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CHRISTOPHER CARPENTER

(Georgia)

Subjects: All Subjects

15 years of government affairs experience in Georgia and Washington, D.C. Effective leader on transportation, health care and tax policy. Key advisor to numerous legislative and executive leaders in Georgia and D.C.

Jeff Hamling joined Cornerstone in 2017, bringing a wealth of experience and relationships in Atlanta, Georgia. Jeff came to the firm after two years as a lobbyist in Dentons' Atlanta and Washington offices where he represented a number of corporate, governmental, and non-profit clients.

Prior to Dentons, Jeff worked at the Georgia Chamber of Commerce as vice president for state and federal affairs. Jeff joined the Chamber after serving then-Congressman Tom Price for over five years. Starting as a staff assistant, Jeff was quickly promoted to deputy chief of staff, overseeing the Atlanta office and various aspects of the federal legislative staff.

Jeff has also been recognized by prestigious organizations for professional accomplishments: profiled in Capitol Impact Magazine's People on the Move, "Rookie of the Year" award voted on by his peers in the Georgia lobbying community, and James Magazine's Georgia's Political Influencers in Washington, D.C.

  • (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.

  • 225-336-4143

  • P.O. BOX 44032BATON ROUGELOUISIANA70804

Subjects: All Subjects

Links:Website

Since 1980, Haynie & Associates has raised the standard for Louisiana lobbying and government relations firms. With a tireless work ethic, impeccable professionalism, focus on detail, and an in-depth understanding of the legislative process, we have earned the respect of state lawmakers, corporations, and clients throughout the United States -- and consistently produced milestone successes for high-profile clients across many industries and professions. If you demand proven skills, established credibility, and unfailing integrity, our reputation speaks clearly.

6-10 years

Awarded "Forty under 40" from the Baton Rouge business Report in 2014

Association of Louisiana Lobbyists - President 2015-2016, Board Member 2013 - present

National Association of State Lobbyists - Secretary 2017-2018, Board Member 2015 -present

Active in young professional organizations in Baton Rouge and Louisiana (on service committee of Forum 35)

State Commissioner, Volunteer Louisiana Commission 2014 - present

Philanthropic and social involvements with wide range of organizations

Ryan K. Haynie is a partner with the Baton Rouge-based Haynie and Associates, a government relations and lobbying firm founded 39 years ago by his father and namesake. High-profile clients have become a hallmark of the firm and its reputation in state and national circles is secure, due in no small part to an established record of credibility and unfailing integrity. Ryan marks the next generation of leadership at Haynie and Associates. He was raised from inside the family business while simultaneously developing relationships with key Capitol staffers, lawmakers and the right mix of business leaders, influencers and decision-makers. In a short period of time, Ryan has proven himself to be an invaluable asset to the success of Haynie and Associates and its clients - and is regarded as one of the most effective lobbyists in the Louisiana Capitol.

Ryan has also started to leave his own impression within the firm's storied offices at Longview, the historic former home of Mrs. Earl K. Long. From Ted Dunham Drive along the Capitol Lake, he has facilitated and planned charitable events and political fundraisers, continuing and furthering Longview's famous open door policy. Ryan is likewise bringing the firm's communications arm into a new era. As president and co-owner of Louisiana Governmental Studies, Ryan publishes and markets the Grass Roots Guide to the Louisiana Legislature , which was created more than two decades ago and remains the foremost trusted name in Louisiana Legislative resources. In 2010 Ryan developed and launched an iPhone application and currently operated a mobile website (www.mobilelgs.com) that allows users to access a digital database of the most current legislative and executive branch resources. Future products promise to be just as exciting as Ryan continues to develop a full service client management system ripe with tools for client communication, lobbying, data analytics and advocacy.

Finding ways to leverage technology has become a niche role for Ryan at Haynie and Associates. He has transformed client and lawmaker communications with up-to-date and real-time policy research and media services. Ryan is also bridging generational gaps nationally. In 2009, he formed Young Professional State Lobbyists, an organization of hand-selected lobbyists age 40 or younger from every U.S. state. In 2010 Ryan was selected to serve as president of YPSL as well as Host Committee & Website Committee chairman. The mission of YPSL is to change the public perception of its trade and prompt discussions between up-and-coming lobbying professionals from across the United States. Building off of this alliance, Ryan is already an active board member of the Association of Louisiana Lobbyists, and a member in good standings with the American League of Lobbyists, and the National Association of State Lobbyists.

Ryan's other political experience includes internships in the offices of Congressmen Charles Boustany and Rodney Alexander. Ryan is an active member of The Mystick Krewe of Louisianians (Washington Mardi Gras), Krewe of RIO, Krewe of Bonaparte, the Krewe of Endymion and the Krewe of Bacchus. Ryan is a member of the Young Professional Organizations Forum 35 in Baton Rouge and 705 in Lafayette as well as a member and lobbyist for Blueprint Louisiana comprised of many of Louisiana's most prominent business leaders. Outside of politics and carnival time, Ryan is an avid hunter and sportsman and is one of only a handful of members of the historic Winn Hawkins Oak Grove Hunting Club in southern Cameron Parish. Furthermore, Ryan participates in the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, the Baton Rouge Chamber, the Lafayette Chamber and also serves as Vice President of Capitol View Development, operates Louisiana Trading Company LLC, and co-chairs the Haynie Family Foundation.

Born April 4, 1985, in Lafayette, Ryan attended St. Thomas More High School and went to work for Haynie and Associates upon graduating in 2003. Four years later, Ryan graduated from LSU's College of Arts and Sciences with a Bachelor Degree in Political Science. While an undergraduate, he presided over the Alpha Gamma Chapter of Kappa Alpha Fraternity and served on the Inner Fraternity Council. Ryan married Alana Robert in August of 2012 and they reside in Baton Rouge with their 4 year-old daughter.

  • 225-336-4143

  • P.O. BOX 44032BATON ROUGELOUISIANA70804

Subjects: All Subjects

Links:Website

Since 1980, Haynie & Associates has raised the standard for Louisiana lobbying and government relations firms. With a tireless work ethic, impeccable professionalism, focus on detail, and an in-depth understanding of the legislative process, we have earned the respect of state lawmakers, corporations, and clients throughout the United States-- and consistently produced milestone successes for high-profile clients across many industries and professions. If you demand proven skills, established credibility, and unfailing integrity, our reputation speaks clearly.

20+ years

Louisiana Political Museum Hall of Fame Inductee (2016)

Lafayette General Hospital Foundation Board of Directors (present)

Moncus - Lafayette Central Park - Board of Directors (present)

232 Help- Board of Directors, Executive Committee (present)

Hillard University Art Museum - Hillard Society - Chairman (present)

Community Foundation of Acadiana - CFA - Board of Directors (present)

Opus Christi Magum - Catholic Charities - Co-Chair (present)

One Acadiana - Chamber of Commerce - Board of Directors (present)

Swamp Base - Boy Scouts - Capital Campaign - Co-Chair (present)

Evangeline Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, Advisory Board (present)

ICON Awards/ABC Fund - Advisory Board (present)

Order of Malta (Catholic Society) (present)

Louisiana Governor's Mansion Preservation Foundation (present)

Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities- Board of Directors (present)

National Association of State Lobbyists (NASL) Past President, President Emeritus (present)

ICON/Arts/Buisness/Culture: Patron Award (2019)

Lafayette Civic Cup 86th Recipient (2018)

National Outstanding Eagle Scout Award - NESA (2017)

Louisiana Association of Museums Outstanding Foundation Support Award (2017)

Louisiana Political Museum Hall of Fame Inductee (2016)

University of Louisiana at Lafayette Spring Gala "Alumni Honoree" (2014)

Lafayette Public Library - Major Donor Award (2009)

Bishops Charity Ball - King Louis XIII (2000)

Monsignor Alexander O. Sigur Award Recipient (Diocese of Lafayette) (1999)

Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem (Catholic Order) - Knight Grand Cross

Order of Malta (Catholic order)

Louisiana Statehood Bicentennial Commission (past)

Odgen Museum- Board of Directors (past)

Louisiana Commemorative Coin Advisory Commission (past)

Louisiana Association of Business and Industry Trade and Tourism Council (past)

Evangeline Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, Vice President of Finance (past)

Our Lady of Lords Hospital- Board of Directors (past)

St. Thomas More High School Foundation Board (past)

Bishop's Charity Ball, Fundraising Chairman (Diocese of Lafayette) (past)

St. Thomas More School Board (3-year term) (past)

Our Lady of Fatima School Board (past)

Boy Scouts of America/Evangeline Council Board of Directors (past)

Bishop Charity Ball Executive Committee (Diocese of Lafayette) (past)

Louisiana Lobbying Commission (Registration and Reporting) (past)

Our Lady of Fatima School Foundation, Board of Directors (past)

Old State Capitol Foundation, Board of Directors, Advisory Board (past)

Krewe of Gabriel, Lafayette, Louisiana (present)

Krewe of Bonaporte, Lafayette, Louisiana (present)

Krewe of Rio, Lafayette, Louisiana (present)

Louisiana Historical Society, Board of Directors (past)

Chairman of the University of Southwestern Louisiana Alumni Association's Legislative Relations (past)

Louisiana Insurance Lawsuit Reporting Commission (past)

Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee (State Police, Department of Public Safety) (past)

Louisiana Association of Business & Industry (LABI); Steering Committee of the Liability Reform Task Force; Steering Committee of the Unemployment Compensation Task Force; Steering Committee of the Worker's Compensation Task Force (past)

Lafayette Chamber of Commerce (Executive Committee; Board of Directors [1988-1990]; Past Chairman of the Oil & Gas Division/Long-Range Planning; Lafayette Leadership Board of Directors) (past)

Fine Arts Foundation, Board of Directors (past)

Commerce & Energy Bank of Lafayette, Louisiana, Advisory Board of Directors (past)

Louisiana Society of Association Executives, Board of Directors (past)

United Cerebral Palsy of Louisiana, First Vice-President (past)

Chamber of Commerce, Vice President of State/National Affairs (past)

Krewe of Louisiana, Washington, D.C. (1981-Present)

Association of Louisiana Lobbyists (Member; President [1985-88]; Past President [1989]; Board of Directors [1990]) (past)

Randy K. Haynie is the owner and president of Haynie & Associates, a government relations firm established in 1980 with offices in Baton Rouge and Lafayette, Louisiana. His son, Ryan K. Haynie, is his partner in the Baton Rouge-based firm of Haynie & Associates. From these bases of operation, he has been lobbying the Louisiana legislature for thirty-seven years and has served under the last seven Louisiana Governors.

Randy Haynie first acquired his taste for politics upon being elected SGA President of the College of Sciences at the University of Southwestern Louisiana. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, chemistry and mathematics, he became a Sergeant-at-Arms for the Louisiana Senate and then the personal aide of former Senator Edgar "Sonny" Mouton. He worked extensively in Mouton's gubernatorial campaign and with this experience under his belt; he opened the consulting firm of Haynie & Associates. The knowledge of the oil industry he picked up while working as a roughneck during the summer months while a student at USL helped him acquire one of his first clients, The Louisiana Oilfield Contractors Association, which he still represents today. It was not long before he began representing a wide variety of clients.

Presently, he represents national corporations such as JP Morgan/Chase, GE (General Electric) GM (General Motors), Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, Caesar's Entertainment Inc., Enterprise Rental Cars Inc., New Orleans Saints, National Football League, and Johnson Controls.

Ryan Haynie is President of Louisiana Governmental Studies, which has published a Louisiana Legislative Directory yearly since 1984. The firm has also published eight four-year editions of the Grass-Roots Guide to the Louisiana Legislature.

Randy Haynie is just as involved in civic and professional organizations as he is in his businesses, an important lesson he learned as he achieved the rank of "Eagle" from the Boy Scouts of America. He is the past National President of the National Association of State Lobbyists. Furthermore, he currently serves on various boards throughout Louisiana, including the La. Endowment for the Humanities, the Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum in Lafayette, and the Community Foundation of Acadiana. In addition, he has served on the Bishop's Charity Ball Executive Committee for the Diocese of Lafayette since 1996 and was selected the 13th Annual Bishop's Charity Ball King Louis XIII in 2000 and was inducted into the Louisiana Political Hall of Fame in 2016. Randy is an active member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre and was also accepted to the class of 2009 for the Order of Malta. In 2018, Randy was awarded the Lafayette Civic Cup, its 86th recipient since 1933.

On the personal side, he is an avid collector of objects associated with Louisiana and has an extensive collection of Louisiana obsolete currency, including state, parish, municipal, merchant and bank notes which date back to the 1800s. He also collects lottery tickets issued by the first Louisiana Lottery Company as well as photos of Louisiana governors and memorabilia related to their terms of office. He has several early maps of Louisiana and owns original paintings by well-known Louisiana and Southern artists. Randy Haynie showcases his Louisiana collection at Long-View, his Baton Rouge office that was once the home of one of Louisiana's most colorful governors, Earl K. Long.

PETER GLEASON

(Pennsylvania)

Mr. Gleason concentrates his practice as Pennsylvania and federal legislative and regulatory policy counsel. Building on his experience with the Office of the Governor in Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania General Assembly and the United States Congress, and nearly 20 years in private practice, Mr. Gleason possesses a depth of understanding of the legislative and administrative processes, and an insider's view of the political considerations and other motivations that drive those processes. He currently represents a diverse client base, including prominent leaders within industries such as: manufacturing, rail freight transportation, natural gas production, energy policy, financial services, emerging growth and high tech, health care and retail. Mr. Gleason has also advised Governors, legislative leaders and committee chairs on political and policy matters.

Oil & Gas Legislative and Regulatory Policy: Representing several natural gas producers operating within the Marcellus Shale on legislative and regulatory policy matters pending within the PA General Assembly and numerous regulatory agencies with oversight for Marcellus Shale activities.

Competitive Industrial Electric Rates: Assisted large manufacturing clients in enacting legislation permitting large industrial customers to negotiate competitive rates with incumbent electric utilities, paving the way for significant, historic capital investments by those customers
.
Economic Development Incentives: Secured tens of millions of economic incentives for clients seeking to make large capital investment and significantly increase jobs in the Commonwealth, including grants and low interest loans, transportation assistance, rail capital and community development funds.

Business Tax Reform: Successfully led a large coalition of manufacturers and high/bio tech companies to secure dramatic statutory changes in Pennsylvania's Corporate Net Income Tax structure that had penalized companies for increased capital and employee investment in the Commonwealth.

Tax Free Zones: Successfully assisted large manufacturing client with the enactment of legislation creating several state and local tax free zones throughout Pennsylvania to facilitate business expansion and relocation.

Civil Justice Reform: Successfully represented several clients in passing legislation repealing the doctrine of joint & several liability in Pennsylvania.

Procurement Bid Protests: Managed several, successful bid protests on behalf of clients that wanted to pursue a protest without jeopardizing agency relationships.

Health Care: In separate matters, successfully represented several hospitals and the pharmaceutical industry in reversing or mitigating proposed agency recommendations that would have caused significant harm to those clients.

Mr. Gleason joined K&L Gates in 2002. Prior to joining K&L Gates, Mr. Gleason served in Pennsylvania Governor Mark Schweiker's Cabinet as Secretary for Legislative Affairs. In that capacity, he advised the Governor, the Governor's senior staff and fellow cabinet secretaries on legislative, regulatory and policy matters affecting all agencies under the governor's jurisdiction. On his departure from state government, Governor Schweiker had this to say about Mr. Gleason:

"Pete Gleason has been a vital advisor to me, and a trusted liaison with the General Assembly. He helped my Administration win passage of many historic pieces of legislation, including reforms to Pennsylvania's Medical Malpractice and Joint and Several Liability laws, not to mention the 2002-03 Budget – one of the most difficult budgets in Commonwealth history."

From 1997 to 2001, Mr. Gleason had served as deputy secretary for legislative affairs with the office of the governor in Pennsylvania. He worked with former Governor Tom Ridge until his appointment as director of Homeland Security.

During his tenure with the office of the governor, as the Governor's liaison to Pennsylvania General Assembly legislative leaders and committee chairs, Mr. Gleason played an integral role in the enactment of the following legislative initiatives:
The 2002-03 General Fund Budget (in the wake of a structural deficit in excess of $1.4 billion dollars).
All legislative tax policy matters; including several significant amendments to the Public Utility Realty Tax Act (PURTA), changes to the Corporate Net Income Tax (CNIT), the phase-out of the Capitol Stock and Franchise Tax (CSFT) and changes to the state Sales Tax.
The creation and expansion of Keystone Opportunity Zones (KOZ), Enhancement Zones (KOEZ) and Improvement Zones (KOIZ).
Historic reforms to Pennsylvania's Medical Malpractice and Joint and Several Liability laws.
The enactment of the Commonwealth's Procurement Code.
Natural Gas Deregulation.
The Uniform Electronic Transactions Act.
Land Use Reform ("Growing Smarter").
The Environmental Stewardship Act ("Growing Greener").
The Uniform Construction Code.
Workers' Compensation Reform.

Mr. Gleason's past positions also include director of legislative affairs at the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, special projects director to the Republican Leader of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and special assistant to former United States Senator John Heinz.
In 2008, the Pennsylvania Report named Mr. Gleason as one of Pennsylvania's "Top 100 Most Influential People," in a list comprised of the 100 people most likely to have an impact on government and politics in Pennsylvania in 2008. In a 2004 poll conducted with state legislators, staff, lobbyists and other state policy stakeholders, he was named as "Most Effective Lobbyist" in Pennsylvania. Mr. Gleason was recently honored by the Pennsylvania Law Weekly and the Legal Intelligencer as one of forty lawyers under forty "On the Fast Track" for his work at K&L Gates and in the office of the governor.

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.

  • 5173722560

  • 110 W MICHIGAN AVENUE SUITE 500LANSINGMI48933

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.

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.

    • 517-372-2560

    • 110 W MICHIGAN AVE, STE 500LANSINGMI48933

    As president of Michigan Legislative Consultants, Tim loves the challenge of influencing legislation. With over 30 years of success in government service, campaign management, and government affairs advocacy, his strategic "big picture" approach allows him to make seemingly unrelated connections work to the clients' advantage.

    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.

    • 5173722560

    • 110 W MICHIGAN AVE, STE 500LANSINGMI48933

    Advises a diverse set of clients on state legislative and regulatory issues with a focus on healthcare, energy, education and economic development policy

    Has more than 10 years of experience working at the state capitol

    Formerly served as vice president of government affairs at the Georgia Chamber of Commerce

    Serves on the Executive Committee of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Council (GAC)

    Sally Kilpatrick advises a diverse set of clients on state legislative and regulatory issues with a focus on healthcare, energy, education and economic development policy. Sally joined Cornerstone's Atlanta, Georgia office in September 2015 and has more than 10 years of experience providing strategic advice to the private sector.

    Prior to joining Cornerstone, Sally served as vice president of government affairs at the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the state's largest business advocacy organization. Through her seven-year tenure at the Chamber, Sally developed an extensive background managing legislative and regulatory issues in the policy areas of water, energy, education, economic development and health care. While at the Chamber, Sally served on the Technology Association of Georgia's Government Affairs Taskforce and the Georgia Water Alliance. She managed the Georgia Chamber's Local Chamber Legislative Ad Hoc Committee and legislative affairs for Chamber's Small Business Advisory Council.

    She has established strong, bipartisan working relationships with House and Senate members of the Georgia General Assembly and state agency officials. Her industry specific knowledge and key relationships have been valuable in assisting clients to successfully achieve their legislative and regulatory objectives at the state Capitol.

    Sally is a current board member of Atlanta Moms Making A Difference and serves on the executive committee of the Georgia Chamber's Government Affairs Council.

    Sally earned her B.S. in Journalism at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. She and her husband Trey reside in Atlanta with their daughter, Phen, and son, Clark.

    20+ years

    Understanding how government functions has always interested Kelley Abell. Over the course of her career, she has met and worked with industry leaders and government officials in the Executive and Legislative branches of federal, state and local governments. She has a keenly honed understanding and appreciation of the role of government in economic development, business and public affairs.

    During her 25-year career, she has successfully led projects to increase provider rates, leverage federal funding, fund new projects and change the U.S. Tax Code. She has also worked collaboratively with industries on regulatory reform.

    She has served on a number of boards including The Morton Center and The Healing Place, which are focused on recovery from addiction. She was the first female and first non-physician Board Chairman of The Healing Place, serving as Chairman during the expansion of the women’s campus. In addition, she has held several leadership roles with state and national associations on behalf of clients.

    Kelley attended the American University in Washington, DC and the University of Louisville, graduating with a degree in Communications and a minor in Economics. She and her husband, David L. Huber, share two daughters, two sons-in-law, three grandchildren and one demanding black Lab, Nora Lea.

    BRIAN ABELA

    (Pennsylvania)
    Clients:

    LAUREN BARR

    (Pennsylvania)
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    LAWRENCE BELL

    (Georgia)
    • (404) 427-8873

    • 1100 Peachtree StreetSuite 650ATLANTAGA30309

    Clients:

    ANDREA BENNETT-PUNKE

    (Tennessee)
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    ANDREA BENNETT-PUNKE

    (Tennessee)
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    CHRIS BRAVACOS

    (Pennsylvania)
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    CHRISTOPHER CARPENTER

    (Georgia)
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    • 5173722560

    • 110 W MICHIGAN AVE STE 500LANSINGMI48933

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    (Mississippi)
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    (Vermont)
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    (Pennsylvania)
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    RICHARD HAYDEN

    (Pennsylvania)
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    DEREK HEIN

    (Kansas)
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    • 5173722560

    • 110 W MICHIGAN AVE STE 500LANSINGMI48933

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    (Tennessee)
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    • 609-392-7553

    • 150 W State St Suite 110TrentonNJ08608

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    JUSTIN JOHNSON

    (Vermont)
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    ETHAN LATOUR

    (Vermont)
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    • 5173722560

    • 110 W MICHIGAN AVE STE 500LANSINGMI517372256

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    DAVID MCMAHAN

    (Tennessee)
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    DAVID MCMAHAN

    (Tennessee)
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    DAVID MCMAHAN

    (Tennessee)
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    MATT MCMAHON

    (Vermont)
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    SEAN OSTROW

    (Louisiana)
    • 202-849-9002

    • 12587 FAIR LAKES CIR PMB 163FAIRFAXVirginia22033

    KATHLEEN OWEN

    (Texas)
    • (202)8499002

    • 2121 Main StreetWheelingWV26003-2809

    • (202) 849-9002

    • c/o 1501 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1050ArlingtonVA22209

    KATHLEEN OWEN

    (Georgia)

    KATHLEEN OWEN

    (Louisiana)
    • 202-849-9002

    • 12587 FAIR LAKES CIR PMB 163FAIRFAXVirginia22033

    KATHLEEN M. K. OWEN

    (South Carolina)
    • 2028499002

    • 2121 Main StreetWheelingWV26003-2809

    LAURA PELOSI

    (Vermont)
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    CHARLENE PUCHALLA

    (Georgia)
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    CHRIS RICE

    (Vermont)
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    ANNA RICHARDSON

    (Tennessee)
    Clients:

    ANNA RICHARDSON

    (Tennessee)
    Clients:

    ANNA RICHARDSON

    (Tennessee)
    • 609-392-7553

    • 150 W State St Suite 110TrentonNJ08608

    Clients:

    JEFFREY SHARP

    (Pennsylvania)
    Clients:

    CAROLINE SIMMONS

    (Tennessee)

    CAROLINE SIMMONS

    (Tennessee)

    CAROLINE SIMMONS

    (Tennessee)
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    • 5173722560

    • 110 W MICHIGAN AVE STE 500LANSINGMI48933

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    CALEB SISAK

    (Pennsylvania)
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    HEATHER SPRAGUE SCANLON

    (Kansas)
    • 202-849-9002

    • 51 West 52nd StreetNew YorkNY10019

    • 202-849-9002

    • 51 West 52nd StreetNew YorkNY10019

    Clients:
    • (202) 339-8400

    • Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP51 W 52nd StNew YorkNY10019

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    DAMON STEWART

    (Georgia)
    • (202) 849-9002

    • 51 West 52nd StreetNew YorkNY10019

    WILLIAM USRY

    (Georgia)
    • (229) 886-6562

    • 1100 PEACHTREE STREETSTE 650ATLANTAGA30309

    Clients:
    Clients:

    HAMLIN WADE

    (Illinois)
    Clients:

    HAMLIN WADE

    (Michigan)
    • 2028499002

    • 1501 WILSON BLVD STE 1050ARLINGTONVA22209

    Clients:

    HAMLIN WADE

    (Missouri)
    • (202) 849-9002

    • 2260 East Imperial HighwayEl SegundoCA90245

    Clients:

    HAMLIN WADE

    (Georgia)
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    DENNIS WALSH

    (Pennsylvania)
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    SCOTT WARD

    (Louisiana)
    • 202-849-9002

    • 12587 FAIR LAKES CIR PMB 163FAIRFAXVirginia22033

    Clients:

    BETH WINSTEAD

    (Tennessee)
    Clients:

    BETH WINSTEAD

    (Tennessee)
    Clients:

    BETH WINSTEAD

    (Tennessee)
    Clients:

    ERIKA WOLFFING

    (Vermont)
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