15-20 years

Penn Lincoln Strategies has fostered many relationships with members of the Connecticut legislature, General Assembly staffers, the Office of the Governor, the Office of the Attorney General, the Secretary of State and agency heads.

Chris, as the Founder and CEO of Penn Lincoln Strategies, LLC (PLS), oversees government relations and strategic communications for his firms' multitude of clients. PLS specializes in providing its clients with streamlined and precise consultation for all of their public affairs and advocacy needs. The firm advises client interests before state legislatures around the country, specializing primarily in the Connecticut legislature while, for some clients, managing their day-to-day association operations and providing strategic communications counsel on how to manage press inquiries and crisis communications/public relations.

PLS, established by Chris in 2016, is a full service firm that is proud of the commitment and professionalism it provides its clients.

Before PLS' founding, Chris worked as the Director of Government Relations for Connecticut based company, TicketNetwork, overseeing and managing the company's government relations for all 50 states and the federal government. In concert with the company's legal department and C-Suite, Chris oversaw a robust consultation and travel budget while managing a network of nearly two dozen national government relations and public relations consultants and professionals.

Prior to joining TicketNetwork in 2015, Chris spent over twelve years with the government relations firm Tobin, Carberry, O'Malley, Riley and Salinger (TCORS) a Hartford, CT based firm that specializes in association management and government relations. In the role of Principal, Chris led daily legislative management for dozens of clients on wide ranging issues from environmental regulation to state budgetary issues, gambling issues to freedom of press matters before the Connecticut State Legislature.

Chris got his start in the political field nearly twenty years ago as a political and campaign consultant on numerous successful local and statewide races in Connecticut.

Chris has a B.S. in Political Science from Ohio Dominican University and currently lives in West Hartford, CT with his wife, Maureen, their son Jake and the family dog, Ripken. Chris is an avid Ohio State Buckeyes fan and believes that Die Hard is absolutely a Christmas movie.

15-20 years

Penn Lincoln Strategies has fostered many relationships with members of the Connecticut legislature, General Assembly staffers, the Office of the Governor, the Office of the Attorney General, the Secretary of State and agency heads.

Liam's background involves a wide range of experience in government relations, public service, and politics. Liam has worked on both national and statewide campaigns, and lobbied on the local, state and national levels.

Prior to joining Penn Lincoln Strategies, LLC in 2017, Liam served as the Director of Government Relations and Political Affairs at ConnCAN, the state's largest education advocacy organization. In that role, Liam coordinated and directed ConnCAN's diverse legislative agenda at the federal, state and local levels. Additionally, Liam worked in tandem with the organization's leadership and various coalitions to develop strategies that improved educational outcomes for Connecticut students.

Before Liam joined ConnCAN, Liam worked for former U.S. Senator Christopher J. Dodd in his district legislative office and Presidential campaign in Iowa and New Hampshire. Liam also supported the Connecticut Senate President Pro Tempore's office where he monitored the Majority's legislative proposals and worked on several key legislative campaigns. Additionally, Liam has worked with a wide range of clients from nonprofit organizations to major utility companies and has had several legislative victories ranging from helping pass the State's nationally recognized Minority Teacher Recruitment legislation, authorizing Electric Bikes in Connecticut and establishing the State's Hemp program.

Liam is a member of the Town Council in West Hartford. Liam is also a founding board member of Active City, a Hartford based non-profit group centered around getting 600+ kids in the area active in youth sports. Liam lives in West Hartford with his wife, Whitney and their children Rory and Claire.

6-10 years

Kate has a strong background in public policy and brings over fifteen years of government experience to the Dupont Group. She has served on the staffs of US Congressman Charles F. Bass, US Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart, US Senator John E. Sununu and US Senator Kelly A. Ayotte. Kate also served as the Political Director for the New Hampshire Republican State Party's House PAC in 2010. She has also spent time in the private sector, focusing on the communications and marketing fields and aiding candidates in message development, presentation and design. Kate's professional focus includes communications, energy and health care. Additionally, she works with the Dupont Group public relations division White Birch Communications Group where she manages the firm's public policy conferences. Kate is currently an adjunct faculty member at New England College Graduate Programs and Granite State College.

Kate hold a Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint Anselm College and a Master of Science in Political Science with a concentration in Professional Politics from Suffolk University. Kate serves as the co-chair of the New Hampshire State Society Annual Golf Tournament, which benefits the group's Education Stipend Fund, providing stipends to NH College students pursuing internships in Washington DC. Kate also serves as Secretary on the Manchester Development Corporation Board, which is a 501 (C)(4) non-profit development corporation that supports the economic development initiatives of the City under the direction of the Board of Mayor & Aldermen and is a member of the Board of Speedway Children's Charities. She also serves as the Executive Director for the NH Association of Counties and is a member of the board of the National Council of County Association Executives.

11-15 years

David Adelman joined Cornerstone Government Affairs in 2010, bringing over 10 years of substantial experience in grassroots advocacy, developing and implementing strategic legislative campaigns, drafting and analyzing legislative language and reports and establishing, administering and advising political action committees.

Before joining Cornerstone, David worked for a law firm in West Des Moines where his practice focused on government relations, legislative law, PAC compliance and strategic advising, and election law. David continues to secure millions of dollars for clients through appropriation language, enables clients to secure major policy changes in a variety of issue areas and helps defeat language that would have been detrimental to clients' interests.

Prior to his role at the law firm, David worked with the Department of Justice, in the Iowa Attorney's General Office and clerked in the State Senate.

David worked in Washington, D.C. at the Democratic National Committee where he helped to design the voter protection program in 2004 and returned to Des Moines where he assisted in the establishment of the legal protection network for the Iowa Democratic Party. David served two terms on the Iowa Democratic State Central Committee; the Board of Directors for the Democratic Party.

Raised in Des Moines, David earned a B.S. in Marketing and Business Legal Studies from Miami University, and a certificate in International Business studying in London, England. He received his law degree with a Legislative Practice Certificate from Drake University Law School.

David and his wife, Liz, reside in Des Moines where they are active in the community and have three sons, Michael, Benjamin and Sam.

Jim Monahan has a strong and established public affairs practice that focuses on representing businesses, trade associations and non-profit organizations before state and national governmental agencies. This work includes an emphasis on policy development, legislative advocacy and effective communications.

Jim's professional focus includes energy, transportation and environmental issues. He does work in the healthcare field, with an emphasis on Medicaid policy. In addition, Jim oversees the Dupont Group public relations division White Birch Communications Group.

Jim was elected as Merrimack County Treasurer in the Fall of 2008 and served one term. Currently, he serves on the Concord Zoning Board of Adjustment. Jim is well known for providing news media analysis on topics of politics and public policy. Formerly, Jim was a member of the Independent System Operator (ISO) New England Board Advisory Committee, and a contributing editor to the political website Primary Diner.

15-20 years

Elected four times as State Representative from the 3rd Legislative District (Spokane).

Work History

2006 - present

Contract lobbyist currently retained by Anheuser Busch-In Bev Companies, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, Enterprise Holdings Inc., Graduation Alliance, MultiCare Health System, Tesla, Ticketmaster, and the Washington Health Care Association.

Past clients include the Puget Sound Regional Council, Inland Northwest Health Services, Community Health Systems, the Institute for Systems Medicine, Eastern Washington University, Associated Industries of Spokane, WA., HMS Inc., Amgen, Shire U.S. Inc., the Kalispel Tribal Economic Authority, Port Madison Enterprises, McLane Co., The Alliance for Solar Choice, Joe King and Associates, and the Energy Freedom Coalition of America.

2003-2006

Director of Government Relations for Eastern Washington University. Responsible for overseeing the University’s engagement with federal, state and local government entities along with various stakeholder groups within higher education and the Spokane community.

1996-2003

Washington State House of Representatives, State Representative from the 3rd Legislative District (Spokane). Served as the Chair of the House Finance Committee, Floor Leader, and as a member of the Appropriations Committee, Higher Education Committee, Trade and Economic Development Committee, and Children and Family Services Committee.

Education

BA, Eastern Washington University, 1994
AA, Spokane Falls Community College, 1991

Matt Hinch brings over a decade of experience in state and federal government and as a well-respected campaign and political strategist. Most recently, Matt served as chief of staff to Governor Terry Branstad and Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds, where he oversaw the day-to-day operations of the State of Iowa's executive branch and the Governor's office. In addition, he served as the chief policy and political advisor to the Governor leading successful legislative efforts to strengthen Iowa's infrastructure, improve workforce training and reduce student debt.

Prior to his role in the Governor's office, Hinch served as the senior vice president of government relations and public policy for the Greater Des Moines Partnership, Iowa's largest chamber of commerce representing 21 affiliate chambers throughout the State and 5,300 business members. While at the Partnership, Hinch developed the concept and spearheaded the successful passage of the Iowa Reinvestment Act, a creative funding strategy bringing $100 million in resources to spur development into Iowa communities. Hinch was also influential in building support for the largest property tax reduction for all classes of property in Iowa's history and the Governor's historic education reform initiative, which has been recognized nationally by education organizations and the U.S. Department of Education for its innovative Teacher Leadership and Compensation plan.

Previously, Hinch served as chief of staff to Iowa House Speaker Kraig Paulsen. As the top aide to Paulsen, Matt was instrumental in assisting the Speaker and the House Republican Caucus as they successfully worked to eliminate a $900 million budget shortfall.

Hinch also served as legislative director and campaign manager for Congressman Tom Latham. With Latham, Hinch managed the Congressman's legislative portfolio and his work on several House Appropriations subcommittees, assisting the Congressman in securing millions of dollars for his Iowa constituents. He also led two successful grassroots re-election efforts for Latham, including a 21-point victory in 2008.

Matt is involved in a variety of local community initiatives including the Every Student, Every Day, Dowling Catholic High School Annual Appeal. Matt is also an active member in the Iowa State Blue Ribbon Foundation, an organization that works to promote and enhance activities for Iowa youth at the world-renowned Iowa State Fair. Matt is a contributor to the University of Iowa Foundation and the University of Iowa Athletics Department.

Matt holds a B.A. in Communications, a minor in Political Science and a certificate in Entrepreneurship from the Henry Tippie College of Business, all at the University of Iowa. A native of Des Moines, Matt resides in West Des Moines with his wife and two children.

0-5 years

Penn Lincoln Strategies has fostered many relationships with members of the Connecticut legislature, General Assembly staffers, the Office of the Governor, the Office of the Attorney General, the Secretary of State and agency heads.

Hannah Lemek first joined Penn Lincoln Strategies (PLS) as an intern during the 2018 Connecticut General Assembly Legislative Session. Hannah now works with PLS as an Associate Lobbyist working at the capitol on the firm's client's matters before the General Assembly.

Prior to joining PLS, she served as a public relations intern at the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters. In this role she aided in the origination of Connecticut's branch of CHISPA, which is advocacy arm of League of Conversation Voters that specifically focuses on educating Latino students on governmental operations and environmental matters.

Hannah has worked on several campaigns throughout Connecticut. Most recently she worked on State Senator Joe Markley's primary campaign for Lieutenant Governor. In this role Hannah assisted in helping Sen. Markley earn his party's endorsement. Hannah's role on the campaign also included being responsible for cultivating and maintaining relationships with elected officials throughout the State.

Hannah is also a founding member of the Junior Lobbyist Committee, a subcommittee of the Association of Connecticut Lobbyists, where she also serves a board member.

Hannah earned her B.A. in political science and advocacy from University of Saint Joseph where she was awarded the Sister Mary Rose deLima Nolan founders' award for excellence in Political Science. While at Saint Joseph's Hannah earned varsity letters in both lacrosse and volleyball and served as a two-year captain for the volleyball team.

Sara Allen joined Cornerstone in September 2016. Sara brings over five years of healthcare experience, as well as years spent lobbying, developing and executing policy positions, engaging grassroots advocates, and assisting with political action committee campaigns and endorsements. Sara assists clients throughout the legislative and rule-making process, focusing on health care and state government concerns.

Most recently, Sara worked as a state lobbyist and staff attorney working for the Iowa Hospital Association, representing all 118 Iowa hospitals at the statehouse and various administrative agencies. In this position, Sara gained expertise in a variety of areas impacting hospitals and other health care providers; these areas include financing and reimbursement, behavioral health, value-based healthcare delivery reform models, informational technology innovation, regulatory and legal compliance, scope of practice concerns for specific providers, public body concerns, and public health initiatives.

Before her position at the Iowa Hospital Association, Sara worked for a physician staffing company as associate corporate counsel. In that role, she was responsible for maintaining the corporation's business compliance, contract drafting and enforcement, and managing the human resources function.

Sara received her juris doctorate from Drake University in December 2010 and was admitted to the Iowa Bar in April 2011. Prior to Drake, Sara received her Business Administration degree from Grand View University. In addition to her formal education, Sara received her private pilot's license in 2005 and enjoys recreational flying.

Sara lives in Des Moines with her husband Colby and her three young children, Briar, Blake, and Boone.

0-5 years

Seth Hood assists the Adams and Reese Intersection of Business and Government Practice, representing clients in government relations, economic development, public finance, and counseling individual business and industry groups on how to navigate the regulatory challenges across local, state, and federal governments.

With a decade of experience and deep knowledge in the legislative, regulatory, and state procurement processes, Seth advises clients on government relations matters at the local level in Jackson, Mississippi, and at the federal level in Washington, D.C. 

Before joining Adams and Reese, Seth launched and served as managing partner of Political Sourcing Group, a business consulting and non-partisan campaign management firm. Managing the consulting, marketing and campaign efforts for political officials, small businesses, and nonprofits, he established long-standing relationships with Mississippi community leaders, business professionals, and elected officials. Among other services, he led campaign management and targeted marketing efforts for local, statewide, and federal political campaigns.

Seth formerly served as an associate at JM Hughes Group, providing governmental affairs consulting, association management, media management, and lobbying on behalf of clients by staying apprised of new bills and working beside legislators at the capital and with their campaign needs.

Seth began his professional career as a commercial insurance producer and risk management consultant for Terral Insurance, LLC, one of Mississippi's most longstanding insurance agencies. He earned the designation of Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist. His primary focus was working alongside the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools and national insurance companies as they re-evaluated new risks to the school industry.

Born and raised in Jackson, Seth received his Bachelor of Business Administration (Risk Management and Financial Planning) from the Mississippi State University College of Business.

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.

Before joining Cornerstone, Frank Chiodo most recently served as Deputy Secretary of State under Iowa Secretary of State Michael Mauro. While with the Iowa Department of Economic Development, Frank worked closely with Governor Tom Vilsack and Lieutenant Governor Sally Pederson to secure passage of the Iowa Values Fund, the largest and most successful economic development program in state history.

Frank also worked on Senator Tom Harkin's 2002 Senate campaign, and in 1999-2000 helped Vice President Al Gore secure a victory in the Iowa Caucuses.

Frank served in the Iowa House of Representatives representing District 67 in Des Moines from 1997 through 2003. He was ranking member of the Commerce Committee and elected as the minority whip.

In 2017, Frank was recognized by the Iowa General Assembly as a Pioneer Lawmaker.

20+ years

Tim provided a long sought-after voice to retirees in the Retired Detroit Police & Fire Fighters Association. He and his team successfully fought unions, the City of Detroit, and the pension board's opposition to amend decades-old state law. The association spent 25 years trying to obtain representation on its pension board through litigation and city charter amendment to no avail. Tim and his team did it in a fraction of the time.

Prior to becoming president of MLC, Tim was appointed as Governor John Engler's Campaign Manager to manage his 1998 re-election campaign, after having worked in the Governor's office as Director of External Affairs and Deputy Director of Public Affairs. Former positions also included stints in the Michigan House and Senate, Oakland County government and Senior Director of Government Affairs of the Michigan Credit Union League.