20+ years

Matthew Halpin joined Public Strategies Impact in 2001 after serving as manager of government relations for the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce. There, Matt was responsible for issue areas that included economic development, international trade, and corporate taxation. Coming from a large association, Mr. Halpin brings management skills as the head of the firm's association management division.

Matt's lobbying efforts at PSI span a variety of business issues for corporate clients and several trade associations. He is well known for his ability to handle complex issues and to deftly strategize on behalf of his clients. Matt brings a unique set of skills that allow him to not only be his client's eyes and ears in the Capital, but he also prides himself on being well-versed in the intricacies of his clients' interests so as to be an effective advocate.

Beyond traditional lobbying, Matt has also enjoyed participating on corporate teams to help manage the public affairs components of the overall project. Additionally, Matt contributes to our association management practice by serving as Executive Director for the NJ Society of Municipal Engineers, the American Institute of Architects of NJ, and the NJ Academy of Ophthalmology. Further, he has successfully completed numerous strategic planning sessions for both our corporate and association clients.

Mr. Halpin received a Master's in Business Administration (MBA) from the Rutgers Business School with a concentration in Finance. He also has a bachelor's degree in political science and economics from Rutgers College and is an associate of the Eagleton Institute of Politics.

0-5 years

Eric C. Bugaile joined Archer Public Affairs following a distinguished 40-year career in state government, most recently serving 32 years as Executive Director (R) of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Transportation Committee. In that position, he worked with the Majority Chairman Tim Hennessey (CR-Chester) to set the Committee agenda, analyze and draft legislation on a wide range of transportation subjects, including traffic laws, highway and bridges, railroad, mass transit, pedestrian, bicycle and aviation statutes. The Committee also served as the standing committee in the House to review proposed regulations of PennDOT, the State Police and the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Most notably, the Committee played an important role in drafting Act 89 of 2013, which rearranged and provided for stable funding of PennDOT and transportation services in the Commonwealth for decades to come.

Eric was the Republican nominee for the State House of Representatives in 1982 for the 49th Legislative District. He has worked for the Committee since 1991 and has a total 36 years' experience with the House over three periods of service, the earliest dating to 1974 when he served as a public relations assistant to the House Speaker, Ken Lee (R-Sullivan County) and the House Republican Caucus. He also served as a field coordinator for Republican Legislative Field Services in the early 1980s.

For four years, Eric was the Assistant Director of the State's High Speed Intercity Rail Passenger Commission. In that position, he was liaison with the Legislature and state agencies and was responsible for public outreach. He has also been involved in the rails-to-trails movement as the director of a trail project for the York Area Chamber of Commerce, writing the business plan for the York County Heritage Rail Trail convincing PennDOT to turn the property over to the County. He was a founding member and first staff director of the Pennsylvania Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.

Eric served nearly four years as Sports Information Director of what is now California University of Pennsylvania, and spent several years in the western Pennsylvania area as a news director of two radio stations, WESA in Charleroi and WASP in Brownsville, and was a producer/director at KDKA Radio in Pittsburgh.

Eric currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Capital Area Transit. A Board Member since 2005, he was elected Chairman in 2012. The Cumberland-Dauphin-Harrisburg Transit Authority (a.k.a. Capital Area Transit, or CAT) was formed in 1973 after the dissolution of the Harrisburg Railways Company. Formed by the Cumberland County and Dauphin County Commissioners and the City of Harrisburg, CAT was designated as the public transportation provider in the greater Harrisburg area.

Eric has won awards and citations for news coverage from the Associated Press, a national award from the NAIA, a Senate commendation for community service and was twice named by the US Jaycees as An Outstanding Man in America. He was the former Transportation Committee Staff Chair of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) and a member of the task force that wrote the Public Private Partnership Toolkit for Legislators.

Rachel Cone joins Southern Strategy Group after more than a decade of service in the highest levels of local and state governments. Rachel served as the Interim Secretary for the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), where she successfully shepherded the department's policy agenda and $11 billion budget across the finish line of the 2017 legislative session.

During her time at FDOT she also served as the Assistant Secretary for Finance and Administration, overseeing the offices of work program and budget, finance, procurement, technology, human resources, performance management and other administrative functions. She managed three of the largest transportation work programs in state history and represented the department in front of the U.S. Department of Transportation, the U.S. Treasury, Fitch and Moody's rating agencies.

Rachel also directed changes to how the department finances the work program, and successfully advocated for statutory changes that resulted in a new financing vehicle for the department. This allows the department to fund additional, major transportation projects at a lower cost. She also oversaw the reorganization of the department's technology offices, which resulted in a culture shift for the department in how it prioritizes, spends and manages transportation-specific and traditional technologies.

In 2012, Governor Rick Scott appointed Rachel to serve as his Deputy Chief of Staff, where she was responsible for advising him on statewide issues, appointments to boards and commissions and providing guidance and direction to 14 state and quasi-governmental agencies on operational and management issues, including policy, budget, communication, legislative strategy and agency priorities. Those agencies were the Departments of Business and Professional Regulation, Citrus, Emergency Management, Economic Opportunity, Environmental Protection (and Water Management Districts) and Transportation. Also included under her purview were Florida Wildlife Commission, Space Florida, Visit Florida, Volunteer Florida and CareerSource Florida.

Rachel previously served as the External Affairs Director for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection where she directed planning and statewide communications strategies for the department, and coordinated communications efforts with Florida's five water management districts. This included topics such as renewed water management district oversight, various departmental restructuring, the health of Florida's springs, Governor Scott's Everglades Restoration Strategies plan and Florida's ongoing recovery after the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

Prior to her family's move to Tallahassee, Rachel served on the executive leadership team in the Mayor John Peyton administration in Jacksonville. Rachel began her career as a military reporter at the Florida Times-Union.

Rachel is a proud graduate of Auburn University. She and her family are active members of Trinity United Methodist Church, and Rachel serves as a member of the Board of Trustees at Holy Comforter Episcopal School in Tallahassee.

15-20 years

J.L. Wilson comes with a 16-year history in public affairs and lobbying as past Executive Director of NFIB/Oregon and past Senior Vice President of Government Affairs at Associated Oregon Industries. Wilson has been a full-time lobbyist representing primarily business interests since 2000. Prior to that, he served as Legislative Director for two Speakers of the Oregon House.

15-20 years

Steve Edwards worked at the White House for President George H.W. Bush, was Chief of Staff to U.S. Senator James Inhofe, and was Chairman of the Oklahoma Republican Party. He currently works in Oklahoma and with the state Attorneys General. Edwards is a lawyer with almost 35 years of experience at the Capitol and in Washington, D.C.

15-20 years

Joshua Hodes, Partner, has more than 15 years' experience representing various clients before the legislative and executive branches of New Jersey Government. During his career, Josh has represented a diverse client base ranging from Fortune 100 companies to New Jersey based nonprofits. At Public Strategies Impact, he is responsible for a broad range of issues, including education, energy, healthcare, and redevelopment work. Josh prides himself on his strong relationships with his clients, which enables him to become the most effective advocate on their behalf.

Previously, Josh served as Chief of Staff to the Assembly Majority Leader and as senior staff member of the Assembly Majority Office, advising the Assembly Democratic Caucus on public policy initiatives. As a former legislative staffer, Josh brings his experiences and knowledge of the statehouse to his daily advocacy work. Prior to joining the Assembly Majority Office, Josh served as an associate in government relations at Public Strategies Impact.

Josh is active in local, state, and national politics. In 2008, he served as a political advisor to the Hillary Clinton for President Campaign in New Jersey and was a member of the NJ Delegation at the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado. Josh also served on the New Jersey Democratic State Committee's Committee on Vacancies, which was responsible for selecting the New Jersey Electoral College members.

In 2016, Josh served as a member of the National Rules Committee for the Democratic National Committee in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Josh has served as a gubernatorial appointment to the New Jersey Educational Facilities Authority since 2010. He currently serves as Chairman for the Authority.

Josh received his bachelor's degree from Rutgers College and a Master's in Labor and Employment Relations from Rutgers University.

20+ years

The only lobbyist named as a Winner of the 2022 Maryland General Assembly Session by Maryland Matters.

"a well-connected Annapolis lobbyist," The Washington Post

President, Maryland Government Relations Association, 2013-2015

Named a Top-Rated Government Relations Attorney by Super Lawyers

Glad to respond to specific inquiries.

Leonard L. Lucchi is a registered lobbyist who represents business owners, trade groups, and local governments before the Maryland General Assembly and the United States Congress. Mr. Lucchi's scope of representation includes lobbying, tracking pending or proposed legislative activities and analyzing the effects of those pieces of legislation on client matters, drafting legislation, organizing and mobilizing coalitions in support or opposition to pending or proposed legislation, effectively utilizing media outlets to support client initiatives, and testifying on behalf of clients before various legislative committees.

During his thirty years as a legislative advocate, Mr. Lucchi has helped to shape legislation on behalf of his business and corporate clients that creates or enhances the marketplace for their goods and services. For example, Mr. Lucchi persuaded the Maryland General Assembly to pass a law requiring the installation of carbon-monoxide detectors in new residential construction. The passage of this bill created a new market for his client, a major manufacturer of carbon monoxide detectors. In addition to his representation of business owners, Mr. Lucchi has represented trade groups such as solar power manufacturers, mobile home park owners, and food delivery franchisees and has helped to guide them through the legislative process.

Mr. Lucchi has also proven himself to be an accomplished advocate for County and City governments. As a former Director of Legislative Affairs for the Prince George's County Government, Mr. Lucchi is experienced in planning, managing, and implementing a legislative agenda with elected and appointed officials. In that position, Mr. Lucchi represented various County departments and agencies in order to advance their legislative goals. Mr. Lucchi is also the former County Attorney for Prince George's County, and he utilizes his hands-on local government experience to advise and implement resourceful legislative plans for his clients. Additionally, he served as the County's Chief Labor Negotiator.

Mr. Lucchi serves as counsel to the Redevelopment Authority for Prince George's County, the Board of Education for Prince George's County, and the Democratic Central Committee for Prince George's County.

Mr. Lucchi served as the President of the Maryland Government Relations Association and President of the Greater Bowie Chamber of Commerce. He served two terms on the Board of the Maryland Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Lucchi is admitted to practice in Maryland, the District of Columbia, the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, and the U.S. Supreme Court.

Mr. Lucchi enjoys giving back to his community by serving on the Board of Community Youth Advance and the L.E.A.R.N. Foundation.

0-5 years

20+ years

Tracie DeSarno, senior partner, has more than 3 decades of experience representing hospitals, major corporations, nonprofit groups, and associations, and municipal, county and state government in Trenton and Washington. At Public Strategies Impact, she is responsible for a broad range of issues, including healthcare, financial services, telecommunications, and entertainment. Throughout her career, she has successfully represented clients on major legislative initiatives and budget deliberations.

Ms. DeSarno has been with PSI for more than 30 years. She came to the firm from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, where she served as government affairs assistant to the president of New Jersey's premier technology university. Previously, she had served as Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for Essex County, gaining invaluable experience in government operations from the municipal to federal level.

During her tenure with Essex County, she was the County Executive's liaison to the State Legislature, state agencies and the 22 municipalities in the county. She was responsible for legislative initiatives at the state and federal level, and assisted in grant procurement and state budget analysis, successfully directing additional state funding to the county.

Ms. DeSarno is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Douglass College, Rutgers University, and holds a bachelor's degree in political science and sociology. She has served as an elected member of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee, and as a member of the Union County College Board of Governors. She also served for years as a PTA president and executive board member in Union Township.

In 2008, the New Jersey Hemophilia Association recognized Ms. DeSarno as the recipient of its Congressman Dean A. Gallo Memorial Award for Distinguished Legislative Leadership.

0-5 years

Insider NJ Rising Generations Power List

Insider NJ Top 100 Lobbyist List for 2024 & 2025

Prior to joining PSI, I served as a legislative aide and Chief of Staff to multiple New Jersey legislators, giving me a broad network of relationships with legislators and legislative staff across the state. I also served in the Governor's Administration, where I gained an in-depth understanding of the inner workings of state government and the most effective strategies for navigating an administration and advancing client priorities.

Samantha Bender joined Public Strategies Impact (PSI) in 2023. Before joining PSI, she served for two years as a Senior Legislative Aide in Governor Phil Murphy's administration, where she developed expertise in education, higher education, transportation, and criminal justice policy. In this role, she supported the administration's legislative agenda and helped advance key legislative initiatives. She also served as the Governor's Legislative Affairs liaison to a bipartisan delegation of South Jersey legislators.

Prior to her work in the Governor's Office, Bender served on the staffs of Senator Bob Andrzejczak, Assemblyman Bill Moen, and Assemblywoman Carol Murphy. Through these roles, she gained experience across a broad range of policy areas, including agriculture, tourism, and consumer protection, while developing a strong understanding of New Jersey's legislative process.

As a lifelong New Jersey resident, Bender grew up in Cape May and currently resides in Camden County. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Rider University in 2018.

11-15 years

As the Director of Government Affairs, Catherine is NJ REALTORS chief lobbyist in Trenton, overseeing all aspects of the association's legislative and advocacy efforts. Prior to joining NJ REALTORS, Catherine served in the offices of several members of the New Jersey congressional delegation, most recently as District Director for U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer. A lifelong resident of New Jersey, Catherine lives in Metuchen with her husband and two children.

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.

Chris joined the firm in November of 2000 after serving seven years in Florida government. During this time, Chris served as the Assistant to the Chief of Staff and the Deputy Chief of Staff to former Florida Governor Jeb Bush. Prior to serving in Governor Bush's administration, Chris served as the Deputy Chief of Staff, Deputy Legislative Director, and Special Assistant to former Florida Education Commissioner and former Florida Lt. Governor Frank T. Brogan. Chris also served as a legislative aide in the Florida House of Representatives. Throughout the years, Chris has worked on various state and local campaigns, including the 1998 and 2002 Bush/Brogan gubernatorial campaigns.

A devoted community activist, Chris was a finalist for Volunteer of the Year in 2007. Chris has served on the Board of Directors for the Mary Brogan Museum of Art and Science, where he served for two years as Chairman, the Board of Directors for the United Way of the Big Bend, and the Board of Directors for the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce. Chris is currently the Chairman of the Florida Network of Youth and Family Services, a not-for-profit statewide association representing agencies which serve homeless, runaway, and troubled youth. Chris also serves on the local advisory board for Hancock Bank and is a member of the Board of Trustees for the Maclay School. Chris was recently appointed by Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum to the Tallahassee Downtown Improvement Authority, an entity created by the Florida Legislature to promote the business and hospitality interests of downtown Tallahassee.

A native of Fort Myers, Florida, Chris Dudley graduated from the University of South Florida in 1993 with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science. Chris, his wife Susanne, and their two sons live in Tallahassee.

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.

15-20 years

National Children's Alliance, Bud Cramer Award
Florida Bar, Family Law Section, Legislative Achievement
Kristi House Service, Former President Service Award

SSG has won numerous fundraising awards and recognitions
Managing Partner, Miami office, The Southern Group
Chairman, Republican Party of Miami-Dade County
Executive Board, Republican Party of Florida

Nelson D. Diaz concentrates his practice on government and community relations. Nelson has successfully represented local governments, businesses, trade associations and other corporate clients before the Florida legislative and executive branches of government. Nelson has become one of Florida's young rising stars since serving as Chief Legislative Aide to the Former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, and now United States Senator, Marco Rubio.

In addition, Nelson has successfully represented corporate entities before the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners, numerous Miami-Dade County agencies and departments, the City of Miami, the City of Hialeah, and several other municipal governments and authorities in Miami-Dade County. In addition to government relations, Nelson has successfully guided many corporate clients entering the South Florida market, providing community relations services. By advising new entrants to the market on who the key players are, which organizations to join, and how to navigate the local political waters, Nelson has assisted many clients successfully enter the South Florida and Miami markets.

Nelson began his political career as a volunteer in the 1996 Presidential campaign in Florida where he and many other young leaders, including now U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, State Senator Anitere Flores, Lt. Governor Carlos Lopez-Cantera, and many other now-elected officials, worked hard to build a strong Republican Party base in South Florida. Since then, Nelson has worked on countless political campaigns in Florida from federal races for Presidential and U.S. Senate, to state races for Governor, Cabinet offices, Florida House of Representatives, and Florida Senate, as well as many local government campaigns for county commission, city councils, and mayor's races. Nelson has also been active in various business and civic organizations locally, and counts many legislators, party officials, and legislative leaders among his personal friends. As a result of Nelson's service with U.S. Senator Rubio and his involvement in many campaigns, Nelson has established an extensive network of key contacts in Miami-Dade County and within the Florida Legislature. In fact, Nelson currently serves as the Chairman of the Republican Party of Miami-Dade County and serves on the executive board of the Republican Party of Florida.

Active in the local community, Nelson served on the City of Miami's Historical and Environmental Preservation Board, protecting the city's historical and environmental treasures, as well as the Miami-Dade County Community Council of West Kendall, a local land use and zoning board. Additionally, Nelson serves as the Immediate Past President of the Board of Directors for Kristi House, Miami-Dade County's child advocacy center for child victims of sexual abuse and human trafficking as well as the Board of Directors of the Good Government Initiative, a bi-partisan organization dedicated to cultivating leaders of excellence in South Florida. Recently, Florida Governor Rick Scott appointed Nelson to the statewide Children and Youth Cabinet for his service and advocacy on behalf of Florida's children.

Nelson attended Florida International University, where he earned his Bachelor's degree in International Relations, with a Certificate in Latin American and Caribbean Studies, as well as minors in Political Science and Geography. Nelson graduated from the University of Florida, College of Law, cum laude, and was admitted to the Florida Bar in 2004.

6-10 years

Justen Rainey is a full time lobbyist and political strategist for Public Affairs Counsel. Prior to joining Public Affairs Counsel in 2012, Justen served as the Legislative Director for Oregon House of Representatives Co-Speaker Bruce Hanna. Justen held a similar legislative position with the Oregon Senate Republican office. Rainey began his professional career in 2001, where he spent 7 years as an aide to U.S. Congressman Greg Walden in his Washington D.C. office and Bend office.

6-10 years

Named a "30 Under 30 Rising Stars in Florida Politics" by Florida Politics in 2014

Strong relationships in the Florida Department of Education, as well as the chairs and staff of education policy and appropriations committees in both legislative chambers, and many other agencies and policy areas, including the Department of Children and Families, Department of Corrections, and more.

Sara has more than a decade of experience in education policy and government affairs, starting as a K-12 public school teacher. She thrives on helping clients achieve complex and challenging goals and has become a respected and trusted voice for education policy issues in Tallahassee.

Sara joined McGuireWoods Consulting in 2018 after six years of leading government affairs for nonprofits in Florida. Prior to MWC, Sara led external and legislative affairs for Step Up For Students, the largest K-12 scholarship funding organization in the nation. Before that, she was the Florida Legislative Affairs Director for the Foundation for Excellence in Education. In addition to education, Sara has experience in the areas of child welfare, criminal justice, juvenile justice, healthcare, insurance, and more.

In 2011, while still in the classroom, Sara was nominated for Orange County Public Schools Teacher of the Year award. By 2014, Sara was named one of "30 Under 30 Rising Stars" by Florida Politics, the state's predominant political news site.

Sara received her bachelor's degree in English Education from the University of North Florida in 2007 and her master's degree in Education Policy and Evaluation from Florida State University in 2014.

Sara is a member of Leadership Florida, the American Enterprise Institute's State Leadership Network, and co-founder of Lean In Tallahassee. In her spare time, she volunteers as a guardian ad litem in Florida's Second Judicial Circuit and fosters dogs through a local animal rescue organization. Sara lives in Tallahassee with her husband, daughter, and rescue dog.

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.

6-10 years

2023 Meadowlands Chamber of Commerce 50 Under 30 Honoree

2022 Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore Phenomenal Woman Under 40

2019 New Jersey Business and Industry Association Rising Star Award

Included on several power lists including:
ROI-NJ ROI Influencers Women in Business
ROI-NJ ROI Influencers People of Color
InsiderNJ's Rising Generations
InsiderNJ's Women's Power
InsiderNJ's 100 Millennials

Alexis Bailey joined Public Strategies Impact in 2023 after serving as Vice President of Government Affairs for the New Jersey Business and Industry Association (NJBIA). While at NJBIA, she covered labor and employment, workforce development and insurance issues impacting the state's business community. Prior to joining NJBIA, Alexis worked as a Legislative Research Associate for the Kaufman Zita Group and as a Government Affairs and Communications Consultant for the New Jersey Public Charter Schools Association.

In addition to lobbying at PSI, Alexis contributes to our association management practice by serving as Executive Director for the Association of NJ Recyclers, NJ Cable and Internet Association, NJ State Society of Anesthesiologists, and NJ American Society of Landscape Architects.

Alexis has been recognized as a leader in New Jersey, being named to ROI-NJ's ROI Influencers: Women in Business, ROI Influencers: People of Color, InsiderNJ's Rising Generations, InsiderNJ's Women's Power, and InsiderNJ's 100 Millennials lists. Alexis was recognized as a 50 Under 30 Honoree by the Meadowland's Chamber of Commerce in 2023. She was also honored as a Phenomenal Woman Under 40 by the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore in 2022 and was named a Rising Star Award recipient by NJBIA in 2019. She graduated with summa cum laude honors from Rider University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.

Alexis is involved in her community as a Member-At-Large of the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore's Board of Directors and a Board Member for the Women's Political Caucus of New Jersey. She served as a faculty in residence for the Center for American Women and Politics' NEW Leadership program in 2026. She previously served on the Toms River Zoning Board of Adjustments.

David Shepp joins Southern Strategy Group after leading Florida Strategic Group, a full-service government affairs consulting firm, for 13 years. David provides services to state and local governments, businesses, educational institutions, economic development entities, national companies, and statewide trade associations. Activities include legislative and agency monitoring and advocacy, research and analysis, resource development and strategic communications. Throughout his years lobbying, David has secured tens of millions of dollars for clients in the Florida budget.

With a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Florida State University, David started his practical experience in Florida politics in 1996. David learned the intricacies of the Florida Legislature while assisting the lobbying efforts for multiple clients of the Fowler White Law Firm. Later that year, David accepted a position as a field representative with the Republican Party acting as a liaison to Central Florida candidates, including then-candidate Adam Putnam.

After Rep. Putnam's 1996 campaign, David was retained in the position of Legislative Assistant where he enjoyed four years of relationship building both in Polk County and in Tallahassee before managing now-Commissioner of Agriculture Putnam's victorious Congressional campaign in 2000.

David is skilled at developing, maintaining, and strengthening relationships essential to governmental representation before the Legislature and state agencies. David works very closely with the DeSoto, Charlotte, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, and Sarasota legislative delegations.

In addition to his comprehensive institutional knowledge of the Florida Legislature, David enjoys personal and professional relationships with legislative leaders and key Chairmen and Chairwomen at every level of the legislative committee structure. David also enjoys strong working relationships with many of the staff behind the scenes of public policymaking.

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.