Ms. Ito has been the recipient of numerous professional recognitions. In 2008, she was a recipient of the Pacific Business News Forty under 40 award. In 2011, Ms. Ito received the Stars of Hope award from the Hata Foundation and the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii. She also received in 2011 the Hawaii Justice Foundation Spirit of Pro Bono Award, as well as the Hawaii State Bar Association's Ki'e ki'e award, for her pro bono work with the Hawaii Access to Justice Commission and the Hawaii Consortium of Legal Service Providers to obtain much needed additional funding for indigent legal services in Hawaii.

20+ years

We are available to discuss past achievements in many areas of government relations.

We work across branches and across all agencies of state government.

Ben Patterson grew up in Florence, Alabama. He is a graduate of the University of Alabama and earned his Ph.D. from the University of Alabama where he taught seminars in State and Local Government and American Politics until 1996.

Prior to joining Fine Geddie in 2004 he served as the Deputy Finance Director for the State of Alabama under two governors and helped guide both administrations' legislative efforts on fiscal issues. He also held the position of Chief Information Officer, overseeing the state's technology acquisitions in the late 1990s. During his tenures in state government, he gained a thorough understanding of government operations, procurement, information technology, state budgets and controls, and the complexities of Alabama's tax structure.

Ben Patterson also served as the Director of Government Relations for the Alabama Bankers Association from 2000 until 2003 where he was the principal advocate for the state banking industry. He began his lobbying career as a Manager of Legislative Affairs for the Business Council of Alabama in 1996.

BOB GEDDIE grew up in Elmore County and attended public schools in Robinson Springs and Wetumpka. After graduating from Marion Military Institute (A.A.) and Auburn University (BA), he joined the Washington staff of the late U.S. Senator John Sparkman as Sparksman's legislative assistant. He later coordinated Sparkman's Alabama offices. Geddie served for four years as Legislative Liaison and as Executive Assistant to Governor Fob James. He was the Governor's representative to the National Governor's Association, Interstate Mining Compact and the Tennessee-Tombigbee Commission. Prior to forming Fine Geddie & Associates in 1985, he was Director of State Governmental Affairs for Alabama Power Company.

20+ years

Previously, Kevin served as the Director of Government Relations for the Michigan Chamber of Commerce -- one of Michigan's premier trade associations. As Vice President for the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, Kevin advised business leaders from some of Michigan's largest companies, philanthropic community and non-profit associations.

Honored to serve State Representative Ken Sikkema (R - Grand Rapids) and U.S. Senate campaign of the Honorable Spencer Abraham, Kevin has deep roots in the legislative and political process.

A native of Ironwood, Michigan. Kevin graduated with honors from Michigan State University with a Masters Degree in Labor & Industrial Relations and received a BS in Political Science degree from Western Michigan University.

15-20 years

Jimmy has been a government relations specialist with the Law Office of Philip A. Reale since 2004. A fixture at the State Capitol since 1992, when he was elected as the youngest member to the 71st West Virginia Legislature at the age of 25.

Jimmy's political prowess is unmatched in West Virginia. He routinely fields calls from candidates seeking his advice and expertise regarding messaging, voting trends and issues of importance to the general public. Jimmy's keen strategic thinking is also of great value at the state capitol, as he is able to create messaging that resonates with members. Jimmy counts several legislative leaders as his close personal friends and clients benefit from his relationships with legislators and executive agency staff alike, as well as his knowledge of the legislative process.

However, Jimmy's greatest gift is friendly demeanor. Though certainly skilled at fervently debating on a client's behalf, Jimmy is sincerely kind to everyone he encounters. His high profile stable of friends and his genuine likeability make him a powerful ally at the statehouse.

Before joining the Law Office of Philip A. Reale, Jimmy served as the Executive Director of the Gilmer County Economic Development Association (GCEDA) for ten years and was responsible for a large number of development projects including the location of a $130 million dollar medium-security Federal Correctional Institution in Gilmer County, employing nearly four hundred people. In order for the prison project to be completed, Jimmy led community efforts to secure grant funding from the federal and state government to provide the necessary infrastructure to the proposed location.

Jimmy lives in Weston with his wife Ronne Dee and their three children.

15-20 years

Christopher serves on the board of directors of the Republican State Leadership Committee and is an active participant in the RLCC.

20+ years

MICHELLE MCGEE focuses her practice on government affairs representation before government bodies at the local, state and federal levels. She has extensive experience representing clients' interests before both the Massachusetts and Connecticut legislative and executive branches of government. Formerly, Michelle worked at New England Electric System (now National Grid) where she developed and implemented comprehensive legislative and external strategies to achieve New England Electric's public policy initiatives in both Massachusetts and Connecticut. Prior to establishing Kearney, Donovan & McGee, LLC, Ms. McGee was a member of the government affairs practice group at Choate, Hall & Stewart.

15-20 years

Steve Wise joined the Firm in 2002 and became a partner in 2008. Early in his career with the Firm he was recognized by the The Gazette as one of the "Rising Stars" of the State House lobbying corps, and he has consistently ranked among the top earning lobbyists in Annapolis since that time.

Steve represents a diverse group of clients before the General Assembly and State agencies, including trade associations and companies in the alcoholic beverage, insurance, gaming, health care, telecommunications and environmental industries.

Mr. Wise's legal practice focuses on administrative law and regulatory matters. He has appeared before the Liquor Boards in 16 of Maryland's 24 jurisdictions and before the Office of the Comptroller, representing alcoholic beverage licensees on licensing and enforcement matters. Steve also represents health care professionals in licensing and disciplinary proceedings before the Board of Physicians, insurance producers and premium finance companies before the Insurance Administration, and has represented maritime-related industries before the Department of Natural Resources. Steve has appeared in many of the State's Circuit Courts, and litigated cases both before the Court of Special Appeals and Court of Appeals.

Steve received his Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science in 1991 and his Masters degree in Public Administration in 1994, both from Florida State University. He graduated cum laude from the University Of Baltimore School Of Law in 2001, and he is admitted to the Maryland State Bar as well as the U.S. District Court for Maryland. Mr. Wise was born and raised on Maryland's Eastern Shore in Denton, and now resides in Annapolis with his wife Amy and twin sons.

ANTHONY PETRUCCELLI came to Kearney, Donovan & McGee LLC with extensive experience at the municipal and state levels of government in Massachusetts. First elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 1999 and then the Massachusetts Senate in 2007, Anthony is well-versed in legislative issues and is able to use his unique perspective to successfully advocate for his clients' interests.

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

Danna L. Kauffman, Esq. joined the firm in 2013 and became a partner in 2017. Throughout her career Danna has worked in various levels of State government and in the private sector. She has established a reputation as a problem solver and consensus builder who can handle complicated issues in a trusted and professional manner.

Beginning in 1997, Danna served as Counsel to the then House Environmental Matters Committee, working on complex health care issues, and then spent three years as a senior legislative advisor to Governor Glendening, where she worked on a wide range of issues in the areas of health, environment, civil rights and homeland security. Immediately prior to joining the Firm, Danna served as the Senior Vice President of Public Policy for LifeSpan Network, the leading senior care provider association in Maryland.

Raised in Howard County, Maryland, Danna holds an undergraduate degree in Economics from Towson University, where she graduated cum laude. In 1996, she graduated with honors from the University of Maryland School of Law, where she was an editor on the Maryland Law Review. Prior to entering State government service, Danna began her career as a litigation attorney at Smith, Somerville and Case, P.A. Danna resides in Annapolis with her husband and two children.

CHARLENE RIDEOUT provides government relations and lobbying services to clients of Kearney Donovan & McGee, P.C. Formerly, Ms. Rideout served as Intergovernmental Affairs Manager for the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA). In that capacity, she was responsible for implementing legislative and regulatory strategies as well as promoting and advocating MWRA's legislative agenda. Prior to working at MWRA, Ms. Rideout was legislative director for the Massachusetts State Senate Assistant Majority Leader and Senate Chair of the Banks and Banking Committee.

PAUL DONOVAN's practice is focused in the area of government relations, including representation before government bodies at the local, state and federal levels. He has extensive experience representing clients before the Massachusetts General Court, where he has been successful helping clients meet their governmental objectives.

Paul worked for 10 years at the Suffolk County Sheriff's Department, earning a seat on the Sheriff's Department management team. In addition, Paul provided counsel to the Massachusetts Sheriffs' Association on various legislative issues. Paul has been involved in numerous political campaigns, including a 1993 Boston mayoral campaign, in which he was responsible for directing a field operation of more than 2,500 people. Prior to establishing Kearney, Donovan, and McGee, LLC, Mr. Donovan was a member of the government practice group of Choate, Hall & Stewart.

DENNIS J. KEARNEY concentrates his practice in government. He provides legal, legislative and strategic services to clients affected by local, state or federal government policy, legislation or regulation. Dennis formerly served in local, state and county government including 12 years in elected office as a member of the Massachusetts Legislature and as Sheriff of Suffolk County. Prior to forming Kearney, Donovan & McGee, LLC in 2003, Mr. Kearney managed the government practice group at Choate, Hall & Stewart, and served as President of Kearney & Gleason, P.C.

20+ years

Dennis combines his corporate and public service experience to serve clients across a broad range of industries.Dennis has previously held the position of senate sergeant-at-arms for the Mississippi State Senate and served as a staff attorney in the Senate Legislative Services office. He has also served as senior attorney for the Mississippi Public Service Commission and as a regional public affairs manager for International Paper. Additionally, he is the author of the Mississippi Chapter, Lobbying, PACs and Campaign Finance: 50 State Handbook.In addition to holding memberships and leadership positions in a number of professional organizations, Dennis is an adjunct professor of law at Mississippi College School of Law teaching the course, "Legislation."

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).

20+ years

20+ years

The firm's namesake, Phil Reale is an attorney and government relations consultant who has more than 40 years of experience representing clients in the courtroom and all levels of government. Phil has vast experience in a myriad of public policy areas ranging from oil and gas matters, healthcare policy, gaming and lottery laws in multiple jurisdictions around the U. S., economic development, alcohol policy, and e-government.

Phil is a 1977 graduate of the West Virginia University College of Law. He has been an active member of the Independent Oil and Gas Association of West Virginia, including one term as president of the organization and at all times an effective coordinator of public policy and legislative affairs for the industry in West Virginia. He served on the Board of Directors of Alliance Petroleum Corporation, an exploration and production company with operations in Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. He also served as the Independent Oil and Gas Association representative to Governor Tomblin's Natural Gas Vehicle Task Force. He is often found on the editorial pages of state newspapers offering comments on various issues confronting state government.

He rose to prominence in statewide political circles when in 1988, he chaired the transition team for incoming West Virginia Governor, Gaston Caperton and ultimately served as his Chief of Staff. This role led him into a career of helping guide clients through legislative and government processes. He has served the state in a variety of capacities including that of its representative to the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission for which he served as its Vice Chairman. Additionally, he Co-Chaired the Higher Education Advocacy Team and championed a higher education reform effort, served two terms as Chairman of the State College System of West Virginia Board of Directors, served on the West Virginia Judicial Investigation Commission, the West Virginia Educational Broadcasting Authority, the West Virginia Prepaid College Tuition Trust Fund Board of Directors and has held leadership positions in various political and civic organizations. He is the recipient of two Distinguished West Virginian Awards of Public Service.

Phil has routinely left his mark on statewide political campaigns over his many years of involvement in West Virginia politics and is often consulted by candidates seeking assistance with political strategies.

In addition to being a past Chairman of Special Olympics of West Virginia, Phil maintains an active role in the stewardship of several charitable organizations. Phil is the current Chairman of the West Virginia Golf Hall of Fame, a member of the West Virginia Golf Association Executive Committee and currently serves the organization as its vice-president and chair of its Long Term Planning Committee, and serves on the Leadership Council of the West Virginia University Cancer Institute.

In his spare time, Phil enjoys playing golf and supporting West Virginia Mountaineer athletics.

20+ years

Successfully worked with two municipalities regarding approval to build two major warehouse centers in those districts.

Work with state economic development agency and key legislators for passage of legislation to benefit small business

Ongoing work with major state hospital system on all pertinent issues, including state and federal funding, healthcare, etc.

Successfully assisted in merger of large pharmacy retailer and insurance.

Kevin N. Reynolds is a principal of RSG. Prior to that, Mr. Reynolds was a principal and member of the Board of Directors at the law firm of Updike Kelly & Spellacy, PC, serving as Chair of the firm's Government Relations & Public Affairs practice group for eight years. Mr. Reynolds has most recently represented clients such as Amazon, CVS/Caremark, Diageo, Goodwin College, Eversource, Tesla, Red Bull, Trinity Health of New England, Live Nation/Ticketmaster. Mr. Reynolds has great experience representing numerous insurance organizations over the years including, but not limited to, AHIP, Mutual of Omaha, Unum and AFLAC.

As a lawyer, Mr. Reynolds also routinely handles matters in the areas of administrative, elections and municipal law. He was integrally involved in representing Essent Healthcare, over a two-year period, in the state's first non-profit to for-profit hospital conversion.
Prior to attending law school, Mr. Reynolds served for several years on the legislative staff of U.S. Senator Christopher J. Dodd. While working in Senator Dodd's office, his responsibilities included drafting legislation on domestic issues, preparing legislative statements and handling federal casework.

Mr. Reynolds serves in a leadership capacity in various professional, political and community organizations. Since 2000, he has served as Legal Counsel for the Connecticut Democratic Party. Mr. Reynolds is a Corporator of Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center. He also has served as Chairman of the International Council of Shopping Centers, Connecticut State Government Relations Committee. He serves as Parliamentarian for the West Hartford Democratic Town Committee and is an alumnus of Leadership Greater Hartford, Class of 1999. In 2012, Mr. Reynolds received the prestigious William A. O'Neil Award for lifetime service on behalf of the Connecticut Democratic Party.

Mr. Reynolds received his J.D. at the University of Virginia School of Law in Charlottesville, Virginia and his A.B. in English at Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio.

Ainsworth's practice focuses on Government Relations & Legislative Advocacy. He assists companies and employers across Louisiana and the U.S. by developing and communicating legislative priorities and regulatory policies that promote increased economic employment and business growth. His areas of focus include agriculture, energy, insurance, e-commerce/internet, financial institutions, manufacturing, and other industries.

20+ years

Hasina Wittenberg is president of Government Relations Strategies (GRS), a leading government affairs firm located in Portland metropolitan area. Wittenberg began her lobbying career in 1993 working for the League of Oregon Cities. She then went to work for a contract lobbying firm until 2005 when she formed Government Relations Strategies Inc. With more than 20 years of experience, she provides legislative advocacy for numerous clients by cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with both local and state officials and Oregon lawmakers. Clients include publicly traded corporations, multinational corporations, professional trade associations, non-profit organizations, and a variety of local governments. Hasina's diverse client background and experience in multiple audience communications has led to the development of highly successful government relations programs through written and oral promotion, policy development, and program evaluation and management. She consistently produces successful outcomes for her clients, and has worked to achieve bipartisan support on many legislative issues.

11-15 years

Crain's Detroit Business named Sarah in their "40 Under 40" class as well as a "Woman to Watch" in recognition of her work on behalf of businesses in the Detroit region

At Acuitas, Sarah is well known for her collaborative approach to tough client challenges. Her network of contacts across non-profits and the business community provide clients access to much more than her knowledge and understanding of the legislative process.

Sarah's proactive approach to relationship-building with government officials begins long before they are sworn-in to office. The Acuitas team works to meet future public officials before they are overwhelmed by the work of Lansing and continues the relationship as they ascend to positions of leadership.

Prior to the Chamber, Sarah spent 3 years as a Legislative Assistant in the Michigan House of Representatives with former State Representative Willis C. Bullard Jr. (R - Highland Township).

Sarah received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan, Master of Public Administration from Western Michigan University and Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business.

She formerly served on the Board of Directors of the Public Affairs Council, the American Chamber of Commerce Executives, the Woodrow Wilson Centers' Canada Institute, and the University of Michigan Alumni Association.

Crain's Detroit Business named Sarah in their "40 Under 40" class as well as a "Woman to Watch" in recognition of her work on behalf of businesses in the Detroit region.

RYAN KILPATRICK is a founding partner at AI. Prior to helping launch AI, Ryan was a partner at FKG Consulting. In his role at AI, Ryan Kilpatrick develops and implements public affairs strategies for clients at the state and municipal levels. Past projects include helping to pass a statewide cigarette tax increase, working to facilitate agreement between auto insurers and transportation network companies in Oklahoma, and efforts to modernize Oklahoma's alcohol laws. He also co-chairs the policy committee for the Oklahoma Turning Point Council, a group that seeks to improve health outcomes through community partnerships.

Ryan previously worked on legislative and statewide campaigns and worked in Washington, DC for Congressman Tom Cole. Ryan graduated from Trinity University in San Antonio. His community involvement includes Leadership Oklahoma City's LOYAL Class X, the Downtown Club of OKC, Big Brothers Big Sisters and coaching volleyball for the Oklahoma City Police Athletic League. Ryan is a sports fanatic; you can catch him and his wife Mary Ellen at an OKC Thunder or Energy FC game.

20+ years

Successfully worked with two municipalities regarding approval to locate two major warehouse centers in those districts.

Work with state economic development agency and key legislators for passage of legislation to provide financial assistance for small businesses in CT.

Ongoing work with major state hospital system on all pertinent issues, including state and federal funding, healthcare, etc.

Successfully assisted in merger of large pharmacy retailer and insurance.

Brenda Sisco is a principal of RSG. For more than 15 years, Ms. Sisco held several key positions in two gubernatorial administrations prior to joining RSG. Under Governor M. Jodi Rell, Ms. Sisco served as Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management ("OPM"), Commissioner of the Department of Administrative Services ("DAS") and Legislative Director for the Governor. Ms. Sisco also served as Legislative Director for Governor John G. Rowland. After leaving state service, Ms. Sisco was Director of Outreach and Government Relations for the Connecticut Council on Education Reform, a coalition of business leaders, working on the landmark education legislation in 2012.

As Secretary of OPM, Ms. Sisco oversaw the administration of centralized budgeting and planning for the State of Connecticut. Leading eight Division Directors and approximately 130 employees, Ms. Sisco reported directly to the Governor, providing guidance and analysis, preparation of the state budget and advice on the fiscal and administrative impact on public policies and policy initiatives. Additionally, Ms. Sisco reviewed all state agency requests for bonding to fund capital projects, advising the Governor on which projects that should proceed. Ms. Sisco was also responsible for the distribution and oversight of project funds.

As Commissioner of DAS, Ms. Sisco led more than 300 employees and managed a $40-million-dollar budget. Her role was to deliver programs, services, specialized support and sound business solutions to state agencies, municipalities, vendors, colleges and universities, non-profit organizations and the public at large. This included procurement of contracts on behalf of state agencies for goods and services, personnel recruitment, workforce planning, fleet operations, state workers compensation, collection of debts due the state, surplus property distribution and printing, mail and courier services.

As Legislative Director, Ms. Sisco was the lead representative for the Governor with the Connecticut General Assembly on budget and tax proposals, economic development, human services, education, public health, environment and bonding proposals. In addition to oversight and approval of all legislative proposals by state agencies, Ms. Sisco assisted in the development of policy initiatives and the passage of the biennial state budget. Ms. Sisco also served on the Board of Trustee of the University of Connecticut on behalf of the Governor and as the liaison between the Governor's Office and the New England Governors' Conference ("NEGC"). Among the more notable projects, Ms. Sisco worked on the restructuring of the electric industry, passage of UConn 2000, creation and funding of $1 billion Adriaen's Landing development project and the takeover of the Hartford School System.

Ms. Sisco received her B.S. in Psychology from Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, Connecticut.

6-10 years

Successfully worked with two municipalities regarding approval to build two major warehouse centers in those districts.

Work with state economic development agency and key legislators for passage of legislation to benefit small business

Ongoing work with major state hospital system on all pertinent issues, including state and federal funding, healthcare, etc.

Successfully assisted in merger of large pharmacy retailer and insurance.

Hillary is a Principal at RSG. After 5 years as an Associate at RSG, in 2020 Hillary was promoted to Principal. Ms. Glass came to Connecticut from Virginia in 2013 to work at the State Capitol for Governor Dannel Malloy. She then took a position at the Connecticut Democratic Party, working directly for the State Party Chairwoman, Nancy DiNardo, serving as a liaison with elected officials, town chairs, and leaders in the state's 169 municipalities. Following her time at the State Party, Ms. Glass served as Finance Assistant for U.S. Representative Elizabeth Esty's 2014 successful reelection to Congress, working directly with the candidate to solicit and raise funds. Ms. Glass, who resides in Hartford, graduated in 2013 from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Minor in Journalism.