Jay Propes is a political/strategic consultant and lobbyist with over three decades of public-affairs and governmental relations experience at the state and federal levels. After graduating from Baylor in 1990 (B.A., Political Science & Economics), Propes began his career on Capitol Hill working for his hometown Congressman, Ralph Hall, and moved to Austin in mid-1992. He served 8 years as Director of Governmental Affairs and Executive Director for the Texas Ophthalmological Association, representing nearly 900 of Texas' eye physicians and surgeons before the Texas Legislature, agencies, and the U.S. Congress.

Since 2000, Propes has represented a myriad of clients simultaneously in governmental relations, public affairs strategies, and crisis management across almost all business and professional sectors. For over twenty years, he has helped professional associations, affiliated interest groups and corporations assemble legislative and public affairs teams across the United States and coordinate their work across the geographies to develop consistent messaging and strategy to assist in their successes. He advises political action committees in their formation, governance, and operational effectiveness.

Propes is a partner in the public affairs firm Mercury, a subsidiary of Omnicom, with fifteen offices across the United States.

Jay lives in Austin with his wife and two teenage sons.

PAUL DONOVAN's practice is focused in the area of government relations, including representation before government bodies at the local, state and federal levels. He has extensive experience representing clients before the Massachusetts General Court, where he has been successful helping clients meet their governmental objectives.

Paul worked for 10 years at the Suffolk County Sheriff's Department, earning a seat on the Sheriff's Department management team. In addition, Paul provided counsel to the Massachusetts Sheriffs' Association on various legislative issues. Paul has been involved in numerous political campaigns, including a 1993 Boston mayoral campaign, in which he was responsible for directing a field operation of more than 2,500 people. Prior to establishing Kearney, Donovan, and McGee, LLC, Mr. Donovan was a member of the government practice group of Choate, Hall & Stewart.

11-15 years

Emerging Leader Nominee, Just a Kid Big Brothers Big Sisters Flint campaign (2022)

Emerging Leader Award, Greater Flint Arts Council (2008)

DENNIS J. KEARNEY concentrates his practice in government. He provides legal, legislative and strategic services to clients affected by local, state or federal government policy, legislation or regulation. Dennis formerly served in local, state and county government including 12 years in elected office as a member of the Massachusetts Legislature and as Sheriff of Suffolk County. Prior to forming Kearney, Donovan & McGee, LLC in 2003, Mr. Kearney managed the government practice group at Choate, Hall & Stewart, and served as President of Kearney & Gleason, P.C.

20+ years

Karen Kominsky is a government affairs professional with more than 30 years of experience in both the public and private sectors. Karen served as Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of the Governor, State of New Jersey, for Governor Richard J. Codey and Governor James E. McGreevey from December 2002 until January 2006. Her primary focus was managing legislative affairs for both governors. During her tenure, she guided the passage of many landmark pieces of legislation, such as automobile insurance reform, a stem-cell research initiative, the Highlands Protection Act and the NJ Domestic Partnership Law.

Prior to her appointment, Karen's career came full circle when she became Deputy Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, where she had originally launched her professional career.

Throughout her career, Karen has worked in leadership at lobbying and public affairs firms focused on the executive and legislative branches of government. In 2013, Karen was named by NJBIZ as one of "The Best 50 Women in Business". In 2003, she received the Women of Distinction Award for Public Service from the Delaware-Raritan Girl Scouts, and in 2005 was honored for Women's Leadership by PAM's List.

Karen has engaged in public service for several years with tremendous distinction. Her career includes appointments by former Governor Christie Whitman to serve as Acting Chair of the NJ Building Authority, and former Governor Donald DiFrancesco to serve on the State Planning Commission and the Garden State Preservation Trust. She also served on the New Jersey Real Estate Commission, having been appointed by Governor Codey in 2006. She served in New Jersey Superior Court as a court-appointed master in several Mt. Laurel affordable housing cases.

Always active in politics, Karen served as deputy vice-chair of the New Jersey State Democratic Party from 2001 to 2006, appointed by former State Chairman and former Speaker of the New Jersey Assembly Joe Roberts. In 1996, she was selected as a New Jersey representative for President Clinton to the Electoral College. In 2008, Karen served as the NJ State Director of the Hillary Clinton for President Campaign. Karen was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in August 2008.

Karen currently serves as Co-Chair of PAM's List, a NJ Democratic Women's PAC modeled after Emily's List. Karen is also a founding board member of Maria's Women United, a South Jersey PAC honoring the work of the late Hon. Maria Barnaby Greenwald.

Karen was recently selected to serve on Governor-elect Phil Murphy's Transition Team in the area of Energy and the Environment. She was named as one of InsiderNJ's "Women on the Move" in November 2017. In 2016 she was named to Observer PolitickerNJ's "The 30 Most Influential Women in N.J. Politics".

A licensed professional planner, Karen is a graduate of Douglass College, Rutgers University and received her Masters of City and Regional Planning from the Bloustein School at Rutgers University. She was elected to the South Hunterdon Regional School Board in November, 2017.

15-20 years

With twenty years of senior leadership experience in public policy and external affairs, Michael is a valued partner for business leaders navigating the intersection of the public and private sectors at the state level. Michael helps lead the state health care practice, while his passion for emerging technology has translated to a thriving practice in this space for Tremont Strategies.

Before his role as a founding partner at TSG, Michael served as Vice President for External Relations at an international medical services where he led government affairs, communications, business development and community relations.

Prior to that, Michael was Executive Vice President at a top healthcare public affairs firm, as well as Managing Partner at a multistate and federal government relations firm. Michael began his career in working in the Maine State Senate and later served as senior staff member for the Massachusetts Democratic Party.

Michael is on the Board of Directors of the Harvard Street Neighborhood Health Center and a Liaison Board Member for the Goldfarb Center for Public Affairs. Michael graduated with distinction with a degree in Government from Colby College.

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.

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.

ANDREW H. DOERR is an accomplished government affairs professional, bringing 20 years of lobbying, legislative and political experience to Dykema's Lansing office. At Dykema, he focuses on issues related to: energy, insurance, procurement, regulated industries, corrections, education, local government, nonprofit representation, the Liquor Control Code, licensing, gaming, taxation, procurement and matters dealing with the Department of State among others. He is experienced in review, analysis and drafting of proposed legislation and has testified before numerous House and Senate Committees.

Prior to joining the firm Mr. Doerr served as Deputy Legislative Director and Legislative Liaison for Secretary of State Ruth Johnson. In this role he served as a conduit to Secretary Johnson to both the legislature and the Governor's administration. He was responsible for the Secretary's legislative agenda, including legislative drafting, moving bills through the legislative process, and implementation. Andrew also spent eight years serving as Senator Alan Sanborn's (R-Macomb) Chief of Staff. Focusing on public policy related to the Senators role as Chairman of the Economic Development and Regulatory Reform Committee along with office and personnel management. During his time with Senator Sanborn he also helped manage numerous political campaigns.

Mr. Doerr came to Dykema with years of direct lobbying experience, having served as the Legislative and Political Director for the Michigan Credit Union League (MCUL). While there he oversaw the MCUL's legislative team and worked to promote legislation that benefited credit unions and their industry at both the state and federal level. He was also responsible for PAC fundraising, Grassroots coordination and member advocacy efforts.

11-15 years

Natalie conducts client and legislative research and has become skilled at monitoring and communicating the actions of the PA General Assembly to clients. In addition to client communications on legislation, Natalie monitors the budget hearing process for clients; pinpointing pertinent information and relaying it in a timely manner. Natalie regularly interacts with legislative staff and administrative officials on client issues and has planned and executed advocacy days for multiple clients. She has also attended state board meetings on behalf of clients and monitors regulatory activity -- working to guide clients through regulatory process.

0-5 years

Jason brings a unique mix of experience at the highest levels including public, private, and political. Jason comes to Ridge Policy from the Scott Wagner for Governor Campaign where Jason served as the Campaign Manager. Scott Wagner was the Republican nominee for Governor of Pennsylvania, not only securing the endorsement of the Republican Party of Pennsylvania but also defeating a well-funded primary opponent in a hotly contested primary campaign.

Prior to that role, Jason has twice served in the role of Chief of Staff to two Republican Pennsylvania State Senators, John H. Eichelberger, Jr. and Scott Wagner. In that role, Jason oversaw all office operations and staff, advised the Senators on policy, and worked with other offices and leadership to help to advance the goals of the Senators.

Jason's private sector experience includes serving as the Vice President of Tyrone-based data security firm Reclamere. Jason oversaw the entire operation of the company, was responsible for management of all personnel, worked directly with the three owners of the company to develop the company's strategic plan, and was the responsible staff-level person for executing that plan.

Evelyn (Evie) Zois Sweeney joined MHSA in 2011. Evie previously lobbied on behalf of a multitude of corporate, non-profit and municipal clients at Dykema Gossett, PLLC. She has extensive experience with state procurement, local government and the appropriations process, specifically higher education, capital outlay, corrections and general government.

Prior to joining Dykema, Evie served as a legislative assistant to the Senate Appropriations Chair and Clerk for the Senate Appropriations Committee and Joint Capital Outlay Subcommittee. In addition to shepherding legislative agendas through the process, she was responsible for monitoring several departmental budgets, including corrections, community health and general government.

Evie is a 2004 graduate fellow of Michigan State University's Michigan Political Leadership Program, a multi-partisan leadership training program. Evie also serves as co-chair of the gift acquisition committee for the Children's Trust Fund, is involved with Habitat for Humanity and serves on the Michigan Political Leadership Program's Finance Committee. Evie also had the privilege of working on Governor Rick Snyder's 2011 Inaugural Executive Committee.

Evie graduated from Michigan State University's James Madison College with honors and earned a bachelor of arts degree. She was a double major in International Relations and Sociology. Evie also served as a research assistant at St. Peter's College, University of Oxford, Oxford England.

Evie and her husband Matt reside in DeWitt with their daughter and son.

6-10 years

Rob Lamme served formerly as Communications Director and Budget Director for the North Carolina Senate as well as Government Relations Director for the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. He has both the "inside" skills and relationships as an experienced lobbyist and the "outside" skills as a communications strategist and manager to provide comprehensive consulting to any client.

11-15 years

Ron's governmental service ranges from City Council to the Chairman of the House Liquor Committee. His ability to navigate the many layers of government and work across the aisle in a bipartisan manner is second to none.

Ron has a close relationship with the current members of the PA House of Representatives and staff.

Ron's extensive experience in state and local government will help Versant's clients set strategies to achieve their legislative and regulatory goals. Ron served in the PA House of Representatives for over 20 years and was an active member of the House Consumer Affairs and Rules Committees. Ultimately, he was named Secretary of the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee and became Chairman of the House Liquor Committee. Prior to his election to represent the 162nd House District, Ron served as Mayor of Sharon Hill, Pennsylvania. More recently, he worked in governmental affairs serving a myriad of interests in the State Capitol.

20+ 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.

Patrick Moran comes with over 20 years of lobbying and legislative experience. He served as Special Consultant to Speaker Herb Wesson and Speaker Fabian Nunez where he worked on public safety, retirement and labor issues.Prior to joining the Speakers office, Patrick was chief lobbyist for the California State Firefighters' Association (CSFA) where he was responsible for the governmental affairs of the organization, both legislative and political. Patrick also lobbied for the Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC), local governments, the State Association of County Retirement Systems (SACRS) and the California Treasurers and Tax Collectors Association.As a result of his diverse work experiences, Patrick has worked for Aaron Read & Associates on a variety of issues including, but not limited to; the state budget, labor, retirement, workers compensation, local government and public safety. He has also worked on a variety of candidate campaigns as well as on statewide ballot measures. While not at work, Patrick enjoys spending time with his wife and four kids.

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

Helped lead $1.7B agency including management, budget, technology, procurement and legislative affairs at MBTA

Led multiple technology upgrades at MBTA that resulted in a significant leap forward innovation at the agency, also became very proficient in state procurement processes and rules

Helped develop and coordinate strategy to consolidate functions of six transportation departments as Legislative Director at MassDOT

Routinely worked with staff and vendors on hundreds of millions of dollars in road and bridge projects annually

Responsible for writing and tracking all legislation and budget matters for Asst. Minority Leader

Policy Advisor at Preti Strategies

Chief of Staff, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority

Legislative Director, MassDOT

Chief of Staff, Massachusetts Highway Department

Chief of Staff and Legislative Director, Assistant Minority Leader, Massachusetts Senate


Education:

University of Massachusetts

15-20 years

Angie is a government relations professional with over 15 years of experience in Harrisburg. During her tenure as Senior Associate for McNees-Winter Group LLC her duties include interaction with legislative and administrative officials in areas such as health care policy, economic development and tax policies, transportation issues, and procurement. Angie monitors regulatory developments, state contracts, and other state programs and communicates these items to clients on a regular basis. Angie represents clients across a wide spectrum of industries and excels at understanding their unique challenges. She participates in numerous coalitions on behalf of clients.

For seven years Angie was also the Managing Director of the Pennsylvania Association of Nurse Anesthetists. During her time spent there the association improved efficiencies and doubled attendance at annual conferences. She handled large and small scale event planning, coordinated annual elections, oversaw various committee functions, supported executive officers in their monthly activities, and handled day-to-day inquiries from association members.

Angie currently resides in Camp Hill, PA with her husband, Jim, and their two children.

0-5 years

Chris Gobble is a respected government affairs specialist with deep issue expertise and a broad base of policymaker and stakeholder relationships. He leverages his insights into the state General Assembly, Tennessee executive branch, and local governments to help SRG clients navigate complex political challenges and effectively advance meaningful policy solutions.

Prior to joining SRG, Chris served as senior director of public policy for the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, where he helped drive policy changes and facilitate government affairs efforts for 2,000 businesses representing over 180,000 employees. He also regularly and effectively collaborated with local, state, and federal elected officials to advance Chattanooga's status as a leader in education, workforce, and economic development.

Prior to Gobble's tenure in Chattanooga, he was the legislative and policy director for the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. In this role, Gobble worked closely with Governor Bill Haslam's office and the state legislature to develop and implement a variety of public policy initiatives.

Originally from Bradley County, Chris earned a B.A. in Political Science and Communications from Lipscomb University. He and his wife Sarah live in Nashville.

20+ 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.

Aaron Read has been a legislative advocate for more than forty-five years. He began his career in the late 1960s after he obtained a Master's Degree in Business Administration (MBA) and went to work for a large statewide association. Aaron formed Aaron Read & Associates (ARA) in 1978. ARA has grown into one of the most influential lobbying firms in California. The select list of clients covers a broad spectrum and allows the firm an opportunity to work with the entire political spectrum. Aaron has a unique perspective of what works and what doesn't in government and counsels clients on effective strategies to achieve their goals. Aaron has extensive experience in all phases of political work, including lobbying extremely complex and controversial issues, public relations and coalition building, as well as constitutional offices, legislative and initiative campaigns. Aaron also has special expertise in creating and managing large political action committees. Aaron is a lifelong pilot, has a lifetime teaching credential and is also a former graduate-level instructor in business and public administration at Golden Gate University. He enjoys spending time with his family, golf, SCUBA diving and other water sports and real estate investments when not walking the Capitol halls. ARA is unique. We represent numerous firefighters, law enforcement as well as fortune 500 companies like AT&T and 3M 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.

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.

20+ years

Anita L. Schepker, Esq. joins Capitol Consulting after nearly a four-decade career in government relations. Anita has a wealth of knowledge about state government that only comes from successfully navigating numerous complex client issues through the halls at the State Capitol. Prior to joining Capitol Consulting, Anita was president and founder of Schepker&Associates, LLC, a full-service government relations and regulatory law firm. Anita brings to Capitol Consulting a broad group of clients that she's has represented for many years including among others: Abbott Laboratories, AFLAC, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Connecticut Psychological Association, DaVita, Eli Lilly, Horizan Pharma, PhRMA and Safelite Auto Glass.

Prior to starting Schepker&Associates, Anita was a principal in another Hartford based lobbying firm where she acted as president of the firm's public affairs corporation, directing all legislative and regulatory issues, and litigation for the firms' clients.

Anita got her start in legislative lobbying in 1981 at the Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA) where she began as a staff attorney and was promoted to general counsel. As general counsel, she headed CBIA's legal and political departments. After eight years at CBIA Anita was hired as the senior vice president for government affairs at the Connecticut Bank and Trust Company (CBT) where she oversaw all of its state legislative and regulatory activities. In addition, she coordinated CBT's federal and state political action committee activities.

Anita is a graduate of the University of Connecticut and she received her Juris Doctorate from the University of Tulsa College of Law. Also, she has a Masters in Education from St. Joseph's College.

0-5 years

2019 30 Under 30 by AgGrad

With a focus on rural affairs, I work with numerous members of the legislature. I also engage regularly with the Department of Agriculture, Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and Department of Education.

Chief Operating Officer Caleb Wright's roots in Pennsylvania's agricultural community are deep, and accolades earned during his young career have marked him as a voice of rural Pennsylvania's new generation. Raised on a Huntingdon County farm that has borne his family's name for over a century, Caleb grew up as the grandson of the region's renowned veterinarian, Doc Kyper, with a family legacy of serving the rural community. Prior to joining Versant Strategies, he served as a PA State FFA Officer, was a National FFA Officer Candidate, and taught high school agriculture.

Caleb is a graduate of Penn State with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Extension Education. He was named as the College of Agricultural Science's inaugural Emerging Leader Candidate, working one-on-one with the College's Dean. Caleb investigated recruitment and retention of students in Agricultural Education as a Penn State research project. A skilled speaker, his energized commitment to rural education also earned him the Youth Agricultural Award presented by the Penn State Agriculture Council. Wright was elected to Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences Alumni Society Board and also serves on the Board of the PA FFA Foundation.

Along with managing day-to-day operations of the firm, Caleb actively lobbies and assists with organizational management.

Tony Niknejad is a distinguished policy strategist and government relations expert, skilled in the areas of legislative advocacy, fiscal management, and strategic planning. Tony assists clients with navigating the Tennessee political landscape, orchestrating policy and legislative initiatives, and steering comprehensive advocacy and public engagement campaigns. From 2019 to 2023, he was the Policy Director for Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, serving as a key advisor and leader for the Governor's Cabinet and leading many of the Administration's major policy reforms. As policy director, Tony also played a critical role in Governor Lee's successful 2018 campaign and post-election transition. Tony spearheaded key policy initiatives across a wide span, specializing in education, workforce, tax and healthcare policy.

• He was a driving force behind multiple Administration legislative initiatives, including the Education Savings Account Act of 2019, the Literacy Success Act of 2021, the Tennessee Strong Families Initiative, and the Tennessee Works Tax Act of 2023.


• Tony also led federal and multi-state relations through the COVID pandemic, coordinating the Financial Stimulus Accountability Group, which managed the allocation of over $6 billion in federal funds received through the CARES and American Rescue Plan Acts.


• Prior to his work with Governor Lee, Tony served as state director for a school choice advocacy organization, overseeing Tennessee PAC activities and lobbying efforts from 2013 to 2017.


• Before that, he served as a legislative staffer in the Tennessee State Senate during the 107th General Assembly.


• Tony is a member of the State Bar of Tennessee and graduated from Vanderbilt University Law School in 2011. He received his bachelor's degree from the University of Georgia, where he double-majored in Economics and Philosophy. He was selected for the Harvard Business School Young American Leaders program, Nashville Class of 2019.

6-10 years

Kathy's service as a senior adviser to Governor Tom Corbett for four years and the late Mayor Stephen R Reed of the City of Harrisburg provided her leadership experience and insight into how state and local governments operate from the inside. In those roles, she had real experiences in government and established and fostered relationships throughout all three branches of government. These experiences and relationships help her serve clients efficiently and effectively.

During the Pennsylvania COVID-19 business shutdown, Kathy helped clients in diverse business industries tell their story to Governor Wolf's Administration and obtain approval and a waiver to continue to operate. She worked with her team as if every client's business needs were a "911" call for help. Her round-the-clock work and counsel helped clients and their employees operate quickly, in a safe manner and in cooperation with law enforcement.

Clients have succeeded with their legislative lobbying goals as Kathy and her team supported them with needs to amend, pass or oppose legislation that would impact the client's business goals. Kathy's efforts and guidance support clients' business timeline and budgets.

Kathy lobbied with a team to successfully oppose any nuclear bailout legislation.

Kathy assists clients who need quick access to an agency decisionmaker for time sensitive issues. a Kathy assists clients with obtaining grant funds to support client projects.

Kathy is a licensed attorney in NY, NJ and PA, and she has more than a decade in Pennsylvania state and local politics with the unique experience as a senior staffer in the Office of the Governor. Kathy served as former Gov. Tom Corbett's Deputy Chief of Staff from 2011 to 2015. In that role, she was a trusted advisor to the governor and his cabinet and staff. She served as the governor's liaison to numerous state agencies and helped coordinate and manage policy, legislative and press initiatives. Kathy also worked on the governor's behalf with contacts in local and federal governments. While with the governor's office, Kathy represented the governor with numerous state and regional boards and commissions, including the Pennsylvania and New Jersey bi-state transportation authorities, the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Authority and the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority (PCCA). Further, she served with the governor as vice chair of Team Pennsylvania, a nonprofit that connects business and industry leaders and facilitates partnerships to support economic development and prosperity in the commonwealth.

Prior to joining Saxton & Stump, Kathy was an attorney for a Harrisburg-based law firm where she represented clients as an attorney and a lobbyist in diverse subject areas including energy and environmental, oil and natural gas and food and beverage on matters involving public finance, state and local tax, employment and corporate governance. Before joining the governor's office, she was a partner at Rhoads & Sinon LLP for 10 years where she focused her practice in litigation and labor and employment. She also previously served in leadership roles for the City of Harrisburg's Mayor Stephen R. Reed as deputy solicitor and director of human resources for approximately four years.