0-5 years

Nick has served in key leadership positions both within Pennsylvania's Office of Administration (O.A.) and Governor's Office under both Governor Corbett and Governor Wolf. He brings a bipartisan approach to assisting GSL clients. While in O.A., Nick served as the Director of the Bureau of State Employment overseeing 32,000 non-civil service jobs and the application, interview and selection process associated with them. Nick built relationships with key stakeholders in the hiring process, including Deputies for Administration, labor unions and human resources personnel. Additionally, he was influential in proposing and implementing various executive orders, HR initiatives, management directives and policies throughout the enterprise


After transferring to the Governor's Office under Governor Wolf, Nick served as the Director of Administration and as a Deputy Chief of Staff before being named the Governor's Executive Deputy Chief of Staff. In these various roles, he oversaw personnel, procurement and the Governor's Office of Performance Through Excellence. He participated in legislative negotiations and played a key role in the Governor's final budget. Through his administration and procurement background, Nick has extensive experience working with all state agencies and delivery centers and specifically served as a liaison for the Office of Inspector General, Office of Administration, Department of General Services and the Department of Agriculture.

0-5 years

City and State's "40 Under 40 State Leaders" in 2022

PoliticsPA's "Top PA Political Operatives" in 2014

Board Member on the Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation Board of Review

Elena has significant experience coordinating and advancing legislative initiatives in Harrisburg. As former Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief of Staff for the Office of Governor Tom Wolf, she oversaw operations of 24 executive agencies, led the planning and implementation of the Governor's strategic plan and worked closely with the General Assembly to advance budgetary, investment, tax reform, election reform, public health and economic goals. Among numerous major initiatives that Elena helped guide from development to completion include the 2022-23 $45 billion budget process, Pennsylvania's largest tax credit package for energy and advanced manufacturing development, COVID vaccine distribution, Pennsylvania's Broadband Authority, regional economic hub development and business recruitment, and the regulatory and executive action agenda for equal rights policies across various industries. She also oversaw the development of risk management, process improvements and data management structures across state agencies. Having served as a liaison between various cabinet agencies, nonprofit organizations and public and private leaders, Elena understands how to collaborate to achieve a common objective.

Elena also has a depth of strategic knowledge about the organization and coordination of political and field programs for key caucus operations and races. Prior to her senior advisory career in the Governor's Office, Elena held executive leadership roles in the Democratic Party and election organizations. She was Executive Director for Campaign for a Fresh Start, which coordinated gubernatorial campaign and other Democratic campaign efforts; served as Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party; and was Political Director for the Pennsylvania House Democratic Campaign Committee.

11-15 years

Commonwealth North Board of Directors (Member)
USA Hockey Pacific District Board of Directors (Chariman)
USA Hockey Board of Directors (Member)
IIHF Representative - Team USA NTDP U-17 (Kazan, Russia)
Safari Club International (Past Member)

Kristopher Knauss is a fourth generation Alaskan. He graduated with honors from Arizona State University with a B.S. in Political Science and History. During his tenure at Arizona State, Mr. Knauss actively engaged in government affairs and politics, serving as intern to the United States Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and then as campaign staff for the first female Governor of Arizona, Jane Dee Hull.

After returning to Alaska, Mr. Knauss served as a legislative aide to the Alaska State Senate President for two years. He became Chief of Staff to the Alaska State House Rules Committee and then Chief of Staff to Alaska State Speaker of the House where he served for approximately two years.

Because of Mr. Knauss' familiarity with state government from the executive and legislative branches, Governor Murkowski appointed him Director of Policy for the State of Alaska. In this role, he interfaced on a daily basis with the Governor, Chief of Staff, and Cabinet members. Additionally, Mr. Knauss represented the Governor and was his lead staff person with non-partisan organizations such as the National Governors' Association, Western Governors' Association, Council of State Governments, the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission, as well as partisan groups such as the Republican Governors' Association and the Republican National Committee.

Government Affairs is a constantly changing environment that requires a unique and first hand understanding to be effective and take full advantage of the opportunities involved and presented. Mr. Knauss has this understanding and in June 2005 resigned his position to join the private sector as the owner and principal of The Knauss Group, LLC, which specializes in government affairs consulting and lobbying the State of Alaska.

In his personal time, Mr. Knauss continues in his elected position on the Board of Directors for USA Hockey, and serves as Chairman of the USA Hockey Pacific District. In this role, Mr. Knauss oversees youth player development along the west coast and works closely with the United States National Team Development Program (USNTDP). Most recent, Mr. Knauss was elected to the Commonwealth North Board of Directors in his professional capacity.

11-15 years

Jake has been recognized in the New York Observer's Power 80 as one of the influencers and insiders "who help run this" City, City & State's 40 Under 40 as a "rising star" in New York politics and also by City & State as a key member of one of the top 10 government relations teams in New York that is leading the state in influence and separately as one of the top 10 political consultants in New York "the people putting New York politicians into office."

I have elected and work closely with some of New York's leading political figures, including:
- NYS Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins
- NYS Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris
- Members of the NYS Senate Majority
- Members of the NYS Assembly Majority
- Members of NY's congressional delegation
- Members of the NYC Council
- Boroughwide officials throughout NYC
- Westchester County Executive George Latimer
- County officials throughout NYS

Jake Dilemani is a Senior Vice President in Mercury's New York City office. With an extensive background in campaign management and public affairs, Jake has effectively blended research, message development, statistical analysis, media relations and advocacy to achieve success for a variety of clients. At Mercury, Jake leads political consulting, public affairs and government relations projects.Jake has advised winning candidates facing tough races in federal, state and local elections, developed state of the art grassroots and public affairs campaigns for corporate clients and advocacy groups and has generated numerous earned media placements in the New York media market's most respected print, broadcast and digital outlets.Jake represents a diverse clientele, including high profile political campaigns and independent expenditures, Fortune 500 companies, foreign government officials and a host of New York's leading political figures.For six years, Jake served as a strategist to many members of the New York State Senate Democratic Conference, including Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris, and former Senator George Latimer whom Jake advised on his successful campaign for Westchester County Executive. Jake's political consulting work has included industry-leading direct mail and cutting-edge public opinion research for campaigns ranging from congressional incumbents to municipal mayors to state legislative leaders.Prior to joining Mercury, Jake served as Vice President for Public Affairs at a strategic communications firm in New York, and held senior roles on numerous campaigns for public office.In the public sector, Jake served as a Chief of Staff in the New York State Legislature, and is currently a Democratic Party Leader representing Manhattan's East Side, where he plays an integral role in the nomination and election of New York's city and state judiciary.

Jake has been recognized in the New York Observer's Power 80 as one of the influencers and insiders "who help run this city," and City & State's 40 Under 40 as a "rising star" in New York politics.

20+ years

Former president, Arizona Public Affairs Association

Former president, National Association of State Lobbyists (NASL)

For nearly three decades, Trish Hart and Arizona Lobbying have successfully advocated our clients' interests, adopting a tailored approach towards a government relations plan that best fits their goals and objectives. Arizona Lobbying empowers progress and affects positive change for the businesses, trade associations, and nonprofit organizations we represent. We come prepared every day to tackle these dynamic situations and emerging issues head-on.

0-5 years

0-5 years

John brings 24 years of strategic experience in shaping legislative, budgetary, and regulatory policy in the Commonwealth. He most recently served three terms as Pennsylvania State Senator for Senate District 14 in Carbon and Luzerne Counties, where he earned a reputation as a consensus-builder and accomplished notable community and economic development objectives. John was Chairman of the Senate Community and Economic Development Committee, Vice-Chairman of the Aging and Youth Committee and minority Chairman of the Senate Environmental and Energy Resource Committee, a role he held for nearly a decade. Prior to his election to the Senate, he served the 119th District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for 12 years.

Across his senatorial tenure, John managed multiple community and economic development projects in Northeastern Pennsylvania that transformed the region into one of the leading economic development areas in the country. He forged coalitions with labor groups, such as the Pennsylvania State Building and Construction Trades Council, and business groups, including the Pennsylvania Manufacturers Association and the Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce, to advance the Local Resource Manufacturing Tax Credit, the Pennsylvania EDGE Tax Credit and the Sales and Use Tax Exemption for computer data center development.

John also worked with the Earth Conservancy to reclaim thousands of acres of mine-scarred lands and set the stage for national developers, like NorthPoint Development, who have invested $1 billion to create 8,000 new jobs in the South Valley of Luzerne County.

Throughout his career, he worked with Republicans and Democrats to author laws to support veterans (Sgt. Sherwood Baker Act), protect seniors (Senior Citizens Full Benefits Act), support law enforcement (Officer John Wilding Law), improve our environment (Coal Refuse Energy and Reclamation Tax Credit) and expand educational opportunities (SHINE Afterschool Program).

Affiliations
• The Pennsylvania Environmental Quality Board, Member, 2011-2019
• The Luzerne Foundation, Executive Board Member, 2001-2017
• The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, Executive Board Member, 2011-2015
• The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, Executive Board Member, 2009-2010
• Osterhout Free Library, Director of Development, 1995-1998
• The Earth Conservancy, Board of Directors, 2022-Present
• The Pennsylvania Tuition Account Advisory Board, 2022-Present

Recognition
• Pennsylvania Citizens for Better Libraries Elected State Official of the Year
• Children's Service Center Commitment to Children Award
• North Branch Land Trust Community Stewardship Award
• Pennsylvania Health Care Association Legislative Champion
John is the founder of the Yudichak Family Lighthouse Fund of the Luzerne Foundation, a charity that has donated over $250,000 to public libraries, college scholarships, and youth programs.

Credentials
Education
• The Pennsylvania State University, M.A.
• The Pennsylvania State University, B.A.

Director Of Federal Government Affairs

Anne Dudro brings over two decades of expertise in federal policy to the Duane Morris Government Strategies team. Throughout her career, she has been committed to crafting and executing innovative strategies that address complex challenges while promoting effective public policies.

Before joining DMGS, Anne co-founded and served as managing partner of Commonwealth Consulting Partners, a Pittsburgh-based government relations firm. There, she specialized in helping clients achieve immediate objectives and long-term goals through tailored government affairs strategies, focusing on grant procurement, education, and emerging technologies. With a collaborative team approach, Commonwealth Consulting Partners successfully secured millions of dollars for clients through competitive federal and state grant programs and competitions.

Anne's extensive consulting experience also includes her tenure as a Senior Associate at HCM Strategists, where she spent seven years managing diverse client portfolios. Her work included overseeing philanthropic initiatives for Fortune 500 companies and leading multi-million-dollar projects centered on education and healthcare across the United States.

Anne spent seven years in President George W. Bush's administration, holding several key roles. From 2006 to 2008, she served as Chief of Staff for the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education at the U.S. Department of Education under Secretary Margaret Spellings. Prior to that, she held two staff positions at the White House from February 2002 to February 2005. As a member of the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy, led by Harriet Miers, Anne coordinated and managed four policy councils and the presidential policy development process. Earlier, she worked in the Office of Speechwriting, collaborating with senior communications and policy advisors to ensure Administration policies were accurately conveyed.

Anne began her career at the political consulting firm American Continental Group, where she established a strong foundation for her subsequent leadership in public policy and strategic consulting.

A graduate of St. Lawrence University with a degree in Government, Anne now resides in Pittsburgh with her husband and three children. She is actively involved in her community and has served on numerous boards.

0-5 years

6-10 years

I worked for two years for the majority whip then the budget chairman in North Carolina.

Logan Martin is a versatile and experienced state lobbyist with a proven track record of advocating for a wide range of clients in the political arena. With years of experience navigating the complex legislative landscape, Logan has developed a deep understanding of the issues and policies that shape the state's political climate. His expertise in coalition building, strategic communications, and legislative analysis have helped him to successfully advance his clients' agendas in a variety of areas, including economic development, healthcare, education, and alcohol policy. Logan is passionate about public service and is committed to ensuring that his clients' voices are heard and their needs are met in the halls of power.

Past and current clients include the American Conservative Union, the North Carolina Medical Genetics Association, the North Carolina Dermatology Association, the North Carolina Bar Owners Association, yes, every kid and a myriad of many more ranging from private businesses and nonprofits to trade associations and startups, all of which have national, state, and local interests and objectives. Logan has a long history of assisting organizations across every sector and has extensive policy and political experience with a nationwide network across the political spectrum.

6-10 years

The Daily Record's 40 Under 40 VIP List (2021)

Maryland Rising Star - Legislative & Governmental Affairs (2021)

Maryland Rising Star - Legislative & Governmental Affairs (2020)

Maryland Matters List of "Winners" from the Legislative Session (2019)

Maryland State Baseball Coaches Association CRCBL Executive of the Year (2018)

RWL is the go-to firm for businesses and individuals with complex matters in need of resolution. With a team of attorneys that thrive on pursuing the most challenging cases, lobbying matters and procurements on behalf of its clients, our attorneys have represented scores of clients, including: major-league sports franchises; name-brand companies such as Google, Uber, Facebook and FedEx; whistleblowers in false claims cases; and millions of consumers in national class action suits.

With offices located in Baltimore, the state capital of Annapolis and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, Rifkin Weiner Livingston LLC (RWL) provides an important link to Maryland's principal business, commercial and government centers.

Bradley Rifkin co-chairs RWL's Government Relations and Lobbying practice.

Bradley effectively advocates for a diverse group of clients with complicated and nuanced issues before the Maryland General Assembly, local county jurisdictions and state agencies. Mr. Rifkin works closely with clients to develop strategic plans to meet long-term and short-term goals and he helps execute those plans through effective stakeholder networking, preparation of supplemental documentation, oral testimony on behalf of the client and high stakes negotiation. In his practice, he has a history of delivering impactful results for clients in a fast-paced environment.

Bradley has successfully represented clients with a wide array of statutory, regulatory, funding and procurement interests in the areas of alcoholic beverage manufacturing, casino-gaming, franchise law, innovative technology, insurance, medical cannabis, non-profit organizations, satellite radio, telecommunications, and transportation.

Prior to joining the firm Bradley attended Brown University where he majored in Political Science and graduated in 2009 (with honors from that Department). He then attended the University of Maryland School of Law and graduated in 2013.

Since 2013, Bradley has served as President of the Cal Ripken Collegiate Baseball League in his spare time.

20+ years

Former staff counsel to Maryland Senate Budget and Taxation Committee handling matters related to state & local taxes, retirement, and agency budgets

Experienced lobbyist on health care delivery systems, health insurance, and health occupations, including managed care, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, dental plans, and pharmaceuticals

Team leader on multi-firm effort to preserve the Preakness Stakes in Maryland and to enact a statutory framework for a nearly $400 million capital redevelopment effort for Maryland's racetracks

Counsel for automotive industries including new automobile dealers and rental car agencies

Lead lobbyist on legislation to authorize transportation network companies

Experienced gaming lobbyist representing lottery, casino, racetrack, and sports wagering interests

Procurement counsel assisting entities on RFPs, bids and other offers of goods, services, and construction to state & local governments

Counsels clients on state and local ethics laws, gift laws, campaign contribution compliance, election laws, and lobbying rules

Fiscal Analyst, Department of Fiscal Services (1988)
Committee Staff, Maryland Senate Budget & Taxation Committee (1989 - 1990)

Michael V. Johansen is the Administrative Partner at Rifkin Weiner Livingston LLC and the Chair of the firm's Administrative Law and Regulatory Compliance practice. Mike has nearly 30 years of experience in lobbying and legal matters before the General Assembly, executive agencies, and local/municipal governments in the state of Maryland. As a registered lobbyist, he has represented clients in the areas of healthcare, healthcare financing, health reform, health certificate of need (CON), casino gaming, lottery, horse racing, transportation, motor vehicles, rental cars, insurance, state and local taxes, franchises, business regulation, IT - information technology, environmental regulation, procurement, state contracting, bid protests, and acquisition of public funds for private programs and projects. Mike also advises clients on state and local ethics laws, gift laws, campaign contribution compliance, election laws and lobbying rules.

Prior to joining the firm, Mike was legislative staff to the Maryland General Assembly, the Senate Budget & Taxation Committee, and the Department of Fiscal Services. He is a member of the board of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation - Maryland Chapter and a board member of the Indian Creek School.

Over his many years of public service, Krystjan has worked with both leaders in state government and private business to successfully negotiate over $100 billion in bi-partisan state budgets, deliver once-in-a-lifetime changes to Pennsylvania's tax code, significantly enhance funding and educational opportunities for children, expand healthcare access and coverage for all Pennsylvanians and help foster some of the largest economic investments in the history of the Commonwealth.

Callahan was previously a partner at a Harrisburg based government affairs firm. At the beginning of his career he served as the Executive Director to the House Republican Whip and as the Executive Director of the House Republican Policy Committee. Callahan has also worked on the Commerce Committee in the House Republican Research Department and staffed several caucus task forces.

Callahan currently serves on various boards including serving on the Counsel of Trustees at his alma mater Lock Haven University, now Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania.

A native of Wellsboro, Callahan and his family currently reside in Mechanicsburg, PA.

0-5 years

Senior Advisor to the Shapiro Transition Committee

Rob has extensive experience in crafting and implementing policy, particularly in the areas of economic development and energy. A veteran of state government, Rob served in the Governor Tom Wolf Administration as Deputy Chief of Staff, Speechwriter, Secretary of Intergovernmental Affairs and most recently as Senior Advisor to the Governor. In this position, he served as primary political advisor and oversaw all aspects of economic development for the Wolf administration as well as coordinated all economic development related grant programs in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. He also coordinated all aspects of the administration's federal government relations efforts to advance the Governor's agenda in Washington, D.C.

Rob is an expert on the intersection of economic development, state funding and labor organizations. He has built coalitions to advance common goals and fostered relationships with a range of stakeholders, including interest groups, business and professional organizations, elected officials and community leaders across the state.

Director Of Global Government Affairs
Luc brings almost two decades of government affairs experience to the Duane Morris Government Strategies team, grounded in a deep academic background in international relations, international economic policy, and global trade dynamics. He has spent years studying the intricacies of international trade, identifying impediments to both bilateral and multilateral commerce, and developing pathways to pragmatic solutions that foster economic cooperation.

In Government Affairs Consulting, Luc's work spans multiple sectors and organizational types, resulting in tens of millions of dollars secured to meet clients' programmatic and capital needs. He specializes in assisting start-up technology firms focused on defense and national security applications and leverages these insights to help nonprofits secure discretionary funding. His policy expertise extends beyond international trade to encompass federal appropriations, health care policy, energy policy, and subsidy programs. He has also worked extensively and successfully with clients at the state level of government across multiple states, spanning numerous policy areas, grant/subsidy programs, and appropriations processes. Luc calls Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, home with his wife and three children.

Prior to his consulting work, Luc served as Operations Director for the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party in Canada, managing a multimillion-dollar budget, supervising policy advisory committees, and leading communications and campaign training for 107 electoral districts. Before that, he served as Executive Assistant to the Leader of the Ontario P.C. Party. Luc holds a master's degree from Western University, where his studies concentrated on international economic policy and the strategic dimensions of the global trade system.

20+ years

"North Carolina's Top Lobbyists" - North State Journal (2020)
Best Lawyers Government Relations Practice (2009-2022)
Business North Carolina Legal Elite
Triangle Business Journal "40 Under 40 Leadership Award (2012)

0-5 years

Before joining the GSL team, Elizabeth worked as a registered lobbyist in Harrisburg. She assists the GSL team in communications and public affairs strategy, design and delivery.

Elizabeth attended Penn State University and received a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations. Elizabeth was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society.

Elizabeth is an avid golfer and volunteers with LPGA*Girls Golf USA in the Central Pennsylvania area. She is also a member of the Harrisburg Young Professionals.

Kyle brings to GSL Public Affairs and Communications more than two decades of experience in state government. A native of northeast Pennsylvania, Kyle came to Harrisburg more than 20 years ago and began his career in the Pennsylvania State Senate.

Kyle quickly worked his way up the ranks, serving in various roles and most recently as the Chief of Staff for Senator John Yudichak.

As Chief of Staff, Kyle was responsible for the day-to-day operations of both the Harrisburg Office and the District Offices. Kyle developed, implemented and promoted the Senator's legislative proposals and public policy agenda. He also identified and helped secure funding sources, such as RACP, LSA, PennDOT/DCED Multimodal and other CFA grant programs for economic development and infrastructure projects in the Senator's district.

In 2016, Kyle made the transition from chief of staff in the Senate to a career in lobbying. Widely regarded as one who could always work in a bipartisan manner within the halls of the Capitol, Kyle has been able to utilize those relationships to achieve numerous successes for his clients. Over the last few years, Kyle has worked with his clients to accomplish many legislative victories, such as the expansion of tax credit programs, implementing the first e-Scooter pilot program in Pennsylvania, amending state licensure laws and securing state appropriations.

Throughout Kyle's entire professional career, he has maintained an outstanding reputation amongst his peers. Kyle continues to use his experiences and longtime connections to collaboratively work with his clients and stakeholders to achieve policy and legislative goals.

11-15 years

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

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

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

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