6-10 years

Troy's tactical approach to advocacy - for even the most unique public policy challenges facing Northwest industries - has been shaped over nearly three decades of policy experience in the Pacific Northwest. He specializes in providing strategic lobbying and consulting services, helping his diverse clients navigate Olympia politics and achieve their legislative, regulatory and state funding goals.

Prior to taking ownership of The Nichols Group Government Relations, Troy's broad experience gave him a unique perspective that can only come from first-hand experience over 25 years in campaigns, grassroots organization, trade association management, and serving as legislative staff:

• As caucus staff liaison for the Washington House Capital Budget Committee, Troy helped to negotiate and pass several multi-billion dollar capital budgets during his tenure


• As executive officer for a five-county trade association, Troy helped stop the association's decade-long decline in membership, balanced its annual budget for two years in a row, revamped several programs and racked up an impressive string of local policy and electoral victories; and


• As Chief of Staff to the Oregon House Majority Leader and the Speaker of the Oregon House, Troy served as strategic counsel to state leaders on the most important and sensitive issues facing the state.

0-5 years

Patrick is a seasoned political professional with nearly two decades of experience in Washington State, Oregon, and Washington D.C., advising both Democrats and Republicans. From private and public sector lobbying to overseeing operations for a large state agency, Patrick's resume showcases an impressive depth in all things politics and government.

Before joining The Nichols Group, Patrick most recently served as Deputy Director of the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA). For nearly a decade, Patrick rose through the ranks at WSDA holding key policy positions where he fostered deep relationships with legislators, government officials, and other stakeholders, culminating in being appointed Deputy Director in 2017.

• Patrick led a state agency with approximately 1000 employees and a biennial budget of over $382 million. He supported the state's $11 billion agricultural industry by leading WSDA's Executive Team, covering food safety, disease prevention, pesticide management and commodity inspection. Notably, Patrick represented WSDA on the Forest Practices Board, where he worked to build bridges with the forest industry and the environmental community. Patrick also served as WSDA's first Tribal Liaison to the Governor's Office.


• Patrick enjoys a bi-partisan record of legislative accomplishment in both Washington and Oregon, first serving as staff for Oregon State House Representative Deborah Boone (D-Cannon Beach), and later spending two sessions as the Policy Advisor for the Washington House Republicans, focusing on agriculture, energy, and the environment.


• His role at The Nichols Group is a return to private sector advocacy. During his career in Oregon, Patrick represented a diverse range of clients spanning the health care, education, and renewable energy sectors as a contract lobbyist in Salem, and also served as the Director of Government Relations for the Oregon Association of Nurseries.

DOUG NELSON spent five years as Missouri's State Commissioner of Administration working with all branches of government and every executive branch department on contracting and procurement matters. As Commissioner, he oversaw more than 2,000 active procurement contracts, information technology and cybersecurity issues, bond issuances and budget matters. Along with Doug's unmatched experience in all types of government contract issues, his extensive network of national and state contacts makes him a great resource to clients. Doug also spent more than 18 years as an Assistant Missouri Attorney General focusing on consumer and contract litigation and administrative/regulatory matters. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1987 from the University of Missouri, Columbia, and Law degree in 1990 from the University of Missouri, Kansas City.

HEATH CLARKSTON has more than two decades working for a variety of clients as a registered lobbyist in Missouri with state government relations and public relations experience. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration and Political Science in 1997 from Missouri State University in Springfield. He began his career as a legislative intern for the Taxpayers Research Institute, a division of Associated Industries of Missouri. After joining Gallagher Consultants Inc. in 2006, Heath quickly earned a reputation as a tenacious, hard-working voice in the Missouri State Capitol for his clients. An active member in many civic and professional organizations, Heath is the benchmark of hard work in the State Capitol.

JOHN Y. BROWN III was elected as Kentucky's Secretary of State at the age of 32, the second youngest in the nation, and re-elected without opposition, serving from 1996-2004. His accomplishments as secretary of state include becoming a national voice for election reform, creating nationally recognized e-government services as well as programs to promote entrepreneurism and small business development, all while saving Kentucky taxpayers nearly a million dollars through efficient management measures. Before entering politics, John headed up franchising for Roaster's Inc., developing fast food venues in 37 states and several foreign countries. John served as vice-president of ResCare, working in government relations and public affairs for the Louisville based human services company with over 40,000 employees in over 40 states and several foreign countries. He served several years as an adjunct professor of business law at Bellarmine University. In 2007, John ran unsuccessfully as the lieutenant governor running mate on a ticket with gubernatorial candidate Jody Richards (Kentucky's Speaker of the House) in a seven slate Democratic primary. John graduated magna cum laude from Bellarmine University, earned a law degree (with distinction) from University of Kentucky, and then went back to Bellarmine University for his M.B.A.

Jason Frierson joined Cornerstone in February 2025 following his service as the United States Attorney for the District of Nevada since 2022. He was nominated by President Biden, acting as the Chief Federal Law Enforcement Officer for the District of Nevada, and the first African American to hold the position. In this role, Jason led a team of more than 100 prosecutors and staff professionals, including 55 attorneys who handled federal criminal, civil and appellate cases. In addition, he met regularly with local, state and federal law enforcement agency leaders, and other key community leaders and organizations to discuss investigations, current cases and developing trends.

Jason started his career representing the indigent, serving as a prosecutor of white-collar criminals and as an agency attorney in protecting child abuse victims. In 2010, he was elected to the Nevada State Assembly and was voted the best freshman Assemblyman in 2011. After being re-elected for the 2013 session, he served as Chairman of the Judiciary Committee.

After one term out of the legislature, Jason was elected to return to the Nevada Assembly in 2016 and was then selected in a bipartisan and unanimous vote to serve as the Assembly's first African American Speaker in Nevada history. He served in that role for three consecutive legislative sessions, leading one of the most diverse state legislatures in the country and the first female majority legislature in the country's history.

Prior to his legislative service, Jason served in a variety of significant legal roles in both the public and private sector. Jason holds a B.S. in Health Science from the University of Nevada and earned his Juris Doctorate from William S. Boyd School of Law, University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Alisa Nave-Worth joined Cornerstone in January 2025 following her time as CEO of Alisa Nave Consulting. With over a decade of experience in politics and government affairs, she brings unparalleled expertise in Nevada's legal, political and public policy matters. She leverages her deep understanding of the legislative process and strong relationships with lawmakers and regulators to craft and advocate for legislative strategies that benefit a diverse array of corporate clients.

Known for her integrity and commitment, Alisa has built a reputation as a trusted advisor in the Nevada political landscape. Additionally, she previously opened the Las Vegas offices at different times for two of the largest law and lobbying firms in the country. Alisa specializes in addressing legislative, regulatory and administrative issues, focusing on transportation, construction, emerging financial technologies, entertainment, infrastructure and campaign finance compliance. She has successfully represented clients before the Nevada Legislature and state agencies, guiding them through complex rule-making and regulatory matters.

A seasoned campaign consultant, Alisa has worked on Presidential campaigns, where she spearheaded grassroots initiatives and built influential political coalitions across Nevada. As the Executive Director to the Nevada Senate Caucus, she developed and implemented political and communications strategies, enabling the passage of critical legislation across sectors such as transportation, energy, taxation, gaming and education.

Alisa holds a B.A. in Russian Language and Literature and Public Policy Studies from Duke University and earned her Juris Doctorate from Berkeley Law School, UC Berkeley. Licensed to practice law in Nevada and California, she is a member of the Clark County Bar Association and the Nevada State Bar Association.

15-20 years

Former Assistant Secretary of Revenue for Tax Administration for the NC Department of Revenue where I was responsible for over 300 employees statewide and almost 12 million dollar budget.

Strong working and personal relationships with NC House and Senate leadership.
Strong working relationships with NC General Assembly staff.
Strong working and personal relationships with NC Department of Revenue and NC Department of Information Technology staff

North Carolina native with a B.A. in political science from NC State University.
Ranked one of the 50 most effective lobbyists in North Carolina by the NC Center for Public Policy Research.
Eagle Scout.