STEPHEN M. DEFRANK is a senior advisor in Buchanan's state government relations group. He joins Buchanan after spending 23 years of his career in Pennsylvania state government. His most recent position was chief of staff for Senator Lisa M. Boscola.

Steve brings process and policy expertise to our Pennsylvania Government Relations Practice, having worked in state government for more than 20 years. He has served in several roles in his over two decades with the Senate of Pennsylvania, including chief of staff, committee executive director, and policy director. Steve called on his strengths differently in each of those roles: as a chief of staff for Sen. Lisa Boscola, he used his organizational skills and ability to multitask to advance the senator's legislative agenda in Harrisburg and manage constituent outreach and communications in her district office. As Executive Director for the Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee, Steve grasped new concepts quickly and effectively, and developed an area of expertise in issues affecting the energy and utility sectors. As Policy Director, he worked as a jack of all trades to advance a caucus-wide agenda that included initiatives related to legalized gaming, community and economic development, workforce development, education initiatives and government reform.

0-5 years

Prior to joining Vogel Group, Kendall worked extensively in political fundraising in Nashville, TN. She served as the Deputy Finance Director for several elected officials running at the state and federal level including, Governor Bill Haslam (R-TN), Governor Bill Lee (R-TN), U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-TN), U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN), and U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty. She has also served in varying fundraising capacities on campaigns for Mayor Karl Dean, Mayor Megan Barry, Mayor David Briley, Mayor Jim Coppinger, as well as ROCKCITY PAC, TENNPAC, the Tennessee State Museum Foundation, Tennessee Trucking Association, the Haslam Legislative Fund, Governor Haslam Inaugural Committee and Governor Lee Inaugural Committee.

At Vogel Group, Kendall leads the office's legislative efforts by working extensively with our General Assembly. With the political environment in Tennessee, she understands the complex nuances of working across party lines while representing clients' interests.

A native of Gallatin, Tennessee, Kendall graduated from Auburn University with a B.A. in Public Relations. Alongside her work, Kendall enjoys working with two very important charities CASA Nashville and Mother to Mother. She currently lives in Nashville with her husband and two sons.

6-10 years

Bryan Kaegi previously served six years as Senior Vice President of Government Relations for Acadia Healthcare, a leading behavioral health company. In this role, Bryan was responsible for overseeing all aspects of the company's government relations strategy across 40 states and at the federal level. He also led strategic engagement with political membership associations including the Republican Governors Association and the Republican State Legislative Committee.

Prior to joining Vogel Group, Bryan served as the Finance Director for numerous elected officials running at the state and federal level including, U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN), U.S. Congressman Chuck Fleishmann (R-TN), U.S. Congressman Phil Roe (R-TN). He also served in varying capacities on campaigns for Governor Bill Lee (R-TN), U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), U.S. Congressman Tim Burchett (R-TN), Governor Bill Haslam (R-TN), U.S. Congressman David Kustoff (R-TN).