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.

15-20 years

Penn Lincoln Strategies has fostered many relationships with members of the Connecticut legislature, General Assembly staffers, the Office of the Governor, the Office of the Attorney General, the Secretary of State and agency heads.

Liam's background involves a wide range of experience in government relations, public service, and politics. Liam has worked on both national and statewide campaigns, and lobbied on the local, state and national levels.

Prior to joining Penn Lincoln Strategies, LLC in 2017, Liam served as the Director of Government Relations and Political Affairs at ConnCAN, the state's largest education advocacy organization. In that role, Liam coordinated and directed ConnCAN's diverse legislative agenda at the federal, state and local levels. Additionally, Liam worked in tandem with the organization's leadership and various coalitions to develop strategies that improved educational outcomes for Connecticut students.

Before Liam joined ConnCAN, Liam worked for former U.S. Senator Christopher J. Dodd in his district legislative office and Presidential campaign in Iowa and New Hampshire. Liam also supported the Connecticut Senate President Pro Tempore's office where he monitored the Majority's legislative proposals and worked on several key legislative campaigns. Additionally, Liam has worked with a wide range of clients from nonprofit organizations to major utility companies and has had several legislative victories ranging from helping pass the State's nationally recognized Minority Teacher Recruitment legislation, authorizing Electric Bikes in Connecticut and establishing the State's Hemp program.

Liam is a member of the Town Council in West Hartford. Liam is also a founding board member of Active City, a Hartford based non-profit group centered around getting 600+ kids in the area active in youth sports. Liam lives in West Hartford with his wife, Whitney and their children Rory and Claire.

KIM GOMES became a lobbyist in her own unique way. She did not get here through politics or law or a cause. Her earliest interests had nothing to do with lobbying. She was a gymnast and a competitor in ballroom dancing. That led to a degree from the University of Delaware in fitness management, and that led to a position at the University of Delaware as the coordinator in charge of the fitness class program on the campus. From there, it was on to work at an insurance office and brokerage firm, except Kim was looking for a new direction, and she thought lobbying would be fun.

Of course she did. She had a taste for the unexpected. She had the slow heartbeat that comes from winning competitiveness. She had a practical foundation of business, organizational and management experience.

Kim added in an academic component by earning a Masters in Public Administration from the University of Delaware. One of the faculty members was Ed Freel, formerly the Delaware secretary of state, and he connected her with Bob Byrd. It clicked, and Kim joined the firm.

Kim's background has been a fine fit, even her ballroom dancing. She paired with Tom Cook, who was the Delaware secretary of finance, for a charity "Dancing with the Stars" event, where they were judged the best dancers. See? Kim was right all along that lobbying could be fun.

15-20 years

Because of our bipartisan makeup, we have strong relationships with legislative leaders and members in both houses and on both sides of the isle. We also have extensive relationships with the Governor's Administration.

BRYAN BROOKS is a partner with Paladin Consulting Group. With over 20 years of experience in political and policy arena in Wisconsin, Mr. Brooks is well equipped to help a wide variety of clients succeed. Mr. Brooks has strong expertise in strategic consulting, lobbying, procurement, political positioning, grassroots, grass tops, and public relations strategy

Prior to Paladin Consulting Group, Mr. Brooks was the President / Owner of Brooks Consulting LLC, a government and business consulting firm. Mr. Brooks also spent several years at Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek Government Affairs, a subsidiary of Whtye Hirschboeck Dudek SC law firm in Wisconsin. At both Brooks Consulting and WHDGA, Mr. Brooks worked with clients at the local, state, and federal levels in all areas of consulting.

Before beginning his career in government relations, Mr. Brooks served as a Chief of Staff, Research Assistant and Legislative Assistant in the Wisconsin State Legislature. As chief of staff, he was intimately involved in the strategy of all areas of the legislative process. Mr. Brooks has a detailed understanding of the legislative process and procedure as well as a strong familiarity with numerous issues in both houses of the Legislature and in various departments and agencies.

Mr. Brooks has also served as a political strategist on numerous state and national campaigns. Mr. Brooks has close relationships with the Governor's office and his Administration, Attorney General Josh Kaul and his office, and numerous members of the Legislature and their staff.

15-20 years

Penn Lincoln Strategies has fostered many relationships with members of the Connecticut legislature, General Assembly staffers, the Office of the Governor, the Office of the Attorney General, the Secretary of State and agency heads.

Chris, as the Founder and CEO of Penn Lincoln Strategies, LLC (PLS), oversees government relations and strategic communications for his firms' multitude of clients. PLS specializes in providing its clients with streamlined and precise consultation for all of their public affairs and advocacy needs. The firm advises client interests before state legislatures around the country, specializing primarily in the Connecticut legislature while, for some clients, managing their day-to-day association operations and providing strategic communications counsel on how to manage press inquiries and crisis communications/public relations.

PLS, established by Chris in 2016, is a full service firm that is proud of the commitment and professionalism it provides its clients.

Before PLS' founding, Chris worked as the Director of Government Relations for Connecticut based company, TicketNetwork, overseeing and managing the company's government relations for all 50 states and the federal government. In concert with the company's legal department and C-Suite, Chris oversaw a robust consultation and travel budget while managing a network of nearly two dozen national government relations and public relations consultants and professionals.

Prior to joining TicketNetwork in 2015, Chris spent over twelve years with the government relations firm Tobin, Carberry, O'Malley, Riley and Salinger (TCORS) a Hartford, CT based firm that specializes in association management and government relations. In the role of Principal, Chris led daily legislative management for dozens of clients on wide ranging issues from environmental regulation to state budgetary issues, gambling issues to freedom of press matters before the Connecticut State Legislature.

Chris got his start in the political field nearly twenty years ago as a political and campaign consultant on numerous successful local and statewide races in Connecticut.

Chris has a B.S. in Political Science from Ohio Dominican University and currently lives in West Hartford, CT with his wife, Maureen, their son Jake and the family dog, Ripken. Chris is an avid Ohio State Buckeyes fan and believes that Die Hard is absolutely a Christmas movie.

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.

0-5 years

Penn Lincoln Strategies has fostered many relationships with members of the Connecticut legislature, General Assembly staffers, the Office of the Governor, the Office of the Attorney General, the Secretary of State and agency heads.

Hannah Lemek first joined Penn Lincoln Strategies (PLS) as an intern during the 2018 Connecticut General Assembly Legislative Session. Hannah now works with PLS as an Associate Lobbyist working at the capitol on the firm's client's matters before the General Assembly.

Prior to joining PLS, she served as a public relations intern at the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters. In this role she aided in the origination of Connecticut's branch of CHISPA, which is advocacy arm of League of Conversation Voters that specifically focuses on educating Latino students on governmental operations and environmental matters.

Hannah has worked on several campaigns throughout Connecticut. Most recently she worked on State Senator Joe Markley's primary campaign for Lieutenant Governor. In this role Hannah assisted in helping Sen. Markley earn his party's endorsement. Hannah's role on the campaign also included being responsible for cultivating and maintaining relationships with elected officials throughout the State.

Hannah is also a founding member of the Junior Lobbyist Committee, a subcommittee of the Association of Connecticut Lobbyists, where she also serves a board member.

Hannah earned her B.A. in political science and advocacy from University of Saint Joseph where she was awarded the Sister Mary Rose deLima Nolan founders' award for excellence in Political Science. While at Saint Joseph's Hannah earned varsity letters in both lacrosse and volleyball and served as a two-year captain for the volleyball team.

Robert P. Blaisdell serves as Managing Partner of Demers, Blaisdell & Prasol Inc. He has been a professional legislative and regulatory lobbyist since 1998 when he started with The Demers Group. He is responsible for managing and overseeing client development and assisting clients with strategy and implementation of comprehensive government affairs activities, including advocacy and association management. He comes from a family with a long history of serving the Keene, NH area as well as NH state government. He has served on several trade group committees and in 2005 he was named to the NH Union Leader newspapers 40 Under 40 list, an award recognizing residents under the age of 40 who have made significant contributions to the state and show strong growth potential for the future. He has been recognized by Business NH Magazine as one of 25 people who will lead and shape the Granite State for the next 25 years. He has been appointed to serve on numerous local boards including the Manchester Parks & Recreation Commission as well as the Manchester Task Force on Efficiencies & Consolidations and the Mill Falls Charter School Foundation. He holds a Bachelors degree from the University of New Hampshire. He lives in Manchester with his wife Molly and their three children.

Thomas Prasol serves as the Managing Director for Demers, Blaisdell & Prasol Inc. He has been providing strategy, lobbying, and association management for clients since 2011. He brings a myriad of experience in State and Federal government beginning his professional career as a Project Assistant to U.S. Senator Judd Gregg and as Policy and Field Coordinator for several State and Federal campaigns. In 2008 he transitioned to the position of Project Director for Senator Gregg where he handled federal appropriations in the areas of first responders. Upon Senator Gregg's retirement, he moved to the New Hampshire State Senate where he was a Legislative Aide to the Senate Education Committee. With his experience in federal and state government, Mr. Prasol brings another dimension to the firm in areas of strategy, management of special projects, and government affairs implementation. He continues to bring his experience and knowledge to assist State and Federal campaigns with strategy and policy research. In addition to his work for Demers, Blaisdell & Prasol, he serves on the Town Planning Board and has previously served as Chair of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board in his local community He received his Bachelor's degree in Politics from Saint Anselm College where he served as an Ambassador to the New Hampshire Institute of Politics, and his Master's degree in Criminal Justice from Boston University. He currently resides in Hooksett, NH with his fiance' Maria and two dogs Zeus and Tyson.

20+ years

James M. Demers is the founder of The Demers Group and Demers, Blaisdell Inc., he presently serves as President & CEO of Demers, Blaisdell & Prasol Inc. Mr. Demers is a former member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives and former congressional candidate. He has over 40 years of experience in the legislative, regulatory and political fields. He has been a political commentator for numerous media outlets including ABC News, CNN, MSNBC, Fox News as well as NH news stations WMUR-TV, WBIN-TV and New England Cable News. He has been actively involved in advising presidential campaigns, serving as co-chairman of President Barack Obama's NH campaign in 2008. He presently serves on the advisory board of the NH Institute of Politics at St. Anselm College, chairman of the NH International Trade Advisory Commission and he is a "political insider" for Politico and the National Journal. He was nominated by President Obama and confirmed by the US Senate to serve on the Board of Directors of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, which is the country's development financial institution. He has been recognized by numerous state and national publications as one of New Hampshire's "most influential" and "most powerful" people. He is a graduate of the University of Miami (FL) and he holds an MBA from Southern New Hampshire University. He served three terms in the NH House where he served as the Assistant Minority Whip. He has also served as President and Executive Director of the New England-New York-New Jersey Financial Services Association and the National Card Coalition after doing corporate government affairs work for two national financial services companies. He is a resident of Concord, NH.

Patricia A. Octeau serves as Senior Director at William A. Farrell & Associates LLC, representing a variety of clients before the Rhode Island General Assembly. As a registered lobbyist, she represents clients in the financial services, telecommunications, healthcare policy, information technology and workers compensation areas. She is responsible for complying with the various lobby registrations and mandatory legislative/executive lobby reports on behalf of the Firm's clients and is involved with the Firm's local and state activities at both the legislative and executive branch levels. Ms. Octeau has over 20 years of experience in the government relations and strategy arena.

Ms. Octeau is a 1980 graduate of Bryant University.