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.

Kevin B. Spinella, a 10-year veteran of Connecticut politics, joined Gaffney, Bennett & Associates' team of eight lobbyists/lawyers on February 3, 2020.

Kevin began his career as a legislative aide and committee clerk for the House Democrats from 2010-14, overseeing all facets of the committee process and supervising five clerks. He also served as a campaign coordinator for the House Democratic caucus during the 2010-18 election cycles, and was responsible for helping develop strategies, prepare for debates and coordinate events with Congressional and US. Senate campaigns.

As senior policy analyst to former CT House Speaker Brendan Sharkey and current Speaker Joe Aresimowicz, for the past six years, Kevin has performed research, helped analyze policies and programs, and drafted and finalized legislation for the leaders and the caucus. He has also negotiated with and served as a liaison between legislators from both political parties the executive branch, lobbyists and advocates on priority issues.

Kevin's experience covering an array of legislative committees and issues on behalf of the House Democratic caucus and leadership has helped him develop a strong understanding of the legislative process and the critical importance of building and managing relationships.

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.

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.

6-10 years

6-10 years

Gavin's engaging personality, dogged determination, and sincere interest in people have enabled him to develop meaningful relationships with legislators, support staff, other lobbyists, and government officials. These are the traits you want in a political affairs consultant.

Born and raised in Colwich, a rural Kansas community, he always knew he wanted to work for the betterment of his state and country. His political engagement began at age fourteen when he volunteered for two city council campaigns in nearby Wichita. Many campaigns later and after receiving a degree from Pittsburg State University, interning with Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins, and working for the Hein Law Firm, Gavin established his own political affairs business.

His clients respect him for his tireless dedication to their issues and value his reputation as an honest, likable, committed, and savvy political consultant.

These are the traits you want in a political affairs consultant and are what make Kreidler Consulting the best choice for your legislative interests.

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.

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.

11-15 years

Garin began her political career in Washington D.C. working for Senator Wayne Allard and ran the government affairs department at Colorado Farm Bureau before joining Colorado Legislative Services in 2007. She became partner in 2012 and steadfastly through her career, Garin has honed her policy knowledge on issues related to agriculture, including water and property rights. She also is highly skilled as a strategist for higher education, business, liquor, and state licensure issues.

Growing up on a ranch in southwest Colorado gave Garin a strong work ethic and her dedication to understanding an issue completely shows up when representing CLS clients. Her adeptness in many policy areas and direct manner of speaking means that she is a trusted resource for legislators on both sides of the aisle. She is regarded as a top water policy expert in Colorado and has been recognized for her work bolstering the Colorado business climate by working to align agriculture and energy-- two of the top five drivers of the Colorado economy--on a variety of issues. Garin was recognized as one of Colorado's "Top Women in Energy" by the Denver Business Journal in 2017.

She is a proud graduate of Colorado State University where she earned an Agricultural Business degree. Garin has completed Colorado Farm Bureau's Elite Leaders Academy, is a member of the Women's Energy Network of Colorado and has served on the Colorado Agricultural Leadership Program board and Butterfly Pavilion's Fund Development Committee.

In her free time, Garin cherishes time with her husband and two daughters, especially during trips to the mountains. She is an avid reader, sous-chef for her husband and wine connoisseur who frequents the Napa Valley.

20+ years

The only lobbyist named as a Winner of the 2022 Maryland General Assembly Session by Maryland Matters.

"a well-connected Annapolis lobbyist," The Washington Post

President, Maryland Government Relations Association, 2013-2015

Named a Top-Rated Government Relations Attorney by Super Lawyers

Glad to respond to specific inquiries.

Leonard L. Lucchi is a registered lobbyist who represents business owners, trade groups, and local governments before the Maryland General Assembly and the United States Congress. Mr. Lucchi's scope of representation includes lobbying, tracking pending or proposed legislative activities and analyzing the effects of those pieces of legislation on client matters, drafting legislation, organizing and mobilizing coalitions in support or opposition to pending or proposed legislation, effectively utilizing media outlets to support client initiatives, and testifying on behalf of clients before various legislative committees.

During his thirty years as a legislative advocate, Mr. Lucchi has helped to shape legislation on behalf of his business and corporate clients that creates or enhances the marketplace for their goods and services. For example, Mr. Lucchi persuaded the Maryland General Assembly to pass a law requiring the installation of carbon-monoxide detectors in new residential construction. The passage of this bill created a new market for his client, a major manufacturer of carbon monoxide detectors. In addition to his representation of business owners, Mr. Lucchi has represented trade groups such as solar power manufacturers, mobile home park owners, and food delivery franchisees and has helped to guide them through the legislative process.

Mr. Lucchi has also proven himself to be an accomplished advocate for County and City governments. As a former Director of Legislative Affairs for the Prince George's County Government, Mr. Lucchi is experienced in planning, managing, and implementing a legislative agenda with elected and appointed officials. In that position, Mr. Lucchi represented various County departments and agencies in order to advance their legislative goals. Mr. Lucchi is also the former County Attorney for Prince George's County, and he utilizes his hands-on local government experience to advise and implement resourceful legislative plans for his clients. Additionally, he served as the County's Chief Labor Negotiator.

Mr. Lucchi serves as counsel to the Redevelopment Authority for Prince George's County, the Board of Education for Prince George's County, and the Democratic Central Committee for Prince George's County.

Mr. Lucchi served as the President of the Maryland Government Relations Association and President of the Greater Bowie Chamber of Commerce. He served two terms on the Board of the Maryland Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Lucchi is admitted to practice in Maryland, the District of Columbia, the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, and the U.S. Supreme Court.

Mr. Lucchi enjoys giving back to his community by serving on the Board of Community Youth Advance and the L.E.A.R.N. Foundation.

20+ years

Jim is a highly accomplished senior executive, consultant, lobbyist and strategist with over 30 years of success in public policy, politics, government, energy, healthcare, financial services, transportation, state budget, local government, education and the nonprofit sector. Over the course of his career he has spearheaded legislation that has resulted in robust energy development, broader access to public k-12 education, enriched opportunities for higher education, higher air and water quality standards, major investments in transportation, and a healthy balance of power between the state and local governments.

Jim immerses himself in learning about his clients' needs and can put complex issues into relatable terms. He moves people to understand issues first and then support the policies he is advancing. It is because of this strategy and his leadership on oil and gas issues that he was presented with the Denver Business Journal's "Who's Who in Energy" award in 2017.

Some of Jim's highest accomplishments include creating the Arkansas River State Park, passing the Clean Air Clean Jobs Act and passing the Colorado School of Mines (CSM) Exemplary Institution Act, which enabled CSM to provide one of the highest quality and rigorous research experiences in the nation.

Jim has a Bachelor's of Science degree from Oregon State University. He has been married 38 years and he and his wife, Mary, have two adult children. Jim is an avid cyclist and has completed nine years of Ride the Rockies and Iowa's RAGBRAI. He also loves to fly fish and play guitar. His joy is seeing the humor that presents itself in everyday situations and sharing it whenever possible.

20+ years

Melanie joined CLS in 2000 and has nearly 25 years of expertise in public policy, lobbying, business, banking, bioscience and renewable energy. She enjoys working on complex economic development and tax policy, and has one of highest success rates passing incentives for varied industry sectors. She also has experience effectively lobbying k-12 education, capital development and healthcare. Melanie's strong network of relationships with legislators, as well as influencers in the government and public policy arena, ensures CLS' clients have unparalleled access to policy leaders.

Before beginning her lobbying career, Melanie was the Public Relations Director for the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association, then moved into lobbying as the Legislative Director at Colorado Farm Bureau, while obtaining a Master's from University of Colorado Denver's Graduate School of Public Affairs. Prior to that, she received her Bachelor's from Colorado Christian University. Melanie is a state board member of Girls on the Run and has served as an assistant instructor at the Colorado Mountain Club's High Altitude Mountaineering School.

Melanie is a married mother to three children and an extreme athlete. Her noteworthy accomplishments include finishing the Leadville 100 Ultra-Marathon, climbing all 58 of Colorado's mountains over 14,000', along with numerous high-altitude mountains around the world. Her current athletic focus is Pack Burro Racing, Colorado's official heritage sport, with her two rescued burros. Her dedication to these endeavors translates to the vision, planning and execution it takes to succeed in politics and advocacy.

ANDREW H. DOERR is an accomplished government affairs professional, bringing 20 years of lobbying, legislative and political experience to Dykema's Lansing office. At Dykema, he focuses on issues related to: energy, insurance, procurement, regulated industries, corrections, education, local government, nonprofit representation, the Liquor Control Code, licensing, gaming, taxation, procurement and matters dealing with the Department of State among others. He is experienced in review, analysis and drafting of proposed legislation and has testified before numerous House and Senate Committees.

Prior to joining the firm Mr. Doerr served as Deputy Legislative Director and Legislative Liaison for Secretary of State Ruth Johnson. In this role he served as a conduit to Secretary Johnson to both the legislature and the Governor's administration. He was responsible for the Secretary's legislative agenda, including legislative drafting, moving bills through the legislative process, and implementation. Andrew also spent eight years serving as Senator Alan Sanborn's (R-Macomb) Chief of Staff. Focusing on public policy related to the Senators role as Chairman of the Economic Development and Regulatory Reform Committee along with office and personnel management. During his time with Senator Sanborn he also helped manage numerous political campaigns.

Mr. Doerr came to Dykema with years of direct lobbying experience, having served as the Legislative and Political Director for the Michigan Credit Union League (MCUL). While there he oversaw the MCUL's legislative team and worked to promote legislation that benefited credit unions and their industry at both the state and federal level. He was also responsible for PAC fundraising, Grassroots coordination and member advocacy efforts.

20+ years

City Council Member, Windsor Heights

Leadership Iowa

Licensed Foster Parent

As President and CEO of Advocacy Strategies, Threase is responsible for the firm's overall business operations and strategy for delivering results. She has been serving clients before the Iowa Legislature for nearly 30 years. This experience has provided her with intimate knowledge of the legislative process and long-standing solid relationships with policymakers, staff, and key opinion leaders across the state. This allows her to tailor a strategy to meet the individual needs of our clients that deliver the best value to you. Advocacy Strategies' clients realize results when working with our team whether with a controversial legislative issue, securing and maintaining state appropriations, or working to find compromise to move issues forward.

In addition to lobbying, Threase has spent more than two decades developing and implementing successful public affairs and grassroots campaigns of all sizes from national campaigns across the country to smaller campaigns in Iowa communities. Her wealth of expertise in this area affords Advocacy Strategies a strong network of relationships with legislative and community leaders and a unique skill set in developing successful and innovative strategies to achieve policy goals that few firms can offer.

Threase started her lobbying career at the University of Northern Iowa as a student, then went on to work in the Iowa Senate on education issues before her employment with the American Cancer Society. From there, she took the position of Director of the Tobacco Use Prevention and Control division within the Iowa Department of Public Health, giving her the opportunity to use her passion to protect families from the hardships of illness and death from tobacco use. With multiple successes in the non-profit sector, Pfizer recruited her to be part of the Worldwide Alliance Development team. She has been an independent government relations contractor for 20 years helping organizations of all types and sizes.

Threase earned a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Iowa State University but remains loyal to her undergraduate alma mater the University of Northern Iowa where she received her Bachelor's Degree in Communication Studies while serving as Student Body President. She also serves as an elected member of the Windsor Heights City Council and on many advisory committees and community organizations.

Threase and her husband, Rick live in Windsor Heights. They have four children and are avid cyclists and licensed foster parents.

Will Farrell serves as Director of State and Municipal Affairs at William A. Farrell & Associates LLC. As a registered lobbyist, he brings a unique integrated set of government and municipal skills, representing clients before the Rhode Island General Assembly, as well as state and local regulatory agencies. His expertise encompasses the financial services, real estate development, pharmaceutical and telecommunications industries. Prior to entering the private sector, Will worked in Washington, DC for Senator Ted Kennedy, in Manhattan administering the Fulbright Scholarship on behalf of the US State Department, and more recently as Director of Municipal Affairs for Providence Mayor Angel Taveras. In addition to his lobbying practice, Will has also managed several local campaigns and ballot referendums.

Will is a 2006 graduate of Northeastern University.

Sydney Ridley brings years of legislative and political experience to Southern Strategy Group's Tampa Bay office. Sydney spent the past four years as the Chief Legislative Aide to House Majority Leader Dana Young, where she directed all priority policy and budget initiatives. Sydney's time as staff was at the highest level of the Florida House of Representatives, and she brings unmatched relationships with legislative staff, agency heads, and elected officials.

A political pro in Tampa Bay with extensive campaign management experience, Sydney guided Senator Dana Young to successive electoral victories in the Florida House and spearheaded her subsequent election to the Florida Senate. Sydney's political expertise, particularly in the Tampa Bay area, serves as a great strategic asset to our clients. In addition to her work with Senator Young, Sydney has served as both a political director and a field director on various Congressional and State Senate campaigns.

Born and raised in Tampa, Sydney is a third-generation Floridian, a graduate of the University of Virginia, a Florida Gator at heart, and a lover of history, golf, music, and football.

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.

JAMIE A. ZANIEWSKI is a Government Policy Advisor in Dykema's Lansing, Michigan office. Mrs. Zaniewski specializes in health care, insurance, nonprofits, licensing and regulated industries. Through her diverse experiences working in the non-profit sector, legislature and executive office, she brings a unique perspective to formulating solutions.

Prior to joining Dykema, Mrs. Zaniewski served as a senior strategy advisor for Governor Rick Snyder, advising him on health care, insurance and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services budget. Prior to being appointed to her role in the executive office, she served as a policy advisor to both senate majority leader Arlan Meekhof and senate majority leader Randy Richardville. During her tenure in the Senate Mrs. Zaniewski advised republican caucus members on matters related to insurance and regulatory reform. Her work included drafting, analyzing, and shepherding legislation. Mrs. Zaniewski also served as the Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) senate appropriations subcommittee advisor. In this role she oversaw the LARA budget through the appropriation process. Prior to coming to Lansing, Mrs. Zaniewski was the contract administrator at one of the state's largest health systems. In this role she negotiated hospital, transplant and home health insurance contracts.

Mrs. Zaniewski has a master of public policy degree from Pepperdine University and a bachelor of arts degree in political science from Western Michigan University.

0-5 years

Leadership Iowa Graduate

Nick is an experienced government relations, public affairs, and public relations professional with a successful history of executing lobbying and issue campaigns. He began his journey in the political arena at a young age and has had the opportunity to work a number of political campaigns at the local, state, congressional, and even presidential level.

Nick's career has included leading extensive public affairs issue campaigns, communications and public relations efforts, and marketing campaigns across the Midwest and country influencing state and federal policymakers and garnering media attention. He also spent a couple of sessions being fully immersed in the legislative process while working for a committee chairman in the Iowa House.

These diverse experiences have all culminated in Nick's successful ability to execute strategic plans to introduce, pass, block, or amend legislation at the Iowa Statehouse for clients and build strong relationships with lawmakers and stakeholders. From legislative agenda development and interim planning to PAC management and issue campaigns, Nick specializes in elevating a client's message and executing legislative strategies. Nick also leads Advocacy Strategies' administrative rulemaking engagement and media relations efforts on behalf of our clients.

Nick grew up in Byron, MN and made his way to Iowa through Simpson College's John C. Culver Public Policy Center where he was selected as a Fellow. He graduated Simpson with the highest academic honor with majors in Political Science and International Relations and a minor in Religious Studies and also received his Master's Degree in Public Policy and a Graduate Certificate in Public Administration from the University of Northern Iowa.

Outside of work, Nick is actively involved in his church community, local political activism, the Simpson College Alumni Association Board, and serves as the President of the John C. Culver Public Policy Center Alumni Association. He graduated from Leadership Iowa, the state's premier professional leadership development program, in June of 2022.

15-20 years

Central PA 40 under 40
Central PA JDRF Board Chairman 2013-2015

Dan Hayward was named executive director for the Pennsylvania Republican Party in 2003, and became one of the youngest political power-players in Pennsylvania. Today, he applies his success and experience to orchestrate successful local, regional, and statewide issue advocacy campaigns, manage and direct lobbying efforts, and continues to be a key advisor in campaigns and elections.

It was in those early days after graduating summa cum laude from Shippensburg University and landing his first job at the Pennsylvania Republican Party that Dan honed his leadership skills through organizing grassroots campaigns and motivating people toward a common goal. Dan’s hard work and skill helped him rise quickly through the ranks. In 2004, at age 25, he was both the executive and victory director of the state GOP and managed a $28 million budget while directing 115 field operatives.

In 2005, Dan joined Novak Strategic Advisors (NSA) as a Senior Associate where he translated his campaign skills into a new paradigm of advocacy, which mobilizes grassroots constituencies on state and national issues at the local level in Pennsylvania. The success of the Issue Advocacy and Public Affairs division, along with the already successful traditional lobbying arm, earned Novak Strategic its reputation for being the state’s premier public advocacy firm. Dan became partner in 2010 and the firm's managing partner in 2013. Dan currently serves on the non-profit boards of the Central Pennsylvania JDRF, Running for Rachel and Riding on Insulin.