20+ years

As a top democratic strategist, William Maer is a well-respected lobbyist with a career spanning more than 30 years. He was appointed to Governor Sherrill's Interdisciplinary Advisory Task Force to advise the incoming Administration on State related polices. He served in several government positions, including aide to former Governor James Florio, chief of staff to the late Congressman William J. Pascrell, Jr., associate executive director of the Assembly Democratic Legislative Leadership Office, and senior advisor to Governor Jon S. Corzine and 2009 campaign. Maer was a leading Democratic political consultant, having worked on dozens of campaigns at virtually every level of New Jersey politics. Currently, Maer serves as chief spokesman for the Passaic County Sheriff and serves on the Democratic Governors Association National Finance Committee.

Appointed by three governors, Maer served on the New Jersey Building Authority, the Brookdale Community College Board of Trustees, and the Governor's Council to Prevent Disabilities. He also served o the Democratic National Committee (DNC) member of the credential committee for the 2016 Democratic National Committee Convention.

Maer received his bachelor's degree in government from Clark University in Massachusetts, and in 1990, he was granted a master's degree in political science from Villanova University. In the last two decades, he has appeared on every top power list, including:
PolitickerNJ's Power List
InsiderNJ Power List
New Jersey Globe Power List
NJ Cannabis Media's Cannabis Policy Insiders and the 2026 ROI NJ Government Affairs Influencers Power List.

20+ years

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

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

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

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

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

20+ years

Helped the New Jersey Staffing Alliance get recognized by their national organization as the number one state in the country as it pertains to government affairs and legislative advocacy. (2015)

Grew the New Jersey Associated Builders and Contractors apprenticeship training program thru legislation, they are now the biggest state chapter in the country vs the 68 other chapters nationwide.

Thru regulations and legislation helped secure and develop training and accreditation in ethics for the New Jersey Society of Professional Engineers.

I started as a legislative staff person in 1997 staffing various committees, Labor, Regulated professions, working on the Budget committee as well. Starting as staff person you understand the nuances of the legislative process. Taking an idea or a change in current law is common place. Currently working with Chairs of committees, introducing them to clients, explaining the change or new law we want to develop is a process we do on a regular basis, then moving forward on the concept to get it across the finish line.

Patrick Stewart worked in the state legislature for the Assembly Republican Majority office. During this time, he worked closely with legislators, forming policy, and helping educate assembly members on important issues. Stewart was responsible for staffing many assembly committees, including the budget, consumer affairs, regulated professions, and labor committees.

Patrick served as principal policy advisor to the Republican Majority Leadership and caucus on economic development, changing financial issues with the state budget and relaying needs from the business community.

Since 2001, Stewart has worked on a broad range of issues for his clients. Working with larger and smaller clients, he uses his working knowledge of the legislature, state departments, and the Governor's office to achieve the goal of the client.

He has developed a strong working knowledge of the insurance industry and labor arena, specifically dealing with workers compensation issues. Stewart handled other diverse clients in the pharmaceutical industry, manufacturing sector and temporary staffing industry.

Patrick is a 1996 graduate of Villanova University, where he earned his degree in political science.

MICHAEL D. HILLERBY is the Director of Legislative Affairs for the Firm. He is a graduate of the University of Nevada Reno. Michael has been lobbying in Nevada since 1991, and has extensive experience with the Nevada Legislature, a variety of regulatory boards and commissions, as well as county and local governments. His practice includes lobbying, strategic guidance, public affairs and procurement processes for clients in the healthcare, insurance, financial services, manufacturing, design and real estate development industries, retail, telecommunications, utility and automotive manufacturing sectors, among others. He served as a cabinet member and Chief of Staff for former Nevada Governor Kenny Guinn. Michael is the Vice-Chair of the Western States Arts Federation, former Chairman of the Nevada Museum of Art Board of Trustees, and is on the Friends of the Nevada Governor's Mansion Board. He has been appointed by three different governors to the Nevada Commission of Cultural Affairs.

20+ years

In 2020, named by the Hartford Business Journal as one of the top 50 most influential people in Hartford.

In 2017 she was honored as "Practitioner of the Year" by the Greater CT Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).

In 2005, recognized by the Hartford Business Journal as one of eight top woman business owners.

Developed and implemented several Connecticut market entry initiatives for a global banking interest, outpatient medical and behavior health facilities and a renewable energy company.

Led several multi-organizational coalitions to pass landmark legislation on scholarship funding, tort reform, energy deregulation, managed care regulation and tax initiative opposition.

Drives business strategy and best practices for two separate and widely respected companies.

Appointed by the Mayor of Hartford to Chair the Hartford Parking Authority.

Prior to starting Sullivan & LeShane, Inc. (S&L) in 1983 and Sullivan & LeShane Public Relations in 1988, served as Director of External and Public Affairs for a highly respected statewide medical and vocational rehabilitation organization.

Member and Secretary of the University of Saint Joseph Board of Trustees and chairs the Academic Women's Leadership. Vice Chair of the Washington-based Public Affairs Council, a professional association of corporate/national organizations.

Holds a Master's Degree in Healthcare Finance from the Rensselaer Lally School of Business and a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Leadership and Community Development from Springfield College. Participated in select executive level programs at Stanford University and McGill University. In addition, participated in the Yale School of Management leadership program.

11-15 years

20+ years

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

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

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

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

FRANCIS X. MCMAHON, ESQ., the founder and president of Advocacy Solutions, has deep expertise in ally development, grassroots and grasstops coalition building, strategic communications management, and online advocacy for clients in a wide range of industries including healthcare, telecommunications, energy, and transportation.

Over the course of his career, Frank has been a key staff member and advisor on many winning political and issue campaigns. He served as Special Counsel and Deputy Chief of Staff to Rhode Island Governor Bruce Sundlun and has led campaigns for Honda Motor Corporation, Verizon, and National Grid.

An avid Friar basketball fan, Frank is a graduate of Providence College, Suffolk University Law School, and a member of the Rhode Island State and Federal Bar Association.

0-5 years

Insider NJ Rising Generations Power List

Insider NJ Top 100 Lobbyist List for 2024 & 2025

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

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

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

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

11-15 years

Past president of Association of Connecticut Lobbyists

Featured presenter at the CT Lobbying Conference on "Lobbying the Executive Branch" the past four years.

2019 Hartford Business Journal Forty Under 40

Over ten years of municipal land use experience on Planning and Zoning/Zoning Board of Appeals

Served as point person for the CT Conference of Municipalities on Energy, Labor and Zoning topics.

13 years of experience in contract lobbying; three years of experience in state and municipal government.

20+ years

In 2020, recognized by the Hartford Business Journal as one of the top 50 most influential people in Hartford.

Secured the initial state funding needed for UConn to build Gampel Pavilion.

Led the government relations team for several industry mergers requiring approvals from the Office of the Attorney General, State Legislature and other regulatory bodies.

Point person working with the City of Stamford, resulting in $240 million in infrastructure funds.

Sought after political strategist with close ties to every major statewide and local political leader in the state.

Drives business strategy and best practices for two separate and widely respected companies.

A veteran political strategist, played key roles in the presidential campaigns of Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan and former Senator Robert Dole, as well the campaigns of former Congresswoman Nancy Johnson, Senator Joseph Lieberman and several Connecticut governors. Most recently served as a senior adviser for two U.S. Senate campaigns and trusted thought leader for two Connecticut Governors.

Graduate of Fairfield University with a BS in Sociology.

Began lobbying career with the Hartford Chamber of Commerce, and then with Connecticut's largest beverage trade association. In 1983, joined his partner Paddi LeShane in founding S&L and, five years later, they founded Sullivan & LeShane Public Relations, Inc. (SLPR)

6-10 years

2023 Meadowlands Chamber of Commerce 50 Under 30 Honoree

2022 Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore Phenomenal Woman Under 40

2019 New Jersey Business and Industry Association Rising Star Award

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

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

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

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

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

0-5 years

Successful design and implementation of a modernized tax processing system for New Jersey.

Established partnerships with vendor community for handling and preparing 1.6 million paper
tax returns.

Developed a modernized data entry platform for tax and remittance processing.

Created a full disaster recovery and business continuity system for Treasury operations.

Deployed a fully functional e-procurement system for New Jersey.

Contracted the State's institutional footprint saving millions of dollars annually.

Maintain professional relationships with critical policymakers and operational staff in various State departments such as Treasury, Human Services and the Office of Information Technology.

Christopher Trappe served in New Jersey State government for 34 years. Starting as a writer in Governor Tom Kean's Office of Constituent Relations, he moved on to run the New Jersey General Assembly's 34th Legislative District Office for seven years and later moved to the Department of the Treasury. Trappe's Treasury service includes a decade as Chief of Staff at the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services, a seven-year stretch as head of the Division of Taxation's Management Services and six years as Program Manager for the Division of Purchase and Property's NJSTART procurement system

Trappe has developed an expertise in technology systems and procurement. While at Treasury, he played a key role in the modernization of the State's tax and remittance processing systems, infrastructure modernization, network upgrade and desktop support efficiency efforts. Trappe also shepherded the full activation of the State's e-procurement system, in use by all state agencies.

Additionally, Trappe was responsible for managing the Statewide debt collection program known as SOIL and the Statewide Motor Vehicle Surcharge program.

A graduate of Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History, Trappe was inducted into Phi Alpha Theta National Honor Society for History and earned distinction completing the Henry Rutgers Honors program.

11-15 years

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

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.

20+ years

Joseph DeSanctis, Partner, has extensive knowledge of the legislative and executive branches stemming from more than 30 years of advocacy on behalf of a diverse client base. He has advocated for clients in industries ranging from major corporations and government entities to trade organizations and professional associations. He has specialized knowledge in the areas of transportation, energy, and water systems, as well as environmental issues.

Mr. DeSanctis is considered an expert in project siting and has also represented many clients at the local level on various projects. These include commercial and residential developments, the siting of natural gas pipelines, and other energy-related projects throughout the State. Mr. DeSanctis has helped clients in developing a community relations plan, establishing contacts with key officials and stakeholders, and providing grassroots support. He has assisted in timely acquisition of State and local permits, along with coordinating other results-oriented solutions across various state agencies.

Mr. DeSanctis has served as Manager of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs for the New Jersey Society of Professional Engineers; on whose behalf he worked on legislative and regulatory issues and other matters affecting the engineering community's permitting process and also served as the Executive Director of the New Jersey Society of Municipal Engineers.

Mr. DeSanctis holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science & Public Administration from Trenton State College.

Title - Managing Partner

Roger Bodman is widely respected for his depth of knowledge of state government and politics. He has served in gubernatorial cabinet posts, guided presidential campaigns in New Jersey, and appeared as a political commentator for NJTV, formerly New Jersey Network, for 4 decades.

Early in his career, Bodman served as district office manager for the late New Jersey Congresswoman Millicent Fenwick and as chief of staff for former New Jersey Congressman James Courter. In 1981, he was selected as manager of Tom Kean's campaign for governor. Following Governor Kean's victory, Bodman was named to two cabinet posts. As the State Commissioner of Labor, he implemented extensive legislative reforms of the unemployment insurance program. Later, as the State Commissioner of Transportation, he was the chief advisor to the governor on transportation matters. He also served as chairman of New Jersey Transit.

In 1987, Bodman was appointed by the governor to chair the Study Commission on Regulatory Efficiency, a role that earned him the Alliance for Action's Eagle Award. In 1988, he served as vice chairman of the New Jersey Bush for President committee.

A native of Bernardsville, New Jersey, Bodman graduated cum laude from Ohio University in 1974 with a degree in political science. Bodman was also a visiting professor at Rutgers University's Eagleton Institute of Politics.

15-20 years

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

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

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

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

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

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