20+ years

Kevin E. Cunningham is a partner with Southern Strategy Group-Louisiana one of the preeminent Governmental Relations firms operating in the state.

He joined the firm 2009 and represents a varied client base before the legislature, federal and state agencies, local government etc. Having developed an expertise in property and casualty insurance law, Kevin was recently selected by the State Commissioner of Insurance to serve on the High Auto Insurance Rates Task Force, which is developing legislative and regulatory solutions to combat this growing problem. In addition, he serves as an active member of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry's Civil Justice Reform Advisory Council, to which he is also a past Chairman.

Prior to joining SSG, Kevin was a partner with Roedel Parsons Koch Blache Balhoff & McCollister, where he served on the firm's Executive Management Committee. From 1996 to 2001 he served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Governor Mike Foster, where he oversaw the $14 million dollar Urban and Rural Grant Program. In addition to other duties, he also chaired both the Transportation Infrastructure Model for Economic Development (TIMED) Task Force, which resulted in much needed infrastructure development and the Louisiana Task Force for the Reduction of Automobile Insurance Rates, which brought about significant insurance rate and civil justice reforms.

An avid tennis player, Kevin is the past President of the Greater Baton Rouge Community Tennis Association, where he oversaw the return of a challenger series tennis tournament to the City and a resumption of a grade school -- Introduction to Tennis -- program. During his tenure he also increased participation in the world-class Cajun Classic Wheelchair Tennis Tournament, which attracts top professional and amateur wheelchair players from throughout the world. Recently he was asked to serve on the Board of Directors for Metro YMCA. Other past civic involvement includes the Council for Judicial Excellence and a member of Kiwanis International.

The son of retired army officer and an educator who also served as an administrator with the State Department of Education, Kevin was born in Wurzburg Germany and graduated high school in Seoul Korea. He received his Juris Doctorate from Southern University Law Center in 1985, where he was a member of the Southern University Moot Court Board (1984-1985) and Law Review candidate. While at Southern he was honored with the American Jurisprudence 2nd Award for Outstanding Achievement in the field of Corporations. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems from Old Dominion University in Norfolk VA, in 1982. Kevin is married to Helena R. Cunningham, also an attorney, CPA and affordable housing developer. They have two children, Kevin Jr., an attorney working in Baton Rouge and Sydne, a second-year law student at Tulane University School of Law in New Orleans

20+ years

In 2020, named by the Hartford Business Journal as one of the top 50 most influential people in Hartford.

In 2017 she was honored as "Practitioner of the Year" by the Greater CT Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).

In 2005, recognized by the Hartford Business Journal as one of eight top woman business owners.

Developed and implemented several Connecticut market entry initiatives for a global banking interest, outpatient medical and behavior health facilities and a renewable energy company.

Led several multi-organizational coalitions to pass landmark legislation on scholarship funding, tort reform, energy deregulation, managed care regulation and tax initiative opposition.

Drives business strategy and best practices for two separate and widely respected companies.

Appointed by the Mayor of Hartford to Chair the Hartford Parking Authority.

Prior to starting Sullivan & LeShane, Inc. (S&L) in 1983 and Sullivan & LeShane Public Relations in 1988, served as Director of External and Public Affairs for a highly respected statewide medical and vocational rehabilitation organization.

Member and Secretary of the University of Saint Joseph Board of Trustees and chairs the Academic Women's Leadership. Vice Chair of the Washington-based Public Affairs Council, a professional association of corporate/national organizations.

Holds a Master's Degree in Healthcare Finance from the Rensselaer Lally School of Business and a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Leadership and Community Development from Springfield College. Participated in select executive level programs at Stanford University and McGill University. In addition, participated in the Yale School of Management leadership program.

0-5 years

Lindsay Jacobs has over 12 years of experience working in and building strong relationships at every level of government. Prior to joining the Sullivan & LeShane team, Lindsay served as Advocacy Manager for the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities, the state's largest municipal trade association, where she focused on a breadth of issues including education, environment, energy, and banking policy.

Lindsay gained her robust knowledge of municipal issues from her time as Government Affairs and Communications Advisor for the City of Danbury under Mayor Dean Esposito's administration, and her political work with now Commissioner Mark Boughton.

Lindsay holds a BA in International Studies and a minor in History from Emory University in Atlanta, GA. Upon graduation, Lindsay worked with former U.S. Senator David Perdue (R-GA) in his first run for office, where she developed a deep understanding of the interconnection between policy and politics. Before moving to the Northeast in 2016, Lindsay served as the Political Affairs Manager for the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, helping businesses navigate the role politics play in the legislative process.

As a member of the Sullivan & LeShane, Inc. team, Lindsay utilizes her deep knowledge of policy-making and solid statewide network to connect her clients with the right decision makers.

Lindsay currently lives in the Farmington Valley.

A native of Louisiana, Brad Mittendorf is also a founding member of Southern Strategy Group (Louisiana). Leveraging expertise in energy and telecommunications policy, Brad represents clients before the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC). In addition, he coordinates issues management and media relations services for SSG clients.

The former campaign manager of Republican Jimmy Field's successful bid for public service commissioner, Brad also served as Commissioner Field's executive assistant. During his 7-year tenure with the LPSC, Brad advised on energy, telecommunications and transportation policies. In addition to serving as the commissioner's representative at regulatory hearings and workshops, Brad was also principal liaison to other elected officials and agencies.

In addition to his work in the political and regulatory arenas, Brad founded In Focus, LL -- a private research company. As president, Brad directed focus group research to test issues for a variety of political candidates and organizations and for law firms seeking to evaluate trial and mediation strategies.

Brad is a Phi Beta Kappa and summa cum laude graduate of Louisiana State University and served as co-editor of the Oxford Book of the American South (1997).

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.

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.

11-15 years

Commonwealth North Board of Directors (Member)
USA Hockey Pacific District Board of Directors (Chariman)
USA Hockey Board of Directors (Member)
IIHF Representative - Team USA NTDP U-17 (Kazan, Russia)
Safari Club International (Past Member)

Kristopher Knauss is a fourth generation Alaskan. He graduated with honors from Arizona State University with a B.S. in Political Science and History. During his tenure at Arizona State, Mr. Knauss actively engaged in government affairs and politics, serving as intern to the United States Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and then as campaign staff for the first female Governor of Arizona, Jane Dee Hull.

After returning to Alaska, Mr. Knauss served as a legislative aide to the Alaska State Senate President for two years. He became Chief of Staff to the Alaska State House Rules Committee and then Chief of Staff to Alaska State Speaker of the House where he served for approximately two years.

Because of Mr. Knauss' familiarity with state government from the executive and legislative branches, Governor Murkowski appointed him Director of Policy for the State of Alaska. In this role, he interfaced on a daily basis with the Governor, Chief of Staff, and Cabinet members. Additionally, Mr. Knauss represented the Governor and was his lead staff person with non-partisan organizations such as the National Governors' Association, Western Governors' Association, Council of State Governments, the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission, as well as partisan groups such as the Republican Governors' Association and the Republican National Committee.

Government Affairs is a constantly changing environment that requires a unique and first hand understanding to be effective and take full advantage of the opportunities involved and presented. Mr. Knauss has this understanding and in June 2005 resigned his position to join the private sector as the owner and principal of The Knauss Group, LLC, which specializes in government affairs consulting and lobbying the State of Alaska.

In his personal time, Mr. Knauss continues in his elected position on the Board of Directors for USA Hockey, and serves as Chairman of the USA Hockey Pacific District. In this role, Mr. Knauss oversees youth player development along the west coast and works closely with the United States National Team Development Program (USNTDP). Most recent, Mr. Knauss was elected to the Commonwealth North Board of Directors in his professional capacity.

Chase Everton brings more than a decade of experience as a lobbyist who has worked with federal, state, and local governments.

He has worked for associations, as an in-house lobbyist where he managed multi-state government relations efforts, including working with legislative bodies and attorneys general, and as a contract lobbyist. His government relations clients consist of many Fortune 500 companies and national brands such as 1-800 Contacts, Ancestry, eBay, Expedia Group, and Facebook.

Chase specializes in disruptive technologies, tax policy, and economic development. Over the past few years, he has secured millions of dollars in appropriations for his clients. Additionally, Chase has managed numerous public affairs projects for Fortune 500 mergers, local governments, and nonprofits.

Chase received a B.S. in Political Science from the University of Utah. When not at the Capitol, you will find Chase golfing and fly fishing in Utah's beautiful rivers.

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

0-5 years

Past president of CT Conference of Municipalities

Recipient of Connecticut Magazine's "Forty under 40" award.

While serving as Mayor, passed municipal budgets, negotiated union contracts, deal with numerous crisis' and natural disasters.

Recognized on several fronts for achievements within the municipal sector. Also served as the Government Affairs Director for a multi-state waste and recycling company dealing with municipal and state policy.

Was elected as the youngest mayor in the state at age 22.

Served eight years in office as Mayor of the Town of Torrington.

20+ years

In 2020, recognized by the Hartford Business Journal as one of the top 50 most influential people in Hartford.

Secured the initial state funding needed for UConn to build Gampel Pavilion.

Led the government relations team for several industry mergers requiring approvals from the Office of the Attorney General, State Legislature and other regulatory bodies.

Point person working with the City of Stamford, resulting in $240 million in infrastructure funds.

Sought after political strategist with close ties to every major statewide and local political leader in the state.

Drives business strategy and best practices for two separate and widely respected companies.

A veteran political strategist, played key roles in the presidential campaigns of Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan and former Senator Robert Dole, as well the campaigns of former Congresswoman Nancy Johnson, Senator Joseph Lieberman and several Connecticut governors. Most recently served as a senior adviser for two U.S. Senate campaigns and trusted thought leader for two Connecticut Governors.

Graduate of Fairfield University with a BS in Sociology.

Began lobbying career with the Hartford Chamber of Commerce, and then with Connecticut's largest beverage trade association. In 1983, joined his partner Paddi LeShane in founding S&L and, five years later, they founded Sullivan & LeShane Public Relations, Inc. (SLPR)

Randal Johnson joined Southern Strategy Group (Louisiana) after serving as Deputy Commissioner of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry (LDAF) for fourteen years and brings applied experience in the legislative process to the SSG team. While at LDAF, Randal initiated and handled the department's legislative package for more than twenty sessions. Prior to joining the LDAF, he supervised multi-jurisdictional drug enforcement units and served as chief of the special investigative divisions for the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Department. There, Randal drafted and presented legislation on behalf of law enforcement and parochial governments.

Adept at issues and crisis management, Randal supervised the Department of Agriculture's emergency preparation activities related to animal and plant health and weather-borne disasters. In the aftermath of the devastating 2005 hurricanes, Randal personally supervised the successful acquisition and delivery of fuel for the evacuation, rescue, and recovery efforts across the state.

With political activities ranging across both party and geographical lines, Randal, who holds a B.S. in business administration, has consulted and worked in various local, state, and federal campaigns in his native state of Louisiana. He was recognized as one of the top 100 "Louisiana Influencers" by Campaigns & Elections' Politics magazine. Randal has also coordinated successful statewide get- out-the-vote efforts for elected offices ranging from Police Juror to President of the United States. In addition, he graduated from regional and national law enforcement academies administered by the Department of Justice.

0-5 years

Director of Policy and Government Affairs, Maryland Energy Administration
Chief of Staff, Minority Leader Steven Hershey

John C. Fiastro, Jr. boasts extensive experience in government and public affairs. Prior to founding Fiastro Consulting, John served as Director of Policy and Government Affairs at Maryland Energy Administration as well as Chief of Staff to two Maryland State Senators. John maintains a strong relationship network within Maryland's legislative and executive branches as well as the state's regulatory commissions and offices.

John brings extensive knowledge of the legislative process and regulatory environment in a number of key policy areas including energy, public utilities, environment, budget, gaming, healthcare, financial regulation.

John is the proud husband of Julianne and father to Leo and Caesar. A resident of Lutherville, in Baltimore County, John is a graduate of Towson University and Loyola Blakefield High School.

Serving as president of Southern Strategy Group (Louisiana), Rodney Braxton brings the highest levels of public service to the firm. He is experienced in policy development, governmental affairs, legislative relations, budgetary issues, capital improvement projects and enjoys a reputation for "persuasive negotiation skills." As assistant chief of staff to former Governor Murphy J. "Mike" Foster, Rodney supervised transportation, insurance, and labor issues. He also served as associate commissioner of governmental relations for the Louisiana Board of Regents, the state's top higher education board.

Rodney was undersecretary of the Louisiana Department of Labor, the first executive director of the Louisiana Commission on Human Rights and, in 1994, named one of thirty Leaders of the Future by Ebony magazine. An active member of many community and civic organizations, he has served on the boards of Young Leaders Academy, Of Moving Colors Productions and Serve! Baton Rouge.

A native of Louisiana and practicing attorney since 1992, Rodney holds a B.S. in finance from the University of New Orleans and his J.D. from Tulane University Law School where he received a Merit Scholarship and was a quarterfinalist in the 1992 Frederick Douglas Moot Court Competition.

6-10 years

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

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

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

A founding member of Southern Strategy Group (Louisiana), Liz Mangham serves as its managing partner. She primarily represents clients before the legislative and executive branches of state government, focusing on issues related to commerce and industry, civil law, criminal justice, education, health care and transportation.

With keen political skills acquired from managing numerous elections, Liz applies winning campaign strategies to complex lobbying battles. She combines essential grassroots and coalition- based support with the media to deliver comprehensive, effective strategies.

A graduate of Brenau Women's College, Liz has been recognized as one of the top 100 "Louisiana Influencers" and a "National Rising Star" by Campaigns & Elections' Politics magazine and an "Up and Comer in Louisiana Politics" by the Times of Acadiana. Her consulting work has earned award-winning recognition for various political and public policy firms.