0-5 years

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sandi Jones joined MHSA in 1996 and became a member in 2003. She adds over 20 years of governmental and community relations experience to the MHSA team and is considered one of Lansing's top ten lobbyists and one of the most powerful female lobbyists in Michigan.

Specializing in appropriations, judiciary, mental health, long term care, law enforcement, criminal justice, and education issues, Sandi enjoys influencing change in the legislative and regulatory processes.

Sandi holds a bachelor's degree in Communications with a minor in Marketing and a Master's in Public Administration, both from Western Michigan University (WMU). She holds the distinction of being the first female to have served as the president of the student body at WMU. Sandi is a member of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, Pi Alpha Alpha National Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration, the Michigan Political History Society, the American Society for Public Administrators and is a founding member of In Forum and The White House Project.

In addition to her education-related organizations and associations, Sandi is a member of the March of Dimes Board of Directors, the Michigan Society of Association Executives, the Michigan Fraternal Order of Police, and the Children's Trust Fund. She is currently Chair of the Public Affairs Committee for the Michigan Chapter of the March of Dimes. She has helped build homes for Habitat for Humanity and facilitates mock law-making sessions with the Michigan Youth Leadership Forum, a program to introduce high school students with disabilities to state government. She also sits on the Board of Directors of Montessori Children's House of Lansing and volunteers for various other youth initiatives, including her favorite, Impact Lansing.

Sandi and her husband John reside in Mason with their five children.

20+ years

Major legislative successes over the years include modifications of the administrative procedures act, education funding formulas, growth management and land use reforms, health care practice licensure laws and tens of millions in capital and operating budget allocations for clients.

Charles R. (Charlie) Brown is an attorney who focuses his practice in full time government affairs and general legal counsel at the state legislative and administrative levels. He has been a professional lobbyist for more than twenty-five years. He also spent three years working as a congressional staff member in Washington, D.C., prior to attending law school at the Seattle University School of Law.

He has extensive experience in education policy and funding, as well as most business-related policy, including environmental law, administrative law, energy, taxation, land-use, oil and gas, agriculture, transportation, health care, general business, regulatory and licensing issues.

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.

11-15 years

Innocent's Society, University of Nebraska - Lincoln Chancellor's Senior Honorary

CALI Awards for Excellence - Individual Income Tax; Farm and Ranch Tax

Fellow Mueller Robak LLC partner, Kim M. Robak, is a former Lieutenant Governor of Nebraska.

Kristen J. Hassebrook initially joined Mueller Robak in November of 2022. She brings a distinctive skillset of membership and trade association lobbying to the firm. Building and coordinating coalitions to effect strategic policy initiatives and a reputation for providing results driven advocacy are at the core of Kristen's work experience. Most recently Kristen served as Associate Vice President for Government Relations for the University of Nebraska where she led a team that advocated on behalf of the interests of the University at the capitol in Lincoln, in Washington, D.C., and across the state. This experience gave Kristen expertise in understanding the state and federal financial needs of higher education. In addition, this role required Kristen to work to support the success of Nebraska students, faculty, researchers, and constituents on a variety of policy issues impacting higher education at the state and national level. As the Executive Vice President for Legislation and Policy for the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry, she lobbied for four years at both the state and federal level and engaged in issues management with regulatory agencies on behalf of Nebraska businesses. During this time Kristen developed an expertise in taxation, business incentives, labor and employment law, as well as issues facing manufacturing. She also spent five and a half years as Vice President of Legal and Regulatory Affairs for the Nebraska Cattlemen where she lobbied and provided regulatory assistance on behalf of beef producers. This experience helped Kristen develop a deep understanding of the regulatory and legal world surrounding agriculture, natural resources, and the environment.

6-10 years

She has been recognized by Capitol Inside in 2015 as a "Rising Star" in Texas politics and in 2016, was selected as the winner for Austin Under 40's government and public affairs industry category.

Prior to joining McGuireWoods Consulting in 2012, Holly served as chief of staff to Texas State Senator Mike Jackson and worked in the Texas Senate for over a decade building strong relationships with state legislators, capitol staff, executive branch and regulatory agencies.

Holly volunteers in various capacities around Central Texas. She is an active member of the MD Anderson Cancer Center's Advance Team and also founded Young Texans of Cancer's Austin Chapter. She received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Texas at Austin and is a Kappa Alpha Theta alumni and Texas Ex. She enjoys spending her free time with her son, Hunt, and golden retriever, Winnie.

11-15 years

Led efforts to effectively advocate legislators on behalf of corporations, organizations and various industries in a professional and successful manner.

Managed a highly successful grass-roots campaign for Governor Brad Henry by directing a strategic plan to generate tremendous community support.

Awarded the Achievers Under 40 designation by The Journal Record in 2009.

Leadership Oklahoma: Selected as one of 50 of the state's most accomplished leaders in 2008. We were brought together to positively influence change, address critical challenges for state-wide communities, and represent the professional, geographical, and cultural diversity of the state.

At a young age, Luke Martin learned the value of hard work. Having grown up on a farm in southwestern Oklahoma, Luke grew accustomed to long work hours, often in adverse weather conditions. He continues to uphold his committed work ethic, running a family cattle business at a farm in Sentinel, but Luke's primary energies are applied in the political realm.



Luke Martin attended Oklahoma State University where he earned a B.S. in Business Administration. He began his career with five years on the staff of Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry, serving as a personal assistant, cabinet liaison, and deputy legislative liaison. During this time, Luke worked on a variety of issues including education, early childhood development, economic development and public safety.



Luke left the Governor's office in 2007 to join The Benham Companies, the largest architectural and engineering services firm in the state. At Benham, Luke served as the client relations manager developing new business and managing existing accounts. While he thoroughly enjoyed his time in sales, Luke missed the excitement and action of politics and government.



In 2009, Luke became an associate with Oklahoma Political Strategies and The Capital Group. As an associate with OPS, a campaign management firm, Luke manages numerous campaigns including statewide races, ballot initiatives, municipal elections, and legislative races. As an associate with The Capital Group, Luke lobbies for a number of issues and clients including healthcare, energy, and higher education.



In 2010, Luke established his own lobbying and consulting firm - Capital Plus. Capital Plus, a government relations consulting firm, specializes in legislative strategy and aiding clients in understanding the complexities of legislation and political realities. Luke assists in developing legislative strategies and effectively advocates legislators on behalf of clients.



In addition to his many professional pursuits, Luke is active in public service and community duties. He serves on the Advisory Board for the Sigma Nu Fraternity at Oklahoma State University. Luke is also very active with several other civic organizations, including Allied Arts and the United Way. He is a graduate of Leadership Oklahoma, Class XXII, and was awarded the "Achiever Under 40" designation by the Journal Record in 2009. Luke is married to Kylie; they have three sons, Gamble, Oxley and Grady, and live in Choctaw.

11-15 years

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.

20+ years

The firm's namesake, Phil Reale is an attorney and government relations consultant who has more than 40 years of experience representing clients in the courtroom and all levels of government. Phil has vast experience in a myriad of public policy areas ranging from oil and gas matters, healthcare policy, gaming and lottery laws in multiple jurisdictions around the U. S., economic development, alcohol policy, and e-government.

Phil is a 1977 graduate of the West Virginia University College of Law. He has been an active member of the Independent Oil and Gas Association of West Virginia, including one term as president of the organization and at all times an effective coordinator of public policy and legislative affairs for the industry in West Virginia. He served on the Board of Directors of Alliance Petroleum Corporation, an exploration and production company with operations in Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. He also served as the Independent Oil and Gas Association representative to Governor Tomblin's Natural Gas Vehicle Task Force. He is often found on the editorial pages of state newspapers offering comments on various issues confronting state government.

He rose to prominence in statewide political circles when in 1988, he chaired the transition team for incoming West Virginia Governor, Gaston Caperton and ultimately served as his Chief of Staff. This role led him into a career of helping guide clients through legislative and government processes. He has served the state in a variety of capacities including that of its representative to the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission for which he served as its Vice Chairman. Additionally, he Co-Chaired the Higher Education Advocacy Team and championed a higher education reform effort, served two terms as Chairman of the State College System of West Virginia Board of Directors, served on the West Virginia Judicial Investigation Commission, the West Virginia Educational Broadcasting Authority, the West Virginia Prepaid College Tuition Trust Fund Board of Directors and has held leadership positions in various political and civic organizations. He is the recipient of two Distinguished West Virginian Awards of Public Service.

Phil has routinely left his mark on statewide political campaigns over his many years of involvement in West Virginia politics and is often consulted by candidates seeking assistance with political strategies.

In addition to being a past Chairman of Special Olympics of West Virginia, Phil maintains an active role in the stewardship of several charitable organizations. Phil is the current Chairman of the West Virginia Golf Hall of Fame, a member of the West Virginia Golf Association Executive Committee and currently serves the organization as its vice-president and chair of its Long Term Planning Committee, and serves on the Leadership Council of the West Virginia University Cancer Institute.

In his spare time, Phil enjoys playing golf and supporting West Virginia Mountaineer athletics.

20+ years

Best Lawyers in America, Government Relations Law, 2009 to present Great Plains Super Lawyer, Government Relations Law, 2009 to present America's Top 100 Attorneys
U.S. News & World Report Best Law Firms in Nebraska

Fellow Mueller Robak LLC partner, Kim M. Robak, is a former Lieutenant Governor of Nebraska.

William J. Mueller is senior partner and co-founder of Mueller Robak LLC. Mr. Mueller has succeeded in combining a strong legal and political background to be-come one of the state's leading lobbyists. He advises clients on a broad range of legislative and government relations matters. Mr. Mueller is a graduate of the University of Nebraska College of Law and began lobbying in 1984. He will be President of the Nebraska State Bar Association in 2021. He is one of three firm members who were elected President of the student body of the University of Nebraska while in college. Mueller has been selected by his peers for inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America and a Great Plains Super Lawyer in Government Relations Law since 2009. He has been selected for Lifetime Membership in America's Top 100 Attorneys. In 2013, 2016, 2019 and 2021, Mueller was selected as the Best Lawyers Lawyer of the Year in Government Relations practice. His is a Fellow of the Nebraska State Bar Foundation and is a Patron Fellow of the American Bar Foundation. Mr. Mueller is a past President of the University of Nebraska Alumni Association. Mueller is the President of the Board of Directors of the United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County. He and his spouse, fellow Mueller Robak partner, Kim M. Robak, chaired the campaign of the United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County in 2015. Mueller, an Ogallala, Nebraska native, and Kim M. Robak, a Columbus, Nebraska native, have two daughters, Katherine and Claire. Katherine is an honors graduate of Vanderbilt University and resides in New York City where she works for a financial services firm in their global payments area. Claire M. Mueller, MD is a graduate of Pomona College in Claremont, California, and graduated with High Honors from Emory University School of Medicine. Dr. Mueller is in her second year of medical residency in ophthalmology at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, Oregon.

15-20 years

Our firm has deep relationships with all decision makers in the State, especially with leadership in both chambers.

Drawing on more than 20 years of experience with Louisiana state government, Christopher "Chris"?Coulon advises national and regional clients who operate in a wide range of industries on matters at the state and local level.

Chris lobbies for bills that enhance his clients' businesses and against those that place burdens upon them, knowing that it takes a lot more effort to get legislation enacted than it does to kill a bill. Like many states, Louisiana has out-dated laws and regulations on the books, and Chris works with policymakers to modernize the statutory and regulatory frameworks "" understanding, for example, that they want government to adopt policies that keep pace with technological advancements in their industries while also protecting privacy in our data-driven global economy.

Chris earned his bachelor's degree in Public Administration from Louisiana State University. While pursuing his degree, he worked in many capacities in the State Legislature including a page, a Sergeant at Arms and finally as executive assistant to Speaker of the House John Alario. Prior to joining Pivotal, Chris worked in government relations with a New Orleans based law firm and with CLECO Electric Company.

Adrian joined MHSA in 2002, and became a member of Muchmore Harrington Smalley & Associates, LLC in 2015. Prior to that, he served as the Assistant Vice President of Legislative Relations for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). Adrian collaborated with key stakeholders to improve Michigan's business climate with high profile legislation such as Next Energy and the establishment of the Broadband Authority. Adrian was also influential during the passage of legislation to create the Metropolitan Airport Authority Act, which was responsible for the building and modernization of the McNamara Terminal at Detroit Metropolitan Airport.

Respected as one of Lansing's top lobbyists, Adrian specializes in economic development, energy and technology, environmental, insurance, banking and tax policy issues. Recent accomplishments include the passage of legislation that gave Jackson National the ability to expand their business. Adrian secured state investment for the Farmers Insurance expansion and the JW Marriott Hotel, both in Grand Rapids. He has been instrumental in the last three business tax code rewrites and worked on legislation to standardize college entrance testing.

Prior to his work at the MEDC, Adrian was the Legislative Liaison for the Department of Management and Budget where he was responsible for securing funding to build the Hall of Justice, Constitution Hall and the Vietnam War Memorial. Adrian began his career working as a legislative aide for three state Senators, later serving as director of public affairs. Adrian also worked as the public events coordinator for the Senate Majority Leader.

Adrian holds a bachelor's degree in Communications and Sociology from Western Michigan University (WMU), where he graduated with honors. While at WMU, Adrian served on the Board to Review the President's Address on Racial and Ethnic Harmony.

Adrian and his wife Erin live in East Lansing with their four girls.

20+ years

15-20 years

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DOUG NELSON spent five years as Missouri's State Commissioner of Administration working with all branches of government and every executive branch department on contracting and procurement matters. As Commissioner, he oversaw more than 2,000 active procurement contracts, information technology and cybersecurity issues, bond issuances and budget matters. Along with Doug's unmatched experience in all types of government contract issues, his extensive network of national and state contacts makes him a great resource to clients. Doug also spent more than 18 years as an Assistant Missouri Attorney General focusing on consumer and contract litigation and administrative/regulatory matters. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1987 from the University of Missouri, Columbia, and Law degree in 1990 from the University of Missouri, Kansas City.

JORGE CHAMIZO, an attorney and governmental consultant, represents a variety of clients before the Florida Legislature, Executive Office of the Governor, Agency for Healthcare Administration, Florida Department of Health, Florida Public Service Commission, and other state regulatory agencies on matters related to healthcare, energy, telecommunications, professional licensure, public procurement and business regulation.

Before joining the Firm, Jorge served as Chief Advisor to the Chairman of the Florida Public Service Commission, the state agency which regulates Florida's utilities. In that capacity, Jorge gave counsel to the Chairman on legal and policy matters related to telecommunications, energy, water, and wastewater issues coming before the Commission, assisted the Chairman in setting and implementing overall agency policy and direction, served as central contact to industry representatives, and was the Chairman's liaison to the Florida Legislature as well as state and local government agencies. Apart from his legal and governmental experience, Jorge brings to Floridian Partners over a decade of business experience in the insurance industry in the area of marketing, sales and management.

Jorge is an honors graduate from The Florida State University College of Law (J.D., cum laude, 2000) and received his undergraduate degree in Finance from the University of Miami (BBA, 1996). Jorge was honored as a top South Florida lobbyist and the recipient of the Cuban American Bar Association Pro Bono Project award. The Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers presented him with the 2014 Presidents Award.