trade associations.

A graduate of Oregon State University, Greg grew up in Natick and is well-known in Massachusetts and Washington, D.C. political circles, as he’s worked with many of Massachusetts’ top elected officials, including U.S. Rep. Stephen F. Lynch, U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton and former Lt. Gov. Tim Murray, among others.

Greg served as Chief Operating Officer of one of Boston’s most successful communications and public affairs firms before launching the public affairs division at Tenax in 2016 with his brother Pete.

Greg is an expert at public affairs, especially in highly-regulated industries. He’s worked effectively and successfully at the local, state and federal level, including representing interests in multiple states across the country for global corporations. He’s built coalitions to support strong public policies at every level of government, lobbied lawmakers locally and nationally, and created innovative strategies to overcome regulatory and legislative roadblocks for a variety of businesses and organizations.

His specialties include long- and short-term strategic planning; media and public affairs strategy; message development and discipline; earned media consulting; and managing grassroots, employee, stakeholder and customer communication mobilizations to impact public policy.

Whether it's fighting for free industry, creating protections for health care consumers, waging a local public affairs campaign, engaging elected officials to advance public policy or helping a business cut through legislative or regulatory red tape, Greg has the experience, relationships and knowledge to draft a strategic blueprint to get the job done.

0-5 years

An expert in legislative and regulatory affairs, Matthew is a seasoned government relations professional and strategic communications specialist who puts his expertise to use for a wide variety of sectors.

A U.S. Army veteran who served in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, Matthew has worked to improve benefits for first responders, including enacting new rules to help firefighters who get cancer on the job. He’s also worked to create innovative job training programs for developmentally disabled youth and adults.

Matthew was a key lobbyist for the Marijuana Policy Project to successfully legalize cannabis in Massachusetts and advises new cannabis companies on municipal licensing, compliance, business strategy and community engagement. Additionally, he has advised clients with municipal development projects as a consultant on construction, building trade and general union issues.

Prior to joining Tenax, Matthew worked as director of communications and intergovernmental relations for the Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services. In that role, he worked with every state agency and the Massachusetts legislature on veterans’ issues. He also worked on economic development issues, including helping launch a program with the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce to link veterans with employment opportunities and advocating for a veteran-owned business preference for state contracting. Prior to DVS, Matthew spent seven years working for state Senator Steven Tolman as his chief of staff and district director.

A graduate of the University of Connecticut with a degree in political science, Matthew is a 22-year member of the U.S. Army National Guard. He currently serves as a Chief Warrant Officer 3 and a Blackhawk helicopter instructor pilot. He also serves on the boards of Massachusetts Fallen Heroes and Alternative Treatment for Veterans, a nonprofit that advocates for cannabis therapy for vets.

He lives in Braintree with his wife and two children.

20+ years

Participated in the creation and successful passage of the Short Term Rental Law

Close working relationship with a wide variety of state legislators and staff, as well as members of the MA Congressional delegation.

After beginning his career as a legislative assistant with the Massachusetts General Court, Shawn has gone on to serve in key roles in the formulation of public pension, Social Security and health care policy for more than twenty-five years. Shawn currently serves as chief executive officer of the Mass Retirees Association, representing more than 52,000 retired Massachusetts public employees. He possess deep knowledge of public retirement and pension policy, having served as a trustee on the Town of Plymouth Retirement Board for more than 20 years. Shawn is currently a member of the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mass Labor Advisory Board. Shawn is a sought-after public speaker on retirement, health care policy, non-profit organizations, and coalition building.

A pioneer in the use of new media to increase transparency and enhance dialog, Shawn founded Old Colony Group in 2005. The digital media consulting firm specializing in political communication, website design, social media and digital communication strategy. OCG has grown to become a leader in utilizing the newest technology and latest trends to reach target audiences. Shawn has had the pleasure of providing a variety of digital media services to former Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, Congresswoman Katherine Clark, Treasurer Deb Goldberg, Portland, and a wide variety of state legislators.

A resident of Dorchester, Shawn is a former board member of the Ashmont Hill Neighborhood Association.

6-10 years

Elkey Award Recipient for Campaign Strategist of the Year - 2014
5 Time Goldies Recipient
3 Pollie Awards Recipient
Rising Star Award Recipient
National Comeback Campaign of the Year Recipient - Reed Awards

Chris Keohan is the Founder and Principal of Shawmut Strategies. Prior to his work with SSG, Chris worked as a senior staffer in political, field and finance departments for multiple local, state and federal campaigns. He then founded CK Strategies in 2009.

Chris has continually expanded and evolved his business model. Today, his expertise and offerings encompass far more than political strategy. Working with developers, financial institutions, contractors and a wide variety of other business interests Chris is providing strategic planning for projects that bring developments of all sizes to communities across Massachusetts. Specifically, Chris has served as a liaison to local boards and elected officials. He has developed outreach plans and grassroots strategies to ensure the success of local projects.

Politically, Chris has served as a senior advisor to Marty Walsh's successful Mayoral campaign in Boston, and to Deborah Goldberg's successful campaign for Treasurer. He also served as the Executive Director of Treasurer-elect Goldberg's transition team.

In 2015 Chris was the winner of the 1st ever Elkey Award for Campaign Strategist of the Year. The Elkey Awards is a bipartisan event that honored political operatives and candidates for outstanding achievement during the 2014 election cycle. He was also the recipient of 2 Goldies for excellence in Mail and Overall Campaign for his work on Mike Brady for State Senate. The Goldies are a national award program that chooses and judges entries with a bipartisan panel of peers within the political consulting industry.

In 2014 Chris was the winner of three prestigious "Pollie Awards" from the American Association of Political Consultants for his role in Marty Walsh's campaign for Mayor. In 2012, Chris was honored to receive the prestigious "Rising Star Award" by Campaigns and Elections Magazine. He has also received the "National Comeback Campaign of the Year" for his work on Ayanna Pressley's 2011 campaign for Boston City Council At-Large.

Chris Keohan is a 2003 graduate of Boston College with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and a concentration on Environmental Studies. He has worked on campaigns in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Virginia, as well as traveling to 35+ states performing advance work during multiple Presidential campaigns.

20+ years

Jim Leahy brings 30 years of experience in lobbying, non-profit association management and political organizing to Liberty Square Group. An expert in building strong grassroots organizations, he has worked with clients in a wide variety of sectors, including healthcare, environment, consumer protection, budget, gaming, government procurement, public safety, development, as well as arts & culture. His advocacy track record includes several high profile wins, including two first-in-the-nation laws, one to require labeling genetically modified foods and another to require labeling small parts that pose choking hazards to children under 3.

A seasoned lecturer with a focus on leadership, grassroots advocacy and communicating with public officials, Mr. Leahy has addressed professionals at national, regional, and state organizations as well as students at more than a dozen New England colleges and universities. He is also a Certified Association Executive, the highest level of professional achievement available from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE).

A graduate of Brandeis University with a B.A. in Psychology, Mr. Leahy lives in Tolland Connecticut.

6-10 years