6-10 years

Troy's tactical approach to advocacy - for even the most unique public policy challenges facing Northwest industries - has been shaped over nearly three decades of policy experience in the Pacific Northwest. He specializes in providing strategic lobbying and consulting services, helping his diverse clients navigate Olympia politics and achieve their legislative, regulatory and state funding goals.

Prior to taking ownership of The Nichols Group Government Relations, Troy's broad experience gave him a unique perspective that can only come from first-hand experience over 25 years in campaigns, grassroots organization, trade association management, and serving as legislative staff:

• As caucus staff liaison for the Washington House Capital Budget Committee, Troy helped to negotiate and pass several multi-billion dollar capital budgets during his tenure


• As executive officer for a five-county trade association, Troy helped stop the association's decade-long decline in membership, balanced its annual budget for two years in a row, revamped several programs and racked up an impressive string of local policy and electoral victories; and


• As Chief of Staff to the Oregon House Majority Leader and the Speaker of the Oregon House, Troy served as strategic counsel to state leaders on the most important and sensitive issues facing the state.

Mark Streuli is a lobbyist with over 25 years of experience in government affairs. He's always been enthusiastic about making a difference and that led to a 17-year career with the Washington State Senate helping legislators with multiple policy issues. Mark followed that up with several leadership positions in state government, including the legislative liaison and deputy director of agriculture. In 2018 Mark opened Streuli Public Affairs, where he now serves a broad array of clients through his enthusiastic advocacy on their behalf.

Over the years, Mark has built a broad network of contacts at all levels of government and is known for creating strong and effective coalitions to achieve legislative objectives. He's successfully worked numerous bills and budget requests. In addition, Marks' work in state government has helped hone his expertise in guiding clients through regulatory challenges and the rule making process. Mark places a strong emphasis on client communication. He works hard to build rapport and makes sure the client always has the latest information. In addition, Mark is adept at making sure clients have the tools necessary to communicate effectively with their constituencies. Client success is what drives Mark at Streuli Public Affairs. Over the years, his extensive legislative expertise and network of relationships across all levels of government, has allowed him to deliver professional representation and desirable outcomes.

11-15 years

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

0-5 years

Patrick is a seasoned political professional with nearly two decades of experience in Washington State, Oregon, and Washington D.C., advising both Democrats and Republicans. From private and public sector lobbying to overseeing operations for a large state agency, Patrick's resume showcases an impressive depth in all things politics and government.

Before joining The Nichols Group, Patrick most recently served as Deputy Director of the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA). For nearly a decade, Patrick rose through the ranks at WSDA holding key policy positions where he fostered deep relationships with legislators, government officials, and other stakeholders, culminating in being appointed Deputy Director in 2017.

• Patrick led a state agency with approximately 1000 employees and a biennial budget of over $382 million. He supported the state's $11 billion agricultural industry by leading WSDA's Executive Team, covering food safety, disease prevention, pesticide management and commodity inspection. Notably, Patrick represented WSDA on the Forest Practices Board, where he worked to build bridges with the forest industry and the environmental community. Patrick also served as WSDA's first Tribal Liaison to the Governor's Office.


• Patrick enjoys a bi-partisan record of legislative accomplishment in both Washington and Oregon, first serving as staff for Oregon State House Representative Deborah Boone (D-Cannon Beach), and later spending two sessions as the Policy Advisor for the Washington House Republicans, focusing on agriculture, energy, and the environment.


• His role at The Nichols Group is a return to private sector advocacy. During his career in Oregon, Patrick represented a diverse range of clients spanning the health care, education, and renewable energy sectors as a contract lobbyist in Salem, and also served as the Director of Government Relations for the Oregon Association of Nurseries.

11-15 years

Tim Schellberg is the Founder and President of Gordon Thomas Honeywell Governmental Affairs, an internationally known governmental affairs and government business market development firm. In addition to serving as the firm's managing partner, Tim maintains an active governmental affairs and market development practice, and provides strategic direction to the firm's four primary divisions: International, Multi-State, Federal, and Washington State. Under Tim's leadership, the firm has had impressive growth and success.

Tim is recognized nationally and internationally for his work to create and grow new markets by collaborating with business and government to implement dynamic public policy and technology based solutions. Tim has used over 25 years of professional experience, worldwide contacts and knowledge of global government institutions to actively lead legislative based projects in over 30 countries and within the United States.

20+ years

Major legislative successes over the years include modifications of the administrative procedures act, education funding formulas, growth management and land use reforms, health care practice licensure laws and tens of millions in capital and operating budget allocations for clients.

Charles R. (Charlie) Brown is an attorney who focuses his practice in full time government affairs and general legal counsel at the state legislative and administrative levels. He has been a professional lobbyist for more than twenty-five years. He also spent three years working as a congressional staff member in Washington, D.C., prior to attending law school at the Seattle University School of Law.

He has extensive experience in education policy and funding, as well as most business-related policy, including environmental law, administrative law, energy, taxation, land-use, oil and gas, agriculture, transportation, health care, general business, regulatory and licensing issues.

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.

15-20 years

In addition to 5+ years as an independent lobbyist, Chris led government affairs teams at multiple prominent organizations including the Washington State Hospital Association and Regence BlueShield.

Chris earned a Bachelor's degree in history and political science from Indiana University and a Master's degree in political management from The George Washington University.

0-5 years

State-appointed utility regulator confirmed unanimously by the Washington state Senate in 2017

Highly skilled at building meaningful relationships and working with stakeholders to advance policy and regulatory priorities

Able to foster confidence in decisionmakers as a trusted resource for information and offer reasonable, clear and concise solutions to complex issues

Familiarity with the legislative landscape, politics and policy preferences of Western state governors and legislatures

Continuously maintain robust and constructive relationships with Washington state Democrat and Republican elected officials, legislative staff, executive branch staff and stakeholders with diverse viewpoints

Deep knowledge of state legislative budgeting and appropriations process with expertise in Washington state tax policy, transportation policy and budgeting

Ability to adapt and manage high-stress, time-sensitive and politically complex situations

Understanding of the importance of legislative and executive branch staff in shaping opinions of legislators and agency leadership for new initiatives

Jay Balasbas served as a commissioner of the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission from May 2017 to March 2022. Jay is currently the President of JMB Strategies, an independent consulting firm that provides expert advice on utility regulatory process, utility and transportation policy, state tax and fiscal matters, general legislative advocacy and political perspective.

Prior to Jay's tenure as a commissioner, he served as senior budget assistant to the governor in the Office of Financial Management working in the General Government Section, Transportation Section and as lead analyst on revenue issues. Before that, Jay worked for the Washington House of Representatives in a variety of roles, including senior fiscal analyst, assistant director of policy and policy analyst on transportation and finance issues. He also worked for the Washington Department of Transportation.

Jay served as the chair of the Subcommittee on Pipeline Safety, co-vice chair of the Committee on Critical Infrastructure, and as a member of the Committee on Gas for the National Association of Regulatory Commissioners (NARUC). He also served as a member of the Gas Technology Institute Public Interest Advisory Committee, the Washington Action Program and as an ex-officio member of the Washington Highway Users Federation Board of Directors.

Jay has a Bachelor of Arts in political science and a Master of Science in finance from Seattle University.

15-20 years

Elected four times as State Representative from the 3rd Legislative District (Spokane).

Work History

2006 - present

Contract lobbyist currently retained by Anheuser Busch-In Bev Companies, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, Enterprise Holdings Inc., Graduation Alliance, MultiCare Health System, Tesla, Ticketmaster, and the Washington Health Care Association.

Past clients include the Puget Sound Regional Council, Inland Northwest Health Services, Community Health Systems, the Institute for Systems Medicine, Eastern Washington University, Associated Industries of Spokane, WA., HMS Inc., Amgen, Shire U.S. Inc., the Kalispel Tribal Economic Authority, Port Madison Enterprises, McLane Co., The Alliance for Solar Choice, Joe King and Associates, and the Energy Freedom Coalition of America.

2003-2006

Director of Government Relations for Eastern Washington University. Responsible for overseeing the University’s engagement with federal, state and local government entities along with various stakeholder groups within higher education and the Spokane community.

1996-2003

Washington State House of Representatives, State Representative from the 3rd Legislative District (Spokane). Served as the Chair of the House Finance Committee, Floor Leader, and as a member of the Appropriations Committee, Higher Education Committee, Trade and Economic Development Committee, and Children and Family Services Committee.

Education

BA, Eastern Washington University, 1994
AA, Spokane Falls Community College, 1991

20+ years

Nonpartisan staff for House members during development and passage of Washington's Forests & Fish law.

Josh has relationships with key legislators, statewide elected officials, agency staff and locally elected officials across the state.

Prior to joining the GTH-GA team, Josh spent nearly 10 years advocating for counties, serving as the Legislative Relations and Policy Director and General Counsel for the Washington State Association of Counties. Josh started working in Olympia in 1998 as nonpartisan counsel to the House of Representatives and served as Legislative Director for the Department of Fish and Wildlife. As Environmental Policy Director for the Washington Forest Protection Association he represented private forest landowners in the state's environmental regulatory system. He also assisted in Governor Locke's water reform efforts. Josh is a member of the Washington State Bar Association, graduate of Central Washington University and the Vermont Law School, and is a fourth generation Washingtonian. He lives in Olympia with his wife Karen.

11-15 years

Nick Streuli is the Founder and Managing Partner of Sundial Advocacy. Prior to becoming a consultant in the private sector, Nick worked in senior executive positions in state government for nearly 15 years helping state agencies and the Governor navigate policy and regulatory challenges. Known for his collaborative problem solving and partnership building savvy, Nick has been at the center of many of the largest legislative and regulatory battles of the last decade.

Previously, Nick served as Governor Jay Inslee's executive director of policy and outreach, where he managed teams in both Washington State and Washington D.C in charge of statewide policy, congressional affairs, international relations, and local government outreach.

Prior to his service with Governor Inslee, Nick worked as the legislative director for the Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD). He also worked as the ESD federal government and tribal affairs liaison prior to serving as the legislative director.

He previously served on the Board of Directors for the Washington State Institute for Public Policy (WSIPP), a nonpartisan public research group whose mission is to carry out practical, non-partisan research at the legislature's direction. Nick currently serves on the Advisory Board of the William D. Ruckelshaus Center, a joint effort of Washington State University and the University of Washington to foster collaborative public policy in Washington State and the Pacific Northwest.

Nick lives in Olympia with his partner Christina and their teenage son. He holds a master's degree in business administration and a B.A. in political science and economics, both from Washington State University.

0-5 years

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

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.

20+ years

Established the first scholarship program for accounting students in Washington State using CPA licensing fee dollars

Passed a law that allows physicians to apologize to patients and their family members and the apology is not admissible in court as part of a malpractice suit

Created a law that recognized oral chemotherapy treatment on parity with traditional chemotherapy treatments for insurance coverage purposes

Passed the first law in the nation to recognize youth concussions in sports that "when in doubt, the student athlete sits it out"

Worked to secure the first law in the nation to establish direct primary care

Created one of the most liberal laws in the country for the use of Segways

Passed the first LIFT program in the state that allowed for St. Anthony's hospital to be built

Repeatedly defeated tax proposal that would impact the movement of cargo through our deep water ports

Passed the first law in our state to allow a Public Utility District to offer retail telecommunication services

Passed one of the first laws in the country to allow patients to take their vision care prescriptions with them to another provider

Passed a law that amended the dental practice act to protect the use of Dental Support Organizations by dentists in WA state.

Worked to secure a budget proviso that directed the Health Care Authority to go out for an RFP for managed dental care moving the state away from fee-for-service

Secured funding in the Capital Budget for the Port of Tacoma and the Seaport Alliance for clean air and remedial action grants

Lisa Thatcher is a lobbying firm committed to communication, information exchange, integrity, and a lobbying style that does not emphasize entertainment of elected officials.

First: COMMUNICATION! I pride myself on effective and timely communication. I am always accessible and responsive to my clients, elected officials and others.

Second: INFORMATION EXCHANGE! I focus on accurate information and the appropriate exchange of the necessary form and manner of information. I keep my clients up-to-date on the happenings of state government in general and their issues specifically.

Third: INTEGRITY! My success is based on my reputation. My word is trusted and respected. Since I am the face for my clients' issues in the political arena, it is essential that I am trusted and highly regarded in the lobby and governmental affairs business.

Fourth: STRAIGHT FORWARD! I am not a deep pocket entertainer. While I often meet an elected official over coffee and may take a legislator to an occasional lunch or dinner, I do not emphasize entertainment. I value the working relationships I have with legislators, agency heads, and staff, but my interactions are professional and information based.