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.

JOHN Y. BROWN III was elected as Kentucky's Secretary of State at the age of 32, the second youngest in the nation, and re-elected without opposition, serving from 1996-2004. His accomplishments as secretary of state include becoming a national voice for election reform, creating nationally recognized e-government services as well as programs to promote entrepreneurism and small business development, all while saving Kentucky taxpayers nearly a million dollars through efficient management measures. Before entering politics, John headed up franchising for Roaster's Inc., developing fast food venues in 37 states and several foreign countries. John served as vice-president of ResCare, working in government relations and public affairs for the Louisville based human services company with over 40,000 employees in over 40 states and several foreign countries. He served several years as an adjunct professor of business law at Bellarmine University. In 2007, John ran unsuccessfully as the lieutenant governor running mate on a ticket with gubernatorial candidate Jody Richards (Kentucky's Speaker of the House) in a seven slate Democratic primary. John graduated magna cum laude from Bellarmine University, earned a law degree (with distinction) from University of Kentucky, and then went back to Bellarmine University for his M.B.A.

20+ years

Mr. Paris served as the U.S. Manager of State Government Affairs and Policy for General Electric Company ("GE"). Mr. Paris oversaw all aspects of GE's state government affairs function, including budgeting, contributions, political and business association memberships, retained political counsel and policy issue prioritization, during his seventeen-year career with GE.

Prior to joining GE, Mr. Paris was a fourteen-year employee of The Coca-Cola Company. During his tenure, he held various management roles in the public affairs arena, first overseeing state government relations for the U.S. As Manager of Shareowner Affairs, he managed relationships with all institutional shareowners concerning corporate governance, social responsibility policy and other proxy matters. Mr. Paris was also responsible for Issues Communications for government relations, environmental, science and regulatory, and technical functions of the Company as Manager of Global Communications. He also served as a primary media relations spokesman on select public affairs issues, providing communication support to senior management and external affairs managers worldwide.

Mr. Paris serves on the Board of Directors of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the Cobb Chamber of Commerce, Select Cobb, and the Advisory Board of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. He has recently served in a similar role with Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina Chambers and Manufacturing Associations.

Mr. Paris is a trustee of the University of Georgia Foundation, the Richard B. Russell Foundation, and the Carter Center Board of Councilors.

Education:
University of Georgia, MBA, Finance, 1985

University of Georgia, BA, Finance, 1984

0-5 years

2022- Top Rising Star Accolade from James Magazine

Holli Gibbs is a consultant of the Government Relations Practice of Freeman Mathis Decisions. A strategic planner with strong communication skills, Ms. Gibbs understands how to strategically analyze and present critical information for clients looking for a rapid response.

Ms. Gibbs has extensive knowledge of the legislative process and strong working relationships with legislative leaders. She has experience crafting legislative and policy matters, communicating the needs of her clients, working with clients to identify problems and come up with solutions, and responding to crisis.

Prior to joining Freeman Mathis Decisions, Ms. Gibbs served as the Director of Constituent Services for the Office of Speaker David Ralston in the Georgia House of Representatives. In this role, she gained first-hand experience serving as a liaison between local, state and federal agencies and local officials to ensure the needs of local communities were being served.

Ms. Gibbs has also served as Deputy Messenger, House Rural Development Council Coordinator and House Social Media and Photography Coordinator. Additionally, she served on the Committee to Develop and Implement Covid-19 Protocols and the Legislative Biennial Planning Committee.

FRANK D. BOSTON, III has more than 22 years experience representing individuals and small and large companies in the Maryland legislature and in courts throughout the state. He received his law degree from the University of Baltimore School of Law, where he was a recipient of the James May Scholarship, the Chief Justice of the law school's honor court, a member of the Moot Court Board, teacher's assistant, and an American Jurisprudence awardee.

Prior to launching his own firm, Mr. Boston served as a law clerk with Whiteford, Taylor, and Preston and with the Felony Trial Division of Baltimore's Office of the Public Defender, and he worked in public affairs and government relations in both Annapolis and Baltimore.

Mr. Boston earned his undergraduate B.S. degree from Bucknell University, where he was not only a four-year varsity letterman in lacrosse and junior varsity basketball, but also a member of the Dean's List and the student his classmates elected to deliver their Senior Commencement Speech. Frank also achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America.

Before becoming an attorney, Mr. Boston worked for several years as a retail bond trader on Wall Street. During those years, Mr. Boston honed his analytical and quantitative skills as he assembled complex information in a position that demanded that he think and react quickly — all under pressure and with poise. Today those skills serve him well in both the courtroom and the Legislature.

An active member of the community, Mr. Boston has served on the Boards of Directors of The Dyslexia Tutoring Program and the Children's Chorus of Maryland and Learning, Inc. He is a former member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees of The Park School, his alma mater, and is currently a member of the Board of Directors of Baltimore's public radio station, WYPR. He is also a board member of the Baltimore Animal Rescue Shelter (BARCS).

6-10 years

United States Naval Academy Board of Visitors; Presidential appointee
Atlanta Transit Link Board of Directors 7 years
Rules Chair Ga House of Representatives 2005-2011
ALEC National Chairman 2005

Earl Ehrhart is a Managing Director of Freeman Mathis Decisions, the Government Relations team within Freeman Mathis & Gary, LLP. In his role, Mr. Ehrhart has responsibility for the overall direction and strategic success of Freeman Mathis Decisions. Mr. Ehrhart brings the public policy experience and the problem solving capacity needed at the nexus of business and government.

As a retired elected official for the State of Georgia, Mr. Ehrhart brings a wealth of experience necessary to assist his clients. Mr. Ehrhart was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 1988, and served as one of the State's longest serving elected officials. During his thirty-year tenure as a state representative, he served eight years as the Minority Whip and six years as the Rules Committee Chairman. Mr. Ehrhart served as Chairman of Higher Education Appropriations, a role he held for 7 years. He was elected as the National Chairman of American Legislative Exchange Council in 2005. He served as a board member for more than 20 years and as its chairman and member of executive committee for over 5 years. Mr. Ehrhart's political efforts have received national media recognition in The Economist, the New York Times, CNN and The Fox News Channel.

In addition, Mr. Ehrhart has led organizations in both the public and private sectors. He began his career as a young entrepreneur. At age 21, he co-founded, The Marble Craftsman, a marble and granite subcontracting company, which he grew from a backyard business to more than $2 million in revenue when he sold the company in 1995.

He then went on and was an Executive Vice President of Facility Group, an international design and construction company where he served as the company's Chief Strategist, developing and implementing company-wide strategic growth initiatives in five vertical sectors: Food & Beverage, Education, Municipal, Hospitality & Entertainment and Retail Distribution. Facility grew from six employees and $25M in revenue to more than 500 employees and more than $600M in revenue.
In 2003 Mr. Ehrhart was the original organizing director and vice chair of the board of one of the most successful startup community banks in Georgia history. He supervised all aspects of this very successful financial endeavor. In 2006, Georgian Bank was sold for a premium to an investor group who eventually grew the platform to more than $2.1B in assets.

Mr. Ehrhart served as CEO of LakePoint Sports Development Group and Managing Partner of Sports Parks of Georgia, LLC. Mr. Ehrhart and his partners drew on his diverse background and experience in business, politics and youth sports to develop, grow, manage and operate America's Premier Sports Vacation Destination.

0-5 years

Named 2024 #1 Top Rising Star Lobbyist by James Magazine.

4 years managing legislative affairs and media relations for Georgia Insurance Commissioner John F. King. 2 years working in legislative affairs for former Georgia State School Superintendent John Barge.

With over a decade in government affairs, communications, public relations, and political consulting, Weston Burleson brings a wide range of experience to best help the firm's clients reach their goals. Mr. Burleson has been involved in seven Georgia legislative sessions across two different state agencies. He has a detailed knowledge of the legislative process and strong relationships with leaders in both chambers. Prior to joining Freeman Mathis Decisions, Mr. Burleson most recently served as Director of Communications and Legislative Affairs for Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King's office. In that role, he oversaw the agency's legislative agenda, including work on significant tort reform legislation, and managed all external facing communications and media relations. Mr. Burleson previously worked for a Nashville, Tennessee-based public relations firm where he was involved in state and federal legislative efforts. Additionally, he spent several years working for North Carolina House Leadership, both in an official capacity and on the campaign side.

15-20 years

The Best Lawyers in America - Government Relations Practice (2025-2026)
Nashville Post "In Charge" - Government/Politics Sector (2021-2024)
Nashville Business Journal - Women of Influence (2019)
Commissioner - Nashville Transportation Licensing Commission (2024-2026)
Law Clerk to the Hon. Diane K. Vescovo, Magistrate Judge, Western District of Tennessee (2003-2004)
Tennessee Law Review - Research Editor
Order of the Coif
Phi Alpha Delta
John F. Schrankel Scholar

Erica Vick Penley is practice leader of the firm's Government Advocacy & Public Policy Practice Group. She has worked on multiple landmark public policy initiatives, including enactment of the Civil Justice Act of 2011, the Tennessee Broadband Accessibility Act of 2017, the repeal of Tennessee's gift and inheritance taxes, and passage of a constitutional amendment resolution regarding judicial selection. Erica is legislative counsel to a number of businesses and trade associations and is a registered lobbyist with extensive experience representing the interests of financial institutions, healthcare providers, utilities, energy sector, pharmaceutical industry, medical cannabis, nuclear industry services, higher education, agricultural services, and distilled spirits before the Tennessee General Assembly and Executive Branch.

Erica's practice includes:

Government Advocacy & Public Affairs - Representing clients concerning new legislation, legal definitions and restrictions, business tax exemptions, rule-making proceedings, public-private partnerships, the needs of entrepreneurs and small businesses, taxpayer-funded grants, elected representative awareness; participates in various administrative rule-making proceedings and appears before state agencies and commissions; manages and coordinates fundraising and campaign contributions for clients and the firm's political action committee.

Business Disputes - Representing companies in an assortment of cases involving breach of contract, defects in title, employment disputes, fraud and misrepresentation, violations of fiduciary duty, and other business torts.

Utilities - Representing and advising electric cooperatives and other utilities in high-profile government relations matters.

With extensive knowledge of Tennessee campaign finance law, Erica co-authored the Tennessee chapter of the Thomson/West Lobbying, PACs and Campaign Finance: 50 State Handbook. She has represented several pro bono clients in cases involving landlord-tenant disputes, consumer fraud, and general legal matters.

Eagle Scout

Tennessee Bar Association Young Lawyers Division - President's Special Recognition Award (2019)

Ross Smith advises clients before the Tennessee General Assembly and the various branches, departments, agencies and commissions of state government. In this role, he represents companies, organizations and associations related to regulatory issues and to advocate for their business interests within the state of Tennessee.

Prior to joining the firm, Ross was an attorney and lobbyist at Farrar Bates Berexa, LLP, where he created and executed state and local government affairs objectives on behalf of cities, professional associations, and private business groups. He also litigated matters related to municipal liability, civil rights, police liability, and governmental tort liability. After law school, Ross clerked for the Honorable Jimmy L. Croom in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the Western District of Tennessee.

6-10 years

Our team was named the James Magazine Top Ranked Lobbying Firm in multiple years.

Perennial Top 5 Lobbying Firms since 2018

20+ years

Phi Beta Kappa graduate, University of North Carolina

James Magazine lobbyist Hall of Fame

Georgia State Bar highest award for public service

Legislator of the year award for ACGG

State Senate Minority Leader

Chairman of Georgia GOP

20+ years

Gretchen Jacobs has been named one of the Arizona's most effective lobbyists by her peers. She has been named one of the "Legislative Leaders of the Year" by the Arizona Capitol Times. If what your business needs is political success without grandstanding, then Arizona Governmental Affairs is for you.

In a business that's often a bloodsport, Gretchen has built deep, long-term professional relationships across the political map. Let others leave bodies in their path; Gretchen prefers to leave a trail of success.

Lobbyist. Lawyer. Oxford-educated scholar. Arizonan. Mother. Gretchen Jacobs is all those things, and then some. With a degree in political science from USC and a law degree from Santa Clara, Gretchen spent the first part of her career in civil courtrooms, then shifted from the courtroom to the political arena in 1998.

Since then, for the last nearly 25 years, Gretchen has earned a reputation at the State Capitol as one of the hardest working and "most effective" lobbyists in Arizona (as noted in numerous publications including the Arizona Republic and The Arizona Capitol Times). She has excellent relationships with legislative leadership and state agency representatives and knows, from first-hand experience, how to successfully navigate clients through state government terrain.

As an attorney, Gretchen maintains her licenses to practice law in Arizona and California. Gretchen oversees all governmental relation activities conducted on behalf of AGA's clients.

6-10 years

George Peach Taylor Trial Advocacy Award

Mallorie Kerby represents clients before the Tennessee General Assembly and the various departments, agencies and commissions of state government. In this capacity, she works with clients to advocate for their business interests related to new legislation and policies within the state. Mallorie also advises clients on range of compliance, litigation, and regulatory issues related to state and federal environmental laws.

Prior to joining the firm, Mallorie was the Associate Vice President for Environment & Energy Affairs at the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry where she represented businesses and industry groups as a registered lobbyist before the Tennessee General Assembly and state regulators. She previously served as a Legislative Liaison at both the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and at the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance. During law school, she served as an intern at the Federal Bureau of Investigation and for the Honorable L. Scott Coogler of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama.