Julia Larkin joined Cornerstone Government Affairs in February 2020 with more than 12 years of legislative experience in the state of Illinois. In her role as vice president, Julia uses her skills to help clients in Illinois advance their advocacy goals. Prior to joining Cornerstone, Julia served as the director of advocacy and government relations at AMITA Health, one of the largest health systems in Illinois. During her time in this role, Julia represented the organization's mission with state and local officials and executive agency staff, while also creating and executing strategies to ensure specific policy goals were met.

Previously, Julia served as legislative coordinator to Speaker of the Illinois House Michael J. Madigan for 10 years, where she assisted in the development of a wide array of policy positions and legislative initiatives. Julia has also supported the Democratic Party of Illinois, where she led state representative campaigns, managed opposition research and oversaw state representative candidate recruitment efforts.

Julia received her Bachelor of Arts with a double major in political science and international studies from Loyola University in Chicago.

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.

11-15 years

Member of the Delaware Bar Association
Member of the Maryland Bar Association

REBECCA BYRD knows government, policy and politics with the inside knowledge that comes from broad experience with all three branches of government, and she combines it with the perspective of a lawyer. She can draft legislation. She can lobby for it. She can decipher federal and state regulations.

There was a method to Rebecca's decision not to specialize in just anything. With the breadth of her background, she is ready for everything. Rebecca is a third-generation practitioner. Her grandmother was an aide to Gov. Sherman W. Tribbitt, her father is Bob Byrd, and here she is to carry on the family tradition. Rebecca was the deputy legal counsel to Governor Ruth Ann Minner and a deputy attorney general in the state Justice Department under Attorney General Beau Biden. She also clerked on the Delaware Supreme Court for Justices Carolyn Berger, Jack Jacobs and Henry duPont Ridgely and served as a liaison for the court to the General Assembly.

She is the author of articles on Delaware's Coastal Zone Act (Delaware Chamber of Commerce, 2016) and a co-author of "50 State Survey: The Law of Eminent Domain"" (American Bar Association, 2012). Rebecca is a member of the Delaware State Bar Association and the American Bar Association, where she is a member of the Business Law Section and its Government Affairs Committee. She is a graduate of the George Washington University and the Catholic University of America School of Law.

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.

6-10 years

Troy's tactical approach to advocacy - for even the most unique public policy challenges facing Northwest industries - has been shaped over nearly three decades of policy experience in the Pacific Northwest. He specializes in providing strategic lobbying and consulting services, helping his diverse clients navigate Olympia politics and achieve their legislative, regulatory and state funding goals.

Prior to taking ownership of The Nichols Group Government Relations, Troy's broad experience gave him a unique perspective that can only come from first-hand experience over 25 years in campaigns, grassroots organization, trade association management, and serving as legislative staff:

• As caucus staff liaison for the Washington House Capital Budget Committee, Troy helped to negotiate and pass several multi-billion dollar capital budgets during his tenure


• As executive officer for a five-county trade association, Troy helped stop the association's decade-long decline in membership, balanced its annual budget for two years in a row, revamped several programs and racked up an impressive string of local policy and electoral victories; and


• As Chief of Staff to the Oregon House Majority Leader and the Speaker of the Oregon House, Troy served as strategic counsel to state leaders on the most important and sensitive issues facing the state.

0-5 years

Will Cousineau joined Cornerstone's Springfield, Illinois office in June 2017. Will comes to the firm after nearly 18 years working for Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan, including eight years as political director for the Speaker and the Democratic Party of Illinois.
Will was the longest serving political director for Speaker Madigan and most recently served as senior advisor to the Speaker. Over the past 10 years, Will worked directly with Speaker Madigan to shape, develop and implement the strategy and messaging for the Speaker's legislative and political agenda and the agendas of every member of the House Democratic Caucus. He also developed the implementation of political, legislative and outreach strategies for House Democratic Caucus members and all aspects of the Illinois House's political operation.

During his time with the Speaker's office, Will was involved in the major initiatives that moved through the Legislature over the past ten years, including such legislation concerning utilities, conceal and carry, financial institutions, and civil laws. Additionally, Will was intimately involved in the 2010 drawing of legislative districts, including new districts in the suburban region that have helped House Democrats expand and maintain their majority. While many democratic legislative caucuses across the country lost record numbers of seats during his tenure and every legislative chamber in the Midwest outside Illinois became Republican controlled, Will guided the Illinois House caucus and the Democratic Party of Illinois through a period of expansion and maintained a healthy majority for Illinois House Democrats.

Will's long tenure with the House, experience with message development, crisis management, grassroots organizing and input on political campaigns for offices throughout the state, gives Will an ability to understand complex legislative and political problems, easily digest those issues for members and clients and put together a collaborative and detailed action plan for moving forward.

In 2014, Will and his wife, Macy, adopted three sisters from Latvia. This experience has shaped their family, has given them the opportunity to speak with others about adoption and has encouraged their family to assist others who are adopting children both internationally and domestically. In 2016, Will and Macy's family grew with the arrival of their son.

In his spare time, Will is active in his church and serves on the Board of Elders. Will currently resides in Chatham, IL with his wife and four children.

15-20 years

Christopher serves on the board of directors of the Republican State Leadership Committee and is an active participant in the RLCC.

ROBERT BYRD. When the confusion, the divide and the intricacies are at their worst, if anyone can be counted upon to pick his way through, it is Bob. One of Bob's most memorable legislative achievements was the legalization of slot machines at the state's racetracks.

Bob can provide expert advice on legislation, government contracts, regulatory review, local government matters and congressional action and see it through by getting to the right people at the right time with the right touch. Bob has the background to work with everyone, from his days as a state representative with a blue-collar constituency to his time as the vice president and chief lobbyist of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce.

His leadership talents were recognized by his fellow legislators, who elected him the majority whip in the Delaware House of Representatives, and by Governor Ruth Ann Minner, who appointed him as the chair of the Delaware Economic & Financial Advisory Council, the panel responsible for the revenue projections that have kept the state's multi-billion-dollar budget balanced year after year. Bob's list of clients in Delaware in unequaled. It includes Aetna, Anheuser-Busch, Dover Downs Hotel & Casino, the Maritime Exchange for the Delaware River & Bay, and the Medical Society of Delaware.

6-10 years

Joining the Law Office of Philip A. Reale in June 2017, Philip A. Reale, II, is the most recent addition to the firm. A 2010 graduate of the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill School of Law, Philip is an experienced litigator and general practice attorney who has represented clients across a broad spectrum of practice areas. He now focuses his practice on helping clients who are injured due to the negligence of others, as well as clients who have been wrongfully terminated or discriminated against in the workplace. Additionally, whether negotiating lease agreements, or litigating quiet title actions, Philip helps clients concerning a variety of oil and gas matters.

Prior to his transition to the Law Office of Philip A. Reale, Philip was an attorney at a the largest litigation firm in West Virginia, primarily engaged in defense litigation, representing employers in claims filed by employees for workplace injuries and wrongful discharge. His work has also included defense of newspapers in defamation actions, oil and natural gas contract matters, defense of automobile makers in products liability actions, prosecution of automobile accident cases, business formations and other various matters. His experience as a defense litigator provides him a unique perspective in assisting clients as he has the ability to evaluate cases from every angle to produce positive outcomes.

Philip also has a stellar record before the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals, having successfully represented multiple clients before West Virginia's highest court. In addition to his law degree, Philip also holds an M.B.A. from East Carolina University ('07).

In addition to being an accomplished attorney, Philip is one of the top amateur golfers in West Virginia, and competes regularly throughout the U.S. in top amateur golf tournaments.

In his spare time, Philip enjoys West Virginia Mountaineer athletics and spending time with his wife, Abby, and their daughter Eddison.

KIM GOMES became a lobbyist in her own unique way. She did not get here through politics or law or a cause. Her earliest interests had nothing to do with lobbying. She was a gymnast and a competitor in ballroom dancing. That led to a degree from the University of Delaware in fitness management, and that led to a position at the University of Delaware as the coordinator in charge of the fitness class program on the campus. From there, it was on to work at an insurance office and brokerage firm, except Kim was looking for a new direction, and she thought lobbying would be fun.

Of course she did. She had a taste for the unexpected. She had the slow heartbeat that comes from winning competitiveness. She had a practical foundation of business, organizational and management experience.

Kim added in an academic component by earning a Masters in Public Administration from the University of Delaware. One of the faculty members was Ed Freel, formerly the Delaware secretary of state, and he connected her with Bob Byrd. It clicked, and Kim joined the firm.

Kim's background has been a fine fit, even her ballroom dancing. She paired with Tom Cook, who was the Delaware secretary of finance, for a charity "Dancing with the Stars" event, where they were judged the best dancers. See? Kim was right all along that lobbying could be fun.

Tanner Polce served as both the Chief of Staff (2023-2024) and Chief Advancement Officer (2020-2023) at the Brandywine Valley SPCA, the first tristate animal welfare organization in the nation. During his tenure, Tanner was responsible for revenue and fund development, external affairs, and strategies that support the organization's $20+ million in annual revenues. Tanner was also instrumental in the acquisitions strategies that brought the Human Society of Harrisburg Area (PA), the Animal Adoption Center (NJ), and most recently the Humane Society of Washington, DC into the BVSPCA management portfolio.

Prior, Tanner served years in numerous roles for the State of Delaware and as a Councilmember in the City of Dover. Tanner was senior staff in the Office of the Lt. Governor from 2016-2020. Prior to the role of Policy Director for the Office, he served as Legislative Aide to Senator David Sokola and then-Senator Hall-Long. In 2017, Tanner was elected to Dover City Council and served a term before electing to not seek re-election. His deep understanding of relationship management, policy and strategy has been instrumental in his past roles and in ensuring strategic growth, greater connections and key objectives are met.

Tanner holds a B.A. in Political Science and a Master of Business Administration. Tanner and his wife, Shelby, live in Felton with their four dogs- Brutus, Allen, Marty and Charlotte. In their spare time, they are often planning their next travel adventure, watching their favorite soccer teams, or pitching in amongst a number of community service projects.

15-20 years

Our team consists of lobbyists from around the state of New Mexico with a broad range of relationships with legislators, leaders, state office officials, and local officials. Our team has been carefully selected to ensure relationships with individuals on both sides of the aisle, and all age groups.

T.J. serves as a registered lobbyist for clients on state and local issues. In addition, T.J. is an attorney in New Mexico and practices government affairs law, administrative law, and litigation. T.J. graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Finance from the University of Arizona in 1995. Thereafter, he graduated with a Master of Business Administration from Western New Mexico University and Juris Doctor from the University of Arizona in 2000.

0-5 years

McNees Strategic Solutions Group (MSSG)
International Association of Gaming AdvisorsPA Association of Government RelationsPA Esports Coalition, Chairman of the Board of Directors
Member, Susquehanna Township Planning Commission
Vice Chair, Susquehanna Township Recreation Advisory Committee

Bill is a seasoned government relations and political affairs professional, with significant experience influencing public policy at the state and local level. Prior to joining Mid-Atlantic Strategic Solutions, Bill was a key staff person within the Pennsylvania legislature. He is the former Leadership Executive Director of the Office of the Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus Secretary, serving as a reliable member of the House Democratic Caucus leadership staff team. Before working in the leadership ranks, Bill served as the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania House Gaming Oversight Committee, where he gained significant experience in gaming policy, which he continued to influence up until he left the House in 2017. Bill also served as the Deputy Communications Director for the House Majority Leader from 2008 to 2010. Before arriving in Pennsylvania and working for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Bill
served as the Assistant Director of the West Virginia Legislative Reference and Information Center, a nonpartisan, apolitical office of the West Virginia Legislature.As president of Mid-Atlantic Strategic Solutions, Bill utilizes his government affairs experience, and vast understanding of the legislative and political processes, to advocate for issues important to clients. And through his wide range of contacts, Bill engages elected officials, stakeholders and grassroots partners to deliver effective results for clients.A native of Long Island, New York, Bill is a graduate of the University of Charleston in Charleston, West Virginia. He currently lives in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Mid Atlantic Strategic Solutions is a member of the McNees Strategic Solutions Group.

20+ years

TCG passed legislation giving Medicaid recipients, many with chronic conditions, easier access to home services, supplies and medical equipment. The legislation was opposed by Department of Social Services and was a target for the agency throughout the session.

TCG was successful in leading a coalition to sustain a veto by the Governor that had overwhelming support by the legislature and the Connecticut Education Association. The legislation would have had unintended negative consequences to students with behavioral health issues. TCG secured its client a position on the working group.

TCG was the driving force behind successfully lobbying the Governor's Office, the Office of Policy and Management, and the Department of Corrections to issue a RFP for inmate medical services at UConn Health. TCG's advocacy on this issue reversed a twenty plus year relationship between UConn Health acting as the sole provider of health services to Connecticut's incarcerated population.

TCG defeated legislation proposed by the Governor's office that had a negative impact to its client. TCG created a legislative campaign plan leveraging the extensive alumni network of Norwich Free Academy, along with organizing a coalition.

TCG has direct lines to the all of Connecticut's Constitutional Officers and their senior staff. Constitutional Officers comprises of the Governor, Attorney General, State Comptroller, Secretary of State's offices, and the Treasurer's office.

TCG possesses a strong network within the legislative leadership along key staff members in the four caucuses.

TCG commands far reaching contacts state agency including but not limited to the Department of Consumer Protection, Department of Public Health, Department of Education, Department of Administrative Services, and the Department of Economic and Community Development.

Alan Deckman is an influential and respected lobbyist at the Connecticut General Assembly and the Executive branch state agencies with over 30 years of experience. His personalized approach to representing clients blends practical business expertise with a thorough knowledge of the legislative and governmental process.

Mr. Deckman is the President and principal owner of the TCORS Capitol Group, LLC. Based in Glastonbury, CT, Mr. Deckman oversees all aspects of the company and client servicing. He directs strategic planning and management of the company, as well as marketing and long-term growth and business opportunities.

Mr. Deckman has successfully developed innovative ways to impact legislative and executive decision-making to help achieve the best results for his company's clients. This proactive approach has produced numerous victories for clients with interests in the state budget and tax matters.

As the senior lobbyist of the TCORS Capitol Group, LLC, Mr. Deckman assists Fortune 500 companies and small Connecticut businesses with complex state and municipal procurement matters. Further, he has resolved many administrative inquiries for clients from a wide range of industries at both the state and local levels of government. Mr. Deckman regularly provides lead identification and relationship marketing services to clients looking to expand their business development efforts within the public and private sectors. As executive director and lobbyist for several Connecticut non-profit educational organizations and institutions, he frequently serves as a media spokesperson and advisor on public policy issues of direct concern to those entities.

Mr. Deckman is also the Founder and President of the Connecticut Blockchain Association, whose mission it is to develop, promote, and advance blockchain technology and to establish Connecticut as a leader for blockchain innovation. The Connecticut Blockchain Association strives to create a unifying advocacy voice for the Blockchain industry in the state of Connecticut. Mr. Deckman also serves as an advisory board member for the Pennsylvania Blockchain Coalition.

Born in New London, Connecticut, Mr. Deckman graduated from Assumption College, where he received the distinguished Crown and Shield Award for leadership and service. Subsequently, he earned a master's degree in Public Administration from the Sawyer School of Management at Suffolk University in Boston, where he was also selected to participate in the Dean's Fellowship Program.