Prior to joining JohnsonPossKirby in 2017, Luke served Capitol Hill in the Tennessee General Assembly, the Department of Finance and Administration, and the Office of Governor Bill Haslam.

Luke began working in politics in 2009 for Representative Pat Marsh and then joined Governor Haslam's office in February of 2011. During his tenure there, Luke helped shepherd the Governor's signature legislation through the legislative process. These initiatives include teacher tenure reform, tort reform, the TEAM Act, the Prescription Safety Act, and TN Promise to name a few. In 2015, Luke left the Governor's office to join Commissioner Larry Martin and the Department of Finance and Administration.In his role as Legislative Liaison, Luke was responsible for communicating with the legislature on behalf of Commissioner Martin and the divisions within the department. Luke worked with the Commissioner, Strategy Technology Solutions (STS), Benefits Administration, and the Division of Budget to achieve the department's goals and facilitate a strong working relationship between the department and General Assembly.

In addition to his work with the F&A divisions, Luke played a role in preparing the Governor's Budget and advocating for its approval in the General Assembly. These budgets included the largest tax cut in state history, two debt free budgets, and significant investments in recruiting jobs.Luke and his wife, Katie, live in Franklin with their two daughters, Ryall and Mackie.

15-20 years

Jordan Gleason has over 10 years of experience in effective advocacy, coalition building and providing strategic solutions for legislative and regulatory issues. He has a deep understanding of policy at the state level in Louisiana and the federal level in Washington, D.C. Throughout his career, he has built relationships with local, state and federal lawmakers and is familiar with the workings of the regulatory bodies, especially in Louisiana and within the oil and gas industry.

Jordan came to Cornerstone from Adams and Reese LLP, where he served as a Government Affairs Advisor. Prior to that, he was the Government Affairs and Communications Director for the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association (LOGA), where he was responsible for facilitating communication between industry associations to unite on issues important to their respective members. While there he was responsible for planning political fundraisers, industry events and media outreach relating to LOGA's membership and to further a better understanding of the oil and gas industry in the state.

Prior to his work with LOGA, Jordan served as Press Secretary and Legislative Assistant for former Rep. Charles Boustany (R-LA). He was the official spokesperson for the office, liaising with the media and public outlets and advising the Congressman on local political issues including coastal restoration, defense and transportation.

Jordan began his political career as Press Assistant in Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal's administration, eventually becoming the Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs. He received his bachelor's degree from Louisiana State University.

20+ years

Nicholas G. Manis, the son of MCA co-founder George Manis and managing partner of the firm, has presided over legislative and special event successes on behalf of clients such as the Motion Picture Association of America, the Baltimore Ravens, the Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants and Pfizer.

Nick has been an accomplished lobbyist and legislative analyst for more than 25 years and has played an instrumental role in forging innovative and economically enhancing business partnerships among clients. He is proud to see MCA continuously ranked as one of the top lobbying firms in Maryland and the growth the firm has experienced during his time here. He has represented clients in matters related to sports entertainment, taxes, professional licensing, gaming, transportation, insurance, franchises, business regulation, information technology, environmental regulation, mergers and acquisitions, pharmaceuticals and healthcare.

In 1989, Nick's business bent led him to co-found Manis & Wright Realty, a premier residential and commercial realty firm that grew from modest beginnings to a successful 40 associates company that merged with the largest real estate company in Maryland.

Nick graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park in 1980. He was the captain of the varsity lacrosse team during his time at College Park.

A native of Annapolis, Nick is involved in many local business and community organizations including the Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce, the University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center Board of Advisors, Annapolis Youth Lacrosse Association, and the Maryland Chamber of Commerce. He was presented the Louis L. Goldstein Award in 1998 in recognition of his efforts on behalf of the Maryland Alcohol Beverage Industry. He is married with two children.

20+ years

11-15 years

20+ years

Accomplishing goals in Annapolis depends in large measure on mutual trust and mastery of the legislative process, two attributes that John F. Favazza, Esq., has honed through his experiences in Annapolis and applies now as a member of the MCA firm.

These traits coupled with his legal training and ability to deal effectively with complicated and sometimes controversial subject matter, give added strength to the Manis Canning team in work for their wide array of clients. He has a deep understanding of the nuances and subtleties of the legislative process and state government, and advises clients on strategies to accomplish their goals.

John spent 13 years working inside the legislative process in Annapolis. He served as Counsel to the House Economic Matters Committee for four years, and then spent nine years working for the Speaker of the House, the last six as Chief of Staff. Working with the Speaker and House leadership, John gained insight into the larger strategic decisions that underpin the legislative process in Maryland. He was involved in a broad array of substantive and policy issues, but with a focus on business, environmental, gaming and tax structure issues.

John holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in History from Towson University and Villanova University respectively and a law degree from the University of Maryland. A member of the Maryland Bar, John lives in Annapolis with his wife Erin, and their three children.

BOB GEDDIE grew up in Elmore County and attended public schools in Robinson Springs and Wetumpka. After graduating from Marion Military Institute (A.A.) and Auburn University (BA), he joined the Washington staff of the late U.S. Senator John Sparkman as Sparksman's legislative assistant. He later coordinated Sparkman's Alabama offices. Geddie served for four years as Legislative Liaison and as Executive Assistant to Governor Fob James. He was the Governor's representative to the National Governor's Association, Interstate Mining Compact and the Tennessee-Tombigbee Commission. Prior to forming Fine Geddie & Associates in 1985, he was Director of State Governmental Affairs for Alabama Power Company.

6-10 years

20+ years

A long-time trusted advisor to Maryland policymakers, Joseph C. Bryce, Esq., is regarded as one of Maryland's top governmental program architects and advocates. He brings his reputation for creative and insightful problem solving and ability to manage large, complex projects and issues to MCA.

Joe has the ability to handle controversial issues in a professional manner. This skill, combined with his detailed and extensive knowledge of all levels of government, has proven invaluable to our clients.

For nearly twenty years, Joe distinguished himself working at the highest levels of government. He worked with two Maryland Governors, the Maryland Senate President, and the Chancellor of the University System of Maryland. In all of these positions, Joe provided senior policy and budget advice, and implemented legislative agendas in areas such as health, K-12 and higher education, environment, gaming, tax policy, energy, and social and criminal justice.
Joe served as Governor Martin O'Malley's Senior Policy and Legislative Advisor (2007-2012); the University System of Maryland's Associate Vice Chancellor for Government Relations (2002 to 2007); Chief Legislative Officer for Governor Parris N. Glendening (1997 to 2002); and Chief of Staff to Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr. (1994 to 1997).

Joe graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park in 1989. In 1993, he graduated first in his class from Georgetown Law School. He is the recipient of numerous professional and academic recognitions and honors and currently serves on the Board of the Maryland Stadium Authority as an appointee of Governor Larry Hogan. Joe and his wife, Kristin Jones Bryce, have two adult children (Joey and Madison) and reside in Odenton.

15-20 years

20+ years

"North Carolina's Top Lobbyists" - North State Journal (2020)
Best Lawyers Government Relations Practice (2009-2022)
Business North Carolina Legal Elite
Triangle Business Journal "40 Under 40 Leadership Award (2012)

20+ years

We are available to discuss past achievements in many areas of government relations.

We work across branches and across all agencies of state government.

Ben Patterson grew up in Florence, Alabama. He is a graduate of the University of Alabama and earned his Ph.D. from the University of Alabama where he taught seminars in State and Local Government and American Politics until 1996.

Prior to joining Fine Geddie in 2004 he served as the Deputy Finance Director for the State of Alabama under two governors and helped guide both administrations' legislative efforts on fiscal issues. He also held the position of Chief Information Officer, overseeing the state's technology acquisitions in the late 1990s. During his tenures in state government, he gained a thorough understanding of government operations, procurement, information technology, state budgets and controls, and the complexities of Alabama's tax structure.

Ben Patterson also served as the Director of Government Relations for the Alabama Bankers Association from 2000 until 2003 where he was the principal advocate for the state banking industry. He began his lobbying career as a Manager of Legislative Affairs for the Business Council of Alabama in 1996.

0-5 years

Member of the Maryland State Bar Association

Member of the Montgomery County Bar Association

Member of the Montgomery County Women's Bar Association

Member of the Prince George's County Bar Association

Member of the National Black Professional Lobbyists Association

Member of Community Legal Services of Prince George's County Board of Directors

Member of the Bullis School Alumni Board

Samira A. Jackson, Esq., a rising star attorney and trusted advocate, brings her proven expertise in law, negotiation, and client advocacy to Manis Canning & Associates (MCA). Known for her intellect, work ethic, and thoughtful approach, Samira has built a reputation as a dynamic problem-solver with the ability to effectively navigate complex legal and policy matters.

Before joining MCA, Samira distinguished herself in private practice specializing in family law and professional sports contract negotiation. She made history alongside her mother as the first-ever mother-daughter duo to become NFL certified agents, where she provided comprehensive guidance to professional athletes, including contract negotiations, legal counsel, and post-career planning. This experience has cemented her ability to manage high-stakes negotiations and serve as a trusted steward of her clients' interests.

Samira is highly regarded for her integrity and professionalism. Her mentors and colleagues have noted, "Anything that Samira puts her mind and heart to, it's a matter of when, not if." Her dedication to achieving results aligns seamlessly with MCA's reputation for credibility, teamwork, and leadership in Maryland government affairs.

A proud University of Maryland, College Park alumna with a B.A. in Communication, Samira earned her J.D. with a certificate in Intellectual Property from St. Thomas University's Benjamin L. Crump School of Law. She is a member of the Maryland Bar and an active volunteer, mentoring aspiring young women attorneys through the Montgomery County Women's Bar Association and providing pro bono services with Community Legal Services of Prince George's County.

Samira has two rescue dogs, Gloria and Fred, and is a Montgomery County, Maryland native. With her combination of legal acumen, negotiation skills, and commitment to service, Samira is poised to deliver impactful results for MCA's clients in Annapolis and beyond.

11-15 years

Patrick Goldsmith joined Cornerstone Government Affairs in February 2026, after more than three decades of experience at the highest levels of Louisiana government and politics. Patrick currently serves as Principal in Cornerstone's Baton Rouge office, supporting clients focused on budget and appropriations matters.

Prior to Cornerstone, Patrick was Deputy Commissioner to Governor Jeff Landry. In that role, he held the appointment authority for 1,600 state employees and oversaw the 22 sections of the Division of Administration - including statewide IT, Accounting, Auditing, Procurement, Risk Management and Budgeting. He also advised the Commissioner of Administration and Gov. Landry on fiscal issues and led the development of the $50 billion Executive Budget and $12 billion Capital Outlay Plan.

Patrick previously served in Ascension Parish Government as Chief Administrative Officer. He supervised heads of all departments and functions within the parish. He was also the Chief Financial Officer to the Ascension Parish, where he directed all activities of the Finance, Purchasing, Legal, Grants, Human Resources, Data Analytics and Project Management Departments.

Earlier in his career, Patrick spent nearly a decade as the Director of the House Fiscal Division for the Louisiana House of Representatives. He directed all activities of the House's Fiscal Division including research, analysis, drafting and committee-staffing on all state fiscal matters. In addition, Patrick advised House leadership and provided committee oversight for Appropriations, Ways and Means, Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget, Revenue Estimating Conference and other committees. As part of his responsibilities, Patrick oversaw the drafting, amendments and final passage of the General Appropriation Bill and Capital Outlay bill.

He is also viewed as one of the state's top auditing and efficiency experts, having spent nearly two decades in the Louisiana Legislative Auditor's Office where he held roles such as Director of Performance Audit and Actuarial Services, Performance Audit Manager and Staff/Senior Auditor.

Patrick holds a Master of Public Administration and Bachelor's in Finance from Louisiana State University.

Nathan Poss has over 20 years of experience in both the public and private sector. His focus is to provide clients with a comprehensive range of services, including: legislative drafting and tracking, policy development, governmental lobbying (at all levels), strategy development, and business procurement.



Prior to forming JohnsonPossKirby Government Relations in 2007, Nathan served as a principal at Smith Johnson & Carr, focusing on lobbying efforts for the firm's business clients and taking the lead on procurement strategies.



Before entering into the lobbying world, Nathan served seven years on Capitol Hill as a legislative assistant to then Speaker Pro Tempore of the Senate, State Senator Bob Rochelle. During his tenure with the state, he played an important part in writing and developing legislation, organizing political strategies, building coalitions, and monitoring legislation for committees. Poss has also been actively involved in numerous successful political campaigns.



Poss has built a reputation of hard work and respect among those on Capitol Hill. Working with major players in the state's business community, he has served as a key strategist on major environmental and tax issues. Nathan has garnered a reputation for producing tangible results through well-executed and intricate lobbying efforts designed to achieve long lasting success for his clients.

In addition to his lobbying successes, Nathan has extensive experience with the procurement process in Tennessee. Recently recognized by the TN Report for being known as an "expert in the state's purchasing practices," Nathan has cultivated the necessary connections with top-level decision makers throughout all areas of state government. Throughout his practice he has developed a strong grasp of the state's purchasing processes, and has successfully secured multi-million dollar purchases for numerous clients.

Nathan is a graduate of Cumberland University with a B.A. in Social Science. A native Tennessean, Nathan grew up in Lebanon and currently lives in Green Hills with his wife Molly.

Nial Patel joined Cornerstone Government Affairs in 2011 after more than seven years of service to Governor Bobby Jindal, dating back to his first run for governor in 2003. As one of the longest serving senior staff members for the Governor, Nial worked as the director of scheduling. Additionally, when Governor Jindal was elected to Congress, Nial served as his executive assistant. During his tenure with Jindal, Nial's duties varied from campaigning to research and outreach, working with elected politicians, stakeholders, and government officials from Washington, D.C. and across the state of Louisiana.

Nial holds a Masters in Economics from the Ourso College of Business at Louisiana State University (LSU), and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Economics from LSU, where he also minored Political Science and Business Administration.

Originally from New Orleans, Nial attended Holy Cross High School and the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts. In 2014, he was recognized as one of the top forty under 40 leaders in the community, and is alum of the Baton Rouge Leadership and Louisiana Leadership programs. Nial serves on the Southeast Super Region Committee, Greater New Orleans Inc.'s Next Gen Council, New Schools for Baton Rouge Board, Teach for America Board, and is Chairman of Louisiana Association of Business and Industry's Emerging Leaders Council. He has helped raised money for the American Cancer Society, Republican Governor's Association, and several elected officials. Nial currently resides in Baton Rouge.

20+ years

Leadership Maryland Board and is a member of the class of 2019

University of Maryland Baltimore County School of Public Policy External Advisory Board

Maryland Economic Development Association Board and Co-Chair of the Public Policy Awareness Committee

Chair, Odenton Town Center Advisory Committee

With more than 20 years of government relations, management, and administration expertise, Andrea E. Mansfield brings her ability to successfully execute advocacy efforts and programs to Manis Canning. Her broad experience and involvement with the Maryland Legislature on policy, fiscal and budget matters; and her ability to work with diverse groups and build consensus on complex issues is an asset to the firm.

Andrea has extensive experience at the state and local level, having led and coordinated policy efforts for the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) and implemented the legislative agendas of state agencies. As MACo's Legislative Director she advised, crafted, and implemented the common agendas and legislative goals of Maryland's 23 counties and Baltimore City.

In state government, she worked within three Administrations in positions of increasing responsibility, serving as legislative liaison to the Legislature for the Department of Budget and Management, and the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR); and Special Assistant, Director of Financial Aid, and Assistant Secretary of Finance Policy with the Maryland Higher Education Commission.

She has a Master of Policy Sciences from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and a Bachelor of Arts in Government and Politics from the University of Maryland, College Park.