6-10 years

The Daily Record's Top 100 Women 2021
The Daily's Record's 2017 VIP List (Very Important Professional)
2017 Maryland Rising Star - Legislative & Governmental Affairs
2016 Maryland Rising Star - Legislative & Governmental Affairs
2015 Maryland Rising Star - Legislative & Governmental Affairs
2014 Maryland Rising Star

RWL is the go-to firm when businesses and individuals have a complex legal problem, with a team of attorneys that thrive on pursuing the most challenging cases on behalf of its clients. Our attorneys have represented scores of clients, including: major-league sports franchises; name-brand companies such as Google, Uber, Facebook and FedEx; whistleblowers in false claims cases; and millions of consumers in national class action suits.

With offices located in Baltimore, the state capital of Annapolis and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, Rifkin Weiner Livingston LLC (RWL) provides an important link to Maryland's principal business, commercial and government centers.

6-10 years

RWL is the go-to firm when businesses and individuals have a complex legal problem, with a team of attorneys that thrive on pursuing the most challenging cases on behalf of its clients. Our attorneys have represented scores of clients, including: major-league sports franchises; name-brand companies such as Google, Uber, Facebook and FedEx; whistleblowers in false claims cases; and millions of consumers in national class action suits.

With offices located in Baltimore, the state capital of Annapolis and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, Rifkin Weiner Livingston LLC (RWL) provides an important link to Maryland's principal business, commercial and government centers.

John C. "JR" Reith is the Chief Operating Officer at Rifkin Weiner Livingston LLC. He also a Registered Lobbyist in the firm's extensive Government Relations and Lobbying practice. He served as Finance Director for all three of former Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr.'s gubernatorial campaigns and was co-chairman of his campaign committees. Mr. Reith served on the Inaugural Committee for Governor Larry Hogan, and has been active in the National Republican Party since 1996. In 2016, Mr. Reith served as the co-chairman for the Inaugural Committee for Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh. He currently sits on the board of directors for The Canton Group, ThinkBig Networks, and on the alumni board for the Boys' Latin School of Maryland. Previously, Mr. Reith served as an advisor for Compass Marketing, Inc. and as an advisor for Brown Advisory in Baltimore. He is also a former board member of the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House and the GBMC Philanthropy Committee board of directors.

0-5 years

Director of Policy and Government Affairs, Maryland Energy Administration
Chief of Staff, Minority Leader Steven Hershey

John C. Fiastro, Jr. boasts extensive experience in government and public affairs. Prior to founding Fiastro Consulting, John served as Director of Policy and Government Affairs at Maryland Energy Administration as well as Chief of Staff to two Maryland State Senators. John maintains a strong relationship network within Maryland's legislative and executive branches as well as the state's regulatory commissions and offices.

John brings extensive knowledge of the legislative process and regulatory environment in a number of key policy areas including energy, public utilities, environment, budget, gaming, healthcare, financial regulation.

John is the proud husband of Julianne and father to Leo and Caesar. A resident of Lutherville, in Baltimore County, John is a graduate of Towson University and Loyola Blakefield High School.

15-20 years

Donald D. DeAngelis '60 Excellence in Alumni Service Award recipient, Albany Law School, 2018 Participant, American Israeli Education Foundation (AIEF) Northeast Progressive Leaders Delegation trip to Israel, December 2017 Distinguished Service Award recipient, State University of New York at Potsdam Alumni Board of Trustees, 2016, Selected to the Upstate New York Super Lawyers Rising Stars list, 2013-2017

Amy is a former Legislative Aide to New York Assemblywoman Helene E. Weinstein, Chair of the Assembly Ways and Means Committee.

Amy has worked closely with executive branch officials and with legislative officials on both sides of the aisle from all over the state. Amy uses her legislative expertise in advising clients on the nuances and intricacies of the New York State legislative process. She, and the HSE team, have successfully advocated for the passage of hundreds of bills in areas such as education, energy, telecommunications, health care, transportation, insurance, and technology. In many cases, she has assisted with the entire life cycle of the legislation; working with clients to conceptualize legislation that meets their specific needs; securing majority sponsorship; advocating through the committee process; securing majority support in both houses of the legislature and working with the governor's office to secure final approval.

Amy currently serves on the Standing Committee on Government Affairs for the American Bar Association, she is a Board Member for the National Association of State Lobbyists, and she is the Immediate Past Chair of the American Bar Association Business Law Section Government Affairs Practice Committee, among others. She is a frequent speaker, regionally and nationally, on a range of government affairs topics and has been selected to the Upstate New York Super Lawyers Rising Stars list.

John S. "Trip" Martin, III is the founder of GeorgiaLink Public Affairs Group. GeorgiaLink is a governmental affairs consulting firm which has been recognized by James magazine seventeen years in a row as the top lobbying firm in the state of Georgia. Mr. Martin began his Government Affairs career in 1981 as the Director of State Government Affairs in Georgia for Southern Bell. In 1986, he was promoted to the position of Director of Legislative Affairs for BellSouth in Washington, D.C. where his major responsibilities included the development and implementation of strategies for dealing with Congress on national telecommunications policy issues. He has served as the Vice President of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Southeastern Public Affairs Council and was a participant in the Leadership Georgia Class of 1983. He is the former Vice President of the University of Georgia National Alumni Association. Mr. Martin currently serves on the Board of Directors of The Advocacy Group, an international network of lobbying firms with offices in forty-eight states. Trip is married to Julie Brown, a native of Atlanta and President & CEO of Georgia Foreign-Trade Zone. Trip and Julie split their time between residences in Atlanta and Blue Ridge, Georgia, where he is a licensed realtor with the Blue Ridge office of Premier Mountain & Lake Property, Inc., and owns and operates Big Creek Alpaca Farms. Trip has three grown children and five granddaughters.

20+ years

RWL successfully worked with the Legislature and the Public Service Commission to gain approval for the largest-to-date offshore wind project in the United States.

Lead lobbyist in gaining necessary approvals for Dominion's LNG export facility in Calvert County

Represented as co-lead lobbyist for Washington Redskins in their successful move to Prince George's County

Co-lead lobbyist on successful effort for first Maryland P3 project, (Baltimore Seagirt Marine Terminal facility)

Recipient of Maryland Government Relations Association's Outstanding Colleague Award (2019)

Appointed by Governor Glendening to Celebration 2000, and was the Governor's appointee to the Commission on Lobbyists Ethics

Chief of Staff, Parris N. Glendening, County Executive of Prince George's County, Maryland (1988-1990)

People's Zoning Counsel for Prince George's County, Maryland (1985-1988)

Attorney to the Prince George's County Personnel Board (1982-1985)

First Vice Chair, Prince George's County Democratic Central Committee (1986)

Maryland state joint task force on lobbying ethics (1994)

Transition Committee of Attorney General Brian Frosh (2012)

Vice Chair, Anne Arundel County Development Corporation Board of Directors (appointed by Anne Arundel County Executive Steve Schuh and reappointed by County Executive Steuart Pittman (2016-Present)

Joel D. Rozner rejoined the firm as a Partner in 1998. Previously a partner in the firm from 1991 to 1994, Mr. Rozner focuses his expertise on government relations in Annapolis and Prince George's County and is the former chair of the firm's extensive Government Relations and Lobbying practice.

Mr. Rozner was elected three times to the Prince George's Democratic Central Committee. He served seven years as People's Zoning Counsel for Prince George's County and also as Chief of Staff for then County Executive Parris N. Glendening who was later elected Governor. Mr. Rozner was the Governor's appointee to the Commission on Lobbyist Ethics.

In his practice, Mr. Rozner has represented a wide range of clients including the Washington Redskins in their successful move to Prince George's County and also was the lead lobbyist in gaining necessary approvals for Dominion's LNG export facility in Southern Maryland, which to date is the state's largest capital project. Having participated in and managed numerous political campaigns, he is also primarily responsible for development of the firm's legislative strategy.

20+ years

6-10 years

Arthur B. "Skin" Edge, IV is engaged in Governmental Relations and Consulting. Prior to joining GeorgiaLink, Mr. Edge served in the Georgia State Senate (1986-1996) and was Minority Leader of the Senate from 1992-1996. Mr. Edge served on the Appropriations, Special Judiciary (Chairman), Public Utilities and Health committees in the Senate. He also served on the Legislative Fiscal Affairs Committee and the Code Revisions Committee. Georgia Trend Magazine named Edge as one of "The 100 Most Influential People in Georgia." He was voted "The Top Registered Lobbyist in Georgia in 2018" in a poll of legislators, state officials and lobbyists. He was also named by Business to Business Magazine as one of "The Ten Most Influential People under the Gold Dome." He is a graduate of the University of Georgia (BBA 1977) and the University of Georgia School of Law (J.D. 1980). He was a participant in the Leadership Georgia Class of 1988. Skin and his wife, Bambi, have three children and six grandchildren. They reside in Newnan, Georgia.

James H. "Jay" Roberts is the most recent member of our team. Prior to joining GeorgiaLink, Mr. Roberts served in the Georgia State House of Representatives (2003-2015) while in the House, Jay was elected as both Vice-Chairman and Chairman of the House Majority Caucus by his peers. Former Gov. Sonny Perdue asked him to serve as his Administration Floor Leader in his second term. He served in that capacity for 2 years. Jay was named the Chairman of the House Transportation Committee by the Speaker of the House in 2010. He served as Chairman of the House Transportation Committee for 6 years. During his tenure in the House, Jay served on the Agriculture & Consumer Affairs, Ethics, Economic Development & Tourism, Ways & Means, Appropriations, Rules, Game & Fish and Transportation Committees. Jay has served several communities during his 13 years in the House. He served Irwin, Ben Hill, Tift, Turner, Coffee, Telfair, Wheeler, Wilcox and Jeff Davis counties. Governor Nathan Deal appointed Jay to the distinguish position of Director of Planning for the State of Georgia at the Georgia Department of Transportation. He was tasked with the planning of the State's Transportation projects including developing and implementing the STIP. Governor Kemp asked Jay to serve on his Transition Team. He was then asked by Governor Brian Kemp to continue to serve him as the Director of Planning. In September, 2019 Mr. Roberts joined GeorgiaLink Public Affairs Group. He and his wife Sarah have two children, and they reside in Irwin County.

2013 Roger J. Robach Conservative of the Year, awarded by the Monroe County Conservative Party

G.O.L.D. (Graduate of the Last Decade) Award (2009), Roberts Wesleyan College. Awarded for professional excellence, community involvement, active participation in the ongoing work of Roberts Wesleyan College and maintenance of a lifestyle that's in harmony with the spirit and philosophy of the college.

Editor-in-Chief, Buffalo Law Review, SUNY Buffalo Law School

Member, American Bar Association Government Affairs Professionals Committee

Before joining the HSE Government Affairs group, John practiced for several years in the trial department of the firm.

His focus includes: drafting legislation on behalf of clients, monitoring and reporting on the status of pending legislation, analyzing potential effects of pending legislation on clients' interests, communicating clients' positions to members of the State Legislature, State Agencies, and the Governor's Office, assisting clients with strategy regarding the availability of and access to a variety of government funding mechanisms and other programs, advising clients regarding a myriad of government relations compliance issues, from procurement regulations to campaign finance laws.

6-10 years

2019 Capitol Inside Texas Lobby Power Rankings - "Rising Star"

Texas Legislature
Texas Governor's Office
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
Public Utility Commission of Texas
Railroad Commission of Texas
Texas Water Development Board
Texas Department of Transportation
Texas Department of Agriculture
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
Texas Animal Health Commission
Texas Department of Insurance
Texas Facilities Commission
Texas Health and Human Services Commission
Texas General Land Office
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
Texas Department of Public Safety

Matthew Bentley is a government relations consultant working for associations, companies, local governments and non-profit organizations in Texas. His practice is focused on environmental management, energy and utility regulations, private property interests, natural resources, infrastructure projects, economic development and alcohol issues. Matthew focuses his guidance on public positioning, issue management and government relations. His success relies greatly on his extensive relationships with elected officials and staff throughout the legislative and executive branches of state government. His work has resulted in the development and implementation of public policy; formulation of strategy with key government officials; and improved communication between legislative and business leaders at the highest level.

Matthew began independent lobbying during the 83rd Legislative Session (2013). Among others, he currently represents the country's largest telecommunications company, the state's leading utility association, a mining operation, a Class A water utility, a conservative tort reform organization, a multi-national transportation infrastructure company, a mid-sized manufacturer seeking regulatory rule changes, an association involved with the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission, a group of Texas wineries, a residential developer and a non-profit cancer research foundation. Previous clients have included the state's two largest waste and recycling businesses, several landowner groups, an oil and gas trade association, special purpose districts, a leading power generation company and other major infrastructure projects. Matthew was recently named a Top Ten "Rising Star" by Capitol Inside, a bi-partisan publication covering Texas politics and government.

Throughout the 82nd Texas Legislature (2011), Matthew was under contract to Reggie Bashur, Cliff Johnson, Clay Pope and Luis Saenz, working on their clients' interests before the Texas Legislature and agencies throughout the state. During the 81st Legislative Session (2009), he worked for Commissioner Todd Staples at the Texas Department of Agriculture, as the Commission underwent the Sunset Advisory Commission review process.

Matthew also previously served as Business Development Manager for Procurement Strategy Group, Inc. This Austin-based government relations firm was well respected by government and business leaders for brokering mutually beneficial procurement solutions, until it dissolved due to retiring partners in 2012. Matthew helped companies target and win projects with federal, state and local governments.

Matthew has considerable experience and great success in working on political campaigns throughout Texas and the United States. In 2018, Matthew had a one hundred percent win rate as he consulted on Cody Harris' campaign for the Texas House of Representatives, U.S. Congressman Lance Gooden's open seat race for Congress and judicial races throughout East Texas. Matthew also served as Campaign Manager for State Representative Byron's Cook successful 2016 campaign for re-election. That race was among the highest profile and most seriously contested races that cycle. Matthew started his campaign work with Commissioner Todd Staples' statewide Agriculture Commissioner campaign and Governor Rick Perry's 2010 gubernatorial and 2012 presidential races. Matthew is very involved with the Texas GOP's Mighty Texas Strike Force, having served as the Virginia Co-Captain for the 2016 General Election.

Matthew presently serves on the Advisory Council for Texan by Nature, a non-profit organization founded by Former First Lady, Laura Bush, which focuses on safeguarding the environment with respect to private property interests and economic development. Matthew graduated from The University of Texas at Austin.

11-15 years

2025 West Des Moines Emerging Citizen of the Year

2019 Business Record Forty Under 40

Served eight years on the Iowa Board of Physical and Occupational Therapy (three terms; appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Iowa Senate)

Served three years on the Chicago Federal Reserve Community Advisory Committee

Serving on the Chicago Federal Reserve Pilot Alumni Advisory Council (PAAC)

President, West Des Moines Community Foundation

Treasurer, Executive Committee, West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce

Chair, Drake University College of Arts & Sciences National Advisory Council

President, Iowa Society of Association Executives (ISAE) (2025-2026)

Robert Palmer is an Iowa attorney, association executive, and government affairs advocate who advises businesses and organizations on high-stakes public issues at the intersection of law, policy, and economic growth. At Nyemaster, he represents clients navigating legislation, regulation, and complex stakeholder environments across Iowa and the Midwest, with a particular focus on business advocacy, energy policy, and economic development.

Robert's work is grounded in practical outcomes. Clients rely on him to assess legal and political risk, develop disciplined messaging and strategy, build coalitions, and engage effectively with lawmakers, regulators, and community leaders. He is known for clear analysis, strong judgment, and an ability to translate complex issues into persuasive narratives that resonate with decision-makers.

In addition to his legal and advocacy practice, Robert has extensive nonprofit and association leadership experience, giving him a strong understanding of governance, member value, and organizational strategy. He serves as President of the West Des Moines Community Foundation, Treasurer on the Executive Committee of the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, and Chair of the Drake University College of Arts & Sciences National Advisory Council. He is also President of the Iowa Society of Association Executives (2025-2026).

Robert previously served eight years on the Iowa Board of Physical and Occupational Therapy, appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Iowa Senate for three terms. He also served three years on the Chicago Federal Reserve Community Advisory Committee and continues to serve on the Chicago Federal Reserve's Pilot Alumni Advisory Council (PAAC). He has been recognized for leadership and community impact, including being named the 2025 West Des Moines Emerging Citizen of the Year and receiving the Business Record Forty Under 40 honor in 2019.

0-5 years

The Best Lawyers in America
2006-2026

The Best Lawyers in America

Lawyer of the Year, Real Estate Law, Des Moines, 2025

Forty under 40 Alum of the Year--2017

Chambers USA
America's Leading Business Lawyers, Real Estate, 2004-2025

Great Plains Super Lawyers
Real Estate, 2009-2025

CITYVIEW's Business Journal
Honoree

"21 from 2021: Business People Who Made a Difference"

Drake Law Review
Editor-in-Chief, 1986-1987

Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors' Bureau
Board Member and Former Chair, 2005-Present

Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
Board Member and Former Chair, 2005-Present

American Bar Association
State and Local Government Section
Real Property, Probate, and Trust Law Section


Iowa State Bar Association

Real Estate and Title Law Section
Environmental and Natural Resources Law Section
Government Practice Section


Polk County Bar Association


Iowa Commercial Real Estate Association


ABI Leadership Iowa--2010-2011


Iowa Commercial Real Estate Association
Board of Directors, 2006-2008

Mayor, City of Urbandale, Iowa
2005-present

Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors' Bureau
Board Member and Former Chair, 2005-Present

City of Urbandale

City Council Member, 2000-2005
Planning and Zoning Commission, 1995-2000

20+ years

Former staff counsel to Maryland Senate Budget and Taxation Committee handling matters related to state & local taxes, retirement, and agency budgets

Experienced lobbyist on health care delivery systems, health insurance, and health occupations, including managed care, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, dental plans, and pharmaceuticals

Team leader on multi-firm effort to preserve the Preakness Stakes in Maryland and to enact a statutory framework for a nearly $400 million capital redevelopment effort for Maryland's racetracks

Counsel for automotive industries including new automobile dealers and rental car agencies

Lead lobbyist on legislation to authorize transportation network companies

Experienced gaming lobbyist representing lottery, casino, racetrack, and sports wagering interests

Procurement counsel assisting entities on RFPs, bids and other offers of goods, services, and construction to state & local governments

Counsels clients on state and local ethics laws, gift laws, campaign contribution compliance, election laws, and lobbying rules

Fiscal Analyst, Department of Fiscal Services (1988)
Committee Staff, Maryland Senate Budget & Taxation Committee (1989 - 1990)

Michael V. Johansen is the Administrative Partner at Rifkin Weiner Livingston LLC and the Chair of the firm's Administrative Law and Regulatory Compliance practice. Mike has nearly 30 years of experience in lobbying and legal matters before the General Assembly, executive agencies, and local/municipal governments in the state of Maryland. As a registered lobbyist, he has represented clients in the areas of healthcare, healthcare financing, health reform, health certificate of need (CON), casino gaming, lottery, horse racing, transportation, motor vehicles, rental cars, insurance, state and local taxes, franchises, business regulation, IT - information technology, environmental regulation, procurement, state contracting, bid protests, and acquisition of public funds for private programs and projects. Mike also advises clients on state and local ethics laws, gift laws, campaign contribution compliance, election laws and lobbying rules.

Prior to joining the firm, Mike was legislative staff to the Maryland General Assembly, the Senate Budget & Taxation Committee, and the Department of Fiscal Services. He is a member of the board of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation - Maryland Chapter and a board member of the Indian Creek School.

6-10 years

RWL is the go-to firm when businesses and individuals have a complex legal problem, with a team of attorneys that thrive on pursuing the most challenging cases on behalf of its clients. Our attorneys have represented scores of clients, including: major-league sports franchises; name-brand companies such as Google, Uber, Facebook and FedEx; whistleblowers in false claims cases; and millions of consumers in national class action suits.

With offices located in Baltimore, the state capital of Annapolis and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, Rifkin Weiner Livingston LLC (RWL) provides an important link to Maryland's principal business, commercial and government centers.

Matthew has been an advocate for over five years as a registered lobbyist in Maryland at RWL Law and has represented a variety of clients, including trade associations, businesses, non-profits and other entities on tax issues, business regulatory matters, capital budget requests and a variety of other matters. Additional experience includes managing numerous Maryland State and Local political campaigns including time at the Maryland Senate and House Democratic Caucuses and serving as a Senate staffer for the Maryland Senate Majority Leader for several years.

6-10 years

The Daily Record's 40 Under 40 VIP List (2021)

Maryland Rising Star - Legislative & Governmental Affairs (2021)

Maryland Rising Star - Legislative & Governmental Affairs (2020)

Maryland Matters List of "Winners" from the Legislative Session (2019)

Maryland State Baseball Coaches Association CRCBL Executive of the Year (2018)

RWL is the go-to firm for businesses and individuals with complex matters in need of resolution. With a team of attorneys that thrive on pursuing the most challenging cases, lobbying matters and procurements on behalf of its clients, our attorneys have represented scores of clients, including: major-league sports franchises; name-brand companies such as Google, Uber, Facebook and FedEx; whistleblowers in false claims cases; and millions of consumers in national class action suits.

With offices located in Baltimore, the state capital of Annapolis and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, Rifkin Weiner Livingston LLC (RWL) provides an important link to Maryland's principal business, commercial and government centers.

Bradley Rifkin co-chairs RWL's Government Relations and Lobbying practice.

Bradley effectively advocates for a diverse group of clients with complicated and nuanced issues before the Maryland General Assembly, local county jurisdictions and state agencies. Mr. Rifkin works closely with clients to develop strategic plans to meet long-term and short-term goals and he helps execute those plans through effective stakeholder networking, preparation of supplemental documentation, oral testimony on behalf of the client and high stakes negotiation. In his practice, he has a history of delivering impactful results for clients in a fast-paced environment.

Bradley has successfully represented clients with a wide array of statutory, regulatory, funding and procurement interests in the areas of alcoholic beverage manufacturing, casino-gaming, franchise law, innovative technology, insurance, medical cannabis, non-profit organizations, satellite radio, telecommunications, and transportation.

Prior to joining the firm Bradley attended Brown University where he majored in Political Science and graduated in 2009 (with honors from that Department). He then attended the University of Maryland School of Law and graduated in 2013.

Since 2013, Bradley has served as President of the Cal Ripken Collegiate Baseball League in his spare time.

H. Boyd Pettit, III is Partner and General Counsel for GeorgiaLink Public Affairs Group, LLC Pettit, a practicing Attorney since 1979, served as a Democratic member to the Georgia General Assembly for five consecutive terms beginning in January, 1983. Elected to the House of Representatives, succeeding newly elected Governor Joe Frank Harris, he was named a member of the House Appropriations, Judiciary, and Industry Committees. Pettit became Secretary to the Judiciary Committee and Chairman of the Public Services and Utilities Subcommittee of House Industry. During his membership in the House, Pettit served as Georgia's representative to the Southern States Energy Board and was selected as a participant in the Leadership Georgia Class of 1987. In 1993, he joined GeorgiaLink Public Affairs Group while remaining active on behalf of local governments, local education entities, public bond finance issues, and local industrial recruitment and development. In September 2000, Pettit was selected to the Georgia State Board of Transportation. He was re-elected in January, 2001 to a full five-year term. Pettit currently serves on the State Board of the Georgia Youth Science and Technology Centers and is an active member of Sam Jones Memorial United Methodist Church in Cartersville. Previously serving on Board of Directors of the North Metro Technical Institute Foundation, Pettit was a part of the effort to secure property, utilities, and funding for the state adult technical school. Boyd has two daughters, Dana and Bray. They reside in Cartersville, Georgia.