20+ years

Led a complex business, environmental and local government coalition and enacted industry sponsored legislation that created the largest recycling program in California in over a decade and saved client over $10 million annually in the process;

Enacted legislation allowing health facility expansion so that more beds could serve a critical needs population thus ensuring the maximum return on a multi-million dollar investment;

Led a procurement engagement that migrated tens of thousands of state employees into cloud e-mail services and that consolidated over 100 separate state e-mail systems into two primary choices thus maximizing success on a $50 million contract.

Governor Gavin Newsom's Cabinent Secretary Ana Matasantos, Director of Finance Keely Bosler, Legislative Secretary Anthony Williams.

Senate Pro Tem Toni Atkins

Speaker Antony Rendon

Legislative Democrat Moderate Caucus

State Controller Betty Yee

State Treasurer Fiona Ma

As Principal and founder of Sheehy Strategy Group, Tom Sheehy is recognized as one of Sacramento's most experienced and influential lobbyists, as well as a fiscal expert. Known for his strength in developing lobbying strategy, planning and executing lobbying campaigns, Tom’s ability to shape and deliver messaging in a clear and convincing manner achieves superior results for legislative and regulatory clients on difficult issues. He leads teams in complex, competitive and high-pressure environments to secure the client's desired outcome. He has also helped clients develop state department customers and contract with state agencies, thereby securing $100s of millions of dollars in business over the years. His skill in navigating California's political landscape comes from over two decades of experience working at the most senior levels in both the state legislature as well as the Governor's office. He has mastered the intersection between public policy, politics and people in a lobbying career at both a Fortune 100 financial services company as well as an international law firm. Tom manages difficult policy issues by conducting thorough research and understanding the different variables that impact the client's success. He then develops tactics and strategies to craft messages that position the client to win, all while integrating and leveraging the client's resources to achieve effective public policy outcomes.


Our Experience
Tom has worked on some of the most challenging issues in California, including helping more than one Governor solve multi-billion-dollar budget deficits and making government operate more efficiently. He has advised clients on a number of sensitive policy issues in the areas of state finance, transportation infrastructure, privacy, consumer protection, business regulations, tax, environmental quality, natural resource conservation and land development regulations. Tom's unique skill set allows him to see the big picture while developing specific tactics and strategies necessary for each client's needs. Tom offers his clients a wide breadth of experience that is unique in Sacramento's corridors of power in the state capitol.

Over the years, Tom has built up an impressive universe of both public and private sector connections and relationships spanning blue chip corporate executives, local, state and federal elected officials and staff. Many state department directors and governor's appointees "came up through the ranks" with Tom as he started his career in Sacramento and state government in the early 1990s. Tom has worked as a Governor's appointee in the Department of Finance, Department of Transportation, and State and Consumer Services Agency. He was a principal consultant in both the California Senate and Assembly for 10 years, where he mastered the legislative process by developing tactics necessary to win tough policy battles. As Chief Deputy Director of the California Department of Finance, Tom not only helped shape and manage the state's $150 billion budget for more than one Governor, but he served on or was Chairman of some of the most influential state Boards and Commissions,including the State Lands Commission, Public Works Board, State Teacher Retirement System (Cal-STRS), State Infrastructure Bank, Building Standards Commission,Tax Credit Allocation Committee, and Pooled Money Investment Fund.


Our Size
SSG is a boutique firm, where client phone calls are returned promptly and emails receive a response within 24 hours so political threats and opportunities are communicated immediately, thus placing all the client's options --on the table -- before it is too late to act effectively. SSG always knows the client and their business without having to search through stacks files to answer basic questions. Tom Sheehy is a trusted advisor and confidant who is always available as a sounding board or to answer questions and provide effective options to every difficult situation and request. He understands the importance of protecting and enhancing the client's reputation while conducting lobbying, regulatory and state contract procurement work with the utmost integrity. SSG also partners with and directs public relations, legal and digital marketing firms to bring about desired outcomes depending on the requirements of the project and client's needs.

Tom received a Bachelor of Science Degree and an MBA in Finance from the University of California at Davis. He lives in Sacramento with his wife Brena and their two sons, Nicholas and Christopher.

MEGHAN LOPER serves as Vice President and has been helping shape State policy for more than decade. She joined CSG with extensive government affairs experience advocating for private businesses and working with elected officials. Ms. Loper has a unique ability to identify policy opportunities, develop effective advocacy strategies and achieve success by utilizing her bipartisan network with key decision-makers.

Prior to joining CSG, Ms. Loper served as Public Policy Director for Majestic Realty Co., one of the nation's largest privately held, family-owned real estate development firms. With Majestic properties playing a critical role in the supply chain, Ms. Loper served on several regional goods movement committees and stakeholder agency advisory groups. She gained extensive experience on transportation issues by serving as the lead staffer for a member of the California Transportation Commission. Ms. Loper was also the Program Director for the Majestic Realty Foundation, collaborating with nonprofits on programs related to health, education, and violence prevention. She advised the Foundation's board of directors and regional planning teams. She developed the curriculum for its flagship program, the Los Angeles Youth Leadership Council.

Ms. Loper was selected for the prestigious Coro Fellows Program in Public Affairs in Los Angeles. Coro is a graduate-level leadership training program that provides experience in the public affairs arena.

Ms. Loper received her MBA from the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California. A two-time Trojan grad, she also graduated Cum Laude with departmental honors and holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Policy and Management from the University of Southern California. She serves on Leadership Council for the Sol Price School of Public Policy at USC."

20+ years

By any yardstick, Aaron Read and Associates is recognized as one of the premier lobbying firms in Sacramento. Whether it's based on annual billings or word of mouth referrals, ARA is at the top of the list. In addition, ARA has been listed as one of the top-ranked lobby firms in Capitol Weekly, a well-known publication, since they started their rankings 10 years ago.

Aaron Read and Associates' (ARA) services run the gamut of all types and aspects of Governmental Representation including the Administration, the Legislature and each of its committees, and regulatory agencies. In addition, ARA provides consulting on government procurement issues. Our sister company, Marketplace Communications, provides a full range of public affairs services including social media, campaigns, video and audio productions, and strategy to achieve your goals. Marketplace Communications has won numerous Pollie Awards from the American Association of Political Consultants.

Steve Baker joined ARA in 1990 and represents several professional groups and corporations. Prior to coming to Aaron Read & Associates, Steve had an executive role with a labor-management consulting firm headquartered in Sacramento. He has been involved in all aspects of association development, including membership recruitment, public relations, coalition building, and representational activities.Steve specializes in working on energy, utility, labor, transportation, regulatory and environmental issues. He also has extensive experience in working on the State Budget. Steve has worked in a variety of candidate campaigns as well as on statewide ballot measures. He is highly respected for both his lobbying skills and his ability to articulate verbally and in writing the concerns of our clients.

ARA is unique. We represent numerous firefighters, law enforcement and labor groups, as well as fortune 500 companies, corporations and large trade associations. As a result of our diverse client base, we build relationships with Democratic and Republican lawmakers during their campaigns, long before they are elected to office

20+ years

By any yardstick, Aaron Read and Associates is recognized as one of the premier lobbying firms in Sacramento. Whether it's based on annual billings or word of mouth referrals, ARA is at the top of the list. In addition, ARA has been listed as one of the top-ranked lobby firms in Capitol Weekly, a well-known publication, since they started their rankings 10 years ago.

Aaron Read and Associates' (ARA) services run the gamut of all types and aspects of Governmental Representation including the Administration, the Legislature and each of its committees, and regulatory agencies. In addition, ARA provides consulting on government procurement issues. Our sister company, Marketplace Communications, provides a full range of public affairs services including social media, campaigns, video and audio productions, and strategy to achieve your goals. Marketplace Communications has won numerous Pollie Awards from the American Association of Political Consultants.

Patrick Moran comes with over 20 years of lobbying and legislative experience. He served as Special Consultant to Speaker Herb Wesson and Speaker Fabian Nunez where he worked on public safety, retirement and labor issues.Prior to joining the Speakers office, Patrick was chief lobbyist for the California State Firefighters' Association (CSFA) where he was responsible for the governmental affairs of the organization, both legislative and political. Patrick also lobbied for the Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC), local governments, the State Association of County Retirement Systems (SACRS) and the California Treasurers and Tax Collectors Association.As a result of his diverse work experiences, Patrick has worked for Aaron Read & Associates on a variety of issues including, but not limited to; the state budget, labor, retirement, workers compensation, local government and public safety. He has also worked on a variety of candidate campaigns as well as on statewide ballot measures. While not at work, Patrick enjoys spending time with his wife and four kids.

ARA is unique. We represent numerous firefighters, law enforcement and labor groups, as well as fortune 500 companies, corporations and large trade associations. As a result of our diverse client base, we build relationships with Democratic and Republican lawmakers during their campaigns, long before they are elected to office

20+ years

By any yardstick, Aaron Read and Associates is recognized as one of the premier lobbying firms in Sacramento. Whether it's based on annual billings or word of mouth referrals, ARA is at the top of the list. In addition, ARA has been listed as one of the top-ranked lobby firms in Capitol Weekly, a well-known publication, since they started their rankings 10 years ago.

Aaron Read and Associates' (ARA) services run the gamut of all types and aspects of Governmental Representation including the Administration, the Legislature and each of its committees, and regulatory agencies. In addition, ARA provides consulting on government procurement issues. Our sister company, Marketplace Communications, provides a full range of public affairs services including social media, campaigns, video and audio productions, and strategy to achieve your goals. Marketplace Communications has won numerous Pollie Awards from the American Association of Political Consultants.

Terry has worked at Aaron Read & Associates for more than two decades. Prior to joining ARA, he served as the Director of the California Fire Foundation and Consultant to the California Assembly Committee on Fire, Police and Emergency Services. In 2009, he was awarded the Director's Achievement Award on behalf of CAL FIRE. He led the successful campaign to develop the CAL FIRE brand.

Terry McHale was the press liaison for the California Assembly Committee on Police, Fire and Disaster. There, he handled crisis management in the MTBE campaign, and has expertise in public policy and strategic communications. Terry is currently an officer at Aaron Read & Associates as well as Marketplace Communications. He also serves as the editor of California Conversations Magazine. He has interviewed and written stories about such interesting Californians as Clint Eastwood, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Harrison Ford, Gary Condit, Governor Pete Wilson and Governor Gray Davis. Terence graduated from UCLA. He lives his family in Elk Grove.

ARA is unique. We represent numerous firefighters, law enforcement and labor groups, as well as fortune 500 companies, corporations and large trade associations. As a result of our diverse client base, we build relationships with Democratic and Republican lawmakers during their campaigns, long before they are elected to office.

0-5 years

Ryan was named to City & State PA's "40 under 40" list in 2022. The list recognizes the most prominent leaders in Pennsylvania government, advocacy, labor, business, academia and media who are under the age of forty.

Ryan brings a diverse background in government and politics to DMGS. He is currently based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where he focuses on multi-state government affairs, business development, issue advocacy and grassroots consulting strategies. In his role with DMGS, Ryan has assisted clients in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Michigan, Oklahoma, Florida, Virginia, Tennessee, Los Angeles, Texas, and more. Ryan also assists clients with legislative tracking in all 50 states.

Prior to joining the Duane Morris team, Ryan served as the District Director for state Representative Sheryl Delozier in Cumberland County for three years. In this role, he was tasked with managing outreach in the district office and working hand-in-hand with local elected officials and other community stakeholders. He was also instrumental in conducting legislative research and working in a bipartisan manner with the Criminal Justice Reform Caucus. Ryan also served as an alternate member in place of Rep. Delozier on the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.

Previously, he served as the Deputy State Director and Regional Field Manager at the Republican Party of Pennsylvania where he specialized in grassroots organization and outreach.

Ryan is a former member of the East Stroudsburg School Board, having been the youngest elected official in Monroe County’s history at the time of his election in 2013.

Ryan is a 2014 graduate of East Stroudsburg University where he received a B.A. in Political Science with a minor in German. He currently resides in Harrisburg with his wife, Amanda.

20+ years

By any yardstick, Aaron Read and Associates is recognized as one of the premier lobbying firms in Sacramento. Whether it's based on annual billings or word of mouth referrals, ARA is at the top of the list. In addition, ARA has been listed as one of the top-ranked lobby firms in Capitol Weekly, a well-known publication, since they started their rankings 10 years ago.

Aaron Read and Associates' (ARA) services run the gamut of all types and aspects of Governmental Representation including the Administration, the Legislature and each of its committees, and regulatory agencies. In addition, ARA provides consulting on government procurement issues. Our sister company, Marketplace Communications, provides a full range of public affairs services including social media, campaigns, video and audio productions, and strategy to achieve your goals. Marketplace Communications has won numerous Pollie Awards from the American Association of Political Consultants.

Randy A. Perry has 27 years of experience and was a Manager and Chief Legislative Advocate for the Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC) for over 15 years. PORAC represents over 62,000 rank-and-file Peace Officers in California and Nevada. Randy has written and lobbied legislation ranging from labor and workers' compensation issues to local government funding and laws increasing penalties for crimes against the public. He has an extensive background with association grassroots programs and has worked or managed every aspect of issue and candidate campaigns. Randy has a Bachelors Degree in Political Science.

ARA is unique. We represent numerous firefighters, law enforcement and labor groups, as well as fortune 500 companies, corporations and large trade associations. As a result of our diverse client base, we build relationships with Democratic and Republican lawmakers during their campaigns, long before they are elected to office.

20+ years

In 2017, Governor-elect Phil Murphy selected Eric to serve on the Human Services Committee for his transition team. During that same year, he was nominated by Kentucky State Senator Jimmy Higdon and commissioned by Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin to become a Kentucky Colonel.

In 2004, Eric was nominated by New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey to serve on the South Jersey Port Corporation's Board of Directors, which is responsible for the development of port facilities in South New Jersey. Eric was reappointed in 2008 by Governor Corzine and again in 2017 by Governor Chris Christie.

In 2018, Eric was appointed to the Advisory Board of the Burbank International Film Festival.

Eric is also a founding member of the Board of Directors for the NYC Fashion Manufactures Alliance of Design Educators and Save the Garment Center in New York City; a position he's held since 2008.

In 2007, Eric was selected by the American Council of Young Political Leaders, a bi-partisan not-for-profit international exchange organization, as a delegate to Vietnam for a two-week political exchange program. Eric joined six other young political leaders from the U.S. to study Vietnam's political system, engage in dialogue on international issues, and forge professional relationships. He's also participated in international trade missions, including trips to the Netherlands, China and the United Arab Emirates.

Eric was appointed in 2007 by New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine to serve as a member of the Economic Growth Council to assist with statewide economic development policies.

Eric is a former Committee Chairman for the Mercer County College Board of Trustees Advisory Committee and a former member of the Board of Trustees for the Arts & Business Partnership of Southern New Jersey. He's served on the boards of the Mercer County Workforce Investment Board, the Mercer County Economic Development Committee and Junior Achievement. Eric was appointed by Assembly Majority Leader Paul DiGaetano in 2002 to the New Jersey Council of Local Mandates and served as Vice Chairman until 2004.

0-5 years

Members of California State Senate and Assembly

Brena Sheehy brings over 15 years of experience in healthcare and insurance industry experience to the Sheehy Strategy Group (SSG). Brena holds a bachelor's degree in business administration - risk management and insurance from Fresno State University and worked for a number of years in property, casualty and health insurance in the Central Valley. She moved to the Sacramento region in the mid-1990's where she helped launch the innovative Health Insurance Plan of California (HIPC). Soon she was promoted to Sales Manager and finally took over running the HIPC sales program as Director of Sales. This groundbreaking state purchasing pool opened the doors to affordable group health insurance to many small and medium sized businesses in the state.

Later she joined CIBA Vision, a subsidiary of Novartis, where she became a distinguished territory sales representative for the western region. Most recently Brena has represented SingleCare in the Sacramento Valley and promoted pharmacy discount programs for those with and without health insurance. She has served as a strategic advisor to SSG since its inception, and her experience, communication and analytical skills make her a critical component to the success of the SSG.

11-15 years

By any yardstick, Aaron Read and Associates is recognized as one of the premier lobbying firms in Sacramento. Whether it's based on annual billings or word of mouth referrals, ARA is at the top of the list. In addition, ARA has been listed as one of the top-ranked lobby firms in Capitol Weekly, a well-known publication, since they started their rankings 10 years ago.

Aaron Read and Associates' (ARA) services run the gamut of all types and aspects of Governmental Representation including the Administration, the Legislature and each of its committees, and regulatory agencies. In addition, ARA provides consulting on government procurement issues. Our sister company, Marketplace Communications, provides a full range of public affairs services including social media, campaigns, video and audio productions, and strategy to achieve your goals. Marketplace Communications has won numerous Pollie Awards from the American Association of Political Consultants.

Jennifer Tannehill brings her decades of experience under the dome to Aaron Read & Associates. Beginning her career with an internship for then Governor Deukmejian, Jennifer served two governors and six legislators in several capacities. In addition to her experience in both houses of the legislature and the governor's office Jennifer has served candidates for office as an account manager for a prominent political fundraising team, giving her insider knowledge of Sacramento and a broad perspective of state government and politics. Jennifer has worked on several issues in her capacity as a legislative staffer. Some of these include: Business and Professions, Education and Budget. A Sacramento native, Jennifer holds a B.A. in Government from CSU Sacramento. When not working on legislative issues she enjoys time with her family, camping, road trips with her husband and walks with her rescue dog.

ARA is unique. We represent numerous firefighters, law enforcement and labor groups, as well as fortune 500 companies, corporations and large trade associations. As a result of our diverse client base, we build relationships with Democratic and Republican lawmakers during their campaigns, long before they are elected to office.

20+ years

By any yardstick, Aaron Read and Associates is recognized as one of the premier lobbying firms in Sacramento. Whether it's based on annual billings or word of mouth referrals, ARA is at the top of the list. In addition, ARA has been listed as one of the top-ranked lobby firms in Capitol Weekly, a well-known publication, since they started their rankings 10 years ago.

Aaron Read and Associates' (ARA) services run the gamut of all types and aspects of Governmental Representation including the Administration, the Legislature and each of its committees, and regulatory agencies. In addition, ARA provides consulting on government procurement issues. Our sister company, Marketplace Communications, provides a full range of public affairs services including social media, campaigns, video and audio productions, and strategy to achieve your goals. Marketplace Communications has won numerous Pollie Awards from the American Association of Political Consultants.

Aaron Read has been a legislative advocate for more than forty-five years. He began his career in the late 1960s after he obtained a Master's Degree in Business Administration (MBA) and went to work for a large statewide association. Aaron formed Aaron Read & Associates (ARA) in 1978. ARA has grown into one of the most influential lobbying firms in California. The select list of clients covers a broad spectrum and allows the firm an opportunity to work with the entire political spectrum. Aaron has a unique perspective of what works and what doesn't in government and counsels clients on effective strategies to achieve their goals. Aaron has extensive experience in all phases of political work, including lobbying extremely complex and controversial issues, public relations and coalition building, as well as constitutional offices, legislative and initiative campaigns. Aaron also has special expertise in creating and managing large political action committees. Aaron is a lifelong pilot, has a lifetime teaching credential and is also a former graduate-level instructor in business and public administration at Golden Gate University. He enjoys spending time with his family, golf, SCUBA diving and other water sports and real estate investments when not walking the Capitol halls. ARA is unique. We represent numerous firefighters, law enforcement as well as fortune 500 companies like AT&T and 3M and large trade associations. As a result of our diverse client base, we build relationships with Democratic and Republican lawmakers during their campaigns, long before they are elected to office.

15-20 years

Kim Stone is a seasoned lawyer and lobbyist. A graduate of Stanford University and Stanford law school, she has served as a state and federal prosecutor. Kim lobbied in-house for the Civil Justice Association of California (CJAC) and for Blue Shield of California, and led CJAC, a powerful trade association dedicated to fairness in the legal system. With a track record of success in both promoting affirmative legislation and killing bad bills, she is a collaborator and also a fierce advocate. Her insight and experience, along with an expert understanding of California politics and policy, allow her to provide direct, strategic advice. Before entering politics, Kim lived and worked for five years in La Ceiba, Honduras, where she co-founded a micro credit organization providing loans to poor women in rural Honduras