0-5 years

Emily Simmons is a seasoned communications professional and policy advisor known for her impactful work in Mississippi politics. From 2016 to early 2024, she served as the communications director and policy advisor to Speaker of the House Philip Gunn, where she played a vital role in shaping legislative priorities and enhancing outreach efforts.

Prior to this, Emily began her career as a Capitol Hill staffer for Senator Trent Lott, gaining six years of invaluable experience in Washington, D.C. She holds degrees in Journalism and Business from the University of Mississippi, which have equipped her with a unique skill set for navigating the political landscape.

In January 2024, Emily joined the Clearwater Group, where she continues to apply her expertise in communications and policy. Her leadership and deep commitment to public service make her a reassuring and notable figure in Mississippi's political arena.

Emily oversees the creative output and design for the firm, ensuring our clients' messaging and data are presented in a clear and digestible manner for interested parties. She plays a vital role in the strategic communications and legislative lobbying practice areas.

Michael C. Doyle, an accomplished government affairs professional, offering years of professional achievement, joined Gaffney, Bennett and Associates in 2014. Mike offers clients a depth of insight, strategic advice and analysis that has continuously helped clients succeed in lobbying important issues before the executive branches of state government and the Connecticut General Assembly.Mike's background as screening clerk for the House Democrats, legislative aide, political advisor, campaign manager and Senior Policy Aide to the Speaker of the House has been a critical asset to clients who require an understanding of the intricacies of the legislative process as well as the political optics.Prior to joining Gaffney, Bennett and Associates, Mike worked close to 10 years as a lobbyist for a longtime, prominent lobbying firm in Hartford. Mike has wide-ranging experience representing the interests of major corporations, trade associations, organizations and municipalities in the areas of health care, energy, telecommunications, insurance, and consumer products.

0-5 years

Christopher is a seasoned Capitol Hill professional with over six years of experience in Washington, D.C. Most recently, he served as the Deputy Legislative Director for U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), where he played a pivotal role in overseeing legislative activities related to energy, natural resources, the Department of Interior, FEMA and all related federal appropriations. His strong research abilities and insightful policy recommendations made him a trusted advisor to the Senator.

Before his role as Deputy Legislative Director, Christopher served as a Senior Policy Advisor, managing a diverse portfolio that included immigration and telecommunications issues. His foundational experience as a Legislative Aide further enhanced his expertise, particularly in supporting vital military and defense initiatives.

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).

Jeffrey A. Zyjeski, Esq. ("Zeke") began working for Gaffney, Bennett & Associates in 1998 after completing an internship and working at the state Capitol as a staffer for the Legislature's Judiciary Committee. Jeff worked part-time at Gaffney, Bennett & Associates while in law school and joined the firm and the Law Offices of Jay F. Malcynsky, P.C. in 2002.

Jeff is also licensed to practice law in Massachusetts and before the United States Supreme Court

Jeff graduated cum laude with a B.A. from the University of Connecticut, and received his J.D. from the University of Connecticut School of Law. Jeff uses his legal and legislative experience to assist clients in matters of law, regulation and transportation. He currently serves as a member of the House of Delegates of the Connecticut Bar Association, and previously served on the Board of the Association of Connecticut Lobbyists.

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).

JOHN D. NICOLAY directed state governmental representation at Winston & Strawn LLP for seven years. Previously, he served as general counsel to the Illinois Senate President, where his responsibilities included staffing and operations for the Illinois Senate Judiciary Committee.

Prior to his work with the office of the Senate President, he served as a legislative liaison for the Cook County State's Attorney's Office where he helped secure passage of more than 50 pieces of legislation, including major sentencing and evidentiary reforms. He also served as an Assistant State's Attorney and practiced in the area of commercial and governmental litigation at Shefsky & Froelich, Ltd. In addition, Mr. Nicolay served as a Legislative Aide to former Senate Minority Leader Frank Watson, and as a special assistant to Governor James R. Thompson.

Mr. Nicolay has represented Fortune 500 companies, trade associations, and entrepreneurs in the General Assembly. He also has negotiated and litigated on behalf of clients before municipal and administrative law tribunals. He is a frequent speaker on legislative process and governmental ethics, and served as outside ethics counsel to the Senate President. Mr. Nicolay is the co-author of Effective Dates of Illinois Legislation, in the Handbook of Illinois Administrative Law (Illinois State Bar Association, 2001).

In January 2008, Mr. Nicolay was named as a "Rising Star" in the Illinois Super Lawyers edition of Chicago Magazine, having been nominated by fellow members of the Illinois bar.

Mr. Nicolay is past President and serves on the Board of Directors of The Advocacy Group, an international governmental affairs organization. He is Vice-Chairman of the Illinois Executive Mansion Association, a not-for-profit corporation which administers the public use of the Governor's Mansion in Springfield and the Hayes Mansion in DuQuoin. He also serves on the Board of Trustees of MacMurray College, served two terms on the Board of Directors of the Illinois State Chamber of Commerce, and served on the Board of Directors of Intermountain Corporate Affairs Company. He is honored to serve on the Advisory Board of Misericordia/Heart of Mercy Home in Chicago, a residential facility for developmentally disabled children and adults, which is a pro bono client of the firm.

Mr. Nicolay received a B.S. in history and political science from MacMurray College and a J.D. from DePaul University College of Law. He is admitted to practice in the Illinois Supreme Court and the United States District Court for the Northern, Central, and Southern Districts of Illinois.

6-10 years

Ryker joined Clearwater Group at the beginning of 2021, bringing experience in insurance, healthcare, economics and finance, federal and local grant management, business development and government relations. He graduated from the University of Mississippi with degrees in Biochemistry and Economics and obtained a Master of Science in Finance from the Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt University.

Prior to joining the firm, Lackey worked for CVS Health as a financial analyst, specializing in projects involving data compilation and risk management. He is responsible for driving legislative outcomes at the State Capitol and helps with the drafting and monitoring for all clients' legislation.

Ryker leads the firm's policy development and analysis practice area. He also manages the firm's operations at the state capitol during the legislative session and is deeply involved with the executive branch lobbying practice area. He currently serves as a board member for the Rankin County GOP Executive Committee and on the Madison County Business League.

A founding member of Southern Strategy Group (Louisiana), Liz Mangham serves as its managing partner. She primarily represents clients before the legislative and executive branches of state government, focusing on issues related to commerce and industry, civil law, criminal justice, education, health care and transportation.

With keen political skills acquired from managing numerous elections, Liz applies winning campaign strategies to complex lobbying battles. She combines essential grassroots and coalition- based support with the media to deliver comprehensive, effective strategies.

A graduate of Brenau Women's College, Liz has been recognized as one of the top 100 "Louisiana Influencers" and a "National Rising Star" by Campaigns & Elections' Politics magazine and an "Up and Comer in Louisiana Politics" by the Times of Acadiana. Her consulting work has earned award-winning recognition for various political and public policy firms.

0-5 years

"Dylan Reel Named a Top 25 Lobbyist by North State Journal," July 29, 2024

Professional & Community Activities: Johnston County Bar Association, Member; Wake County Bar Association, Member; Saint Thomas Moore Society, Member; Federalist Society, Member; East Triangle YMCA, Board Member; American Leadership Academy Johnston, Board Member

Education: Campbell University School of Law, J.D. (2020), Loyola University Chicago, B.S. Political Science, cum laude with departmental honors (2017)

Admissions: North Carolina (2020)

Speaker Destin Hall, Rep. Brenden Jones, House Leadership, House Appropriations Chairs, House Transportation Chairs, House Education K-12 Chairs, Senate Education/Higher Education Chairs

Dylan Reel assists his clients with lobbying and advocacy before the North Carolina General Assembly and state agencies with a focus on health care, financial services, energy, local governments, transportation, and education. In 2023, he was the youngest ranked as a "Top Lobbyist" in the state of North Carolina by the North State Journal. Prior to joining the firm, Dylan was Vice President of Government Affairs in the Raleigh, North Carolina office of a national, full-service public affairs firm. There, he represented clients before the North Carolina General Assembly and Executive Branch and provided clients with detailed analysis of legislation, appropriation, and political contributions. Before he became a lobbyist, Dylan was General Counsel to the Rules Chairman Destin Hall (R-NC) and the Election and Redistricting Chairman in the North Carolina House of Representatives. In this role, he oversaw the North Carolina House caucus legislative agenda, floor calendar, and bill movement. As counsel for redistricting, Dylan provided legal advice and strategy to the Speaker of the House Tim Moore (R-NC) throughout the redistricting processes and subsequent litigation. Dylan was involved in three separate redraws of the legislative and Congressional maps in his tenure in the state House. Dylan also served as a research assistant and legislative staff assistant in the North Carolina House of Representatives where he provided legislative counsel to the House Rules Chairman David Lewis. While attending law school, Dylan served as a legal extern for Speaker of the House Tim Moore (R-NC) in the North Carolina House of Representatives. Also, he was a campaign intern for the Republican National Committee in Raleigh, North Carolina. Dylan was recognized as a "Top 25 Lobbyist" in 2024 by the North State Journal.

A native of Louisiana, Brad Mittendorf is also a founding member of Southern Strategy Group (Louisiana). Leveraging expertise in energy and telecommunications policy, Brad represents clients before the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC). In addition, he coordinates issues management and media relations services for SSG clients.

The former campaign manager of Republican Jimmy Field's successful bid for public service commissioner, Brad also served as Commissioner Field's executive assistant. During his 7-year tenure with the LPSC, Brad advised on energy, telecommunications and transportation policies. In addition to serving as the commissioner's representative at regulatory hearings and workshops, Brad was also principal liaison to other elected officials and agencies.

In addition to his work in the political and regulatory arenas, Brad founded In Focus, LL -- a private research company. As president, Brad directed focus group research to test issues for a variety of political candidates and organizations and for law firms seeking to evaluate trial and mediation strategies.

Brad is a Phi Beta Kappa and summa cum laude graduate of Louisiana State University and served as co-editor of the Oxford Book of the American South (1997).