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Serving as president of Southern Strategy Group (Louisiana), Rodney Braxton brings the highest levels of public service to the firm. He is experienced in policy development, governmental affairs, legislative relations, budgetary issues, capital improvement projects and enjoys a reputation for "persuasive negotiation skills." As assistant chief of staff to former Governor Murphy J. "Mike" Foster, Rodney supervised transportation, insurance, and labor issues. He also served as associate commissioner of governmental relations for the Louisiana Board of Regents, the state's top higher education board.

Rodney was undersecretary of the Louisiana Department of Labor, the first executive director of the Louisiana Commission on Human Rights and, in 1994, named one of thirty Leaders of the Future by Ebony magazine. An active member of many community and civic organizations, he has served on the boards of Young Leaders Academy, Of Moving Colors Productions and Serve! Baton Rouge.

A native of Louisiana and practicing attorney since 1992, Rodney holds a B.S. in finance from the University of New Orleans and his J.D. from Tulane University Law School where he received a Merit Scholarship and was a quarterfinalist in the 1992 Frederick Douglas Moot Court Competition.

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JAMES PAOLINO

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JAMES PAOLINO

(Connecticut, )

FOCUS Government Affairs @ UKS

jpaolino@focusgovaffairs.com
(860) 548-2681
100 Pearl St., PO Box 231277, Hartford, CT, 06123,

Subjects: All Subjects

Links:Website, TAG Profile

Nothing in government happens by accident. To deal with government successfully, creative and effective representation is needed. We are an aggressive lobbying group that anticipates problems and develops strategies to achieve our clients' objectives. Whether our representation is to pass legislation or stop legislation, prevent a crisis or respond to a crisis, we have the ability and experience to achieve our clients' goals and objectives. Our success is in our proven track record. We are a strong bipartisan team that is one of Connecticut's most highly respected government relations practice groups and are recognized for effective and articulate promotion of the interests of our clients.

Firm Specialties:
Unlike most Connecticut lobbying firms, we unite the legal, lobbying and public affairs disciplines through unique experience and intimate familiarity with the legislative and lawmaking process of the State of Connecticut. It is an asset that separates the Firm from its competitors. Few, if any, public affairs corporations offer our capability and professionalism.

We also provide legislative monitoring and personal tracking of legislative issues and proposals, and employ specially-trained staff for the purposes of following pending bills, legislative hearings, committee meetings, amendments and other items of interest.

FOCUS Government Affairs @ UKS is a full service government relations firm that draws upon the knowledge and experience of attorneys, former executive branch officials, and specialists whose collective expertise is made available to all our governmental affairs clients. This team-based approach ensures that the proper resources are determined and committed, so that our government affairs clients receive the most efficient, cost-effective professional services possible.

We provide a broad spectrum of legislative, regulatory, administrative and executive lobbying and consulting services to a wide range of clients. Because we have over 60 years of experience working with and within government, we are experts on the legislative process and can skillfully negotiate with staff and elected officials. In addition, our strong relationships with federal, state and local elected officials allow us to effectively assist our clients in their dealings with all levels of government.

FOCUS Government Affairs has strategic relationship with Connecticut-based law firm Updike, Kelly & Spellacy, PC that allow us to provide an additional level of service including legal advice, counsel, and legal assistance to corporate, institutional, municipal, and individual clients.

1) American International Group, Inc.

2) Aquarion Water Company

3) Associated Builders & Contractors, Inc.

4) AXS

5) Brescome Barton, Inc.

6) Connecticut Association of Pawnbrokers

7) Connecticut Association of Realtors, Inc.

8) Connecticut Police & Fire Union

9) Connecticut State Firefighters Association

10) Connecticut State Society of Anesthesiologists

11) Connecticut Tourism Coalition

12) Connecticut Votes for Animals

13) Consumer Healthcare Products Association

14) Cordata Healthcare Innovations Inc.

15) Corebridge Financial

16) CT Attorneys Title Insurance Co.

17) CT State Police Union

18) Encompass Health

19) Fairfield County Medical Association

20) Flock Safety

21) Hartford County Medical Association

22) Knights of Columbus

23) Liberty Bank

24) Lincoln Technical Institute

25) NEAM

26) New Haven Center for Performing Arts

27) North Highland Company, LLC

28) Northwest CT Public Safety Communication Center, Inc.

29) Pattern Energy

30) Porter & Chester Institute

31) Post University

32) Ryan, LLC

33) The Carabetta Companies

34) The Personal Care Products Council

35) Uniformed Professional Fire Fighters

36) United Therapeutics

37) Waterbury Regional Chamber of Commerce

38) We Do Life Together, a Division of ICES, Inc.

JAMES S. PAOLINO, ESQ. began his career working in municipal government before working for several years at the state level with both the Executive Branch and the Connecticut General Assembly. Attorney Paolino has worked as the Director of State Lobbying for the Connecticut Hospital Association, one of Connecticut's largest healthcare provider associations. As Director of State Lobbying, Attorney Paolino gained extensive experience in handling complex issues including Medicaid reimbursement, workforce and employment legislation, tax issues, patient safety programs, as well as a wide variety of other issues related to healthcare, technology, the environment, and business.

Attorney Paolino brings a great deal of knowledge and experience to the FOCUS Government Affairs team. Having worked at the municipal and state levels as well as the private sector, Attorney Paolino adds a deep level of understanding of government and the legislative process as well as commitment to achieving positive results for his clients. This background gives Attorney Paolino a wide range of personal contacts and relationships in both government and the private sector, which are then utilized to provide positive results for clients. Attorney Paolino combines his background and personal contacts with his legal skills to provide a comprehensive bipartisan approach to challenging issues for his clients.

Attorney Paolino is very active in his community where he currently serves as Chairman of his town's Sewer and Water Commission. He also serves as the Chief Financial Officer and on the Board of Directors of his local branch of the Lion's Club International. Attorney Paolino is also an adjunct professor, teaching Western Civilization, World Civilizations and U.S. History.

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JAKE DILEMANI

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JAKE DILEMANI

(New York, )

MERCURY PUBLIC AFFAIRS, LLC (FKA MERCURY, IGR)

jdilemani@mercuryllc.com
212-681-1380
200 Varick Street, New York, NY, 10014,

Jake Dilemani is a Senior Vice President in Mercury's New York City office. With an extensive background in campaign management and public affairs, Jake has effectively blended research, message development, statistical analysis, media relations and advocacy to achieve success for a variety of clients. At Mercury, Jake leads political consulting, public affairs and government relations projects.

1) A PLACE FOR ROVER, INC.

2) ADDICTION TREATMENT PROVIDERS ASSOCIATION

3) AMERICAN MAINTENANCE INC

4) AMERICAN TRANSIT INSURANCE COMPANY

5) ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES & ITS AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS (NYS)

6) ATLANTIC DEVELOPMENT GROUP LLC

7) AUTOMATIC VENDING ASSOCIATION/RSA MANAGMENT (NEW YORK STATE)

8) CENTERLIGHT HEALTH SYSTEMS

9) CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

10) CITYBASE, INC.

11) COMPASSION & CHOICES

12) CONSTELLATION NEWENERGY, INC.

13) CPV VALLEY, LLC

14) CROSS RIVER BANK

15) CSAA INSURANCE EXCHANGE

16) DECCAN INTERNATIONAL

17) DOWNSTATE NEW YORK AMBULANCE ASSOCIATION, INC.

18) ELDRIDGE INDUSTRIES LLC

19) EMPIRE DEVELOPMENT FUND LLC

20) EXPERIAN INFORMATION SOLUTIONS, INC.

21) FEDERATION OF PROTESTANT WELFARE AGENCIES (FPWA)

22) FERRING PHARMACEUTICALS INC

23) FOUNDER HOUSE, INC.

24) FRIENDSHIP ADC, LLC

25) GLOBAL PARTNERS LP

26) GREENIDGE GENERATION LLC

27) HASH MAP LABS, INC.

28) HUDSON RIVER HEALTHCARE

29) IESI NY CORPORATION

30) INDA, ASSOCIATION OF THE NONWOVEN FABRICS INDUSTRY

31) INTERGRAPH CORPORATION

32) INVENERGY SOLAR DEVELOPMENT LLC

33) JAVAR CORPORATION

34) JEWISH BOARD OF FAMILY & CHILDREN'S SERVICES, INC.

35) LAKESIDE MANOR HOME FOR ADULTS, INC.

36) MANHATTAN BEER DISTRIBUTORS LLC

37) MARINERS RESIDENCE INC.

38) MEDICAL ANSWERING SERVICES, LLC

39) NATIONAL EATING DISORDERS ASSOCIATION

40) NATIONAL INDUSTRIES FOR THE BLIND

41) NEW PLANET ENERGY DEVELOPMENT LLC

42) NEXTERA ENERGY RESOURCES LLC

43) NYPAAL LLC

44) OHEL CHILDREN'S HOME & FAMILY SERVICES

45) OPENGOV, INC.

46) OSWEGO PORT AUTHORITY

47) OUTFRONT MEDIA GROUP LLC

48) PAYMAXS USA LLC

49) PHARMACANNIS LLC

50) PSEG LONG ISLAND, LLC

51) RECREATIONAL OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE ASSOCIATION

52) RELIANT TRANSPORTATION, INC.

53) REVCORE RECOVERY CENTER

54) SKY VIEW PARC II, LP

55) STUDENTSFIRST NEW YORK ADVOCACY, INC.

56) SUEZ WATER ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC.

57) SYOSSET PARK DEVELOPMENT LLC (FKA OYSTER BAY DEVELOPMENT LLC)

58) TECH VALLEY TALENT, LLC

59) TECHNET

60) U.S. FIREWORKS SAFETY COMMISSION

61) UBER TECHNOLGIES, INC.

62) US IMAGING NETWORK, LLC

63) UTC ASSOCIATES INC.

64) WESTERN REGION OTB

11-15 years

Jake has been recognized in the New York Observer's Power 80 as one of the influencers and insiders "who help run this" City, City & State's 40 Under 40 as a "rising star" in New York politics and also by City & State as a key member of one of the top 10 government relations teams in New York that is leading the state in influence and separately as one of the top 10 political consultants in New York "the people putting New York politicians into office."

I have elected and work closely with some of New York's leading political figures, including:
- NYS Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins
- NYS Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris
- Members of the NYS Senate Majority
- Members of the NYS Assembly Majority
- Members of NY's congressional delegation
- Members of the NYC Council
- Boroughwide officials throughout NYC
- Westchester County Executive George Latimer
- County officials throughout NYS

Jake Dilemani is a Senior Vice President in Mercury's New York City office. With an extensive background in campaign management and public affairs, Jake has effectively blended research, message development, statistical analysis, media relations and advocacy to achieve success for a variety of clients. At Mercury, Jake leads political consulting, public affairs and government relations projects.Jake has advised winning candidates facing tough races in federal, state and local elections, developed state of the art grassroots and public affairs campaigns for corporate clients and advocacy groups and has generated numerous earned media placements in the New York media market's most respected print, broadcast and digital outlets.Jake represents a diverse clientele, including high profile political campaigns and independent expenditures, Fortune 500 companies, foreign government officials and a host of New York's leading political figures.For six years, Jake served as a strategist to many members of the New York State Senate Democratic Conference, including Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris, and former Senator George Latimer whom Jake advised on his successful campaign for Westchester County Executive. Jake's political consulting work has included industry-leading direct mail and cutting-edge public opinion research for campaigns ranging from congressional incumbents to municipal mayors to state legislative leaders.Prior to joining Mercury, Jake served as Vice President for Public Affairs at a strategic communications firm in New York, and held senior roles on numerous campaigns for public office.In the public sector, Jake served as a Chief of Staff in the New York State Legislature, and is currently a Democratic Party Leader representing Manhattan's East Side, where he plays an integral role in the nomination and election of New York's city and state judiciary.

Jake has been recognized in the New York Observer's Power 80 as one of the influencers and insiders "who help run this city," and City & State's 40 Under 40 as a "rising star" in New York politics.

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FALAK SABBAK

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FALAK SABBAK

(Georgia, )

McGuireWoods Consulting

fsabbak@mwcllc.com
(404) 835 - 0625
Promenade, 1230 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 2100, Atlanta, GA, 30309,

Falak Sabbak is an assistant vice president with McGuireWoods Consulting. With a decade of experience at the Georgia General Assembly, she maintains an incredibly diverse network of elected officials, political staff, and lobbyists throughout the state of Georgia.

1) AXS Group LLC

2) CAI of Georgia

3) CGI Technologies & Solutions

4) Classwallet

5) Crown Castle

6) DeVry University

7) Georgia Dental Hygienists' Association

8) Georgia EMC

9) Georgians for Lawsuit Reform

10) Guidehouse, Inc.

11) Hard Rock International

12) Hillside, Inc.

13) Human Rights Campaign

14) Humana, Inc.

15) McGuireWoods Consulting LLC

16) Rocket Central

17) SELECT MANAGEMENT RESOURCES, LLC

18) Snapmedtech, Inc.

19) The Doctors Management Company

0-5 years

Led record-breaking candidate recruitment efforts in 2018 and 2020 for State House races; in 2018, the Georgia House Democratic Caucus challenged 56 Republican held seats. In 2020, the Georgia House Democratic Caucus challenged 66 Republican held seats. This was an exponential increase from previous years when Democrats only challenged 25 Republican held seats in 2014 and 21 Republican held seats in 2016.

Assumed the position of Executive Director with 62 Georgia House Democratic Caucus members, and in three short years, expanded the Caucus to 77 members.

Managed the 2018 Georgia House Democratic Caucus campaign operation for the most successful election night for Georgia Democrats since 1998.

Managed the 2020 Georgia House Democratic Caucus campaign operation where Georgia had the second-best election results for State House campaigns for Democrats in the nation.

Served as the Executive Director of the Georgia House Democratic Caucus.
Served on the Arab Americans for Biden Committee.
Served as the Co-Coordinator of the Georgia Victory Leadership Council for Georgia.

Falak Sabbak is an assistant vice president with McGuireWoods Consulting. With a decade of experience at the Georgia General Assembly, she maintains an incredibly diverse network of elected officials, political staff, and lobbyists throughout the state of Georgia.

Prior to joining McGuireWoods Consulting, Falak served as the Executive Director of the Georgia House Democratic Caucus. She managed the internal and external communications of the Caucus, prepared talking points on pending legislation, and counseled members during their decision-making process. Falak also managed the 2018 Caucus campaign operation that resulted in the most successful election night for Georgia Democrats since 1998. In three short years, Falak grew the House Democratic Caucus from 62 members to 77.

Falak began her career as a legislative aide, and later served as the Executive Assistant to the Minority Leader. From fielding constituent questions, to tracking and summarizing legislation, Falak gained a thorough understanding of the legislative process.

A native of Marietta, Georgia, Falak earned her Juris Doctorate from Georgia State University College of Law, and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Georgia.