11-15 years

John has over 45 years of experience working as a corporate CEO and government agency administrator. John served in the administrations of three United States Presidents. He served as State Executive Director of the North Carolina Farm Service Agency from 1981 to 1992, under Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In April 2001, John was appointed by President George W. Bush to serve as the State Director of USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) Rural Development for North Carolina.

6-10 years

Memberships & Associations:

West Des Moines City Council (At-Large) (2019-Present)

BRAVO of Greater Des Moines Board of Directors

ICON Water Trails Co-Chair

Polk County Bar Association Member

Iowa State Bar Association Member; Sections on: Business Law; Litigation; Government Practice Litigation Section Council (2012-present); Committee on Ethics and Practice Guidelines (2013-present)

State Law Resources (SLR) Board of Directors (2022-2023); Site Selection Committee

Republican Legislative Campaign Committee (RLCC) Finance Committee

Professionals for Charity Co-Founder, Director and Secretary

The United Way of Central Iowa Policy Cabinet

Metro Advisory Council

Iowa Legal Aid Foundation Governing Director (2010-2012)

West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Member; Board of Directors and Former Chair (2015-2019)

West Des Moines Due Diligence Committee (2017)

West Des Moines Leadership Academy Graduate (Class of 2012-2013); Alumni Marketing Committee Member

Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute - Graduate (Class of 2014-2015)

West Des Moines Historical Society Board of Directors (2015-2018)

West Des Moines Sister Cities Commission Appointed Member (2014-2016)

Arizona State Bar Association Member (2009-Present)

Arizona Small Business Association Board of Directors and Vice President-Elect (2009-2010)

Maricopa County Bar Association Corporate Counsel Division - Director and Treasurer (2009-2010)

I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with a certificate in Entrepreneurship from the University of Iowa in 2004. Shortly thereafter, I received my J.D., cum laude, along with certificates of concentration in litigation, and criminal law and procedure from Creighton University School of Law in 2007. I was also the sole recipient of the David A. Svoboda Trial Advocacy award, recognizing excellence in trial advocacy.

I was admitted to the Iowa State Bar in 2007 and the State of Arizona in 2008. Additionally, I am admitted to practice law in Iowa Federal District Court (northern and southern divisions) as well as in Colorado Federal District Court.

It was a privilege to be elected to the West Des Moines City Council, in the at-large position, in 2019. I am an active member of the Iowa and Polk County Bar Associations, in addition to having served as a member of the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Board and Executive Committee; the United Way of Central Iowa Policy Cabinet; BRAVO of Greater Des Moines, and the Metro Advisory Council ICON Water Trails. I am also a graduate of the West Des Moines Leadership Academy, the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute, and Leadership Iowa. Finally, it was an honor to have Super Lawyers recognize me as a "Rising Star" in the area of Government Relations from 2017 - 2021.

11-15 years

H. Boyd Pettit, III is Partner and General Counsel for GeorgiaLink Public Affairs Group, LLC Pettit, a practicing Attorney since 1979, served as a Democratic member to the Georgia General Assembly for five consecutive terms beginning in January, 1983. Elected to the House of Representatives, succeeding newly elected Governor Joe Frank Harris, he was named a member of the House Appropriations, Judiciary, and Industry Committees. Pettit became Secretary to the Judiciary Committee and Chairman of the Public Services and Utilities Subcommittee of House Industry. During his membership in the House, Pettit served as Georgia's representative to the Southern States Energy Board and was selected as a participant in the Leadership Georgia Class of 1987. In 1993, he joined GeorgiaLink Public Affairs Group while remaining active on behalf of local governments, local education entities, public bond finance issues, and local industrial recruitment and development. In September 2000, Pettit was selected to the Georgia State Board of Transportation. He was re-elected in January, 2001 to a full five-year term. Pettit currently serves on the State Board of the Georgia Youth Science and Technology Centers and is an active member of Sam Jones Memorial United Methodist Church in Cartersville. Previously serving on Board of Directors of the North Metro Technical Institute Foundation, Pettit was a part of the effort to secure property, utilities, and funding for the state adult technical school. Boyd has two daughters, Dana and Bray. They reside in Cartersville, Georgia.

Transition Director, Michigan Office of the Attorney General Elect, 2010

Assistant Attorney General, Michigan Office of Attorney General, 2011-2012

Environmental Advisory Rules Committee, Michigan Office of Regulatory Reinvention (Chair, Remediation Subcommittee) - 2011-2012

Collaborative Stakeholder Initiative, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, 2012

Criteria Stakeholder Advisory Group, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, 2014-2015

Landscape Architect Ad Hoc Committee, Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Professional Licensing - 2020-present

Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors (2024-26)

Hispanic Center of West Michigan, Board of Directors (2022-25)

Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Chair, Energy and Environment Committee (2021-Present)

West Michigan Air and Waste Management Association

National Brownfields Association

Republican National Lawyers Association

Gracefully navigating the intersection of law, policy and politics, Troy Cumings is a Warner partner and government affairs attorney who specializes in achieving solutions to complex and contentious government affairs issues. He has served as a primary advocate for some of the most polarizing and high-profile issues in Michigan over the past 10 years.

Troy is regarded as one of the lead proponents in the state on environmental policy, but has extensive experience with a myriad of other policy areas, including health care, child welfare, tax, economic incentives, labor, energy, mining, licensing, religious issues and banking. One of the top campaign-finance and election lawyers in the state, he regularly represents statewide candidates and ballot initiatives, local and state public officials, PACs, nonprofit entities and political parties.

Launching Warner's Government Affairs practice in 2007, Troy hasn't looked back, effectively bringing the lobbying strengths of K Street to Lansing. Most lobbyists in Michigan are not lawyers, which qualifies Troy somewhat uniquely to finesse the laws and policies that may impact businesses and organizations with a Michigan presence. His impact often transcends Michigan borders, reaching other states, Washington, D.C. or globally.

A recently administered "Kolbe A Index Test," which measures the instinctive way that individuals take action when they strive, confirmed Troy's somewhat rare "quick starter" quality. But his clients would confirm this and could speak to his ease in idea generation, as well as his strong relationship and consensus-building skills - all must-have attributes in a sought-after lobbyist. While Troy always plays to win, he effectively "plays well" with other lawyers and lobbyists. Wherever in Michigan, D.C. or well beyond, this is how successful business gets done - and Troy gets it done.

20+ years

Contributed to Michigan's renewable energy reform package, which overhauled the state's siting process for utility-scale wind, solar, and storage projects and established a clean energy standard of 100% by 2040.

Contributed to Michigan's public safety legislation package addressing firearm background checks and safe storage requirements.

Secured one of Michigan's largest housing grant appropriations on behalf of an economic development client, enabling substantial new attainable housing development and directly addressing a critical regional housing shortage.

Negotiated over $40M in capital outlay renovation and maintenance projects.

Planned legislative event for New York private equity firm to promote public-private partnership relationships in Michigan and to develop relationships with department directors, the Governor's office, and the Legislature.

Negotiated $120M multi-year contract with Department of Management and Budget for client.

Negotiated $100M contract extension for with Department of Management and Budget and developed strategic plan to position client for winning bid in state data warehouse contract.

Worked with Michigan Governor's Office, Legislature, Attorney General's Office, and state departments on joint projects, legislative proposals, and programs affecting DMB priorities; responsible for legislative and legal oversight of DMB's agenda including the Michigan State Fair, Office of the Children's Ombudsman, Veterans Memorial Commission, and Law Enforcement Memorial Commission.

Worked with Legislature, governor's legal counsel and various interest groups to craft legislation enabling transfer of Michigan State Fairgrounds from Department of Agriculture to Department of Management and Budget.

Successfully developed and implemented strategy for legislative approval of construction of the new Michigan State Police Headquarters.

Mediated landlord contract disputes between Department of Management and Budget Real Estate Division constituent landlords and key state officials.

Responsible for relationship development between Department of Management and Budget staff and Legislative members of Joint Capital Outlay committee.

Assists environmental and mining companies build relationships with Michigan's legislature and the governor's office.

Citizens Research Council of Michigan, Director

UM Sparrow Health System, Board Member

Lansing Regional Chamber Public Policy Committee, Member

MI-ACE Public Policy Committee, Member

National Black Professional Lobbyists Association, Member

Greening of Detroit, Board Member (2023-Present)

iMPROve Health, Board Member (2022-Present)

Develop Detroit, Board Member (2022-Present)

Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, Board Member (2019-Present)

Chandler Park Conservancy, Board Member (2019-Present)

Mayor's Workforce Development board, City of Detroit (2018-Present)

Career and Educational Advisory Council, Member

Ron Stallworth is an attorney and lobbyist who bridges the gap between clients, the Michigan legislature and local governments. With a wealth of experience, he offers guidance on navigating intricate issues and legislative processes, particularly those that directly influence businesses across the state.

Ron is thoroughly committed to resolving challenges for his clients and leveraging legal frameworks to advance worthy causes that profoundly impact communities and individuals. His work centers on building coalitions and creating pathways for businesses to receive tax incentives, relocation opportunities and to obtain permitting and licensing that's imperative to the growth and expansion of Michigan commerce. Finding common ground among city governments and neighborhoods, residents, associations and block clubs – Ron forges equitable and harmonious relationships that foster cooperation, understanding and mutual prosperity for all stakeholders involved.

A Detroit native, Ron's roots run deep within the vibrant city, intertwining with its essence and shaping his profound connection to its culture, community and spirit. His expansive network connects him to an abundance of insight and expertise, ensuring he always stays at the forefront of both emerging and enduring public policy matters.

Prior to joining Warner, Ron was the senior manager of state and local public affairs for Stellantis where he oversaw a 10-state region and Wayne County, focusing on legislative policy and government affairs. His responsibilities included leading and developing coalitions with various stakeholders such as government officials, community college and public-school leaders, nonprofit and community organizations to achieve private and public investments with long-term transformative impact. He led strategies to mitigate costs and other roadblocks to economic development by ensuring corporate operational units aligned with local regulations and expectations of residents and other community leaders. Ron led several high-profile initiatives and secured economic development incentives, including training grants, tax credits and other programs to support operational needs at Wayne County manufacturing facilities. He also represented and advocated for the company's interests through lobbying strategies across Michigan and other states.

Before Stellantis, Ron founded and owned Stallworth & Associates, a firm that provided legal representation to corporations, small businesses, nonprofits and individuals in various civil proceedings. He also held positions as associate general counsel and vice president of government relations, associate vice president for the office of general counsel and director of government relations and associate attorney – all for Health Alliance Plan of Michigan.

John S. "Trip" Martin, III is the founder of GeorgiaLink Public Affairs Group. GeorgiaLink is a governmental affairs consulting firm which has been recognized by James magazine seventeen years in a row as the top lobbying firm in the state of Georgia. Mr. Martin began his Government Affairs career in 1981 as the Director of State Government Affairs in Georgia for Southern Bell. In 1986, he was promoted to the position of Director of Legislative Affairs for BellSouth in Washington, D.C. where his major responsibilities included the development and implementation of strategies for dealing with Congress on national telecommunications policy issues. He has served as the Vice President of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Southeastern Public Affairs Council and was a participant in the Leadership Georgia Class of 1983. He is the former Vice President of the University of Georgia National Alumni Association. Mr. Martin currently serves on the Board of Directors of The Advocacy Group, an international network of lobbying firms with offices in forty-eight states. Trip is married to Julie Brown, a native of Atlanta and President & CEO of Georgia Foreign-Trade Zone. Trip and Julie split their time between residences in Atlanta and Blue Ridge, Georgia, where he is a licensed realtor with the Blue Ridge office of Premier Mountain & Lake Property, Inc., and owns and operates Big Creek Alpaca Farms. Trip has three grown children and five granddaughters.

Nathan Honaker is a licensed North Carolina attorney and serves as General Counsel to Connect C providing insight in legislative matters. He has several years of experience in legislative affairs, lobbying and healthcare. Nathan is a graduate of Vanderbilt University and the University of North Carolina School of Law. During college, Nathan had internships with several legislators in the State House of Representatives and the State Senate. After completing his undergraduate degree, he worked for Sen. Phil Berger, President Pro Tempore of the North Carolina Senate, in communications and as a law clerk. During law school, Nathan worked for several lobbyists as a research assistant and policy advisor, as well as working with the State Health Plan and the University of North Carolina System.

20+ years

We are a lobbying firm providing one-stop services for our clients.

One critical achievement was the passage of legislation which amended the statute governing the Charter County Transportation Surtax, now called the Charter County and Regional Transportation System Surtax. The change allowed all charter counties in Florida to utilize this funding mechanism, via referendum. JEJ & Associates' strategy was to cultivate legislative sponsors in each of the chambers, while simultaneously working with other groups, such as Polk County, to develop a coalition of supporters. After securing sponsors, Lena worked with legislators to explain the priority and its importance for transit agencies. JEJ & Associates developed written materials, coordinated testimony before legislative committees and monitored opponents' activities for parliamentary maneuvers which could affect the outcome. This legislative change was approved and became law.

A Central Florida commercial airport was experiencing a problem with multitudes of birds which interfered with airline traffic due to the inherent dangers of bird strikes. Lena initiated discussions with local legislators, worked with committee staff to write the bill, found sponsors in both chambers, educated legislators on the issue, worked with committee chairs to ensure that the bill would be heard in the referenced committees, visited legislators prior to the bill reaching the chamber floors, and pushed for the governor to sign the bill into law once it was passed. As a result of this, the Airline Safety and Wildlife Protection Act became Florida law and has since served as model legislation for other states on how to deal with the issue.

Lena has been appointed to numerous state-wide boards by current and former Senate Presidents and House Speakers.

Lena Juarez is the founder of JEJ & Associates, a governmental consulting firm with offices in Tallahassee, FL and Orlando, FL. She is a graduate of Sophie Newcomb Memorial College of Tulane University and the Reubin O'D. Askew School of Public Administration and Policy at Florida State University.

Lena has been active in politics since a very young age and has served on many local and statewide boards. She has been appointed to numerous statewide boards by current and former Senate Presidents and House Speakers.Lena is a graduate of Leadership Tallahassee and Leadership Florida, which are programs of the local and state Chamber of Commerce. Lena is a member of the Florida Association of Professional Lobbyists.

Lena is a Central Florida native, competes in triathlons and is an avid traveler.

James H. "Jay" Roberts is the most recent member of our team. Prior to joining GeorgiaLink, Mr. Roberts served in the Georgia State House of Representatives (2003-2015) while in the House, Jay was elected as both Vice-Chairman and Chairman of the House Majority Caucus by his peers. Former Gov. Sonny Perdue asked him to serve as his Administration Floor Leader in his second term. He served in that capacity for 2 years. Jay was named the Chairman of the House Transportation Committee by the Speaker of the House in 2010. He served as Chairman of the House Transportation Committee for 6 years. During his tenure in the House, Jay served on the Agriculture & Consumer Affairs, Ethics, Economic Development & Tourism, Ways & Means, Appropriations, Rules, Game & Fish and Transportation Committees. Jay has served several communities during his 13 years in the House. He served Irwin, Ben Hill, Tift, Turner, Coffee, Telfair, Wheeler, Wilcox and Jeff Davis counties. Governor Nathan Deal appointed Jay to the distinguish position of Director of Planning for the State of Georgia at the Georgia Department of Transportation. He was tasked with the planning of the State's Transportation projects including developing and implementing the STIP. Governor Kemp asked Jay to serve on his Transition Team. He was then asked by Governor Brian Kemp to continue to serve him as the Director of Planning. In September, 2019 Mr. Roberts joined GeorgiaLink Public Affairs Group. He and his wife Sarah have two children, and they reside in Irwin County.

Arthur B. "Skin" Edge, IV is engaged in Governmental Relations and Consulting. Prior to joining GeorgiaLink, Mr. Edge served in the Georgia State Senate (1986-1996) and was Minority Leader of the Senate from 1992-1996. Mr. Edge served on the Appropriations, Special Judiciary (Chairman), Public Utilities and Health committees in the Senate. He also served on the Legislative Fiscal Affairs Committee and the Code Revisions Committee. Georgia Trend Magazine named Edge as one of "The 100 Most Influential People in Georgia." He was voted "The Top Registered Lobbyist in Georgia in 2018" in a poll of legislators, state officials and lobbyists. He was also named by Business to Business Magazine as one of "The Ten Most Influential People under the Gold Dome." He is a graduate of the University of Georgia (BBA 1977) and the University of Georgia School of Law (J.D. 1980). He was a participant in the Leadership Georgia Class of 1988. Skin and his wife, Bambi, have three children and six grandchildren. They reside in Newnan, Georgia.