20+ years

Senior-level counsel, informed by more than 30 years in the public policy arena, not only as a lobbyist, but also in policy, communications, campaigns and media. We always like to know the "why" behind a problem: How did it rise to needing a legislative or regulatory solution? Where did it come from? When we can get to the truth of those questions, then we can help figure out what "the right thing to do" looks like. Insistence that we get the facts right and understand the practical implementation impact of policy initiatives, not just on the client but also on others. We share the unvarnished puts and takes. We work with policymakers to think through how an agency will need to oversee a new initiative.A bipartisan, collaborative approach. You can count on us not to be partisans, to be deeply curious about who else is affected and appropriately engage other stakeholders.A virtual team of senior policy practitioners. When an issue requires other unique skill sets -- such as public opinion research, economic analysis, or legal analysis -- we partner with best-in-class professionals chosen for fit with the issue or project.

Tom Holt is a veteran of national and state politics and policy. He began his career in Washington, DC, as a media spokesman for a major think tank, and moved on to become a Cabinet speechwriter and later joined the editorial board of the Richmond (Va.) Times-Dispatch. He's been a fixture at the Oregon Capitol for more than 20 years, and has been described in the media as one of the state's most influential and respected lobbyists. He also is an active participant on the region's non-profit community, currently serving on the boards of Lines for Life and the ALS Association of Oregon and SW Washington, and is Officials Training Co-Chair for Oregon Swimming.

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.

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.

6-10 years

As JWA's Vice President of Public Affairs and Business Development, Sean is on the front lines in Salem, representing and advancing our client interests and ideas, and working hard to create, leverage, and expand their public profiles with Oregon's policy makers. Sean has developed strong relationships with legislators, staff, legislative leadership, and colleagues from all political parties. He is active in business, transportation and healthcare advocacy circles. Having spent more than 20 years in business development and sales management prior to JWA, Sean is experienced in understanding client issues and is focused on delivering results through effective communication with clients and policy makers.

Sean lives in the central Willamette Valley with his wife, Jami, two nice dogs, a few unproductive chickens, and one aloof cat in the central Willamette Valley, where he enjoys many of the recreational opportunities Oregon offers, including road and mountain biking and fly fishing.

0-5 years

Jordan Bice joined Oxley & Associates in 2018. He works on a myriad of issues, including energy, transportation, and tax policy. He helps clients navigate Oregon's transition to a lower carbon emissions future and a cleaner transportation system by keeping his finger on the pulse with legislators and key state agencies, such as ODOE, DEQ, and ODOT. Whether it is helping transit programs run smoothly, businesses get goods to market, or troubleshooting carbon reduction programs, Jordan uses his policy and regulatory background, communication skills, and relationship building to help clients serve their customers better.

Before joining the Oxley team, Jordan worked in government affairs for the electric utility, Pacific Power, specializing in Oregon legislative issues and transportation electrification policy and programs. Prior to returning to Oregon, he worked in Washington, D.C. as a Legislative Aide for U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley on energy, environment, and agriculture issues. Jordan has campaign experience from his time working on a successful U.S. Senate race.

Jordan grew up in Lake Oswego and graduated from the University of Washington with a political science degree and a minor in music. Aside from work, he sits on the Board of Directors for the youth mentorship non-profit, Friends of Baseball, and lives in Southeast Portland with his wife, Samantha, son, Elliott, and Chihuahua, Griffey.

11-15 years

JD, Willamette University School of Law, Salem, OR (Oregon State Bar # 094769)
MBA, Atkinson Graduate School of Management, Willamette University, Salem, OR
BA, Political Science, Westmont College, Santa Barbara, CA

John C. Powell and wife Abby Powell live in Lake Oswego, OR with their three 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.

20+ years

Paul Phillips is one of the leading public affairs and political campaign strategists active today. With more than 30 years of professional experience in politics, marketing and issues management, Paul has an impressive track record of designing and implementing successful programs, initiatives, and campaigns on a wide range of issues such as taxation, transportation, construction, sportsman/conservation, natural resources, health care, facility siting and permitting, and energy.

Paul began his political career in 1978 while working on the successful Oregon gubernatorial campaign of Victor G. Atiyeh. After five years working as assistant to Governor Atiyeh, Paul was hired by Nike, Inc., to manage communication development. In late 1983, while working at Nike, Phillips was appointed to the State House of Representatives. After successfully winning two elections, Phillips left the House and was elected to the State Senate where he served two terms.

While in the Senate and Chair of the Revenue Committee, Phillips helped facilitate major policy changes to Oregon's strategic investment programs which resulted in significant private sector investment stabilizing a changing economy in the Northwest. Later, in his professional life, he organized and led strong coalitions. One example is with Tektronix, Intel, Genentech, Precision Castparts, Nike, Schnitzer Steel, and Columbia Sportswear, among others, that resulted in a major and lasting overhaul of corporate apportionment taxation in Oregon.

In 1997, he and his wife, Nancy Phillips, began Pac/West Communications. Since then, Paul has grown Pac/West into one of the most successful political public relations and marketing firms in the region. Paul and Nancy have built a reputation as a national leader in the arena of behavioral change, whether they be national campaigns or statewide efforts.

Paul is well-known for winning difficult, and sometimes controversial, efforts. He has played lead roles in over 361 campaigns and initiatives across the United States, often securing key support from non-tradition allies, including passage of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act (2003). He has managed a wide range of campaigns for candidates, including gubernatorial, U.S. Senate, Congressional, as well as statewide and local issue ballot measures on a wide variety of topics. Most recently, Paul was the chief architect and strategist for CRED and Protect Colorado which defeated attacks on the oil and natural gas industry in Colorado.

Paul was recently appointed to the Native American Youth and Family Center Advisory Board. He has also previously served as a member of the Board of Trustees Pacific University. Paul is a member and of Boone & Crockett Club. He is the Club liaison with the Western Governors' Association and serves as co-chair of the club's Conservation Policy Committee.

Paul has a B.A. in economics from Pacific University in Forest Grove, Ore.

20+ years

John A. Powell is a native Oregonian who graduated from Junction City High School and went on to earn both a B.S. and M.S. at the University of Oregon. Following college, John began his career as a high school educator and coach. In 1975, John ran for and was elected to the Oregon State Senate at the age of twenty-five (still the youngest person ever to serve in the Oregon State Senate). John served two four-year terms in the Senate (1975-1982) before voluntarily leaving office. While serving as a citizen legislator, John founded the Powell & Greig Insurance Agency and worked as an insurance agent for several years. In 1984, John founded John Powell & Associates, Inc.

20+ years

Gary Oxley established Oxley & Associates, Inc. in 1992, after serving as the Development & Government Affairs Manager for The Southland Corporation, a multi-level corporation that included the 7-Eleven Store chain and its subsidiaries. He has grown the firm into a multi-state, independent, full-service political and public affairs firm that represents a distinguished list of clients, including some of Oregon's largest employers. The broad range of issues that impact the firm's large portfolio of clients reflects the depth of public policy knowledge and related strategic skills that he brings into every advocacy situation he is asked to engage in at any point in time.

Gary has been actively involved in local politics and has been appointed to serve on a variety of state and local policy committees. He is a co-founder of the Retail Task Force (a coalition of real estate developers, realtors, national commercial tenants, and land use consultants). Gary previously served as a member of the Portland City Club's Land Use and Economic Development Committee, the State Health Department's Food Service Advisory Board, the Liquor Control Commission's Package Store Advisory Committee, and the Board of the Oregon Trail Chapter of the American Red Cross. Gary is a member and past director of the Capitol Club.

As Vice President of Construction Policy and Regulatory Affairs, is a lobbyist on the government affairs team at Pac/West Lobby Group specializing in construction, housing, energy, regulatory affairs, risk management, and program implementation.

Mark has spent more than three decades deep within the policy and regulatory world of construction and energy in Oregon, leading the Building Codes Division and Department of Energy through the administrations of five governors. He has developed a reputation for cutting through complicated and overwrought concepts to find and implement policies that work. He also has earned the respect of people within the industry, agencies, and elected office. Mark cares about creating policies and processes that work for Oregonians. He is passionate about seeing predictable and streamlined programs put into place that improve customers' lives. He believes that political debates should always have the end goal in mind.

Joining the team in 2023, Mark was previously the executive director of the Oregon Home Builders Association. His ability to effectively advocate for clients comes from convening a broad base of collaboration while working out important nuances in policy. By taking a comprehensive view on regulatory rollout and economic impact, he has a strong track record of advocating for and implementing effective programs.

11-15 years

Ryan Tribbett founded Pac/West Lobby Group in 2020. His focus as president is building and supporting a well-rounded team of experts to give clients the reputable, forward-thinking service they seek. He cares about building collaborative relationships by finding common values and interests to create long-lasting and real-world solutions to problems. He believes that everyone should have the opportunity to thrive and is proud of being a responsible business owner who cares about his place in the communities in which his team works.

Ryan excels at helping policymakers understand the real-world human impact proposed bills and regulations have on his clients. Regardless of political swings, Ryan's ability to translate client needs into a viable political strategy has helped Pac/West Lobby Group clients achieve their goals and overcome challenges previously seen as insurmountable. Ryan's coalition-building skills have led to the development of key state programs like Connect Oregon, where millions have been invested in roads, rail, bridges, and ports to move Oregon's commodities to domestic and global markets. Ryan's expertise comes from knowing the legislative process and his strong relationships with leaders in both political parties of the Oregon Legislature and the Governor's Office.

Ryan has more than two decades of government affairs experience working on legislative and business issues related to economic development, critical transportation infrastructure, apprenticeships, labor law, contracting code, capital construction funding, local governments, and procurement. Before becoming a lobbyist, Ryan was a policy advisor and chief of staff in the Oregon State Senate and managed campaigns and field operations for regional and statewide candidates and ballot measures. A native Oregonian, Ryan has a bachelor's degree in political science from Portland State University.

0-5 years

As Vice President, Phil Scheuers supports the Pac/West Lobby Group team by tracking and managing legislation and advocating for client interests across state agency budgets, revenue, and capital construction committees. Phil also manages the firm's administrative duties, leads economic development projects, and supports clients through campaign consulting and association management.

There are few that have more experience working on Oregon's state budget and revenue than Phil. When he left as a legislative staffer, he was one of the longest-serving staffers on the House side with a wealth of experience on ways and means. Phil maintains strong relationships with regional and state partners and has extensive experience in economic development programs, including business incentives, industrial land development, and more. Phil is known for his ability to think outside the box and identify ways to leverage opportunities to help clients achieve their goals. Phil cares about advocating for rural issues, lifestyles, and people. He spends some of his free time on the Hermiston Education Foundation Board and is a proponent of equitable education.

Joining the team in 2018, Phil had a decade of experience working in government affairs and economic development in Eastern Oregon, focusing much of his time on the ways and means and capital construction processes.

20+ years

John founded JWA Public Affairs in 1999 after serving eight years in the Oregon State House of Representatives. Prior to his involvement in politics, John managed several successful businesses. He was involved in the personal computer business at its advent, providing business solutions to clients in Southern Oregon. John's experience in small business and as a former Oregon legislator positions him well to effectively advocate for and provide counsel to both non-profit and for-profit businesses in Oregon. Dedicated to a strong community with a healthy business presence, he serves on a number of civic boards in Medford.

John enjoys spending his free time with family, on the course playing a round of golf with friends, in the kitchen cooking, listening to music, traveling, or reading a good book.

20+ years

Hasina Wittenberg is president of Government Relations Strategies (GRS), a leading government affairs firm located in Portland metropolitan area. Wittenberg began her lobbying career in 1993 working for the League of Oregon Cities. She then went to work for a contract lobbying firm until 2005 when she formed Government Relations Strategies Inc. With more than 20 years of experience, she provides legislative advocacy for numerous clients by cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with both local and state officials and Oregon lawmakers. Clients include publicly traded corporations, multinational corporations, professional trade associations, non-profit organizations, and a variety of local governments. Hasina's diverse client background and experience in multiple audience communications has led to the development of highly successful government relations programs through written and oral promotion, policy development, and program evaluation and management. She consistently produces successful outcomes for her clients, and has worked to achieve bipartisan support on many legislative issues.

0-5 years

Samantha joined Oxley & Associates in 2020. She works on a myriad of issues, including health care, transportation, public defense and agricultural policy. Samantha's strong background in public relations, communications and government affairs allows her to help clients navigate complex policy and regulatory issues with agencies, in the legislature and through media.

Prior to joining the Oxley team, Samantha worked in public relations and government affairs for Hubbell Communications. There, she helped clients develop robust communications, marketing and media relations strategies to support successful outcomes. Samantha also served as the Government Affairs Director for the Chronic Disease Coalition, a national nonprofit, managing the organizations state and federal legislative advocacy portfolio. She also served as the Executive Director for the Northwest Kidney Council, a regional advocacy association.

Samantha is a native Oregonian and graduated from Oregon State University with a Master's degree in Communications and Political Science. She's a competitor at heart and competed on Oregon State's Women's Basketball team, helping lead the team to their first Final Four appearance. Outside of work, she sits on the Board of Directors for Our Beaver Nation and Varsity OSU.

As Vice President of Health Care Policy, Henry T. O'Keeffe is a lobbyist on the government affairs team at Pac/West Lobby Group specializing in health care and helping clients engage in the legislative rulemaking process and mold their legislative priorities into proposed legislation that protects community health, local innovation, and opposes one-size-fits-all policies.

Henry has a proven track record working in health care, local government, non-profits, and private business. He is a member of the Oregon State Bar and is skilled at organizing, drafting, and negotiating legal agreements and advancing legislation for his clients. Henry is inquisitive and talented at crafting clear, concise language for legislative concepts. 

Henry has a history of caring about helping people, whether in his capacity as a student volunteer at a domestic violence shelter in college, or as the principal attorney at his law firm today. His own personal health story has helped him understand the challenges and opportunities in Oregon's health care system and energized him in his role as an advocate.

Joining the team in 2022, Henry's background includes state legislative affairs, eight years as general counsel for Greater Oregon Behavioral Health, Inc., and serving as a legislative aide for the American Civil Liberties Union of Washington State. A native Oregonian, Henry has bachelor's degrees in philosophy, politics, economics, and anthropology/sociology from Eastern Oregon University and a J.D. from Lewis & Clark Law School.

As Vice President of Legislative and Public Affairs, Rick Metsger oversees government and regulatory affairs and helps merge lobbying efforts with a communications-minded outreach.

Rick is a seasoned policy and public affairs veteran, bringing decades of hands-on experience with legislative, regulatory, and communications efforts. His work has spanned transportation, financial institutions, economic development, and marketing communications. Rick maintains close personal relationships with Oregon legislative and executive leaders. He serves as an informal advisor to several legislative leaders and understands the intersection between moving public opinion and moving (or stopping) legislation.

Rick cares about civic engagement and ensuring all voices are heard. He believes collaborative policymaking is the only path to lasting success. Rick also believes in rural communities and the importance of sustaining them. He cares about kids having the real-world tools and resources they need to succeed when they graduate.

Joining the team in 2021, Rick previously served as Chairman of the National Credit Union Administration in Washington, D.C., in both the Obama and Trump Administrations. The agency regulates nearly 6,000 financial institutions and is the insurer of more than $1.3 trillion in deposits. During his time with the agency, he was also a voting member of the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC) and the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC). Before his appointment by President Obama in 2013, Rick was an Oregon State Senator from 1999 to 2011, serving as the Senate Pro Tempore and chair of the Senate Business and Transportation Committee. He received several awards recognizing his leadership. Before joining the Senate, Rick built his career as a respected, award-winning print and broadcast journalist and founded his own public relations company. Rick has a bachelor's degree in communications and a master's degree in teaching, both from Lewis & Clark College.

0-5 years

Greg led the school bond campaign for Phoenix-Talent School District on a small budget and a limited time frame which resulted in the passage of a $68,000,000 facilities bond.

Greg has helped the marijuana and hemp industries in particular successfully navigate the world of laws and regulations by providing guidance and utilizing his decades long relationships with local and state government officials to effectively represent his clients. His work has provided legitimate companies an influential voice within the industry and that government officials and the greater business community listen to.

Greg worked to successfully changed local land use laws at the request of his clients, which allowed for the use of specialized security systems in commercial zones and also enhanced livability of the communities.

Oregon Capitol Club
Ashland City Council 2008-2018
Southern Oregon Humane Society Board Member 2016 - Present
Ashland Emergency Food Bank Board President 2009-2018
Paul Harris Fellow - Ashland Lithia Springs Rotary Club

With two decades of experience in law enforcement and experience in international business development, non-profit leadership and as an elected official himself, Greg has a background and skill set that can help people and organizations achieve their goals.

A native Oregonian, born in Portland, raised in Salem and a resident of Southern Oregon for over 20 years, Greg has a strong connection to our state and a deep and varied background. After spending two decades in law enforcement, Greg worked for a local start-up, conducting international business development by opening up new markets and working with foreign governments to create strong partnerships. He has also served in leadership positions for local non-profits, assisting each in expanding their services, building relationships and strengthening their organizations.

Greg has served as an elected official, elected to the Ashland City Council in 2008 and re-elected in 2012 and 2016. Greg dealt with complex issues in a very politically active community, with great success by focusing on the problem, building relationships and finding a solution that satisfied all parties and benefited the community.

As the Vice President for Client Relations with JWA Pubic Affairs, Greg helped grow the firm exponentially while helping individuals and organizations achieve their legislative goals through effective issue advocacy with elected officials and government agencies.
Greg also worked with organizations to achieve their goals by providing consultation in public affairs, government relations and fundraising. In the fall of 2019, with the blessing of JWA's founder, Greg founded United Strategies.

United Strategies serves clients in Southern Oregon and clients from out of state in the areas of health care, cannabis regulations (marijuana and hemp), land use, non-profit issues and general business related issues.

In addition, Greg has previously been successful in assisting school districts pass multi-mullion dollar school bonds and represented their issues in front of the Oregon legislation to great success.

Greg utilizes his unique background in law enforcement, international business development and politics to provide risk assessment and mitigation services for clients.

Greg has created a vast personal network of relationships with individuals and organizations in Southern Oregon and throughout the state. These relationships have built over two decades on trust and respect. Greg is able to utilize his network to assist his clients in accomplishing their goals.

Greg and his wife Jessica have been married since 1997 and currently have three children, with two in college and one in high school. Greg is a lifelong lover of sports and coaches high school football in his spare time.