Seth McKeel recently concluded a long and distinguished career in public service that began in 2000 with his election to the Lakeland City Commission at the age of 24. Seth was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2006 and re-elected subsequently until the conclusion of his eight year term limit in November of 2014. A Tampa Bay area native, Seth's among the fifth generation in his family to call Florida home.

Early in his legislative career, Seth tackled tough issues including higher education reform as well as energy, agriculture, and natural resources policy. A strong commitment to fiscal responsibility earned Seth the trust of House Speaker Will Weatherford. In 2012 the Speaker tapped Seth to be the Chairman of the Appropriations Committee where he led the Florida House's efforts to balance the $77 billion budget of the third largest state in the Union. Under his leadership Florida maintained AAA bond rating and set aside more than $3 billion in healthy reserves.

As a former City Commissioner, Seth understands regional issues and excels at achieving local consensus. Legislative colleagues trusted Seth to chair the Polk County Legislative Delegation, Hillsborough County Legislative Delegation for two years in a row, and larger 9-county Bay Area Legislative Delegation.

A graduate of the University of Florida (UF), Seth recently was awarded the Presidential Medallion, one of the university's highest awards, for his contributions and service to UF and higher education in our state. Seth is a Graduate of Leadership Florida, Leadership Lakeland, and a member of Florida Blue Key -- "Florida's oldest and most prestigious Leadership Honorary since 1923."

Seth credits the YMCA's Youth in Government program for sparking his interest in public service and his respect for civic engagement. Seth has a knack for solving problems and excels at building relationships.

Seth proudly serves on the Board of Directors of the Fish and Wildlife Foundation of Florida and is a member of Leadership Florida's West Central Florida Regional Council.

Seth and his wife Kim, who's also a Tampa Bay native, live in Lakeland with their two children Seth, III and Caroline.

20+ years

Nicholas G. Manis, the son of MCA co-founder George Manis and managing partner of the firm, has presided over legislative and special event successes on behalf of clients such as the Motion Picture Association of America, the Baltimore Ravens, the Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants and Pfizer.

Nick has been an accomplished lobbyist and legislative analyst for more than 25 years and has played an instrumental role in forging innovative and economically enhancing business partnerships among clients. He is proud to see MCA continuously ranked as one of the top lobbying firms in Maryland and the growth the firm has experienced during his time here. He has represented clients in matters related to sports entertainment, taxes, professional licensing, gaming, transportation, insurance, franchises, business regulation, information technology, environmental regulation, mergers and acquisitions, pharmaceuticals and healthcare.

In 1989, Nick's business bent led him to co-found Manis & Wright Realty, a premier residential and commercial realty firm that grew from modest beginnings to a successful 40 associates company that merged with the largest real estate company in Maryland.

Nick graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park in 1980. He was the captain of the varsity lacrosse team during his time at College Park.

A native of Annapolis, Nick is involved in many local business and community organizations including the Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce, the University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center Board of Advisors, Annapolis Youth Lacrosse Association, and the Maryland Chamber of Commerce. He was presented the Louis L. Goldstein Award in 1998 in recognition of his efforts on behalf of the Maryland Alcohol Beverage Industry. He is married with two children.

20+ years

Accomplishing goals in Annapolis depends in large measure on mutual trust and mastery of the legislative process, two attributes that John F. Favazza, Esq., has honed through his experiences in Annapolis and applies now as a member of the MCA firm.

These traits coupled with his legal training and ability to deal effectively with complicated and sometimes controversial subject matter, give added strength to the Manis Canning team in work for their wide array of clients. He has a deep understanding of the nuances and subtleties of the legislative process and state government, and advises clients on strategies to accomplish their goals.

John spent 13 years working inside the legislative process in Annapolis. He served as Counsel to the House Economic Matters Committee for four years, and then spent nine years working for the Speaker of the House, the last six as Chief of Staff. Working with the Speaker and House leadership, John gained insight into the larger strategic decisions that underpin the legislative process in Maryland. He was involved in a broad array of substantive and policy issues, but with a focus on business, environmental, gaming and tax structure issues.

John holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in History from Towson University and Villanova University respectively and a law degree from the University of Maryland. A member of the Maryland Bar, John lives in Annapolis with his wife Erin, and their three children.

15-20 years

With twenty years of senior leadership experience in public policy and external affairs, Michael is a valued partner for business leaders navigating the intersection of the public and private sectors at the state level. Michael helps lead the state health care practice, while his passion for emerging technology has translated to a thriving practice in this space for Tremont Strategies.

Before his role as a founding partner at TSG, Michael served as Vice President for External Relations at an international medical services where he led government affairs, communications, business development and community relations.

Prior to that, Michael was Executive Vice President at a top healthcare public affairs firm, as well as Managing Partner at a multistate and federal government relations firm. Michael began his career in working in the Maine State Senate and later served as senior staff member for the Massachusetts Democratic Party.

Michael is on the Board of Directors of the Harvard Street Neighborhood Health Center and a Liaison Board Member for the Goldfarb Center for Public Affairs. Michael graduated with distinction with a degree in Government from Colby College.

0-5 years

Member of the Maryland State Bar Association

Member of the Montgomery County Bar Association

Member of the Montgomery County Women's Bar Association

Member of the Prince George's County Bar Association

Member of the National Black Professional Lobbyists Association

Member of Community Legal Services of Prince George's County Board of Directors

Member of the Bullis School Alumni Board

Samira A. Jackson, Esq., a rising star attorney and trusted advocate, brings her proven expertise in law, negotiation, and client advocacy to Manis Canning & Associates (MCA). Known for her intellect, work ethic, and thoughtful approach, Samira has built a reputation as a dynamic problem-solver with the ability to effectively navigate complex legal and policy matters.

Before joining MCA, Samira distinguished herself in private practice specializing in family law and professional sports contract negotiation. She made history alongside her mother as the first-ever mother-daughter duo to become NFL certified agents, where she provided comprehensive guidance to professional athletes, including contract negotiations, legal counsel, and post-career planning. This experience has cemented her ability to manage high-stakes negotiations and serve as a trusted steward of her clients' interests.

Samira is highly regarded for her integrity and professionalism. Her mentors and colleagues have noted, "Anything that Samira puts her mind and heart to, it's a matter of when, not if." Her dedication to achieving results aligns seamlessly with MCA's reputation for credibility, teamwork, and leadership in Maryland government affairs.

A proud University of Maryland, College Park alumna with a B.A. in Communication, Samira earned her J.D. with a certificate in Intellectual Property from St. Thomas University's Benjamin L. Crump School of Law. She is a member of the Maryland Bar and an active volunteer, mentoring aspiring young women attorneys through the Montgomery County Women's Bar Association and providing pro bono services with Community Legal Services of Prince George's County.

Samira has two rescue dogs, Gloria and Fred, and is a Montgomery County, Maryland native. With her combination of legal acumen, negotiation skills, and commitment to service, Samira is poised to deliver impactful results for MCA's clients in Annapolis and beyond.

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.

15-20 years

City & State Power 100

PJ Lavelle is a partner in the firm and has been with Malady & Wooten for over a decade. PJ prides himself on helping clients navigate the vast and complex world of government by developing and executing strategies which are tailored for each individual client. Mr. Lavelle has a strong record of experience representing a wide range of clients before both state and local government with a focus on economic development, energy, transportation, and utility related issues.

Prior to joining the firm, PJ served as a senior policy advisor to House Democratic Leadership in the Pennsylvania General Assembly. As a key negotiator for House Democrats, he played a lead role in the passage of laws that have changed the face of Pennsylvania, such as Governor Rendell's Energy Independence Strategy and the Rebuilding PA infrastructure investment package. Preceding his years of service to the House, Mr. Lavelle served on the staff of Pittsburgh City Council.

PJ Lavelle is a native Pennsylvanian, born and raised in Lackawanna County. He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Pittsburgh and resides in the Harrisburg area with his family.

20+ years

A long-time trusted advisor to Maryland policymakers, Joseph C. Bryce, Esq., is regarded as one of Maryland's top governmental program architects and advocates. He brings his reputation for creative and insightful problem solving and ability to manage large, complex projects and issues to MCA.

Joe has the ability to handle controversial issues in a professional manner. This skill, combined with his detailed and extensive knowledge of all levels of government, has proven invaluable to our clients.

For nearly twenty years, Joe distinguished himself working at the highest levels of government. He worked with two Maryland Governors, the Maryland Senate President, and the Chancellor of the University System of Maryland. In all of these positions, Joe provided senior policy and budget advice, and implemented legislative agendas in areas such as health, K-12 and higher education, environment, gaming, tax policy, energy, and social and criminal justice.
Joe served as Governor Martin O'Malley's Senior Policy and Legislative Advisor (2007-2012); the University System of Maryland's Associate Vice Chancellor for Government Relations (2002 to 2007); Chief Legislative Officer for Governor Parris N. Glendening (1997 to 2002); and Chief of Staff to Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr. (1994 to 1997).

Joe graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park in 1989. In 1993, he graduated first in his class from Georgetown Law School. He is the recipient of numerous professional and academic recognitions and honors and currently serves on the Board of the Maryland Stadium Authority as an appointee of Governor Larry Hogan. Joe and his wife, Kristin Jones Bryce, have two adult children (Joey and Madison) and reside in Odenton.