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Links:Website

Clarkston Nelson Government Solutions is a full-service governmental relations and advocacy firm located in Jefferson City, Missouri. Although recently founded, our team shares a longstanding, respected reputation in the Missouri State Capitol. Our uniquely qualified professionals have decades of combined experience working in the Missouri state legislature, Executive Branch and state agencies.

The world of politics has changed over the years making it essential for businesses to have an effective and efficient working relationship with policy makers. Our team holds extensive policy knowledge, strong communication and relationship-building skills and precise legislative strategies resulting in successful governmental advocacy for our clients.

At Clarkston Nelson, we believe our teamwork approach based on years of experience, hard work and dedication to our client's interests provide a strong route to client advocacy and effective results bridging the gap between business and government.

FIRM SPECIALTY
DIRECT LOBBYING
In a world of constant change due to term-limits, ever changing political winds and executive branch turnover, we at Clarkston Nelson adapt and thrive due to our extensive experience and hard work. We work extremely hard to successfully help our clients reach their advocacy goals through our professionalism and unique understanding of the legislative and executive process. We provide direct lobbying efforts to shape legislation and regulations from the beginning to implementation. Our firm is capable of providing all services necessary such as legislation and issue monitoring, public engagement counseling, public testimony, and coalition building.

STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS
We believe that public opinion shapes much of the debate and decisions at the government level. Clarkston Nelson have a long history of working with clients in the preparation and development of messaging to assist in their advocacy efforts before the legislature, regulators or any other decision-making body. Our strategic communications will be aimed at reaching our client's underlying goal and often can be conveyed to the media and public to potentially sway opinion to our favor. Often times, strategic communications are aided with coalition building efforts to expand our sphere of influence and find additional partners that share with our goals and preferred outcomes.

RELATIONSHIP BUILDING
Our firm recognizes the vast importance of relationship building throughout the political, regulatory, and industry sectors. We believe healthy relationships are built on honest communication and respect. We work diligently with legislators and department contacts to know our clients and understand why their issues matter. Clarkston Nelson strive to maintain professional and positive relations with state elected officials and decision-makers and can utilize our relationships to assist clients with ensuring their issues are properly understood and considered when needed.

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.

  • (573) 353-8279

  • 235 E High StreetSuite 301Jefferson CityMO65101

Clarkston Nelson Government Solutions is a full-service governmental relations and advocacy firm located in Jefferson City, Missouri. Although recently founded, our team shares a longstanding, respected reputation in the Missouri State Capitol. Our uniquely qualified professionals have decades of combined experience working in the Missouri state legislature, Executive Branch and state agencies.

The world of politics has changed over the years making it essential for businesses to have an effective and efficient working relationship with policy makers. Our team holds extensive policy knowledge, strong communication and relationship-building skills and precise legislative strategies resulting in successful governmental advocacy for our clients.

At Clarkston Nelson, we believe our teamwork approach based on years of experience, hard work and dedication to our client's interests provide a strong route to client advocacy and effective results bridging the gap between business and government.

FIRM SPECIALTY
DIRECT LOBBYING
In a world of constant change due to term-limits, ever changing political winds and executive branch turnover, we at Clarkston Nelson adapt and thrive due to our extensive experience and hard work. We work extremely hard to successfully help our clients reach their advocacy goals through our professionalism and unique understanding of the legislative and executive process. We provide direct lobbying efforts to shape legislation and regulations from the beginning to implementation. Our firm is capable of providing all services necessary such as legislation and issue monitoring, public engagement counseling, public testimony, and coalition building.

STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS
We believe that public opinion shapes much of the debate and decisions at the government level. Clarkston Nelson have a long history of working with clients in the preparation and development of messaging to assist in their advocacy efforts before the legislature, regulators or any other decision-making body. Our strategic communications will be aimed at reaching our client's underlying goal and often can be conveyed to the media and public to potentially sway opinion to our favor. Often times, strategic communications are aided with coalition building efforts to expand our sphere of influence and find additional partners that share with our goals and preferred outcomes.

RELATIONSHIP BUILDING
Our firm recognizes the vast importance of relationship building throughout the political, regulatory, and industry sectors. We believe healthy relationships are built on honest communication and respect. We work diligently with legislators and department contacts to know our clients and understand why their issues matter. Clarkston Nelson strive to maintain professional and positive relations with state elected officials and decision-makers and can utilize our relationships to assist clients with ensuring their issues are properly understood and considered when needed.

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.

CHRISTOPHER RANTS

(Iowa)

Christopher served 18 years in the Iowa General Assembly, including leading the House Republican caucus for a decade as the Speaker of the House, and Floor Leader. After leaving public office he teamed up with PolicyWorks to continue his work in public policy helping clients find solutions to the problems they face in Iowa.

15-20 years

Christopher serves on the board of directors of the Republican State Leadership Committee and is an active participant in the RLCC.

Polan Culley has built its reputation on success in the legislature and state agencies. Representing a variety of corporations, individuals and associations. Robert Culley has developed a vast array of contacts and friends among senators and representatives in both parties as well as among legislative, agency, and gubernatorial staff.

Polan Culley provides services that mean success regardless of circumstances, while offering everything needed to create the right strategy for your public affairs program. We develop, manage and implement comprehensive political and governmental strategies enabling our clients to seize opportunities that will benefit their future growth and success. Our relevant experience, intimate knowledge of the political process and bipartisan relationships with federal, state and local public officials are all leveraged to achieve client goals who need representation in Texas.

Firm Specialties:
Polan Culley has considerable experience in a wide range of legislative affairs. Specific areas include energy, gaming, healthcare, insurance policy, local government, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, tobacco and various other trades. Polan Culley has demonstrated abilities to work on issues independently as well as being a skilled team manager; assembling teams of lobbyist, grass roots consultants, and public relations professionals to work on complex and multi-faceted legislation

ROBERT CULLEY has had extensive experience in the legislative process for over 35 years before the Texas Legislature and various state agencies of government. He was Chief of Staff for a State Representative who was later elected State Senator. His service at the Capitol has left him with strong relationships among both members and staff. During his time working for the legislature, Robert oversaw the House Public Education Committee and the Senate Administrative Committee. Then, he became the Director of Governmental Affairs for the Texas Motor Transportation Association where he managed public relations, grassroots and lobbying efforts for the association's 1200 members.

In 1993, Robert joined Polan Culley Inc. (then Polan Ingram Advocacy Group), bringing his extensive Capitol and trade association experience to the firm. He brings his clients a wealth of knowledge in strategy and project management, and is well-respected for his aggressive pursuit of the client's interest in long term goals.

Mike became Managing Principal of Maine Street Solutions and Counsel to Verrill following his service as a member of the Maine House of Representatives (1995-2002) and as Speaker of the Maine House (2000-2002). Mike brings over 30 years of professional public policy experience, through his service an elected official, a campaign operative, state and federal policy staff, and lobbying at all levels of government. Through those experiences, Mike and the Maine Street Solutions team provide a cutting-edge combination of services to clients.

15-20 years

Mike was named 2021, 2020 and 2013 (27th, 26th and 19th editions) "Lawyer of the Year" by his peers (BestLawyers.com), for his work in Government Relations Practice, and has been listed in the same publication every year as a top Maine lawyer.

In 2020, Mike received the Katahdin Counsel Recognition Program's certificate of commendation for completion of over 50 hours of pro bono work.

  • All of us at Vaccinate Your Family owe Mike Saxl and his team a debt of gratitude for the support they offered us in dealing with the Maine Ethics Commission. Had Maine Street Solutions not been by our side, I have no doubt that we would have had a very different outcome. We would recommend Maine Street Solutions to anyone looking for support as they navigate government relations in Maine. - AMY PISANI, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, VACCINATE YOUR FAMILY
  • When it comes to quietly navigating the waters of State Government and the rule making process nobody beats the team at Maine Street Solutions. Faced with goals we have been working to achieve throughout Maine and the country for a number of years, the team at Maine Street Solutions efficiently and strategically placed our interests in front of key decision makers and delivered a great result. Now we're working with Maine Street Solutions around national strategies involving our products and looking to make our success in Maine the road map for success around the country. - CHUCK RIEGLE, TOMRA NORTHAMERICA
  • When the Maine State Chamber of Commerce decided to take a leadership role in the tax debate we called on Maine Street Solutions. With their help we crafted a multilateral strategy that integrated electoral politics, model public policy and statehouse know-how. In a few short months, we were able to frame the debate and to create a sense of urgency in legislators. During the first thirty days of the legislature the Governor signed the bill that we supported. We couldn't have been successful without the team at Maine Street Solutions. - DANA CONNORS, MAINE STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
  • We have been continually impressed with the Maine Street team. They were unflagging in their efforts to help us secure state funding and we would not have been successful without their support. Sometimes with pro bono arrangements you can feel as if you're being placed on the back burner, but we have never felt that way in our work with Maine Street Solutions. - KRISTEN MIALE, PRESIDENT, GOOD SHEPHERD FOOD BANK???????
  • At Maine Street Solutions, Mike and the team serve everyone from fortune 50 companies to the local statewide food bank. They believe in a multi-lateral strategic approach to problem solving wherein they leave egos aside and focus on achieving positive results for clients. Mike and the team do not believe in silos in government relations. They know that everyone on the team needs to have the right information so they can provide the right message to the right person at the right time. They also know that to broaden the impact of their client's message they need to use all the levers of communication: from direct advocacy to media relations, from grass roots influencing to social media, from legal advocacy to coalition building. Mike and the team know that this integrated, strategic approach brings the best chance of success for clients. AT MSS, Mike and the team are extremely competitive and want their clients to always win.
    Mike and the team frequently work with clients on national strategies using Maine as a test-case to hone messages, tactics, and policy, and then help those clients develop a national strategic approach to implement their strategy. Through that work they have achieved great successes across the country, ranging from expanding access to prescription drugs and healthcare to creating best practices for good government initiatives.
    If an issue touches the public, whether it be government or community relations, crisis communications or procurement, national or local issues, the MSS team has the relationships and skills to advance your interest.
    Mike grew up in Bangor, graduated from Bowdoin College and the University of Maine School of Law, represented the West End of Portland in the Legislature and currently resides in Belgrade with his wife and daughter. When Mike is not on the phone with a client or lawmaker, he can be frequently found walking in the woods near his home with the family dog, Dory.

    JAKE FRIEDRICHSEN

    (Iowa)

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    Links:Website

    Jake provides strategic guidance for clients across all aspects of government affairs, with a focus on legislative strategy, stakeholder engagement, and public policy development. He works closely with clients to navigate the policymaking process and advance their priorities at the state level.

    0-5 years

    Jake bring more than ten years of experience working directly in the Iowa legislature. He most recently served as Chief of Staff to the last three House minority leaders. In this role, he was responsible for managing legislative agendas, coordinating caucus operations, and serving as a trusted advisor on political and policy strategy.

    Before his tenure in legislative leadership, Jake served as Executive Officer to the State Treasurer, and worked on political campaigns throughout the state of Iowa. Throughout his career, he has built a reputation for thoughtful leadership, strong working relationships across the aisle, and a deep understanding of Iowa's political landscape.

    Jake is a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa and earned his Master of Public Administration degree from Drake University.

    Subjects: All Subjects

    Links:Website

    ANDREA BENNETT-PUNKE

    (Tennessee)

    Subjects: All Subjects

    Links:Website

    Matthew Bentley is a government relations consultant working for associations, companies, local governments and non-profit organizations in Texas. His practice is focused on environmental management, energy and utility regulations, private property interests, natural resources, infrastructure projects, economic development and alcohol issues.

    With over ten years of policy and campaign experience, Matthew is known for his hard work, integrity, resourcefulness and passion for his clients.

    6-10 years

    2019 Capitol Inside Texas Lobby Power Rankings - "Rising Star"

    Texas Legislature
    Texas Governor's Office
    Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
    Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
    Public Utility Commission of Texas
    Railroad Commission of Texas
    Texas Water Development Board
    Texas Department of Transportation
    Texas Department of Agriculture
    Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission
    Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
    Texas Animal Health Commission
    Texas Department of Insurance
    Texas Facilities Commission
    Texas Health and Human Services Commission
    Texas General Land Office
    Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
    Texas Department of Public Safety

    Matthew Bentley is a government relations consultant working for associations, companies, local governments and non-profit organizations in Texas. His practice is focused on environmental management, energy and utility regulations, private property interests, natural resources, infrastructure projects, economic development and alcohol issues. Matthew focuses his guidance on public positioning, issue management and government relations. His success relies greatly on his extensive relationships with elected officials and staff throughout the legislative and executive branches of state government. His work has resulted in the development and implementation of public policy; formulation of strategy with key government officials; and improved communication between legislative and business leaders at the highest level.

    Matthew began independent lobbying during the 83rd Legislative Session (2013). Among others, he currently represents the country's largest telecommunications company, the state's leading utility association, a mining operation, a Class A water utility, a conservative tort reform organization, a multi-national transportation infrastructure company, a mid-sized manufacturer seeking regulatory rule changes, an association involved with the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission, a group of Texas wineries, a residential developer and a non-profit cancer research foundation. Previous clients have included the state's two largest waste and recycling businesses, several landowner groups, an oil and gas trade association, special purpose districts, a leading power generation company and other major infrastructure projects. Matthew was recently named a Top Ten "Rising Star" by Capitol Inside, a bi-partisan publication covering Texas politics and government.

    Throughout the 82nd Texas Legislature (2011), Matthew was under contract to Reggie Bashur, Cliff Johnson, Clay Pope and Luis Saenz, working on their clients' interests before the Texas Legislature and agencies throughout the state. During the 81st Legislative Session (2009), he worked for Commissioner Todd Staples at the Texas Department of Agriculture, as the Commission underwent the Sunset Advisory Commission review process.

    Matthew also previously served as Business Development Manager for Procurement Strategy Group, Inc. This Austin-based government relations firm was well respected by government and business leaders for brokering mutually beneficial procurement solutions, until it dissolved due to retiring partners in 2012. Matthew helped companies target and win projects with federal, state and local governments.

    Matthew has considerable experience and great success in working on political campaigns throughout Texas and the United States. In 2018, Matthew had a one hundred percent win rate as he consulted on Cody Harris' campaign for the Texas House of Representatives, U.S. Congressman Lance Gooden's open seat race for Congress and judicial races throughout East Texas. Matthew also served as Campaign Manager for State Representative Byron's Cook successful 2016 campaign for re-election. That race was among the highest profile and most seriously contested races that cycle. Matthew started his campaign work with Commissioner Todd Staples' statewide Agriculture Commissioner campaign and Governor Rick Perry's 2010 gubernatorial and 2012 presidential races. Matthew is very involved with the Texas GOP's Mighty Texas Strike Force, having served as the Virginia Co-Captain for the 2016 General Election.

    Matthew presently serves on the Advisory Council for Texan by Nature, a non-profit organization founded by Former First Lady, Laura Bush, which focuses on safeguarding the environment with respect to private property interests and economic development. Matthew graduated from The University of Texas at Austin.

    Subjects: All Subjects

    Links:Website

    BRIAN ABELA

    (Pennsylvania)
    Clients:

    LAUREN BARR

    (Pennsylvania)
    Clients:
    Clients:
    • (336) 549-5468

    • (336) 549-5468hampton@checkmategr.comCity of Lexington(336) 248-3910

    Clients:

    CHRIS BRAVACOS

    (Pennsylvania)
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    BETH CLAY

    (Mississippi)
    Clients:

    STEPHEN CLAY

    (Mississippi)
    Clients:
    • 202-849-9002

    • 2100 Pennsylvania Avenue NWWashingtonDC20037

    • (202) 731-6468

    • (202) 731-6468Suite Anelson@checkmategr.comAssociation of Dental Support Organizations(703) 940-3860

    Clients:

    LUCIE GARAND

    (Vermont)
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    ANNETTE HART

    (Pennsylvania)
    Clients:

    KRISTEN HASSEBROOK

    (Nebraska)
    Clients:

    RICHARD HAYDEN

    (Pennsylvania)
    Clients:

    DEREK HEIN

    (Kansas)
    Clients:

    MICHAEL HENDERSON

    (Missouri)
    • (573) 520-7240

    • 235 E High StreetSuite 301Jefferson CityMO65101

    Clients:
    Clients:

    TIMOTHY HRUZA

    (Nebraska)
    Clients:
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    JUSTIN JOHNSON

    (Vermont)
    Clients:
    • 240-331-8804

    • 51 West 52nd StreetNew YorkNY10019

    ETHAN LATOUR

    (Vermont)
    Clients:
    • (336) 671-0411

    • (336) 671-0411ches@checkmategr.comAddiction Recovery Care Association(336) 448-2640

    Clients:

    MATT MCMAHON

    (Vermont)
    Clients:

    WILLIAM MUELLER

    (Nebraska)
    Clients:
    Clients:

    1) A16Z CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC

    2) AFFORDABLE ASSISTED LIVING COALITION

    3) AMEREN ILLINOIS

    4) AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF ORTHODONTIST

    5) AMERICAN COUNCIL OF LIFE INSURERS

    6) AUTO AND TRUCK RECYCLERS OF ILLINOIS

    7) BAYER U.S. LLC

    8) CAIRO PUBLIC UTILITY COMPANY

    9) DECATUR DOWNS LLC

    10) DESTINATION ILLINOIS LLC

    11) DIRECTV, LLC

    12) DISH NETWORK CORPORATION

    13) DUCKS UNLIMITED

    14) ENTERPRISE LEASING COMPANY OF CHICAGO, LLC DBA ENTERPRISE MOBILITY

    15) EXXON MOBIL CORPORATION

    16) FIDELITY CONSULTING GROUP, L.L.C.

    17) FIREMEN'S ANNUITY & BENEFIT FUND OF CHICAGO

    18) FMR, LLC

    19) FORESIGHT ENERGY, LLC

    20) GERONIMO POWER, LLC

    21) GO BREWING

    22) GOOGLE LLC AND ITS AFFILIATES

    23) GOVERNMENT SOLUTIONS GROUP

    24) GRAND PRAIRIE WATER COMMISSION

    25) HEALTH CARE COUNCIL OF ILLINOIS

    26) I3 BROADBAND

    27) ID.ME

    28) ILLINOIS ASSOCIATION OF VOCATIONAL AGRICULTURE TEACHERS

    29) ILLINOIS CENTRAL RAILROAD COMPANY

    30) ILLINOIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE TRUSTEES ASSOCIATION

    31) ILLINOIS HEALTH & HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION

    32) ILLINOIS LIFE & HEALTH INSURANCE COUNCIL

    33) ILLINOIS PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSOCIATION

    34) ILLINOIS PIPE TRADES, P.E.C.

    35) ILLINOIS PUBLIC HIGHER EDUCATION COOPERATIVE

    36) ILLINOIS RADIOLOGICAL SOCIETY

    37) ILLINOIS RETAIL MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION

    38) ILLINOIS SOCIETY OF ANESTHESIOLOGISTS

    39) INTERNATIONAL UNION OF OPERATING ENGINEERS LOCAL 318

    40) INTERNATIONAL UNION OF OPERATING ENGINEERS LOCAL 520

    41) INTERNATIONAL UNION OF OPERATING ENGINEERS LOCAL 649

    42) INTERNATIONAL UNION OF OPERATING ENGINEERS LOCAL 841

    KATHLEEN OWEN

    (Texas)
    • (240)3318804

    • 2100 Pennsylvania Avenue NWWashingtonDC20037

    KATHLEEN OWEN

    (Louisiana)
    • 240-331-8804

    • 3903 FAIR RIDGE DRIVESUITE L-119FAIRFAXVirginia22033

    LAURA PELOSI

    (Vermont)
    Clients:
    Clients:

    CHRIS RICE

    (Vermont)
    Clients:

    ANNA RICHARDSON

    (Tennessee)
    Clients:
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    MATTHEW SCHAEFER

    (Nebraska)
    Clients:

    JEFFREY SHARP

    (Pennsylvania)
    Clients:
    Clients:

    CALEB SISAK

    (Pennsylvania)
    Clients:
    Clients:

    HEATHER SPRAGUE

    (Kansas)
    • (913) 568-1879

    • 800 SW JACKSON STREET, SUITE 1005TopekaKS66612

    Clients:
    • 202-849-9002

    • 51 West 52nd StreetNew YorkNY10019

    • 202-849-9002

    • 51 West 52nd StreetNew YorkNY10019

    • (202) 339-8400

    • Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP51 W 52nd StNew YorkNY10019

    Clients:

    HAMLIN WADE

    (Missouri)
    • (240) 331-8804

    • 2260 East Imperial HighwayEl SegundoCA90245

    Clients:

    DENNIS WALSH

    (Pennsylvania)
    Clients:

    SCOTT WARD

    (Louisiana)
    • 240-331-8804

    • 3903 FAIR RIDGE DRIVESUITE L-119FAIRFAXVirginia22033

    SCOTT WARD

    (Ohio)
    • 2403318804

    • c/o 3903 Fair Ridge Drive, Suite L-119FairfaxVA22033

    Clients:

    ERIKA WOLFFING

    (Vermont)
    Clients:
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