20+ years

Liz Connelly joins Capitol Consulting as a Government Relations Associate after more than six years on staff in the Connecticut General Assembly. Liz began her tenure with House Democrats as a top advisor to then House Majority Leader Joe Aresimowicz (Berlin and Southington). When Rep. Aresimowicz was elected Speaker of the House, Liz was then promoted to Senior Legislative and Communications Advisor to Speaker of the House. During her time as a senior advisor to the Speaker, Liz developed and maintains a wide network of legislators, state agency, staff and advocacy organizations. In addition, she was responsible for dealing and negotiating with numerous business and industry representatives on behalf of the Speaker. Liz brings to Capitol Consulting a strong work ethic and a clear understanding of the legislative process to immediately assist Capitol Consulting's clients. In addition to lobbying directly for the firm's numerous clients, Liz will manage the firm's social media presence, assist in the firm's marketing for new business and maintain the firm's bill tracking system.

Prior to working in the legislature, Liz served as a Communications and Media Coordinator at The Governor's Prevention Partnership, a nonprofit organization that builds and offers youth prevention programs to prevent substance misuse and bullying.

Liz received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Connecticut, where she double majored in political science and journalism.

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

Since 1989, Mr. Dugan has been lobbying legislators, state agency officials, constitutional officers and municipal officials on behalf of a wide variety of clients. As a Capitol lobbyist, Mr. Dugan has assisted numerous corporations, associations and nonprofits navigate the halls of state government. Clients have come to rely on his strategic counsel and advice to achieve success on their legislative and regulatory agendas.

During his over two decades of lobbying Mr. Dugan has represented dozens of clients before state government, included but not limited to: Coca-Cola, Pepsico, Visa, eBay, Diebold Election Systems, Connecticut Society of CPAs, Outdoor Advertisers, Emergency Physicians, Funeral Directors, Physical Therapist, School Psychologists, Town Clerks, The Trust for Public Land and the Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut.

Prior to becoming a Capitol lobbyist, Mike was the 2nd Congressional District Campaign Coordinator for the successful 1986 campaign of then Governor William A. O'Neill. Following that campaign he was the Legislative Assistant for two different Speakers of the Connecticut House of Representatives.

Mr. Dugan was recognized by Hartford Magazine as one of the "Players" among the Lobbyists at the State Capitol. He continues to be active politically, serving as an advisor on numerous statewide and local campaigns. He has served as a delegate to several state and congressional conventions.

Matthew O'Shea is the President of Matthew O'Shea Consulting, Inc. In 1994, Matthew started his public service career with State Representative Dan Rutherford and then worked for State Representative James Durkin and Senator Thomas Walsh from 1995 through 2000. While working for Representative Durkin and Walsh, Matt attended John Marshall Law School and completed his Juris Doctor in 2000. After leaving Representative Durkin and Senator Walsh, he served as the Village Administrator for the Village of Forest Park located in the western suburbs of Cook County. While serving as Village Administrator, Matt was also appointed to the Senate to fill out the remaining term of Senator Tom Walsh for the 22nd Legislative District.

As State Senator, Matt was able to learn and experience the legislative process from an elected official standpoint. In 2004, Matt joined House Republican Minority Leader Tom Cross as Deputy Chief and Ethics Officer before coming Chief of Staff. In his role as Chief of Staff, he dealt with all four legislative caucuses including participating in several high level leadership meetings. His role as Chief of Staff allowed him to deal with many important issues facing the legislature such as pensions, capital funding, energy, local government, budget, Medicaid and redistricting.

Matt has knowledge and experience working with many regulatory issues including those before Joint Committee on Administrative Rules. Matt has spent time working on many political elections at all levels of state government.

15-20 years

Beth has relationships with department heads at several state agencies in NH

Beth began her career in government relations in 1997. She represents clients in law enforcement, pharmacy and funeral services, as well as a number of professional associations.

Beth is currently a member of the legislative committee of the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce and is an active volunteer with the Christ the King Food Pantry and other organizations in Concord.

She is a graduate of Plymouth State University, where she previously served on the Board of Directors of the school's Alumni Association.

0-5 years

Prior to Cindy's relocation away from the D.C. metro area and her focus on state policy, Cindy's work on the federal level garnered her with a Campaigns and Elections Magazine Rising Star Award.

Principle Advantage has built a reputation with colleagues, elected officials, and agencies heads on both sides of the aisle in the business and the state and local government space. We have a vast database of relationships built in the state legislature, executive levels, state agency heads, local government and influencers throughout the state. merge In the high stakes, ever-changing government relations environment, we understand that relationships will get you in the right door, but you need a partner with you that is prepared with a persuasive message powered by facts and sound policy.

We match our reputation and relationships with solid messaging, legislative knowledge, and a vast network of relationships to deliver results for you.

Cindy DiFranco is a skilled government relations pro with over ten years of experience in the Virginia General Assembly. Cindy brings a diverse field of expertise to Principle Advantage and is adept at engaging legislators, lobbyists and community stakeholders to advance legislative initiatives and issue advocacy campaigns. She has spearheaded policy and grassroots mobilization efforts across a broad range of topics including flooding, gaming, healthcare and transportation.

Prior to joining Principle Advantage, Cindy served as the Chief of Staff to a senior member of the House of Delegates. Cindy was also the Director of Political Services for a K Street public relations firm in Washington D.C. where she executed large scale voter contact programs for federal candidates and issue advocacy campaigns for Fortune 500 companies before relocating to the Hampton Roads region where she worked on numerous local government and state-level political campaigns.

Cindy is passionate about mentoring and supporting youth and has served on the Board of Champions for Children to Prevent Child Abuse in Hampton Roads.

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

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

Honorary Member, Pioneer Lawmakers Association, Class of 2017

Throughout my career, my focus has been to work with elected officials of both parties to help my clients achieve their goals. In addition, I have worked with most state executive branch agencies and elected officials.

I am an educated, motivated and experienced professional with over 25 years of public affairs and government relations expertise.

Currently, I serve as President of Triplett Enterprises, representing the interests of clients at the Iowa Legislature and executive branch, as well as overseeing the strategy, development, and implementation of state government relations and public affairs programs.Previously, I have held both executive- and managerial-level positions within three trade associations and represented Iowa's business community, banks, and savings and loan associations on a variety of issues including health care, environment, energy, economic development, commerce, transportation, electronic transactions, mortgage lending, ag finance, bankruptcy and bank holding company structure.

Competencies: Public Policy and Government Affairs, Business Strategy, Advocacy, Leadership, Trade Associations, Transportation
Policy, and Relationship Building.

DAVID A. SMITH is a partner in the Princeton Public Affairs Group, is a veteran of the public affairs arena and has successfully managed public affairs campaigns impacting auto insurance, life insurance, tort reform and environmental legislative initiatives. Mr. Smith received national acclaim when he was honored with a ""Pollie Award"" by the American Association of Political Consultants and named to their United States ""Public Affairs Team of the Year." Mr. Smith was also named one of the most influential players in New Jersey's Healthcare arena by the Annual HealthSense Listing. Since 2005, Mr. Smith has been a Commissioner on the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission (nominated by the Governor for two separate four year terms and confirmed by the NJ Senate) and currently serves as an Officer on the Commission (Secretary). Mr. Smith serves on the National Board of Directors of the Public Affairs Council, and was one of the few contract lobbyists in the Country to be appointed to a National Task Force charged with creating ethical standard for lobbyists throughout the United States. Mr. Smith is a founder and member of the Board of Directors of ProtectingAmerica.org, an advocacy organization Co-chaired by James Lee Witt, former Cabinet member under President Clinton and Admiral James Loy, Deputy Director of Homeland Security under President Bush. Mr. Smith also serves as an Officer (1st Vice President) of the New Jersey Hall of Fame Foundation Board of Directors and also serves on the Executive Committee (Secretary) of The Advocacy Group (TAG). Finally, Mr. Smith serves on the Board of Directors as an officer (Treasurer) of the State Capitol Insurance Company RRG, the first professional liability company for lobbyists headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Mr. Smith has appeared on television and radio stations representing clients' interests, authored dozens of articles on politics/policy issues in New Jersey and is a frequent guest speaker/lecturer at national and state conferences, legislative hearings, meetings and seminars. He has been a consultant to statewide and legislative political campaigns and is a member of the Executive Finance Committee of the Assembly Democratic Leadership Committee as well as the New Jersey State Democratic Committee. Prior to joining the firm in 1995, Mr. Smith served as Director of Policy and Planning for the New Jersey General Assembly Democratic Office. In that capacity, Mr. Smith supervised the partisan staff of all Assembly Committees and Task Forces while serving as senior staff aide to the insurance and commerce legislative committees. He was a Director with the New Jersey Dental Association from 1985 to 1990 and served on several national and state health care and insurance advisory committees.

Mr. Smith was awarded a Master of Science in Financial Services (MSFS) Degree from the Richard D. Irwin Graduate School of The American College. He is a Graduate Fellow of the Public Affairs Institute, a three year educational program of the Public Affairs Council located in Washington, DC. Mr. Smith also graduated with a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Political Science from Gettysburg College.

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.

11-15 years

In 2013, she was chosen to serve on Governor Terence R. McAuliffe's Technology Transition Team, and in 2017 was chosen to serve on Governor Ralph Northam's Commerce and Trade, Energy Workgroup. In 2018, she was a recipient of the Women in Business Award within the Hampton Roads region.

Principle Advantage has built a reputation with colleagues, elected officials, and agencies heads on both sides of the aisle in the business and the state and local government space. We have a vast database of relationships built in the state legislature, executive levels, state agency heads, local government and influencers throughout the state. merge In the high stakes, ever-changing government relations environment, we understand that relationships will get you in the right door, but you need a partner with you that is prepared with a persuasive message powered by facts and sound policy.

We match our reputation and relationships with solid messaging, legislative knowledge, and a vast network of relationships to deliver results for you.

Angie Bezik started her political and public relations career as the Legislative Director for a member of the Virginia House of Delegates. After seven years, she was recruited by a prominent Richmond-based lobbying firm to run its Hampton Roads office. Combining her desire to own her firm with what she saw as a need for more boutique firms in Richmond, Angie founded Principle Advantage Government Relations Group. Angie develops and implements successful strategies for legislation, budget items, and project coordination with an array of clients at the state and local level. She has successfully served clients within the alternative/renewable energy, health, technology, and transportation sectors. She also represents local government and quasi-governmental authorities. Additionally, she works with businesses and organizations to develop strategic plans to enhance their profiles, missions, and branding by making introductions to appropriate businesses, government officials and staff, community leaders, and organizations.Throughout her career, Angie has established solid relationships with local, state, and federal representatives, departments and agencies, and business leaders.

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.

Aaron Read has been a legislative advocate for more than forty-five years. He began his career in the late 1960s after he obtained a Master's Degree in Business Administration (MBA) and went to work for a large statewide association. Aaron formed Aaron Read & Associates (ARA) in 1978. ARA has grown into one of the most influential lobbying firms in California. The select list of clients covers a broad spectrum and allows the firm an opportunity to work with the entire political spectrum. Aaron has a unique perspective of what works and what doesn't in government and counsels clients on effective strategies to achieve their goals. Aaron has extensive experience in all phases of political work, including lobbying extremely complex and controversial issues, public relations and coalition building, as well as constitutional offices, legislative and initiative campaigns. Aaron also has special expertise in creating and managing large political action committees. Aaron is a lifelong pilot, has a lifetime teaching credential and is also a former graduate-level instructor in business and public administration at Golden Gate University. He enjoys spending time with his family, golf, SCUBA diving and other water sports and real estate investments when not walking the Capitol halls. ARA is unique. We represent numerous firefighters, law enforcement as well as fortune 500 companies like AT&T and 3M 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

Anita L. Schepker, Esq. joins Capitol Consulting after nearly a four-decade career in government relations. Anita has a wealth of knowledge about state government that only comes from successfully navigating numerous complex client issues through the halls at the State Capitol. Prior to joining Capitol Consulting, Anita was president and founder of Schepker&Associates, LLC, a full-service government relations and regulatory law firm. Anita brings to Capitol Consulting a broad group of clients that she's has represented for many years including among others: Abbott Laboratories, AFLAC, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Connecticut Psychological Association, DaVita, Eli Lilly, Horizan Pharma, PhRMA and Safelite Auto Glass.

Prior to starting Schepker&Associates, Anita was a principal in another Hartford based lobbying firm where she acted as president of the firm's public affairs corporation, directing all legislative and regulatory issues, and litigation for the firms' clients.

Anita got her start in legislative lobbying in 1981 at the Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA) where she began as a staff attorney and was promoted to general counsel. As general counsel, she headed CBIA's legal and political departments. After eight years at CBIA Anita was hired as the senior vice president for government affairs at the Connecticut Bank and Trust Company (CBT) where she oversaw all of its state legislative and regulatory activities. In addition, she coordinated CBT's federal and state political action committee activities.

Anita is a graduate of the University of Connecticut and she received her Juris Doctorate from the University of Tulsa College of Law. Also, she has a Masters in Education from St. Joseph's College.