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  • 1001 Cooper Point Rd SW suite 140-720OLYMPIAWA98502

McBride Public Affairs has represented a broad array of public and private groups and organizations in Olympia. Together, Tom and his team offer the depth of knowledge and skill it takes to effectively advocate on behalf of their clients' interests. Whether it's drafting favorable legislation or addressing unnecessary regulation, their expertise and insights make McBride Public Affairs an indispensable part of any strategic advocacy effort.

Firm Specialties:
EXPERIENCED. INSIGHTFUL. EFFECTIVE.

From taxation concerns to land-use policy, from political action committees to fair labor standards, McBride Public Affairs offers unmatched insights into the subtle and not-so-subtle processes of government decision-making. Tom's background as an attorney makes him uniquely able to help his clients understand the intricacies of state policy formulation, bill development and the rule-making process. Together, Tom and his team keep their clients well-informed and well-positioned to thrive in an ever-changing political environment.

While some lobbyists focus only on state legislation, Tom and his team work closely with regulatory agencies and local jurisdictions, knowing their impacts on his clients' destiny can be just as great as the Legislature's. Their strategic methods and trust-building approach position McBride Public Affairs among the most effective lobbying groups in Washington and throughout the Pacific Northwest.

20+ years

TOM MCBRIDE has advocated for groups and organizations that depend on fair and reasonable treatment under the law for more than 20 years. He has developed a reputation as an effective lobbyist, founded on high ethical standards, aggressive advocacy and personal authenticity.

Tom began his career as a private practice attorney representing commercial and financial interests, with a focus on commercial litigation and bankruptcy law. He went on to serve as government affairs director for fiscal and transportation issues on behalf of the Association of Washington Business, Washington state's chamber of commerce. He then directed the government relations program for the West division of the McDonald's Corporation.

Tom also has firsthand experience working within Washington state government. As director of intergovernmental affairs for the Washington State Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development, he oversaw regulatory and legislative interests in energy, economic development, housing, international trade and growth management.

In 2008, he founded McBride Public Affairs, to advocate for clients on legislative and regulatory matters in Washington state.

A 1994 graduate of Gonzaga University School of Law, Tom holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science from Whitman College. He and his family make their home in Olympia.

KIMBERLY GOMES

(Delaware)

ByrdGomes provides a balanced approach to contract lobbying that is unique in Delaware. Since we are politically active, we have established long-term relationships that have given us informed insights into the personalities of each political party.

Firm Specialties:
The majority of our activity involves lobbying and representing clients' position before the Delaware Legislature for assistance with specific, issue-related projects. Our strength is in our ability to identify, and gain access to the key individuals who should hear our clients' point of view.

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.

MICHAEL TOMAN

(Ohio)

The Success Group is one of Ohio's most influential public affairs and lobbying firms. For more than 30 years our integrity, political savvy, high standards of client service and deep knowledge of the workings of government have helped our clients achieve their goals. Our enterprise and forward thinking have enabled us to thrive in today's uncertain environment of term limits.

Firm Specialties:
Government services areas of expertise include strategy, legislative, executive and regulatory process and local government lobbying.

MIKE TOMAN is responsible for the firm's day-to-day business operations. He is known for keen attention to detail and a grasp of such varied fields as health care, organizational budgeting, and procurement processes. Mike has been with The Success Group since 2000. Prior to joining The Success Group, he spent five years lobbying as a senior policy analyst with the County Commissioners Association of Ohio, worked for the Ohio Legislative Budget Office, and worked for the Ohio Supreme Court. Mike served as President of the Ohio Lobbying Association (OLA) and was a member of the OLA Board of Trustees for seven years. Currently, Mike serves on the Board of Trustees for The Advocacy Group (TAG) and on The Ohio State University's President's Advisory Board. Mike sits on select alumni committees at the John Glenn College of Public Affairs' Alumni Advisory Committee. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Criminal Justice at Eastern Michigan University and a Master of Public Administration at The Ohio State's John Glenn College.

Lauren represents the firm's interests before the Arizona State Legislature, the Office of the Governor, state agencies and various municipalities, and has been recognized by the Arizona Capitol Times as one of the top lobbyists in the state under the age of 40.

6-10 years

Recognized by the Arizona Capitol Times as one of the top lobbyists in the state under the age of 40 (2017)

Recognized by the Arizona Capitol Times as a "Breakdown Breakout" winner, given to the sharpest political and industry minds in Arizona under 40 (2019)

With nearly a decade of government relations experience at the state and local level, Lauren's specialty practice areas include policy issues in the healthcare, real estate and tech sectors. Prior to entering into the policy realm, Lauren worked in marketing and public relations, executing local and national media campaigns for clients ranging from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies. Her background also includes having developed and implemented grassroots campaigns surrounding legislation for one of Arizona's largest nonprofit organizations. A graduate of the University of Arizona with an academic focus in journalism and political communication, Lauren has extensive experience working with local and national news outlets. Recognized by the Arizona Capitol Times as one of the top lobbyists in the state under the age of 40, Lauren represents the firm's interests before the Arizona State Legislature, the Office of the Governor, state agencies and various municipalities.

Education: B.S., University of Arizona

One of the firm's founders, Barbara's focus is in state-level policy and advocacy where she represents the firm's clients before the Arizona State Legislature, the Governor's Office and executive branch agencies. She was named an Outstanding Woman in Business by the Phoenix Business Journal and is consistently recognized as one of the top lobbyists in Arizona by the Arizona Capitol Times. She has established herself as a highly effective advocate for a variety of private-sector enterprises with a special concentration in healthcare, manufacturing, telecommunications, and emerging technologies. Her prior experience includes two judicial clerkships and private law firm practice in Washington, D.C. and Arizona. Immediately prior to founding Triadvocates, Barbara was an integral member of the government relations practice group of Quarles & Brady LLP.

Education: B.A., The University of Arizona; J.D., American University, The Washington College of Law, Washington, D.C.

20+ years

MELVIN MALONE

(Tennessee)

As Practice Group Leader of the firm's Regulatory and Government Group, Mr. Malone focuses on government relations, telecommunications, public utilities and administrative law. Due to his prior public service, coupled with his previous engagements on a hosts of public policy matters, Melvin is often sought out by state leaders to provide insight, observations and counsel on various legislative and regulatory initiatives.

AV-rated, Martindale-Hubbell
Fellow, America Bar Foundation
Fellow, Tennessee Bar Foundation
Fellow, Napier-Looby Bar Foundation
Fellow, Nashville Bar Foundation
Appointed by Gov. Lee to the Board of Directors, TPAC Management Corporation, 2019- Present
Appointed by Gov. Haslam to the Board of Directors, TPAC Management Corporation, 2013-2019
R.B.J. Campbelle Award, the University of Tennessee College of Law, 2012
"Nashville's Top 101 Lawyers", Nashville Post Magazine, 2011
Best Lawyers in America
    Energy Law, 2011-2022
    Government Relations, 2016-2022
    Administrative/Regulatory Law, 2022
    Communications Law, 2020-2022
    Lawyer of the Year, Energy Law (Nashville, TN), 2018, 2020, 2022
Mid-South Super Lawyers , Civil Litigation Defense, 2013-2014
J.C. Napier Trailblazer Award, Napier-Looby Bar Foundation, 2010
"In Charge," Legal Category, Nashville Post, 2010
Best of the Bar, Nashville Business Journal, 2003, 2009, 2020
Commissioner, Tennessee Public Utility Commission (Formerly Tennessee Regulatory Authority), 1996-2002
Deputy Legal Counsel to Tennessee Governor Don Sundquist, 1995-1996
Dr. Calvin Calhoun Distinguished Member of the Year Award, 100 Black Men of Middle Tennessee, 2006, 2014 & 2015.
Special Appointment by Gov. Haslam, Tennessee Supreme Court, 2013

Melvin was one of the first practitioners before the Tennessee Public Utility Commission to obtain approval of capital recovery riders under Tennessee's newly passed legislative initiative authorizing alternative regulatory mechanisms for public utilities.

Served a special appointment by Governor Bill Haslam to the Tennessee Supreme Court to hear a case from which four Supreme Court Justices recused themselves (Hooker et al v. Lt. Governor Ramsey et al.).

Successfully litigated on behalf of Tennessee's only publicly held water provider, a regional financial institution, a global wireless communications company, the nation's largest three-service utility, a national automotive finance company, and a coalition of Tennessee telephone cooperatives.

Successfully litigated on behalf of a coalition of over 200 retail fuel providers in an alternative fuel anti-competition case.

Commissioner, Tennessee Public Utility Commission (Formerly Tennessee Regulatory Authority), 1996-2002.

Deputy Legal Counsel to Tennessee Governor Don Sundquist, 1995-1996.

Building on her local government background, Julie provides leadership to the firm's economic development practice where Triadvocates has supported clients in their investment of more than $32 Billion dollars in Arizona projects. Recognized as an adept dealmaker by the Arizona Capitol Times, Julie's experience ranges from housing, transportation, health care, energy and manufacturing. to tribal investment. Immediately prior to joining Triadvocates, Julie served as the principal staff and policy advisor to the mayor of one of Arizona's largest cities. In that capacity, she was responsible for strategic planning, policy development and outreach in subject areas such as transportation and infrastructure, land-use planning and finance. At Triadvocates, Julie guides client interaction with local, state and federal officials.

15-20 years

Julie received the WESTMARC President's Award for exemplary work in economic development and was inducted as an Honorary Bobcat at The University of Arizona. She has received Special Congressional Recognition from Congressman Ruben Gallego for her work on his Women's Advisory Commission and was selected by the Maricopa Community College Foundation Board of Directors to serve as Vice Chair.

John leads the firm's government marketing efforts, where he brings more than 30 years of rich career experience in government leadership, policy, public affairs, procurement, media and business. He also contributes considerable expertise to state and federal policy and advocacy efforts across a wide range of policy areas, with a particular passion for education and workforce development. John has been a thought leader in the technology community in Arizona since serving as Arizona's first Chief Information Officer and as the government relations and community solutions manager for Intel Corporation. Prior experience includes serving as the federal/intergovernmental coordinator and policy advisor for the Office of the Governor, and as senior appropriations staff and legislative director for an Arizona Congressman.

Education: B.A., Lafayette College; M.A., Harvard Kennedy School

20+ years

RICHARD TRAVIS

(Arizona)

Subjects: All Subjects

Links:Website

Richard has more than 20 years of experience in Arizona state government and public affairs. Richard's skillset includes strategic planning, coalition management and coordination and development of media and grassroots efforts for legislation and initiatives. Richard's public-sector experience includes service as a staff director at the Arizona House of Representatives, Director of Government Affairs for the Arizona Supreme Court, Special Assistant Attorney General for Government Affairs for the Arizona Attorney General's Office, and Deputy Director for the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Education: B.A., Trinity University; J.D., University of Arizona College of Law

20+ years

ByrdGomes provides a balanced approach to contract lobbying that is unique in Delaware. Since we are politically active, we have established long-term relationships that have given us informed insights into the personalities of each political party.

Firm Specialties:
The majority of our activity involves lobbying and representing clients' position before the Delaware Legislature for assistance with specific, issue-related projects. Our strength is in our ability to identify, and gain access to the key individuals who should hear our clients' point of view.

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.

REBECCA BYRD

(Delaware)

ByrdGomes provides a balanced approach to contract lobbying that is unique in Delaware. Since we are politically active, we have established long-term relationships that have given us informed insights into the personalities of each political party.

Firm Specialties:
The majority of our activity involves lobbying and representing clients' position before the Delaware Legislature for assistance with specific, issue-related projects. Our strength is in our ability to identify, and gain access to the key individuals who should hear our clients' point of view.

11-15 years

Member of the Delaware Bar Association
Member of the Maryland Bar Association

REBECCA BYRD knows government, policy and politics with the inside knowledge that comes from broad experience with all three branches of government, and she combines it with the perspective of a lawyer. She can draft legislation. She can lobby for it. She can decipher federal and state regulations.

There was a method to Rebecca's decision not to specialize in just anything. With the breadth of her background, she is ready for everything. Rebecca is a third-generation practitioner. Her grandmother was an aide to Gov. Sherman W. Tribbitt, her father is Bob Byrd, and here she is to carry on the family tradition. Rebecca was the deputy legal counsel to Governor Ruth Ann Minner and a deputy attorney general in the state Justice Department under Attorney General Beau Biden. She also clerked on the Delaware Supreme Court for Justices Carolyn Berger, Jack Jacobs and Henry duPont Ridgely and served as a liaison for the court to the General Assembly.

She is the author of articles on Delaware's Coastal Zone Act (Delaware Chamber of Commerce, 2016) and a co-author of "50 State Survey: The Law of Eminent Domain"" (American Bar Association, 2012). Rebecca is a member of the Delaware State Bar Association and the American Bar Association, where she is a member of the Business Law Section and its Government Affairs Committee. She is a graduate of the George Washington University and the Catholic University of America School of Law.

AMANDA YOUNG

(Tennessee)

Subjects: All Subjects

Links:Website

Mandy is an AV-Rated attorney in our Government, Administration & Regulatory and Health Law groups. She is a frequent speaker on the legislative process and updates on legislation. The Butler Snow team works to understand the issues of its clients and is often accused of asking a lot of questions to do that. We work with our clients to create the best strategies that advance the goals and interests of the client.

20+ years

Martindale-Hubbell
    AV -Preeminent Peer Review Rated
Best Lawyers in America
    Insurance Law, 2007-2022
    Government Relations Practice, 2015-2022
    Lawyer of the Year, Insurance Law (Nashville), 2018
    Lawyer of the Year, Government Relations Practice (Nashville), 2020, 2022
Nashville 101 Top Lawyers, Nashville Post Magazine, 2011
In Charge list, Government/Politics, Nashville Post, 2010
150 Best Lawyers, Business Tennessee, 2009
Best of Bar, Nashville Business Journal
Trustee, Harpeth Hall School
Former Board of Directors, Women's Fund of Nashville, Community Foundation of Middle of Tennessee
Former Board Member, Book 'Em
Former Alumnae Board Member, Harpeth Hall School
Former Board Member, Jade's Fund, Vanderbilt Children's Hospital
Tennessee Lobbyist Association
Former Member, Board of Directors

JENNIE VERNER

(Tennessee)

Jennie is an experienced government relations professional with deep knowledge of K-12 and higher education policy. She spent years working at the legislature and managing campaigns. So, she understands the legislative process and can bring a campaign like approach to getting your legislative goals accomplished.

6-10 years

Jennie served as the primary staff member for the House Education Committee.

Jennie Previously served as:
Senior Director of Government Relations and Policy, University of Memphis, 2018-2019. Built and maintained relationships, studied policy initiatives, and advocated for funding before state, local, and Federal officials. Successful in securing capital funding for the Lambuth Campus, a first for the University. Organized the inaugural University of Memphis Legislative Retreat, bringing a record 40 legislators from across Tennessee to the University of Memphis Campus.

Director of Government Relations, State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE), 2014-2018. Represented Tennessee's leading education policy and advocacy organization before the Tennessee General Assembly. Successfully designed and executed a statewide roadshow for a Governor's cabinet member to interact with business and community stakeholders.

Legislative Staffer, Tennessee General Assembly, 2011-2014. Worked for the Tennessee General Assembly in several roles including Research Analyst for the House Education Committee. Developed strong working relationships with key education and business community stakeholders. Maintained a deep understanding of education-related legislation to serve as the primary policy advisor to the committee.

Fundraiser and Campaign Coordinator, Congressman Bill Cassidy, 2010-2011.

H. Boyd Pettit, III is Partner and General Counsel for GeorgiaLink Public Affairs Group, LLC Pettit, a practicing Attorney since 1979, served as a Democratic member to the Georgia General Assembly for five consecutive terms beginning in January, 1983. Elected to the House of Representatives, succeeding newly elected Governor Joe Frank Harris, he was named a member of the House Appropriations, Judiciary, and Industry Committees. Pettit became Secretary to the Judiciary Committee and Chairman of the Public Services and Utilities Subcommittee of House Industry. During his membership in the House, Pettit served as Georgia's representative to the Southern States Energy Board and was selected as a participant in the Leadership Georgia Class of 1987. In 1993, he joined GeorgiaLink Public Affairs Group while remaining active on behalf of local governments, local education entities, public bond finance issues, and local industrial recruitment and development. In September 2000, Pettit was selected to the Georgia State Board of Transportation. He was re-elected in January, 2001 to a full five-year term. Pettit currently serves on the State Board of the Georgia Youth Science and Technology Centers and is an active member of Sam Jones Memorial United Methodist Church in Cartersville. Previously serving on Board of Directors of the North Metro Technical Institute Foundation, Pettit was a part of the effort to secure property, utilities, and funding for the state adult technical school. Boyd has two daughters, Dana and Bray. They reside in Cartersville, Georgia.

JESSICA ADAMSON

(Oregon)

ROBERT BARANSAKA

(Arizona)
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TRAVIS BLANTON

(Florida)
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LIZ BROWN

(Illinois)
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MADELEINE COOPER

(California)
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ARTHUR SKIN EDGE

(Georgia)
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MARGARET GLADSTEIN

(California)
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LINDSAY GULLAHORN

(California)
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AUSTIN HARRISON

(Georgia)

CLARE HESTER

(Mississippi)
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JOHN KINGSTON

(Georgia)
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JOHN TRIP MARTIN

(Georgia)
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CHRISTOPHER NICOLOPOULOS

(New Hampshire)

DALE PENN

(Oregon)
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  • 495 State Street Suite 510SalemOR97301

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ROXANNA PITONES

(Arizona)
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JAMES JAY ROBERTS

(Georgia)
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JENNIFER SNYDER

(California)
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FREDDY SOTO

(Arizona)
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