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

Kim M. Robak served as Lieutenant Governor with Governor Nelson from October 1993 to January 1999.

Kim M. Robak, senior partner, has a background and experience in private practice, state government, and university administration that makes her uniquely qualified to handle projects for a multitude of clients. Robak was a partner in private practice before leaving to serve as Legal Counsel and Chief of Staff to then-Governor and former U.S. Senator Ben Nelson. She served as Lieutenant Governor with Nelson from October 1993 to January 1999.

Following her government service, Robak joined the University of Nebraska as Vice President for External Affairs and Corporation Secretary where she was responsible for public and government relations, marketing, and information technology for the University of Nebraska system. Robak joined Mueller Robak LLC as a partner in December of 2004.

Ms. Robak is a Columbus, Nebraska native. She and her husband, fellow Mueller Robak partner William J. Mueller, have two daughters, Katherine and Claire.

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

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.

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.

20+ years

15-20 years

Julie received the WESTMARC President's Award for exemplary work in economic development and was inducted as an Honorary Bobcat at The University of Arizona. She has received Special Congressional Recognition from Congressman Ruben Gallego for her work on his Women's Advisory Commission and was selected by the Maricopa Community College Foundation Board of Directors to serve as Vice Chair.

Evelyn (Evie) Zois Sweeney joined MHSA in 2011. Evie previously lobbied on behalf of a multitude of corporate, non-profit and municipal clients at Dykema Gossett, PLLC. She has extensive experience with state procurement, local government and the appropriations process, specifically higher education, capital outlay, corrections and general government.

Prior to joining Dykema, Evie served as a legislative assistant to the Senate Appropriations Chair and Clerk for the Senate Appropriations Committee and Joint Capital Outlay Subcommittee. In addition to shepherding legislative agendas through the process, she was responsible for monitoring several departmental budgets, including corrections, community health and general government.

Evie is a 2004 graduate fellow of Michigan State University's Michigan Political Leadership Program, a multi-partisan leadership training program. Evie also serves as co-chair of the gift acquisition committee for the Children's Trust Fund, is involved with Habitat for Humanity and serves on the Michigan Political Leadership Program's Finance Committee. Evie also had the privilege of working on Governor Rick Snyder's 2011 Inaugural Executive Committee.

Evie graduated from Michigan State University's James Madison College with honors and earned a bachelor of arts degree. She was a double major in International Relations and Sociology. Evie also served as a research assistant at St. Peter's College, University of Oxford, Oxford England.

Evie and her husband Matt reside in DeWitt with their daughter and son.

6-10 years

Recognized by the Arizona Capitol Times as one of the top lobbyists in the state under the age of 40 (2017)

Recognized by the Arizona Capitol Times as a "Breakdown Breakout" winner, given to the sharpest political and industry minds in Arizona under 40 (2019)

With nearly a decade of government relations experience at the state and local level, Lauren's specialty practice areas include policy issues in the healthcare, real estate and tech sectors. Prior to entering into the policy realm, Lauren worked in marketing and public relations, executing local and national media campaigns for clients ranging from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies. Her background also includes having developed and implemented grassroots campaigns surrounding legislation for one of Arizona's largest nonprofit organizations. A graduate of the University of Arizona with an academic focus in journalism and political communication, Lauren has extensive experience working with local and national news outlets. Recognized by the Arizona Capitol Times as one of the top lobbyists in the state under the age of 40, Lauren represents the firm's interests before the Arizona State Legislature, the Office of the Governor, state agencies and various municipalities.

Education: B.S., University of Arizona

20+ years

Previously, McGarah served as the Committee Director of the powerful Senate Natural Resources Committee. During her 10 years with this committee she established solid relationships with key members of the legislature and various environmental agencies, and developed a thorough knowledge of Texas' air, water, and waste issues.

McGarah dedicated countless hours to the preparation and passage of groundbreaking pieces of legislation, including Senate Bill 1 in 1997 and Senate Bill 2 in 2001. Both of these bills dealt with state water management measures and greatly impacted the state.

McGarah was also instrumental in the development and passage of SB 5 in the 75th Legislature, which created the Texas Emissions Reduction Program. This program has served as a model for numerous other states across the country, and has been a vital component in assisting Texas meet the Federal Air Quality Standards.

11-15 years

Theodore C. Sorensen Fellow
Lincoln Young Professionals Group Four Under Forty Award
University of Nebraska Student Body President

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

With over ten years of experience as a lobbyist, Matthew T. Schaefer has extensive experience building stakeholder coalitions and guiding complex legislation through Nebraska's unique one-house legislature. Matt has worked with a broad range of clients ranging from some of Nebraska's most respected homegrown businesses to national technology companies bringing new innovations to the state. Matt also assists hospitals, professional associations, and political subdivision on challenging public policy matters.

Before joining Mueller Robak LLC in 2010, Matt was a Theodore C. Sorensen Fellow at the University of Nebraska College of Law and executive editor of the Nebraska Law Review. Matt is one of three firm members who were elected President of the student body of the University of Nebraska while an undergraduate.

20+ years

6-10 years

Named a "30 Under 30 Rising Stars in Florida Politics" by Florida Politics in 2014

Strong relationships in the Florida Department of Education, as well as the chairs and staff of education policy and appropriations committees in both legislative chambers, and many other agencies and policy areas, including the Department of Children and Families, Department of Corrections, and more.

Sara has more than a decade of experience in education policy and government affairs, starting as a K-12 public school teacher. She thrives on helping clients achieve complex and challenging goals and has become a respected and trusted voice for education policy issues in Tallahassee.

Sara joined McGuireWoods Consulting in 2018 after six years of leading government affairs for nonprofits in Florida. Prior to MWC, Sara led external and legislative affairs for Step Up For Students, the largest K-12 scholarship funding organization in the nation. Before that, she was the Florida Legislative Affairs Director for the Foundation for Excellence in Education. In addition to education, Sara has experience in the areas of child welfare, criminal justice, juvenile justice, healthcare, insurance, and more.

In 2011, while still in the classroom, Sara was nominated for Orange County Public Schools Teacher of the Year award. By 2014, Sara was named one of "30 Under 30 Rising Stars" by Florida Politics, the state's predominant political news site.

Sara received her bachelor's degree in English Education from the University of North Florida in 2007 and her master's degree in Education Policy and Evaluation from Florida State University in 2014.

Sara is a member of Leadership Florida, the American Enterprise Institute's State Leadership Network, and co-founder of Lean In Tallahassee. In her spare time, she volunteers as a guardian ad litem in Florida's Second Judicial Circuit and fosters dogs through a local animal rescue organization. Sara lives in Tallahassee with her husband, daughter, and rescue dog.

Launched Cornerstone's 13th state office in South Carolina

Former Chief of Staff and Legal Counsel for the South Carolina House Ways and Means Committee

DOUGLAS STRUYK joined Carney Appleby P.L.C. as an associate in 2013. Doug is a native of Council Bluffs, Iowa, graduating from Saint Albert High School in 1988. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture from Iowa State University in 1992. Doug received his Juris Doctorate from Creighton University School of Law in 1996 with Cum Laude honors and was admitted to the Iowa Bar in June of 1996. He is also a past president of the National Association of Bar Executives' Government Relations Section.

After graduating from law school, Doug was Chief of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship's Agricultural Diversification Bureau. After working at the Department of Agriculture, Doug returned home to manage his family's business, Struyk Turf, Ltd. In 2002, Doug was elected to the Iowa House representing Council Bluffs. During his time in the Iowa House, he was elected Assistant Minority Leader and was the Ranking Member of the House State Government Committee. He also served on the Judiciary, Economic Development, Commerce, and Agriculture Committees. Doug retired from the House 2010. In November of 2010, Doug was named Chief Legal Counsel to the Iowa Secretary of State's office. Doug also served as the office's senior legislative liaison. In May of 2012, he was selected by the Speaker of the House to serve as his Executive Officer, a position Doug held until joining Carney Appleby Law.

Doug has nearly two decades of government relations experience including time as a lawyer, lobbyist, and legislator. He has worked at the highest levels of both the executive and legislative branches of Iowa's government. Doug is well known at the Iowa Capitol as a skilled problem solver with a proven record of working with both parties to resolve controversial issues. He was a respected leader in the Iowa legislative process with a well-developed network and skill set.

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

Jim Monahan has a strong and established public affairs practice that focuses on representing businesses, trade associations and non-profit organizations before state and national governmental agencies. This work includes an emphasis on policy development, legislative advocacy and effective communications.

Jim's professional focus includes energy, transportation and environmental issues. He does work in the healthcare field, with an emphasis on Medicaid policy. In addition, Jim oversees the Dupont Group public relations division White Birch Communications Group.

Jim was elected as Merrimack County Treasurer in the Fall of 2008 and served one term. Currently, he serves on the Concord Zoning Board of Adjustment. Jim is well known for providing news media analysis on topics of politics and public policy. Formerly, Jim was a member of the Independent System Operator (ISO) New England Board Advisory Committee, and a contributing editor to the political website Primary Diner.

0-5 years

Student Body President and Student Regent - University of Nebraska at Kearney

Nebraska Moot Court Board - Member

Winning Team and Best Oral Advocate - Henry R. Grether Moot Court Competition, University of Nebraska College of Law

CALI Awards for Excellence - Trial Advocacy, Pre-Trial Litigation, Land Use Planning

2009 Nester University Student Leadership Award - University of Nebraska Kearney

2014 Grand Island Chamber of Commerce Top 35 Under 35

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

Tim Hruza joined the team at Mueller Robak after having earned experience practicing law in a variety of contexts.

After graduating from law school, Tim spent three years in private practice at a mid-sized firm in Grand Island, Nebraska, where he worked with clients on a number of different legal issues, from litigating contract and property boundary disputes, to developing estate plans and managing business transactions. Following his time in private practice, Tim worked as legal counsel to a Lincoln business association, providing advice and counsel to local business owners and advocating for their interests before elected officials on both local and state levels. Most recently, Tim served as legal counsel to the Nebraska Legislature's Judiciary Committee, where he advised Senators on the legal aspects of bills presented to them for consideration.

Tim also brings to the firm experience working with local media outlets. He is a regular contributor on Lincoln's news and talk radio station 1400 KLIN where he provides commentary and insight on national, state, and local political and sports news. Tim has worked as on-air talent and as a behind-the- scenes producer for both morning and afternoon talk radio programs and through this experience has built strong relationships with elected officials and media partners in Nebraska on all levels.

Tim received his juris doctor degree with distinction from the University of Nebraska College of Law in 2012, where he was a member of the Moot Court Board and received awards for his oral advocacy skills. Before attending law school, Tim was an honors graduate of the University of Nebraska at Kearney, receiving his Bachelor of Science degree cum laude. During his time at UNK, Tim was elected to serve a term as the University's Student Body President and Student Regent.

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.

0-5 years

Brendan began working at The Dupont Group in 2022 and has been working in New Hampshire politics for several years. He has a wide range of experiences on two Congressional Campaigns, including Steve Negron's 2018 run as a field staffer, and George Hansel's 2022 run as a deputy campaign manager. In the 2020-2021 academic year, he served as the Executive Director of the New Hampshire Federation of College Republicans, leading the organization's first digital campaign for down-ballot races.

In addition to his work here in the Granite State, Brendan has experience with advocacy at the national level. In 2021, he was an intern for the American Conservation Coalition, where he made contributions to The Natural Solutions Report, and assisted in the development of several courses in ACC's Market Environmentalism Academy.

Brendan earned his BA in Politics from Saint Anselm College in May 2021, and in May 2025, earned his Masters' in Public Administration from the UNH Carsey School of Public Polic