0-5 years

Melinda has significant experience and key relationships with the Idaho Transportation Department, the Idaho Department of Agriculture, the Department of Health & Welfare, the Division of Financial Management and with the Office of the Governor.

Melinda Merrill has more than 25 years of experience managing government relations and crises for clients throughout the Pacific Northwest and provides Eiguren Public Policy clients with media, reputational, and crisis communications counseling as well as advocacy in local, state, and federal government.

Prior to joining Eiguren Public Policy, Merrill was director of Public Affairs for Fred Meyer and QFC Stores - the two Northwest divisions of The Kroger Co. - for more than a decade, where she was media spokesperson and managed government affairs for the company's more than 200 stores in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington as well as at the federal level. She also developed strategy for and implemented Fred Meyer's and QFC's multi-million-dollar donations, sponsorship, community relations, and employee volunteer programs in the four states.

Merrill is adept at assisting clients in developing strategy for and achieving their goals at the local, state, and federal levels of government. She also has experience providing reputational management for clients facing issues including taxes and fees, labor relations issues, real estate siting and planning issues, product recalls and importation of goods.

Merrill also spent eight years in the Portland office of the international public relations and public affairs firm Hill & Knowlton. There she provided reputation, crisis management and government affairs counseling for clients including grocers, cell phone service providers, economic development organizations, convention and visitors bureaus, electric utilities, and the maritime industry.

Merrill earned her M.A. in Journalism and Mass Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations from Kent State University, and a B.A. in Journalism with a broadcast emphasis from the University of Montana. She currently serves on the board of the American Red Cross of Greater Idaho and is chair of the Philanthropy committee and also serves on the Legislative Committee of the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry. She has served on the Association of Washington Business Executive Committee; the board of Oregon Food Bank and as chair of its Advocacy Committee; and as president of the Board of the Oregon/SW Washington Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. She lives in Meridian, Idaho.

0-5 years

Idea Generation Spartek Ceramics Ltd 1989
Improving Organizational Cash flows, Spartek Ceramics Ltd - 1990
Gold Medalist in CFA Exams- Presented by The Hon. Prime Minister of India, Dr. ManMohan Singh -1996
Excellence Award Nevada Department of Business & Industry - 2013
Recognized by Nevada Legislature for Creating the Nevada Home Retention Program - 2013 Nevada Trailblazer Award Awarded by Minorities Suppliers Development Corporation - 2014
Featured in Nevada Spotlight for many achievements 2014
Prominent Asian Award Asians for Nevada - 2014

2017- Present Founder of Nevada Assisted Living and Senior Care Association.
2016- Present Chairman, Asian Chamber of Commerce PAC.
2015- Present Nevada Capital Investment Corporation
2014- Present - President's Council, Nevada State College
2010- Present - Chairman/President United Citizens Foundation
2015-2016 Technical Advisory Committee to form a plan to re-organize CCSD
2015-2016 First Persons Care Clinic2012- 2015 Member, Board of Directors, State Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBP)
2012-2014 Secretary/Treasurer Home Means Nevada Inc.
2011- 2012 Member Nevada State College Diversity Council.
2010-2012 Vice Chairperson, University Medical Center Hospital Advisory Board.

Ash Mirchandani is a visionary leader who founded Kaizen Strategies. Ash has more than two decades of experience in business, finance, marketing and government. He is the former Deputy Director of the Nevada Department of Business and Industry, where he had oversight of numerous programs including small business advocacy and development, as well as housing, business-related policies, public financing, regulatory reform, community and business outreach, constituent services, bond programs, and new market tax credits.

Prior to his appointment as Deputy Director, he served as the Chief Financial Officer of Workforce Connections managing multi-million dollar budgets in support of workforce development programs. Before joining Workforce Connections, he served as assistant to the Director at the Nevada Department of Employment, Training & Rehabilitation (DETR), Nevada's federally funded workforce development agency and Governor's cabinet-level organization.

Ash has a B.S. in Business Administration from Calcutta University in India and an M.B.A. in Finance from Newport University. He is a Nevada State Certified Public Manager, as well as an Oracle Certified Consultant. Ash has extensive experience in government relations, public policy, regulatory compliance and rule-making. Ash has received many awards and honors, such as the Gold Medal in Chartered Financial Analyst Group Exams, the Excellence Award from the Nevada Department of Business & Industry, the Nevada Trailblazer Award from the Minorities Suppliers Development Corporation, the Prominent Asian Award CANDO and was also selected by Governor Brian Sandoval for recognition for his work at Nevada Business and Industry.

Active in the community, Ash has been involved on many boards and committees related to social services, finance, education, and health care. He is the founding President of the Asian Political Alliance and is the founding Chairman of United Citizens Foundation. He previously served as the Vice Chair of the Hospital Advisory Board at UMC, Director of Home Means Nevada Inc., and the public employees benefit board.

Mr. Kirk enjoyed a distinguished career as a Congressional staff member, including positions as an advisor to Congressman John Conyers (D-MI) and as a senior staff member of the House Ways and Means Committee including serving as Staff Director of the Committee's Oversight panel then chaired by Congressman Charles Rangel (D-NY). He serves on the steering committee of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Political Action Committee (PAC).

11-15 years

In 2023, Rory was recognized as a VIP in the Maryland Daily Record's Veterans in Business in Law.

Recognized as a 2024 Woman to Watch by Shore Magazine, Lindsay has received multiple awards including the 2022 Don W. Beise Award, the 2017 Reaching for Excellence Award, and the 2016 Urbanski Grassroots Award.

In 2023, Michael was honored as Partner of the Year by the Maryland Association of Destination Marketing Organizations.

Rory Murray joined Providence Strategies as Principal in 2021. A native of the Philadelphia area, he
relocated to Maryland in 2007. Rory served honorably in the United States Marine Corps for three years, achieving the rank of Sergeant. Following his military service, he continued his career as a Maryland State Trooper. Rory holds a bachelors degree in political science from Towson University, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Baltimore, and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Maryland School of Law. After graduating from law school, he joined a prestigious lobbying firm in Annapolis before assuming the role of Vice President of Advocacy at the MD|DC Credit Union Association. In 2023, Rory was recognized as a VIP in the Maryland Daily Record's Veterans in Business in Law. He resides in Ellicott City with his wife, Emilie, has three young children, and their dog named Maddie.

Ross Giesinger brings over a decade of legislative experience at the Texas Capitol to the Cornerstone team, having served for six legislative sessions in both the Texas House and Senate.

Most recently, Ross worked as a policy advisor to Dade Phelan, Speaker of the Texas House, of Representatives, during the 87th Regular Session, where he assisted with the passage of over 80 pieces of legislation. Additionally, Ross drafted and managed several bills filed in response to Winter Storm Uri, including SB 3, one of the most comprehensive energy reforms in Texas in the last 20 years.

Prior to his time in the House, Ross spent several years working as general counsel and legislative director for Sen. Lois Kolkhorst (R-TX) and as the director of the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services. While at the Senate, Ross assisted with the passage of nearly 300 bills and worked to obtain funds for a variety of initiatives, including legislation that secured permanent funding for Texas State Parks.

Ross began his career at the legislature in 2010 as a drafting attorney for the Texas Legislative Council. During his time with the state, he has drafted thousands of pieces of legislation, allowing him to develop expertise in a wide variety of subject areas, including energy, healthcare, water, land use and development, transportation, insurance, labor, agriculture, wildlife, taxation, and state budgeting.

Ross is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and Southern Methodist University's Dedman School of Law. He is a member of the Austin Young Lawyers Association and was recently elected to serve on the Council of the Texas State Bar's Legislative and Campaign Law Section. Ross also serves as a Steward of the Wild for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and has been active in the Austin Ballet Guild, the Trail Foundation, and CCA. He and his wife Courtney live in Austin with their young son Henry.

0-5 years

Past president of CT Conference of Municipalities

Recipient of Connecticut Magazine's "Forty under 40" award.

While serving as Mayor, passed municipal budgets, negotiated union contracts, deal with numerous crisis' and natural disasters.

Recognized on several fronts for achievements within the municipal sector. Also served as the Government Affairs Director for a multi-state waste and recycling company dealing with municipal and state policy.

Was elected as the youngest mayor in the state at age 22.

Served eight years in office as Mayor of the Town of Torrington.

Monte Stevens joins Southern Strategy Group after serving more than a decade in Florida government. After serving in the Legislative Affairs office of the Agency for Health Care Administration and the Department of Financial Services, Monte joined the Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) in 2008 where he led OIR's legislative and executive lobbying effort as Deputy Chief of Staff.

While at OIR, Monte was instrumental in the passage of legislation relating to all sectors of the insurance industry including landmark reforms to personal injury protection and homeowner's insurance. Most recently, Monte oversaw the passage and implementation of the NAIC model holding company act and principle based reserving for life insurers. Knowledgeable in all lines of insurance, Monte was frequently called upon to testify and present to legislative committees on a variety of subjects.

In addition to lobbying the Legislature, Monte also served as OIR's representative to the Governor and Cabinet in the rule making process. In this capacity, Monte led the effort to implement the country's first ever regulatory initiative on collateral requirements for reinsurers.

Monte also served as Director of Government Affairs and Public Policy for the Florida Medical Association where he was involved in the passage of significant medical malpractice reform. A native of Niceville, Florida, Monte was a member of two national champion debate teams at the University of Missouri-Kansas City before graduating with a degree in political science. Prior to returning to Florida, Monte attended graduate school, taught public speaking, and coached the debate teams at Kansas State University and Harvard University.

Monte and his wife Jodi live in Tallahassee.

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.

6-10 years

Jeff Fitzgerald is a partner with Paladin Consulting Group. Mr. Fitzgerald has very strong relationships and connections in the current political climate and is well positioned to help navigate the policy and political goals of our clients. Mr. Fitzgerald comes to Paladin after serving twelve years in the Wisconsin State Legislature. During the most recent session, Mr. Fitzgerald served as Speaker -- "the body's highest post. He has also served as Majority Leader and Assistant Majority Leader during his time in office. Through the leadership of Mr. Fitzgerald, the Assembly Republicans retook control of the Assembly in 2010 after losing the majority two years earlier. As a result of his years in the legislature, Mr. Fitzgerald has a thorough understanding of legislative strategy and procedure. He is very well positioned to help a client navigate government in the most efficient and effective way. Mr. Fitzgerald was
also a candidate for the United States Senate in 2012, giving him a statewide profile and relationships with numerous companies and communities throughout Wisconsin.

Sydney Ridley brings years of legislative and political experience to Southern Strategy Group's Tampa Bay office. Sydney spent the past four years as the Chief Legislative Aide to House Majority Leader Dana Young, where she directed all priority policy and budget initiatives. Sydney's time as staff was at the highest level of the Florida House of Representatives, and she brings unmatched relationships with legislative staff, agency heads, and elected officials.

A political pro in Tampa Bay with extensive campaign management experience, Sydney guided Senator Dana Young to successive electoral victories in the Florida House and spearheaded her subsequent election to the Florida Senate. Sydney's political expertise, particularly in the Tampa Bay area, serves as a great strategic asset to our clients. In addition to her work with Senator Young, Sydney has served as both a political director and a field director on various Congressional and State Senate campaigns.

Born and raised in Tampa, Sydney is a third-generation Floridian, a graduate of the University of Virginia, a Florida Gator at heart, and a lover of history, golf, music, and football.

20+ years

Champion of Recovery by Maryland Recovery Organization Connecting Communities, 2013

Achievement Award BY Maryland Association of Community Services in 2011 for leadership in securing passage of legislation to increase the alcohol tax that provides funding for services to people with developmental disabilities and other health care needs

Innovator of the Year for the Leadership in Disabilities Policy, Daily Record, 2010

Fighting the Opioid Overdose Crisis -- Passage of several pieces of legislation that address the opioid overdose crisis and other addiction treatment and recovery services, including funding for treatment providers, the removal of prior authorizations for certain medication, funding for behavioral health crisis services, guidance on opioid prescribing practices, education requirements in public school systems, and harm reduction measures;

Support for People with Disabilities -- Passage of legislation to provide significant increases to public assistance support to people with disabilities;

Prenatal and Newborn Services -- Passage of legislation establishing the Thrive by Three fund to support services to low income families and newborns;

Workforce Development -- Passage of legislation making changes to the social worker licensing law to promote and support the workforce;

Homelessness Prevention -- Defeat of legislation putting low income tenants at greater risk of unjust evictions; and

Delinquency Prevention -- Protected funding for services to at-risk youth and their families

Ann has relationships with the 188 members of the Maryland General Assembly and their staff, with strong ties to those on the health, judicial and budgetary committees. This includes relationships with staff in the Senate President's and House Speaker's offices. Ann has relationships with many people in the executive branch, including staff in the Governor's office; staff in many of the state agencies, including Health, Human Services, Juvenile Services, Public Safety and Correctional Services, Legislative Services, and Labor, Licensing and Regulation; and staff in many executive bodies, including the Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention, the Human Relations Commission, and the Governor's Office for Children.

Ann T. Ciekot is a founding partner of Public Policy Partners. Ann has more than 25 years of experience in government relations and public policy work in Maryland. Ann started in this field working for 10 years in statewide nonprofit advocacy organizations working on policy issues regarding affordable housing, homelessness and eviction prevention, public assistance programs, substance use disorder treatment and recovery, and funding for programs in each of these areas. In 2002, Ann became a founding partner of Binderman and Ciekot, a lobbying firm representing health and social justice issues. Since 2006, Ann has been part of Public Policy Partners, a firm growing in size and scope of work. Ann conducts regular trainings for organizations and both graduate and undergraduate school classes on aspects of Maryland government and how to effectively influence policy makers. Ann is a graduate of Loyola University Maryland and is a life-long resident of the state.

DOUGLAS STRUYK joined Carney Appleby P.L.C. as an associate in 2013. Doug is a native of Council Bluffs, Iowa, graduating from Saint Albert High School in 1988. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture from Iowa State University in 1992. Doug received his Juris Doctorate from Creighton University School of Law in 1996 with Cum Laude honors and was admitted to the Iowa Bar in June of 1996. He is also a past president of the National Association of Bar Executives' Government Relations Section.

After graduating from law school, Doug was Chief of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship's Agricultural Diversification Bureau. After working at the Department of Agriculture, Doug returned home to manage his family's business, Struyk Turf, Ltd. In 2002, Doug was elected to the Iowa House representing Council Bluffs. During his time in the Iowa House, he was elected Assistant Minority Leader and was the Ranking Member of the House State Government Committee. He also served on the Judiciary, Economic Development, Commerce, and Agriculture Committees. Doug retired from the House 2010. In November of 2010, Doug was named Chief Legal Counsel to the Iowa Secretary of State's office. Doug also served as the office's senior legislative liaison. In May of 2012, he was selected by the Speaker of the House to serve as his Executive Officer, a position Doug held until joining Carney Appleby Law.

Doug has nearly two decades of government relations experience including time as a lawyer, lobbyist, and legislator. He has worked at the highest levels of both the executive and legislative branches of Iowa's government. Doug is well known at the Iowa Capitol as a skilled problem solver with a proven record of working with both parties to resolve controversial issues. He was a respected leader in the Iowa legislative process with a well-developed network and skill set.

6-10 years

Recently was a part of a successful lobbying effort in 2019 to pass into law a major energy transition legislation for renewable energy development across the state that's become one of the top national models, also helped pass updated oil and gas industry laws, successfully passed Scope of Practice legislation in 2017 for a healthcare client (which is no easy task in NM), assisted a racing-industry client in strengthening regulations regarding illegal drug use and tax protections.

I have good professional relationships with several house and senate committees, committee chairs and legislative leadership, Governor's office, Environment Department and Energy and Natural Resources Agencies, NM Racing Commission

I was born and reared in Albuquerque, New Mexico and received my college education at the University of New Mexico. My father was a State Representative in the 70's and was a lobbyist for 37 years until his retirement in 2016, so New Mexico politics has been a big part of my family for a long time. My father started bringing me and my brother to the capitol when we were toddlers where I got to watch him in action and learn how things work at the legislature; and more importantly, how to talk and connect with people. Through many years of following my dad around the capitol and traveling with him around the state for work, I was able to receive a comprehensive, but also intimate education in politics, legislative affairs and the unique inner-workings of the political environment of New Mexico. This experience prepared me to be able to work effectively in the family business for the last few years of my dads career and
successfully carry on the business when he retired in 2016. I've also been successful in obtaining my own clients and working on a variety of important issues in the state ranging from healthcare to energy policy. I'm proud to have a solid reputation as an effective and trustworthy lobbyist and I enjoy advocating for my clients and helping them reach their legislative and regulatory goals.

20+ years

20+ years

20+ years

JENNIFER LAZOVICH is a shareholder in the Firm. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Southern California and her Doctor of Jurisprudence from Southwestern University. Jennifer primarily practices at the legislative and local level. At the legislative level, she has represented clients with interests in development, property rights, lien matters, redevelopment and transportation issues. At the local level, she handles land use and entitlement matters, development agreements and other business matters. Jennifer has been recognized by Best Lawyers of America in Government Relations Law in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012. Nevada Business Magazine named her as one of the top 100 attorneys in Southern Nevada in 2009 and 2010.

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.

Paul Mitchell joins Southern Strategy Group after having served at the top in some of the most powerful executive branch agencies in Florida government. Paul began his career in Florida government in 1988 as an aide to, then Insurance Commissioner, Tom Gallagher. In 1994, Paul was appointed Chief Cabinet Aide to former Secretary of State Sandra Mortham and specialized in financial services, environmental, and education issues. In 1998, following Tom Gallagher's election as Education Commissioner, Paul was asked to serve as the Commissioner's Chief of Staff. Six years and two successful administrations later, Paul continued to serve as Chief of Staff to Tom Gallagher, Florida's first Chief Financial Officer at the Florida Department of Insurance and then at the Department of Financial Services.

An expert in policy and administration, Paul served on several boards and commissions including the E.R.P. (Enterprise Resource Planning) Integration Task Force, a statewide effort initiated by the legislature to improve financial management of taxpayer dollars and modernize state personnel systems. Paul also served with the Florida Commission on Economic Education and the "Just Read Florida" program. Paul currently is on the board for the Florida Juvenile Justice Foundation, which is the direct support organization for the Department of Juvenile Justice.

A native Floridian from Palm Beach County, Paul was a dedicated public servant for more than fifteen years. Prior to entering government, Paul graduated with honors from Florida State University in Political Communications.

20+ years

Recipient of the Phoenix Business Journal's Forty-Under-40 Award (Class of 2006)

Goodman previously served on the Arizona Constable Ethics, Standards and Training Board, appointed by Governor Jan Brewer. He is a past chairman of the Arizona Board of Athletic Trainers, serving two terms.

For over a quarter of a century, Stuart Goodman has been serving public and private sector clients at the State Capitol and local governments throughout Arizona.Having prior service in state and local government, Goodman possesses significant experience in the practices of Arizona government with a wide-ranging focus on state agencies, regulatory boards and gubernatorial and legislative process and operations.

Prior to establishing the firm in July 2000, Goodman served as a senior policy advisor to former Arizona Governor Jane Dee Hull. During his tenure in the Hull Administration, he provided policy and management advice for 47 cabinet level and regulatory agencies within state government.

Before joining the Hull Administration, Goodman directed the City of Glendale's Intergovernmental Relations program. He also served as the principal policy advisor to Mayor Elaine Scruggs and the City Manager for state and regional issues. In addition to serving the interests of elected officials, Goodman has also directed the legislative and media programs for the Arizona Department of Administration and was the associate director of government affairs for the Arizona Multihousing Association.

Goodman has contributed his talents to a number of civic causes and is a past president of Public Affairs Professionals of Arizona. He is a recipient of the Phoenix Business Journal's Forty-Under-40 Award (Class of 2006). Continuing his commitment to public service, Goodman received his commission in the U.S. Navy Reserve in 1999 and served honorably through 2009. In 2003, during Operation Iraqi Freedom, Lieutenant Goodman served as a Division Officer in the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean aboard the aircraft carrier USS CONSTELLATION (CV-64).

Goodman holds an undergraduate degree in Economics and a Master of Public Administration, both from Arizona State University. He also completed the Program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government.As a Phoenix native, Goodman survives the Arizona sun by playing ice hockey in two local leagues.

Goodman and his wife, Liz, live in Central Phoenix and have four children along with an Italian Greyhound.

15-20 years

15-20 years

Successfully secured recent state approval of the largest public and private partnership for a 45 block redevelopment in Detroit, including a world class event center and mixed use development, valued at $650 million;

Helped design and execute a successful strategy to expand early childhood funding, including $65 million in additional funding opportunities for 14,000 preschoolers to attend Great Start Readiness Program (GRSP);

Successfully achieved approval of KENO for the Michigan State Lottery, which has generated hundreds of millions of dollars into the school aid fund;

Recently negotiated an economic development package with the MEDC to allow for a $100 million expansion, creating 1,000 new jobs for a Mid-Michigan based client;

Played an instrumental role in reshaping debate and the political environment on behalf of a major business organization by helping pass key policy initiatives which include: major business tax restructuring and incorporating fiscal discipline and performance metrics;

Obtained Legislative authority for the start up of the Biosciences Research & Commercialization Center at Western Michigan University including $10 million in state start up funds, creating over 33 life science companies, 240 high tech jobs and leveraged an additional $160 million in private sector investment;
Helped negotiate an incentive package, on behalf of a large international IT company, with the State of Michigan to bring a unique global software development center to the campus of Michigan State University, creating over 500 jobs to date;

Effectively secured hundreds of millions of dollars in capital outlay projects for our university and community college clients;

Assisted several clients in successfully navigating through the procurement process in areas such as Michigan State Lottery, Department of Corrections, IT, and Real Estate, resulting in several hundred million dollars in opportunities;

Negotiated a comprehensive economic development package for an international client, including infrastructure dollars for $84.4 million in investment in 1,600 new jobs in West Michigan;
Facilitated the donation of a retired 747 Jetliner from a major airline to a university client's aviation and engineering programs for the training of future pilots and engineers;

Secured $100 million in state funding for the construction of the McNamara Terminal at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport;

Passed legislation that raised the cap that a Michigan based beer manufacturer could produce each year, allowing it to continue to grow and invest in southwest Michigan while hiring dozens of new employees.

Bret Marr joined MHSA in 2003, and became a member of Muchmore Harrington Smalley & Associates, LLC in 2015. Prior to that, he successfully served as Director of Legislative Affairs for former Governor John Engler. Bret served as the primary contact between the Michigan Legislature and Governor Engler on legislative and appropriations issues. Bret coordinated Michigan's electric restructuring plan in the Legislature as well as the rewrite of Michigan's Telecommunications Act. He also shepherded numerous changes to Michigan's tax structure, including a rewrite of the Brownfield program and streamlining of the tax reverted property process.

Consistently voted one of Lansing's top lobbyists, Bret's focus is now on hospitality, healthcare, transportation and general business issues. He also manages several appropriations issues for MHSA's clients. In recent years, he has successfully secured funding for the Detroit Super Bowl XL Host Committee, state approval of a new events center in the City of Detroit and directed the efforts of a coalition moving Michigan's school start date to after Labor Day.

Prior to serving Governor Engler, Bret was Director of Government Affairs for the Michigan Restaurant Association (MRA). He served as the MRA's Lansing and Washington, D.C. lobbyist and coordinated a strong grass roots program. Bret began his career in the Michigan Senate as Communications Director for the Chair of the Education Committee. While a Senate staff member, he served as policy advisor to the Appropriations Committee and advisor to the Economic Development and Financial Services Committees.

Bret graduated with a bachelor of science in Public Affairs Management from Michigan State University and received his Master's of Public Administration, also from MSU, where he graduated with honors. He served on the Michigan Travel Commission and is a member of the Michigan Political History Society. He also coaches youth soccer and hockey.

Bret is married to Jenna and resides in Okemos with their three children.

11-15 years

David Adelman joined Cornerstone Government Affairs in 2010, bringing over 10 years of substantial experience in grassroots advocacy, developing and implementing strategic legislative campaigns, drafting and analyzing legislative language and reports and establishing, administering and advising political action committees.

Before joining Cornerstone, David worked for a law firm in West Des Moines where his practice focused on government relations, legislative law, PAC compliance and strategic advising, and election law. David continues to secure millions of dollars for clients through appropriation language, enables clients to secure major policy changes in a variety of issue areas and helps defeat language that would have been detrimental to clients' interests.

Prior to his role at the law firm, David worked with the Department of Justice, in the Iowa Attorney's General Office and clerked in the State Senate.

David worked in Washington, D.C. at the Democratic National Committee where he helped to design the voter protection program in 2004 and returned to Des Moines where he assisted in the establishment of the legal protection network for the Iowa Democratic Party. David served two terms on the Iowa Democratic State Central Committee; the Board of Directors for the Democratic Party.

Raised in Des Moines, David earned a B.S. in Marketing and Business Legal Studies from Miami University, and a certificate in International Business studying in London, England. He received his law degree with a Legislative Practice Certificate from Drake University Law School.

David and his wife, Liz, reside in Des Moines where they are active in the community and have three sons, Michael, Benjamin and Sam.

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.

FRANK D. BOSTON, III has more than 22 years experience representing individuals and small and large companies in the Maryland legislature and in courts throughout the state. He received his law degree from the University of Baltimore School of Law, where he was a recipient of the James May Scholarship, the Chief Justice of the law school's honor court, a member of the Moot Court Board, teacher's assistant, and an American Jurisprudence awardee.

Prior to launching his own firm, Mr. Boston served as a law clerk with Whiteford, Taylor, and Preston and with the Felony Trial Division of Baltimore's Office of the Public Defender, and he worked in public affairs and government relations in both Annapolis and Baltimore.

Mr. Boston earned his undergraduate B.S. degree from Bucknell University, where he was not only a four-year varsity letterman in lacrosse and junior varsity basketball, but also a member of the Dean's List and the student his classmates elected to deliver their Senior Commencement Speech. Frank also achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America.

Before becoming an attorney, Mr. Boston worked for several years as a retail bond trader on Wall Street. During those years, Mr. Boston honed his analytical and quantitative skills as he assembled complex information in a position that demanded that he think and react quickly � all under pressure and with poise. Today those skills serve him well in both the courtroom and the Legislature.

An active member of the community, Mr. Boston has served on the Boards of Directors of The Dyslexia Tutoring Program and the Children's Chorus of Maryland and Learning, Inc. He is a former member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees of The Park School, his alma mater, and is currently a member of the Board of Directors of Baltimore's public radio station, WYPR. He is also a board member of the Baltimore Animal Rescue Shelter (BARCS).

20+ years

LNE Group WV has deep and long-term relationships with Members of the State Legislature and the Executive Branch of West Virginia Government. We can get to just about anyone in West Virginia Government.

With years of experience in communications, marketing, and political campaign management, Ryan Lemmon has worked his way to becoming an expert communications advisor and political consultant. Starting his career in marketing and advertising in 2010, Ryan founded a successful advertising agency and political campaign management firm in Charleston, West Virginia in 2020. Since then, Ryan was appointed to the position of Executive Director of the West Virginia Job Creators Alliance, a 501c6 organization advocating for pro job growth policy reform throughout the region. As a political advisor on multiple statewide and legislative campaigns, Ryan has established himself as a trustworthy consultant and advisor for many of those in the West Virginia legislator. Upon the expansion of the LNE Group to West Virginia, Ryan now serves as the Vice President of Government Affairs for LNE WV representing a wide range of industries including healthcare, manufacturing, and energy.

15-20 years

Elected four times as State Representative from the 3rd Legislative District (Spokane).

Work History

2006 - present

Contract lobbyist currently retained by Anheuser Busch-In Bev Companies, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, Enterprise Holdings Inc., Graduation Alliance, MultiCare Health System, Tesla, Ticketmaster, and the Washington Health Care Association.

Past clients include the Puget Sound Regional Council, Inland Northwest Health Services, Community Health Systems, the Institute for Systems Medicine, Eastern Washington University, Associated Industries of Spokane, WA., HMS Inc., Amgen, Shire U.S. Inc., the Kalispel Tribal Economic Authority, Port Madison Enterprises, McLane Co., The Alliance for Solar Choice, Joe King and Associates, and the Energy Freedom Coalition of America.

2003-2006

Director of Government Relations for Eastern Washington University. Responsible for overseeing the University’s engagement with federal, state and local government entities along with various stakeholder groups within higher education and the Spokane community.

1996-2003

Washington State House of Representatives, State Representative from the 3rd Legislative District (Spokane). Served as the Chair of the House Finance Committee, Floor Leader, and as a member of the Appropriations Committee, Higher Education Committee, Trade and Economic Development Committee, and Children and Family Services Committee.

Education

BA, Eastern Washington University, 1994
AA, Spokane Falls Community College, 1991