0-5 years

Former Legislative aide to Senator Brett Lindstrom

Randi Scott is an attorney and lobbyist with more than four years of public policy experience. She has developed a fundamental understanding of the legislative process and a bi-partisan approach to lobbying to help advance clients' legislative agendas in the Unicameral.

Randi represents client interests at the Nebraska legislature and executive branch. She is adept at drafting legislation and devising legislative agendas and is active at the Capitol during session advocating for clients, and garnering support from legislators and other stakeholders. Randi also provides policy analysis and has experience educating constituency groups to inform members about changes that will impact them in proposed or new legislation.

Prior to joining O'Hara Lindsay, Randi served as legislative aide to Senator Brett Lindstrom, who is republican. During that time, she developed a deep understanding of the issues related to retirement, banking and insurance, economic development, taxation and tribal relations. Additionally, she has managed Congressional, Legislative and local campaigns in Nebraska.

She has a strong background in education and spent several years as a teacher in both the Omaha and Lincoln public school systems. She also was a legal intern in the US Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights in 2009.

Randi and her husband, Chris, live in Omaha and are the parents of three children, Sophia, Donovan and Aaron. Randi played volleyball at Peru State College, is a Nebraska and Creighton volleyball fan, and continues to coach youth volleyball.

20+ years

TCG passed legislation giving Medicaid recipients, many with chronic conditions, easier access to home services, supplies and medical equipment. The legislation was opposed by Department of Social Services and was a target for the agency throughout the session.

TCG was successful in leading a coalition to sustain a veto by the Governor that had overwhelming support by the legislature and the Connecticut Education Association. The legislation would have had unintended negative consequences to students with behavioral health issues. TCG secured its client a position on the working group.

TCG was the driving force behind successfully lobbying the Governor's Office, the Office of Policy and Management, and the Department of Corrections to issue a RFP for inmate medical services at UConn Health. TCG's advocacy on this issue reversed a twenty plus year relationship between UConn Health acting as the sole provider of health services to Connecticut's incarcerated population.

TCG defeated legislation proposed by the Governor's office that had a negative impact to its client. TCG created a legislative campaign plan leveraging the extensive alumni network of Norwich Free Academy, along with organizing a coalition.

TCG has direct lines to the all of Connecticut's Constitutional Officers and their senior staff. Constitutional Officers comprises of the Governor, Attorney General, State Comptroller, Secretary of State's offices, and the Treasurer's office.

TCG possesses a strong network within the legislative leadership along key staff members in the four caucuses.

TCG commands far reaching contacts state agency including but not limited to the Department of Consumer Protection, Department of Public Health, Department of Education, Department of Administrative Services, and the Department of Economic and Community Development.

John M. Bailey II has over two decades of experience in government relations and advocacy to the firm. His knowledge of the legislative and state regulatory process, long-standing personal relationships and depth of insight have made him an effective advocate for clients, which have included major national corporations, trade associations, non-profits, and organizations in the areas of education, housing, health care/medical supplies, gaming and waste management/recycling.

Drawing on his broad and extensive experience, John has distinguished himself as a knowledgeable, trusted and effective advocate for his clients in advancing their legislative goals. Prior to joining the firm, John served as Statewide Director of Legislative Affairs for the American Heart Association and has worked for a number of Constitutional officers and elected officials, including Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman, Congressman Joe Courtney, and Comptroller Kevin Lembo.

Hailing from a family with deep history in both Connecticut and national politics, John's father, Jack Bailey, was Connecticut's longest serving Chief State's Attorney, his grandfather, John M. Bailey, served as head of the Connecticut Democratic Party as well as Chairman of the National Democratic Committee, and his aunt, Barbara B. Kennelly, was a former Connecticut Secretary of State and U.S. Representative. John is the Town Chair for the West Hartford Democratic Town Committee. He has been actively involved in local and statewide campaigns for every election cycle for the past 20 years.

20+ years

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

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

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

Chair, Odenton Town Center Advisory Committee

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

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

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

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

0-5 years

Natasha Mehu is a highly accomplished government relations specialist with over a decade of diverse experience in local, state, and federal affairs. With a successful transition from the public sector to the private sector, she is currently serving as a lobbyist at Manis Canning & Associates, where she advocates and educates on behalf of clients' interests to Maryland's state and local governments.

Natasha provides strategic advice, issue analysis, and guidance to clients on complex government matters, and excels in connecting clients with influential government leaders and staff. She is skilled in legislative advocacy and diligently tracks bills, proposed amendments, and regulatory matters to keep clients informed and well-prepared. Natasha's ability to build coalitions and mobilize allies has been instrumental in developing legislative support for clients.

Prior to her current role, Natasha held a senior leadership position as the Director of the Mayor's Office of Government Relations for the City of Baltimore. In this capacity, she formulated policy positions, set strategies, and advocated for the city's local, state, and federal legislative and fiscal priorities. Natasha fostered constructive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, serving as a liaison to city, state, and federal offices.

Natasha's extensive experience in government affairs is further exemplified by her tenure at the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo). As the Legislative Director, she led and coordinated advocacy efforts on behalf of MACo's member counties and Baltimore City in front of the Maryland General Assembly. She successfully managed a team of policy advocates, oversaw the legislative policy fellow intern program, and served as a liaison to various affiliate organizations. Natasha's expertise spanned multiple policy areas, including business affairs, health and human services, housing and community development, government liability and courts, and public safety and corrections.

In her earlier career, Natasha served as a Project Manager at the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, where she managed nonprofit grantee housing counseling agencies and legal services providers. She excelled in legislative liaison roles and provided technical assistance and training to ensure compliance with regulatory and statutory requirements.
Natasha's commitment to public health and equity is evident through her work as a Research Assistant at the University of Maryland School of Law and as a Student Attorney at the Drug Policy and Public Health Strategies Clinic. Natasha holds a J.D. from the University of Maryland School of Law, with a Certificate in Health Law. During her time in law school, she actively participated in the Student Health Law Organization (SHLO) and the Black Law Students Association (BLSA). She also competed as a member of the BLSA Thurgood Marshall National Trial Team.

Natasha earned her B.A. in Communication, with a minor in Philosophy, from the University of Maryland, College Park, where she received the University Honors Citation and was a member of the Lambda Pi Eta Communication Honor Society. Natasha is a member of the Maryland State Bar Association (MSBA) and holds bar membership in the state of Maryland. She also serves as a Board Member of the Maryland Government Relations Association (MGRA), a Board Member of Chase Brexton Health Care, and a member of the National Black Professional Lobbyist Association (NBPLA).

BL Rankings, The Best Lawyers in America
    Administrative/Regulatory Law, 2010-2022
    Government Relations Practice, 2007-2022
    Lawyer of the Year: Government Relations Practice (Austin), 2017

Over 35 years' experience representing clients in their dealings with state and federal government agencies, legislators, members of Congress, and executive branch agencies.

Serves as a Director and Chair of the Audit Committee for Austin Trust Company.

Represented a Fortune 100 company regarding the siting, permitting and development of a nuclear power plant.

Represented a Fortune 100 company developing statewide public support for a $4+ Billion liquefied natural gas export facility.

Represented multinational energy trading company regarding doing business with various Texas generators.

Successfully represented the British Consul General regarding legislation which would have limited state investments in companies doing business in Northern Ireland.

Successfully represented the State of Maine, negotiating its withdrawal from an interstate compact with Texas and Vermont, including the waiving of payment of a multi-million dollar exit fee.

Represents one of the world's largest education assessment companies in its dealings with Texas state government.

Represented Texas Academy of Family Physicians in legislative matters including dispensing, rural health care, access to care and other issues.

Represented the Professional Advocacy Association of Texas; the state association of the governmental affairs community in legislative and regulatory matters.

Represented one of the largest medical marijuana companies regarding its efforts to enter the Texas market. ? Represented a national industry association regarding the passage of Texas legislation legalizing hemp cultivation and the establishment of a new hemp industry in Texas.

Represented a Texas groundwater conservation district in its dealings with the U.S. Department of Agriculture developing a multistate, regional effort to conserve groundwater, and before the Texas Legislature

15-20 years

Former Mayor of Lincoln
Former Nebraska State Senator for 20 years
Served as Chairman for the:
Health and Human Services Committee
Retirement Committee
Rules Committee
Served as a Member of:
Public Works
Banking, Commerce and Insurance
Transportation and Telecommunications

Don amassed a wealth of experience that he brings to his job as a lobbyist at O'Hara Lindsay. Don delivers results for our clients with integrity, ingenuity and a mastery of public policy.

In 1999, Don Wesely was elected Mayor of Lincoln. As mayor, Don oversaw a budget of $293 million and a staff of more than 2,700 employees. Two of the more significant achievements during his four-year term include the Haymarket Park baseball stadium and the start of the Antelope Valley Project. He declined to run for a second term.

Don was elected to the Unicameral to represent Lincoln's 26th district at the tender age of 24. During his 20 years as a State Senator, he introduced or co-introduced more than 300 bills that successfully became law. He served as a member or chairman of six different committees including 14 years as the Chairman of the Health and Human Services committee.

Don was born in David City, Nebraska, but grew up in Lincoln, and lives there today. He has three grown children, Amanda, Andrew and Sarah; Sarah and her husband, Jay Steinkruger, are the proud parents of Don's grandchildren, Ezra and Evie.

0-5 years

Blair MacDonald joined the firm in 2015 as the director of client relations and was promoted to lobbyist following the 2018 legislative session.

Before joining us, Blair worked on a number of political campaigns including serving as campaign manager. In addition to her political work, she was the campaign coordinator at the Archdiocese of Omaha, for the nonprofit's successful $52 million "Ignite the Faith" capital campaign. Blair's campaign background and development experience has been a great complement to O'Hara Lindsay's strategic work and clientele.

Originally from Fremont, Nebraska, she now lives in downtown Omaha and loves a chance to speak Italian! You can find her running with her Kerry Blue Terriers or heading to regional music festivals.

20+ years

In 2017, Governor-elect Phil Murphy selected Eric to serve on the Human Services Committee for his transition team. During that same year, he was nominated by Kentucky State Senator Jimmy Higdon and commissioned by Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin to become a Kentucky Colonel.

In 2004, Eric was nominated by New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey to serve on the South Jersey Port Corporation's Board of Directors, which is responsible for the development of port facilities in South New Jersey. Eric was reappointed in 2008 by Governor Corzine and again in 2017 by Governor Chris Christie.

In 2018, Eric was appointed to the Advisory Board of the Burbank International Film Festival.

Eric is also a founding member of the Board of Directors for the NYC Fashion Manufactures Alliance of Design Educators and Save the Garment Center in New York City; a position he's held since 2008.

In 2007, Eric was selected by the American Council of Young Political Leaders, a bi-partisan not-for-profit international exchange organization, as a delegate to Vietnam for a two-week political exchange program. Eric joined six other young political leaders from the U.S. to study Vietnam's political system, engage in dialogue on international issues, and forge professional relationships. He's also participated in international trade missions, including trips to the Netherlands, China and the United Arab Emirates.

Eric was appointed in 2007 by New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine to serve as a member of the Economic Growth Council to assist with statewide economic development policies.

Eric is a former Committee Chairman for the Mercer County College Board of Trustees Advisory Committee and a former member of the Board of Trustees for the Arts & Business Partnership of Southern New Jersey. He's served on the boards of the Mercer County Workforce Investment Board, the Mercer County Economic Development Committee and Junior Achievement. Eric was appointed by Assembly Majority Leader Paul DiGaetano in 2002 to the New Jersey Council of Local Mandates and served as Vice Chairman until 2004.

6-10 years

With more than 20 years of experience in building relationships between the public and private sector, Tommy Alsup leads all state and local government relations efforts for The Vogel Group.

Tommy previously served as Vice President of Government Affairs for Envision Healthcare, a $15 billion healthcare and national hospital-based physician group. At Envision, Tommy was responsible for sourcing and managing state-level lobbyists to ensure that the company's strategic goals were met with governors, state legislators and local officials across the country. His efforts were critical in securing favorable public policy on surprise medical billing issues in Georgia, Florida and Tennessee.

Tommy is an expert in managing national sales and procurement teams for companies seeking to grow revenue through state and local funding initiatives. He has overseen multiple requests for proposals (RFP) and large-scale procurement contracts for companies and industries alike.

In previous roles, Tommy was a senior-level government relations executive at Corizon Health and CoreCivic, the nation's largest owner of correctional, detention and residential reentry facilities.

With a strong, bi-partisan background in the state of Tennessee, Tommy served as Mayor of Oak Hill from 2002 to 2010, where he worked in partnership with Governor Phil Bredesen (D-TN) and Mayor Bill Purcell (D-Nashville, TN).

Tommy remains strongly engaged with the office of Governor Bill Lee (R-TN) and his administration.

STEPHEN M. DEFRANK is a senior advisor in Buchanan's state government relations group. He joins Buchanan after spending 23 years of his career in Pennsylvania state government. His most recent position was chief of staff for Senator Lisa M. Boscola.

Steve brings process and policy expertise to our Pennsylvania Government Relations Practice, having worked in state government for more than 20 years. He has served in several roles in his over two decades with the Senate of Pennsylvania, including chief of staff, committee executive director, and policy director. Steve called on his strengths differently in each of those roles: as a chief of staff for Sen. Lisa Boscola, he used his organizational skills and ability to multitask to advance the senator's legislative agenda in Harrisburg and manage constituent outreach and communications in her district office. As Executive Director for the Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee, Steve grasped new concepts quickly and effectively, and developed an area of expertise in issues affecting the energy and utility sectors. As Policy Director, he worked as a jack of all trades to advance a caucus-wide agenda that included initiatives related to legalized gaming, community and economic development, workforce development, education initiatives and government reform.