State and Local Lobbying:

Influencing the decisions of government officials for our clients is key to the work that we do. Whether we're standing beside our client, or advocating on their behalf, we remain focused on policies, legislation, or regulations that are integral to each organization's interest.

Because of the experience of our team, we approach each issue and challenge separately. We're empathetic, sensing where there is great need. We value the work that our clients do and understand our own roles in this process. We always strive to learn and know more about the issues that are important to our clients, recognize the challenges that they face, try to find common ground, manage expectations, are creative in our problem-solving, and put all of our skills and talents to work for our clients, working smarter to great success.

Having insight into operations at a local level is just as important when clients interact with their local or county government daily. In some cases, those interactions may be even more impactful to organizations who work with C & G Strategies.

Each of our team members boasts decades of experience in government and uses that background to great effect for clients. No matter the issue or interest, C & G can provide clients with information, a deep understanding of the process they're navigating, observations relevant to their work, and solutions that may be unconventional. At the heart of all of that work is the client goals.

I am a contract lobbyist in Pennsylvania specializing in transportation and related industries. I have been heavily involved in every major transportation funding plan and legislation since 1991. I drafted and advised legislators on major portions of both the Pennsylvania Transportation Code (Title 74) and Vehicle Code (Title 75), as well as Capital Budgets for Transportation. I also worked closely with the State Government Committee staff in crafting the state RealID Compliance Act.

Peg Callahan-Kuskin, Director of Archer Greiner Government Relations, brings extensive successful relationships in the legislative political arenas. She has over 20 years of experience with the Republican and Democratic leaders in the Pennsylvania Senate and House.

Peg has served as a special assistant to the Pennsylvania Secretary for Commerce and Legislative Director for the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Authority.

Peg's most recent successes include the enactment of key legislation for the Pennsylvania Dental Association ( Professional Licensure and Insurance Laws): American Lung Association ( Tobacco 21 and Clean Indoor Legislation); Pennsylvania Psychological Association (PsyPact) ; the Licensing of Massage Therapists; March of Dimes ( New Born Screening Legislation); Licensed Nurse-Midwives ( Prescriptive Authority); Perfusionists (Scope of Practice Legislation);Pennsylvanian State Correctional Officers ( Heart and Lung Legislation).

Also, Peg volunteers for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association (ALS ) In 2022 she was able to get a 77% increase in the Pennsylvania State Budget to increase in home care.

Peg has a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Bloomsburg University and a Masters in Psycho-Social Science Community Psychology from Pennsylvania State University

Senior Policy Director

With over a decade of experience in government relations, Don has honed his skills in legislative and regulatory tracking, research, firm communications, and lobbying. His clients have ranged from Fortune 500 companies to non-profit organizations.

His roles have provided him opportunities to spearhead grassroots campaigns, shape legislative agendas, direct political action committee initiatives, and lobby. He also previously served in lobbying and government relations roles in statewide associations.

Senior Vice President of Government Relations

In his 25 years as a lobbyist, Nello has developed significant experience in the legislative process. As a government affairs professional, his greatest accomplishments have included passing the Medical Cannabis law in Pennsylvania, working on funding for a new arena, passing City of Pittsburgh fiscal bailout, and ensuring provisions in the gaming law for a constant stream of funding for the Pittsburgh International Airport.

Nello focuses on working collaboratively with his clients and keeping them informed throughout the process. He prides himself on being honest with clients and ensuring that their expectations are realistic. He has successfully represented clients in the non-profit, government, development industry, and issue advocacy sectors.

Senior Vice President of Communications

Amie's 25 years of experience in communications and government includes 12 years in an executive leadership position reflecting significant responsibility for establishing and implementing goals, policies, procedures, strategic direction, and engagement initiatives. In her roles with local, county and state governments, she has navigated complex environments, developed and maintained strong bipartisan relationships, and interacted effectively with journalists in local, state, and national outlets.

Amie thrives on challenges and is skilled at handling media relations, crisis communications, message development, communications plans, coordinated media and public service campaigns, and public announcements. She is well known for her collaborative work with both internal and external stakeholders and has a proven ability to convey highly complex information in clear, compelling ways. Amie's experience in launching initiatives and creating procedural and organizational processes also serves clients well.

Senior Policy Director

Involved in state government for over 20 years, Andrew brings a vast skill set to the table including government relations strategy development, research and analysis, lobbying, legislative drafting, beverage alcohol policy, economic modeling, transportation policy, gaming policy, and higher education policy.

Prior to joining Dentons Cohen & Grigsby and its successor firm C & G Strategies, Andrew served as research director for a political campaign, a legislative liaison for a state row office, executive deputy director of policy and planning within the state executive branch, executive director of the State Tax Equalization Board (STEB), and the founder and principal of Four Lights Research Solutions.

Co-Founder/ Managing Partner

With more than 25 years of experience in government, public affairs, and strategic communications, David comes from The Caliguiri Group, a firm he founded in 2011. After successfully managing several political campaigns, David was also an integral part of Pittsburgh First's campaign for a Pennsylvania state gaming license.

Prior to launching his own firm, David was a lobbyist representing clients before local and state governments. He is an active member of the Pittsburgh community and sits on the boards of several nonprofit organizations serving the region.