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

Will is a 2006 graduate of Northeastern University.

20+ years

Rocco founded the firm of Pugliese Associates in 1980 working from a small office in Harrisburg with a single client. The firm now maintains offices in Harrisburg and Philadelphia with close to 50 clients including: non-profit organizations, universities, government authorities, venture capitalists, state and national corporations, and trade associations.

Rocco has more than 35 years of lobbying and state government experience. Starting his working years in the mid-70's employed in the State Senate; he was later hired as an aide to the House Transportation Committee. In his years of lobbying, Rocco has been active on a number of highly visible, diverse and complex issues. They include such topics as gaming, corporate initiatives and ventures, appropriations, tobacco settlement, economic development, workers' compensation, state procurement, along with a variety of other policy and legislative issues.

Rocco graduated from Gannon University in 1975 with a BA in Political Science, and he also holds a Masters degree in Public Administration from Penn State University.

Experience, Integrity, and Results- Rocco's motivation, commitment, leadership and direction are what make Pugliese Associates what it is today.

20+ years

I have maintained a solid reputation as a well-respected and constant presence in the Capitol for over three decades. I have been on the Hill with many state policy makers throughout the entirety of their careers. My long term relationships with administration officials, legislative leaders and key staff give me the ability to reach out to these individuals quickly to ensure our clients' messages and perspectives are considered.

My diverse and significant background in government, politics and corporate strategy serves me well as a lobbyist. In addition to spending more than 25 years in government relations and executive management for the Pennsylvania Builders Association, I have also worked for the Pennsylvania Retailers Association. I understand the internal dynamics of associations and the nuances required to assist them in formulating and implementing their governmental affairs agendas. I also work with a wide range of our varied corporate clients leveraging my expertise in building construction, management, service and development.

Before launching my lobbying career, I began as a political activist while attending college. I graduated from Gannon University with a BA in Political Science and soon moved to Harrisburg where I served in several leadership staff roles within the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

20+ years

Mr. Shattuck's lobbying team is a past recipient of the American Society of Association Executives prestigious Award of Excellence in Government Relation

Actively involved in a number of professional and civic organizations, he is a past president of the Illinois Society of Association Executives (ISAE), a past chairman of the Business and Industry for Economic Concerns (BIFEC) and past President of Project Safe Illinois. He is a current member of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Small Business Advisory Board and the Illinois Workers Compensation Commission Advisory Board.

Mr. Shattuck is a graduate of the University of Illinois with a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science. He received his Certified Association Executive (CAE) in 1992 and has been re certified through 2019. Prior to starting his own consulting firm in 1997, Mr. Shattuck was employed in the government relations departments for the Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois and Central Illinois Public Service (now Ameren). He also was the President, CEO of the Associated Employers of Illinois.

TOM POUL is a Shareholder in Messerli Kramer's Government Relations group. He is an experienced and respected advocate, representing and advising clients on policy and political issues before the state legislature, executive branch, state agencies and local governments. Tom's extensive knowledge and understanding of government has been developed over the past 20 years by serving unique roles at the federal, state, and local levels of government. Tom's career began in Washington D.C., working with Congressman Bill Frenzel and then later, holding high-level positions with Minnesota's State Auditor Judy Dutcher and with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.

20+ years

By any yardstick, Aaron Read and Associates is recognized as one of the premier lobbying firms in Sacramento. Whether it's based on annual billings or word of mouth referrals, ARA is at the top of the list. In addition, ARA has been listed as one of the top-ranked lobby firms in Capitol Weekly, a well-known publication, since they started their rankings 10 years ago.

Aaron Read and Associates' (ARA) services run the gamut of all types and aspects of Governmental Representation including the Administration, the Legislature and each of its committees, and regulatory agencies. In addition, ARA provides consulting on government procurement issues. Our sister company, Marketplace Communications, provides a full range of public affairs services including social media, campaigns, video and audio productions, and strategy to achieve your goals. Marketplace Communications has won numerous Pollie Awards from the American Association of Political Consultants.

Terry has worked at Aaron Read & Associates for more than two decades. Prior to joining ARA, he served as the Director of the California Fire Foundation and Consultant to the California Assembly Committee on Fire, Police and Emergency Services. In 2009, he was awarded the Director's Achievement Award on behalf of CAL FIRE. He led the successful campaign to develop the CAL FIRE brand.

Terry McHale was the press liaison for the California Assembly Committee on Police, Fire and Disaster. There, he handled crisis management in the MTBE campaign, and has expertise in public policy and strategic communications. Terry is currently an officer at Aaron Read & Associates as well as Marketplace Communications. He also serves as the editor of California Conversations Magazine. He has interviewed and written stories about such interesting Californians as Clint Eastwood, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Harrison Ford, Gary Condit, Governor Pete Wilson and Governor Gray Davis. Terence graduated from UCLA. He lives his family in Elk Grove.

ARA is unique. We represent numerous firefighters, law enforcement and labor groups, as well as fortune 500 companies, corporations and large trade associations. As a result of our diverse client base, we build relationships with Democratic and Republican lawmakers during their campaigns, long before they are elected to office.

20+ years

Nonpartisan staff for House members during development and passage of Washington's Forests & Fish law.

Josh has relationships with key legislators, statewide elected officials, agency staff and locally elected officials across the state.

Prior to joining the GTH-GA team, Josh spent nearly 10 years advocating for counties, serving as the Legislative Relations and Policy Director and General Counsel for the Washington State Association of Counties. Josh started working in Olympia in 1998 as nonpartisan counsel to the House of Representatives and served as Legislative Director for the Department of Fish and Wildlife. As Environmental Policy Director for the Washington Forest Protection Association he represented private forest landowners in the state's environmental regulatory system. He also assisted in Governor Locke's water reform efforts. Josh is a member of the Washington State Bar Association, graduate of Central Washington University and the Vermont Law School, and is a fourth generation Washingtonian. He lives in Olympia with his wife Karen.

20+ years

0-5 years

Members of California State Senate and Assembly

Brena Sheehy brings over 15 years of experience in healthcare and insurance industry experience to the Sheehy Strategy Group (SSG). Brena holds a bachelor's degree in business administration - risk management and insurance from Fresno State University and worked for a number of years in property, casualty and health insurance in the Central Valley. She moved to the Sacramento region in the mid-1990's where she helped launch the innovative Health Insurance Plan of California (HIPC). Soon she was promoted to Sales Manager and finally took over running the HIPC sales program as Director of Sales. This groundbreaking state purchasing pool opened the doors to affordable group health insurance to many small and medium sized businesses in the state.

Later she joined CIBA Vision, a subsidiary of Novartis, where she became a distinguished territory sales representative for the western region. Most recently Brena has represented SingleCare in the Sacramento Valley and promoted pharmacy discount programs for those with and without health insurance. She has served as a strategic advisor to SSG since its inception, and her experience, communication and analytical skills make her a critical component to the success of the SSG.

11-15 years

Recognized by Colorado Confidential, as Most Effective State Representative, 2007 Session
Denver Business Journal, Power Book Winner, Health Care, 2006

Colorado Commissioner: Uniform Law Commission, 2005-11 and 2013-present (Division Chair, 2007-09; Member, Scope and Programs Committee, 2009-11); Chair of Colorado Commission 2013-present.

Member: Health Chairs, National Conference of State Legislatures, 2006-09.

International Election Observer: Member of National Democratic Institute's International
Observation Team for the Ukrainian Parliamentary Elections, 2007.

After serving as Chair of the Colorado House of Representatives Health and Human Services Committee, Anne returned to a full time law and lobbying practice in 2009. As a legislator, she had oversight responsibility for the Department of Public Health and Environment, Department of Human Services, Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, and was responsible for oversight responsibility for review and approval of more than 14,000 state rules and regulations annually, handling sensitive litigation and internal matters for the Colorado General Assembly.
She has lobbied federally as well as in several states. Her law experience includes advising emerging and established business and public entities, nonprofits and individuals on issues related to the course of commerce, choice of entity, real estate, transactions, litigation, and appellate and public policy needs in state and federal district and appellate courts in Colorado, Florida and Washington, DC.

6-10 years

Monte Stevens joins Southern Strategy Group after serving more than a decade in Florida government. After serving in the Legislative Affairs office of the Agency for Health Care Administration and the Department of Financial Services, Monte joined the Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) in 2008 where he led OIR's legislative and executive lobbying effort as Deputy Chief of Staff.

While at OIR, Monte was instrumental in the passage of legislation relating to all sectors of the insurance industry including landmark reforms to personal injury protection and homeowner's insurance. Most recently, Monte oversaw the passage and implementation of the NAIC model holding company act and principle based reserving for life insurers. Knowledgeable in all lines of insurance, Monte was frequently called upon to testify and present to legislative committees on a variety of subjects.

In addition to lobbying the Legislature, Monte also served as OIR's representative to the Governor and Cabinet in the rule making process. In this capacity, Monte led the effort to implement the country's first ever regulatory initiative on collateral requirements for reinsurers.

Monte also served as Director of Government Affairs and Public Policy for the Florida Medical Association where he was involved in the passage of significant medical malpractice reform. A native of Niceville, Florida, Monte was a member of two national champion debate teams at the University of Missouri-Kansas City before graduating with a degree in political science. Prior to returning to Florida, Monte attended graduate school, taught public speaking, and coached the debate teams at Kansas State University and Harvard University.

Monte and his wife Jodi live in Tallahassee.

20+ years

JoLee Gudmundson has been providing governmental relations for over 20 years in South Carolina and has represented major business and association interests before the SC General Assembly, SC Congressional Delegation and state agency regulatory bodies.

Founded in 1998, Gudmundson Consulting is a bipartisan firm that represents a range of lobbying, monitoring, and public policy issues. Her expertise includes, healthcare, judicial, criminal law, banking and finance as well as non-profit, business and corporate interests.

She is experienced in facilitating industry working groups and maintaining good relationships with allied organizations and state licensing agencies. She is a frequent speaker providing continuing education credits for her clients as well as other nonprofit organizations.

JoLee has a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication and Journalism from Winthrop University.

As an active volunteer within her community and South Carolina, JoLee serves on several committees and boards, including the State Advisory Board for the South Carolina Small Business Development Center and the Board of Trustees for a leading Independent School in the Southeast.

A founding member of Southern Strategy Group (Louisiana), Liz Mangham serves as its managing partner. She primarily represents clients before the legislative and executive branches of state government, focusing on issues related to commerce and industry, civil law, criminal justice, education, health care and transportation.

With keen political skills acquired from managing numerous elections, Liz applies winning campaign strategies to complex lobbying battles. She combines essential grassroots and coalition- based support with the media to deliver comprehensive, effective strategies.

A graduate of Brenau Women's College, Liz has been recognized as one of the top 100 "Louisiana Influencers" and a "National Rising Star" by Campaigns & Elections' Politics magazine and an "Up and Comer in Louisiana Politics" by the Times of Acadiana. Her consulting work has earned award-winning recognition for various political and public policy firms.

Randal Johnson joined Southern Strategy Group (Louisiana) after serving as Deputy Commissioner of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry (LDAF) for fourteen years and brings applied experience in the legislative process to the SSG team. While at LDAF, Randal initiated and handled the department's legislative package for more than twenty sessions. Prior to joining the LDAF, he supervised multi-jurisdictional drug enforcement units and served as chief of the special investigative divisions for the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Department. There, Randal drafted and presented legislation on behalf of law enforcement and parochial governments.

Adept at issues and crisis management, Randal supervised the Department of Agriculture's emergency preparation activities related to animal and plant health and weather-borne disasters. In the aftermath of the devastating 2005 hurricanes, Randal personally supervised the successful acquisition and delivery of fuel for the evacuation, rescue, and recovery efforts across the state.

With political activities ranging across both party and geographical lines, Randal, who holds a B.S. in business administration, has consulted and worked in various local, state, and federal campaigns in his native state of Louisiana. He was recognized as one of the top 100 "Louisiana Influencers" by Campaigns & Elections' Politics magazine. Randal has also coordinated successful statewide get- out-the-vote efforts for elected offices ranging from Police Juror to President of the United States. In addition, he graduated from regional and national law enforcement academies administered by the Department of Justice.

15-20 years

Donald D. DeAngelis '60 Excellence in Alumni Service Award recipient, Albany Law School, 2018 Participant, American Israeli Education Foundation (AIEF) Northeast Progressive Leaders Delegation trip to Israel, December 2017 Distinguished Service Award recipient, State University of New York at Potsdam Alumni Board of Trustees, 2016, Selected to the Upstate New York Super Lawyers Rising Stars list, 2013-2017

Amy is a former Legislative Aide to New York Assemblywoman Helene E. Weinstein, Chair of the Assembly Ways and Means Committee.

Amy has worked closely with executive branch officials and with legislative officials on both sides of the aisle from all over the state. Amy uses her legislative expertise in advising clients on the nuances and intricacies of the New York State legislative process. She, and the HSE team, have successfully advocated for the passage of hundreds of bills in areas such as education, energy, telecommunications, health care, transportation, insurance, and technology. In many cases, she has assisted with the entire life cycle of the legislation; working with clients to conceptualize legislation that meets their specific needs; securing majority sponsorship; advocating through the committee process; securing majority support in both houses of the legislature and working with the governor's office to secure final approval.

Amy currently serves on the Standing Committee on Government Affairs for the American Bar Association, she is a Board Member for the National Association of State Lobbyists, and she is the Immediate Past Chair of the American Bar Association Business Law Section Government Affairs Practice Committee, among others. She is a frequent speaker, regionally and nationally, on a range of government affairs topics and has been selected to the Upstate New York Super Lawyers Rising Stars list.

11-15 years

Past president of Association of Connecticut Lobbyists

Featured presenter at the CT Lobbying Conference on "Lobbying the Executive Branch" the past four years.

2019 Hartford Business Journal Forty Under 40

Over ten years of municipal land use experience on Planning and Zoning/Zoning Board of Appeals

Served as point person for the CT Conference of Municipalities on Energy, Labor and Zoning topics.

13 years of experience in contract lobbying; three years of experience in state and municipal government.

Tanner Polce served as both the Chief of Staff (2023-2024) and Chief Advancement Officer (2020-2023) at the Brandywine Valley SPCA, the first tristate animal welfare organization in the nation. During his tenure, Tanner was responsible for revenue and fund development, external affairs, and strategies that support the organization's $20+ million in annual revenues. Tanner was also instrumental in the acquisitions strategies that brought the Human Society of Harrisburg Area (PA), the Animal Adoption Center (NJ), and most recently the Humane Society of Washington, DC into the BVSPCA management portfolio.

Prior, Tanner served years in numerous roles for the State of Delaware and as a Councilmember in the City of Dover. Tanner was senior staff in the Office of the Lt. Governor from 2016-2020. Prior to the role of Policy Director for the Office, he served as Legislative Aide to Senator David Sokola and then-Senator Hall-Long. In 2017, Tanner was elected to Dover City Council and served a term before electing to not seek re-election. His deep understanding of relationship management, policy and strategy has been instrumental in his past roles and in ensuring strategic growth, greater connections and key objectives are met.

Tanner holds a B.A. in Political Science and a Master of Business Administration. Tanner and his wife, Shelby, live in Felton with their four dogs- Brutus, Allen, Marty and Charlotte. In their spare time, they are often planning their next travel adventure, watching their favorite soccer teams, or pitching in amongst a number of community service projects.

20+ years

By any yardstick, Aaron Read and Associates is recognized as one of the premier lobbying firms in Sacramento. Whether it's based on annual billings or word of mouth referrals, ARA is at the top of the list. In addition, ARA has been listed as one of the top-ranked lobby firms in Capitol Weekly, a well-known publication, since they started their rankings 10 years ago.

Aaron Read and Associates' (ARA) services run the gamut of all types and aspects of Governmental Representation including the Administration, the Legislature and each of its committees, and regulatory agencies. In addition, ARA provides consulting on government procurement issues. Our sister company, Marketplace Communications, provides a full range of public affairs services including social media, campaigns, video and audio productions, and strategy to achieve your goals. Marketplace Communications has won numerous Pollie Awards from the American Association of Political Consultants.

Steve Baker joined ARA in 1990 and represents several professional groups and corporations. Prior to coming to Aaron Read & Associates, Steve had an executive role with a labor-management consulting firm headquartered in Sacramento. He has been involved in all aspects of association development, including membership recruitment, public relations, coalition building, and representational activities.Steve specializes in working on energy, utility, labor, transportation, regulatory and environmental issues. He also has extensive experience in working on the State Budget. Steve has worked in a variety of candidate campaigns as well as on statewide ballot measures. He is highly respected for both his lobbying skills and his ability to articulate verbally and in writing the concerns of our clients.

ARA is unique. We represent numerous firefighters, law enforcement and labor groups, as well as fortune 500 companies, corporations and large trade associations. As a result of our diverse client base, we build relationships with Democratic and Republican lawmakers during their campaigns, long before they are elected to office

20+ years

By any yardstick, Aaron Read and Associates is recognized as one of the premier lobbying firms in Sacramento. Whether it's based on annual billings or word of mouth referrals, ARA is at the top of the list. In addition, ARA has been listed as one of the top-ranked lobby firms in Capitol Weekly, a well-known publication, since they started their rankings 10 years ago.

Aaron Read and Associates' (ARA) services run the gamut of all types and aspects of Governmental Representation including the Administration, the Legislature and each of its committees, and regulatory agencies. In addition, ARA provides consulting on government procurement issues. Our sister company, Marketplace Communications, provides a full range of public affairs services including social media, campaigns, video and audio productions, and strategy to achieve your goals. Marketplace Communications has won numerous Pollie Awards from the American Association of Political Consultants.

Patrick Moran comes with over 20 years of lobbying and legislative experience. He served as Special Consultant to Speaker Herb Wesson and Speaker Fabian Nunez where he worked on public safety, retirement and labor issues.Prior to joining the Speakers office, Patrick was chief lobbyist for the California State Firefighters' Association (CSFA) where he was responsible for the governmental affairs of the organization, both legislative and political. Patrick also lobbied for the Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC), local governments, the State Association of County Retirement Systems (SACRS) and the California Treasurers and Tax Collectors Association.As a result of his diverse work experiences, Patrick has worked for Aaron Read & Associates on a variety of issues including, but not limited to; the state budget, labor, retirement, workers compensation, local government and public safety. He has also worked on a variety of candidate campaigns as well as on statewide ballot measures. While not at work, Patrick enjoys spending time with his wife and four kids.

ARA is unique. We represent numerous firefighters, law enforcement and labor groups, as well as fortune 500 companies, corporations and large trade associations. As a result of our diverse client base, we build relationships with Democratic and Republican lawmakers during their campaigns, long before they are elected to office

15-20 years

Michael D. Grote's background includes Missouri and federal lobbying and political consulting & Campaign finance compliance. A native Oklahoman, he moved to Missouri to attend Westminster College. Upon receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree from Westminster College, he attended the University of Missouri, School of Law, receiving his Juris Doctorate. He went on to work for a number of statewide and local political candidates in Missouri. Grote developed policy recommendations and directed the enactment of those proposals for political campaigns. In 2001, he joined the staff of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry as a lobbyist.

During his tenure with the Missouri Chamber, Michael Grote served as vice-president of governmental affairs; he was responsible for developing the agenda and managing all legislative activity for the organization.

Since 2008, Grote has been working as the vice-president of Grote & Associates, managing the governmental affairs activities of the corporation. In this capacity, Grote represents clients before the Missouri General Assembly, the Governor and his executive administration. Grote combines his more than 18 years in the Missouri capitol advocating for clients with a unique understanding of the political process to successfully manage outcomes for clients of Grote and Associates. Additionally, he has served as managing partner of the Grote Group L.L.C. a law firm specializing in campaign finance, election law compliance and government relations.

11-15 years

By any yardstick, Aaron Read and Associates is recognized as one of the premier lobbying firms in Sacramento. Whether it's based on annual billings or word of mouth referrals, ARA is at the top of the list. In addition, ARA has been listed as one of the top-ranked lobby firms in Capitol Weekly, a well-known publication, since they started their rankings 10 years ago.

Aaron Read and Associates' (ARA) services run the gamut of all types and aspects of Governmental Representation including the Administration, the Legislature and each of its committees, and regulatory agencies. In addition, ARA provides consulting on government procurement issues. Our sister company, Marketplace Communications, provides a full range of public affairs services including social media, campaigns, video and audio productions, and strategy to achieve your goals. Marketplace Communications has won numerous Pollie Awards from the American Association of Political Consultants.

Jennifer Tannehill brings her decades of experience under the dome to Aaron Read & Associates. Beginning her career with an internship for then Governor Deukmejian, Jennifer served two governors and six legislators in several capacities. In addition to her experience in both houses of the legislature and the governor's office Jennifer has served candidates for office as an account manager for a prominent political fundraising team, giving her insider knowledge of Sacramento and a broad perspective of state government and politics. Jennifer has worked on several issues in her capacity as a legislative staffer. Some of these include: Business and Professions, Education and Budget. A Sacramento native, Jennifer holds a B.A. in Government from CSU Sacramento. When not working on legislative issues she enjoys time with her family, camping, road trips with her husband and walks with her rescue dog.

ARA is unique. We represent numerous firefighters, law enforcement and labor groups, as well as fortune 500 companies, corporations and large trade associations. As a result of our diverse client base, we build relationships with Democratic and Republican lawmakers during their campaigns, long before they are elected to office.

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.

11-15 years

ROBERT BYRD. When the confusion, the divide and the intricacies are at their worst, if anyone can be counted upon to pick his way through, it is Bob. One of Bob's most memorable legislative achievements was the legalization of slot machines at the state's racetracks.

Bob can provide expert advice on legislation, government contracts, regulatory review, local government matters and congressional action and see it through by getting to the right people at the right time with the right touch. Bob has the background to work with everyone, from his days as a state representative with a blue-collar constituency to his time as the vice president and chief lobbyist of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce.

His leadership talents were recognized by his fellow legislators, who elected him the majority whip in the Delaware House of Representatives, and by Governor Ruth Ann Minner, who appointed him as the chair of the Delaware Economic & Financial Advisory Council, the panel responsible for the revenue projections that have kept the state's multi-billion-dollar budget balanced year after year. Bob's list of clients in Delaware in unequaled. It includes Aetna, Anheuser-Busch, Dover Downs Hotel & Casino, the Maritime Exchange for the Delaware River & Bay, and the Medical Society of Delaware.

11-15 years