0-5 years

I have legislative experience in a variety of issues affecting the insurance industry and related sectors, including health insurance, property and casualty insurance and regulatory reform. Prior to joining Public Policy Partners, I was the Director of Government Relations for the Maryland Hospital Association. I also served as the Director of Government Relations for the Maryland Insurance Administration. I have a Juris Doctor from the University of Baltimore School of Law, a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Baltimore and a Bachelor's of Science from Salisbury University.

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.

As Vice President of Construction Policy and Regulatory Affairs, is a lobbyist on the government affairs team at Pac/West Lobby Group specializing in construction, housing, energy, regulatory affairs, risk management, and program implementation.

Mark has spent more than three decades deep within the policy and regulatory world of construction and energy in Oregon, leading the Building Codes Division and Department of Energy through the administrations of five governors. He has developed a reputation for cutting through complicated and overwrought concepts to find and implement policies that work. He also has earned the respect of people within the industry, agencies, and elected office. Mark cares about creating policies and processes that work for Oregonians. He is passionate about seeing predictable and streamlined programs put into place that improve customers' lives. He believes that political debates should always have the end goal in mind.

Joining the team in 2023, Mark was previously the executive director of the Oregon Home Builders Association. His ability to effectively advocate for clients comes from convening a broad base of collaboration while working out important nuances in policy. By taking a comprehensive view on regulatory rollout and economic impact, he has a strong track record of advocating for and implementing effective programs.

As Director of Housing and Rural Development, Whitley Sullivan is a lobbyist on the government affairs team at Pac/West Lobby Group specializing in housing, rural development, and campaign consulting. Whitley also supports clients through association management and helping communities advance and thrive through grant writing.

Whitley is a problem-solver. She believes that to navigate complex issues, we must first agree on the root issue(s). In every project, she uses her ability to knock down biases and build bridges so that the team can communicate efficiently and effectively. By spending most of her time in the rural Pacific Northwest, Whitley values the hardworking ethos of her community and strives to put just as much effort into the projects she's tasked with.

Whitley cares about rural lifestyles, communities, education, and healthcare. Our rural communities often lack the time, resources, and infrastructure to combat statewide issues such as housing and healthcare or have the funds to pick up the pieces after natural disasters. Whitley believes that through intense collaboration and proactive strategic planning, we can forge a flourishing future for our rural neighbors–without compromising what makes these communities valuable.

Joining the team in 2023, Whitley spent the past three years advocating for rural, Northeast Oregon values within the Oregon House of Representatives of House District 58's Chief of Staff. Whitley has bachelor's degrees in politics and philosophy from Willamette University.

20+ years

Champion of Recovery by Maryland Recovery Organization Connecting Communities, 2013

Achievement Award BY Maryland Association of Community Services in 2011 for leadership in securing passage of legislation to increase the alcohol tax that provides funding for services to people with developmental disabilities and other health care needs

Innovator of the Year for the Leadership in Disabilities Policy, Daily Record, 2010

Fighting the Opioid Overdose Crisis -- Passage of several pieces of legislation that address the opioid overdose crisis and other addiction treatment and recovery services, including funding for treatment providers, the removal of prior authorizations for certain medication, funding for behavioral health crisis services, guidance on opioid prescribing practices, education requirements in public school systems, and harm reduction measures;

Support for People with Disabilities -- Passage of legislation to provide significant increases to public assistance support to people with disabilities;

Prenatal and Newborn Services -- Passage of legislation establishing the Thrive by Three fund to support services to low income families and newborns;

Workforce Development -- Passage of legislation making changes to the social worker licensing law to promote and support the workforce;

Homelessness Prevention -- Defeat of legislation putting low income tenants at greater risk of unjust evictions; and

Delinquency Prevention -- Protected funding for services to at-risk youth and their families

Ann has relationships with the 188 members of the Maryland General Assembly and their staff, with strong ties to those on the health, judicial and budgetary committees. This includes relationships with staff in the Senate President's and House Speaker's offices. Ann has relationships with many people in the executive branch, including staff in the Governor's office; staff in many of the state agencies, including Health, Human Services, Juvenile Services, Public Safety and Correctional Services, Legislative Services, and Labor, Licensing and Regulation; and staff in many executive bodies, including the Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention, the Human Relations Commission, and the Governor's Office for Children.

Ann T. Ciekot is a founding partner of Public Policy Partners. Ann has more than 25 years of experience in government relations and public policy work in Maryland. Ann started in this field working for 10 years in statewide nonprofit advocacy organizations working on policy issues regarding affordable housing, homelessness and eviction prevention, public assistance programs, substance use disorder treatment and recovery, and funding for programs in each of these areas. In 2002, Ann became a founding partner of Binderman and Ciekot, a lobbying firm representing health and social justice issues. Since 2006, Ann has been part of Public Policy Partners, a firm growing in size and scope of work. Ann conducts regular trainings for organizations and both graduate and undergraduate school classes on aspects of Maryland government and how to effectively influence policy makers. Ann is a graduate of Loyola University Maryland and is a life-long resident of the state.

20+ years

His recent work awarded Scott recognition for "the best lobbying on a single bill" in The Missouri Scout (2018).

Scott's experience has afforded him expertise on a wide array of policy issues from decades of meaningful partnerships. During his tenure in policy work Scott's leadership has ranged from coordinating teams of lobbyists on mutual issues over multiple firms, to being the solo antagonist opposing and negotiating legislation.

His recent work awarded Scott recognition for "the best lobbying on a single bill" in The Missouri Scout (2018).

Scott oversees all aspects of The Penman Group's legislative and policy affairs. His time in the Missouri Capitol is reserved primarily for strategic client representation, engaging with policymakers through one-on-one meetings, testifying before legislative committees, and forging critical relationships.

When he's not managing The Penman Group, Scott is likely traveling to one of his favorite fly fishing spots or taking his family on a camping trip in Colorado.

0-5 years

As Vice President, Phil Scheuers supports the Pac/West Lobby Group team by tracking and managing legislation and advocating for client interests across state agency budgets, revenue, and capital construction committees. Phil also manages the firm's administrative duties, leads economic development projects, and supports clients through campaign consulting and association management.

There are few that have more experience working on Oregon's state budget and revenue than Phil. When he left as a legislative staffer, he was one of the longest-serving staffers on the House side with a wealth of experience on ways and means. Phil maintains strong relationships with regional and state partners and has extensive experience in economic development programs, including business incentives, industrial land development, and more. Phil is known for his ability to think outside the box and identify ways to leverage opportunities to help clients achieve their goals. Phil cares about advocating for rural issues, lifestyles, and people. He spends some of his free time on the Hermiston Education Foundation Board and is a proponent of equitable education.

Joining the team in 2018, Phil had a decade of experience working in government affairs and economic development in Eastern Oregon, focusing much of his time on the ways and means and capital construction processes.

As Vice President of Health Care Policy, Henry T. O'Keeffe is a lobbyist on the government affairs team at Pac/West Lobby Group specializing in health care and helping clients engage in the legislative rulemaking process and mold their legislative priorities into proposed legislation that protects community health, local innovation, and opposes one-size-fits-all policies.

Henry has a proven track record working in health care, local government, non-profits, and private business. He is a member of the Oregon State Bar and is skilled at organizing, drafting, and negotiating legal agreements and advancing legislation for his clients. Henry is inquisitive and talented at crafting clear, concise language for legislative concepts. 

Henry has a history of caring about helping people, whether in his capacity as a student volunteer at a domestic violence shelter in college, or as the principal attorney at his law firm today. His own personal health story has helped him understand the challenges and opportunities in Oregon's health care system and energized him in his role as an advocate.

Joining the team in 2022, Henry's background includes state legislative affairs, eight years as general counsel for Greater Oregon Behavioral Health, Inc., and serving as a legislative aide for the American Civil Liberties Union of Washington State. A native Oregonian, Henry has bachelor's degrees in philosophy, politics, economics, and anthropology/sociology from Eastern Oregon University and a J.D. from Lewis & Clark Law School.

As Vice President of Legislative and Public Affairs, Rick Metsger oversees government and regulatory affairs and helps merge lobbying efforts with a communications-minded outreach.

Rick is a seasoned policy and public affairs veteran, bringing decades of hands-on experience with legislative, regulatory, and communications efforts. His work has spanned transportation, financial institutions, economic development, and marketing communications. Rick maintains close personal relationships with Oregon legislative and executive leaders. He serves as an informal advisor to several legislative leaders and understands the intersection between moving public opinion and moving (or stopping) legislation.

Rick cares about civic engagement and ensuring all voices are heard. He believes collaborative policymaking is the only path to lasting success. Rick also believes in rural communities and the importance of sustaining them. He cares about kids having the real-world tools and resources they need to succeed when they graduate.

Joining the team in 2021, Rick previously served as Chairman of the National Credit Union Administration in Washington, D.C., in both the Obama and Trump Administrations. The agency regulates nearly 6,000 financial institutions and is the insurer of more than $1.3 trillion in deposits. During his time with the agency, he was also a voting member of the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC) and the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC). Before his appointment by President Obama in 2013, Rick was an Oregon State Senator from 1999 to 2011, serving as the Senate Pro Tempore and chair of the Senate Business and Transportation Committee. He received several awards recognizing his leadership. Before joining the Senate, Rick built his career as a respected, award-winning print and broadcast journalist and founded his own public relations company. Rick has a bachelor's degree in communications and a master's degree in teaching, both from Lewis & Clark College.

11-15 years

Ryan Tribbett founded Pac/West Lobby Group in 2020. His focus as president is building and supporting a well-rounded team of experts to give clients the reputable, forward-thinking service they seek. He cares about building collaborative relationships by finding common values and interests to create long-lasting and real-world solutions to problems. He believes that everyone should have the opportunity to thrive and is proud of being a responsible business owner who cares about his place in the communities in which his team works.

Ryan excels at helping policymakers understand the real-world human impact proposed bills and regulations have on his clients. Regardless of political swings, Ryan's ability to translate client needs into a viable political strategy has helped Pac/West Lobby Group clients achieve their goals and overcome challenges previously seen as insurmountable. Ryan's coalition-building skills have led to the development of key state programs like Connect Oregon, where millions have been invested in roads, rail, bridges, and ports to move Oregon's commodities to domestic and global markets. Ryan's expertise comes from knowing the legislative process and his strong relationships with leaders in both political parties of the Oregon Legislature and the Governor's Office.

Ryan has more than two decades of government affairs experience working on legislative and business issues related to economic development, critical transportation infrastructure, apprenticeships, labor law, contracting code, capital construction funding, local governments, and procurement. Before becoming a lobbyist, Ryan was a policy advisor and chief of staff in the Oregon State Senate and managed campaigns and field operations for regional and statewide candidates and ballot measures. A native Oregonian, Ryan has a bachelor's degree in political science from Portland State University.

DAVID A. SMITH is a partner in the Princeton Public Affairs Group, is a veteran of the public affairs arena and has successfully managed public affairs campaigns impacting auto insurance, life insurance, tort reform and environmental legislative initiatives. Mr. Smith received national acclaim when he was honored with a ""Pollie Award"" by the American Association of Political Consultants and named to their United States ""Public Affairs Team of the Year." Mr. Smith was also named one of the most influential players in New Jersey's Healthcare arena by the Annual HealthSense Listing. Since 2005, Mr. Smith has been a Commissioner on the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission (nominated by the Governor for two separate four year terms and confirmed by the NJ Senate) and currently serves as an Officer on the Commission (Secretary). Mr. Smith serves on the National Board of Directors of the Public Affairs Council, and was one of the few contract lobbyists in the Country to be appointed to a National Task Force charged with creating ethical standard for lobbyists throughout the United States. Mr. Smith is a founder and member of the Board of Directors of ProtectingAmerica.org, an advocacy organization Co-chaired by James Lee Witt, former Cabinet member under President Clinton and Admiral James Loy, Deputy Director of Homeland Security under President Bush. Mr. Smith also serves as an Officer (1st Vice President) of the New Jersey Hall of Fame Foundation Board of Directors and also serves on the Executive Committee (Secretary) of The Advocacy Group (TAG). Finally, Mr. Smith serves on the Board of Directors as an officer (Treasurer) of the State Capitol Insurance Company RRG, the first professional liability company for lobbyists headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Mr. Smith has appeared on television and radio stations representing clients' interests, authored dozens of articles on politics/policy issues in New Jersey and is a frequent guest speaker/lecturer at national and state conferences, legislative hearings, meetings and seminars. He has been a consultant to statewide and legislative political campaigns and is a member of the Executive Finance Committee of the Assembly Democratic Leadership Committee as well as the New Jersey State Democratic Committee. Prior to joining the firm in 1995, Mr. Smith served as Director of Policy and Planning for the New Jersey General Assembly Democratic Office. In that capacity, Mr. Smith supervised the partisan staff of all Assembly Committees and Task Forces while serving as senior staff aide to the insurance and commerce legislative committees. He was a Director with the New Jersey Dental Association from 1985 to 1990 and served on several national and state health care and insurance advisory committees.

Mr. Smith was awarded a Master of Science in Financial Services (MSFS) Degree from the Richard D. Irwin Graduate School of The American College. He is a Graduate Fellow of the Public Affairs Institute, a three year educational program of the Public Affairs Council located in Washington, DC. Mr. Smith also graduated with a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Political Science from Gettysburg College.

15-20 years

Charlotte Ellertson Innovation Award - American Society for Emergency Contraception

Choice Advocate Award - NARAL Pro-Choice Maryland

"Locking Down Our Patient's Privacy" - Planned Parenthood of Maryland

Advocate of the Year - Maryland Women's Coalition for Health Care Reform

Innovator of the Year - The Daily Record

Former Director of Governmental Affairs - Maryland State Department of Health

With over 20 years in the policy advocacy field, Robyn S. Elliott has been a strong and successful advocate for community health providers primarily focused on ensuring increasing funding for health services, expanding health benefits, and ensuring that the regulatory environment allows providers to operate efficiently and effectively. Prior to this, Robyn worked for both the legislative and executive branches, where she spent almost ten years advocating for health care funding and policy priorities within State government. This included three years as the Director of Governmental Affairs for the Maryland Department of Health, where she was responsible for the broadest legislative package of any State agency; and two years in the Department as an advisor to the Secretary and Chief Financial Officer on how to advocate for funding priorities. Before her tenure at the Department of Health, Robyn worked with the Maryland General Assembly for three years as a budget analyst. She was responsible for advising the legislature about the budgets and policies of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and Department of Aging. Robyn came to the General Assembly with several years of experience in health care finance, where she managed the budget for a State cancer-screening grant program and oversaw the budget process for a large hospital department. She has a master's degree in health care administration from the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill.

20+ years

Paul Phillips is one of the leading public affairs and political campaign strategists active today. With more than 30 years of professional experience in politics, marketing and issues management, Paul has an impressive track record of designing and implementing successful programs, initiatives, and campaigns on a wide range of issues such as taxation, transportation, construction, sportsman/conservation, natural resources, health care, facility siting and permitting, and energy.

Paul began his political career in 1978 while working on the successful Oregon gubernatorial campaign of Victor G. Atiyeh. After five years working as assistant to Governor Atiyeh, Paul was hired by Nike, Inc., to manage communication development. In late 1983, while working at Nike, Phillips was appointed to the State House of Representatives. After successfully winning two elections, Phillips left the House and was elected to the State Senate where he served two terms.

While in the Senate and Chair of the Revenue Committee, Phillips helped facilitate major policy changes to Oregon's strategic investment programs which resulted in significant private sector investment stabilizing a changing economy in the Northwest. Later, in his professional life, he organized and led strong coalitions. One example is with Tektronix, Intel, Genentech, Precision Castparts, Nike, Schnitzer Steel, and Columbia Sportswear, among others, that resulted in a major and lasting overhaul of corporate apportionment taxation in Oregon.

In 1997, he and his wife, Nancy Phillips, began Pac/West Communications. Since then, Paul has grown Pac/West into one of the most successful political public relations and marketing firms in the region. Paul and Nancy have built a reputation as a national leader in the arena of behavioral change, whether they be national campaigns or statewide efforts.

Paul is well-known for winning difficult, and sometimes controversial, efforts. He has played lead roles in over 361 campaigns and initiatives across the United States, often securing key support from non-tradition allies, including passage of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act (2003). He has managed a wide range of campaigns for candidates, including gubernatorial, U.S. Senate, Congressional, as well as statewide and local issue ballot measures on a wide variety of topics. Most recently, Paul was the chief architect and strategist for CRED and Protect Colorado which defeated attacks on the oil and natural gas industry in Colorado.

Paul was recently appointed to the Native American Youth and Family Center Advisory Board. He has also previously served as a member of the Board of Trustees Pacific University. Paul is a member and of Boone & Crockett Club. He is the Club liaison with the Western Governors' Association and serves as co-chair of the club's Conservation Policy Committee.

Paul has a B.A. in economics from Pacific University in Forest Grove, Ore.

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.