0-5 years

John brings 24 years of strategic experience in shaping legislative, budgetary, and regulatory policy in the Commonwealth. He most recently served three terms as Pennsylvania State Senator for Senate District 14 in Carbon and Luzerne Counties, where he earned a reputation as a consensus-builder and accomplished notable community and economic development objectives. John was Chairman of the Senate Community and Economic Development Committee, Vice-Chairman of the Aging and Youth Committee and minority Chairman of the Senate Environmental and Energy Resource Committee, a role he held for nearly a decade. Prior to his election to the Senate, he served the 119th District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for 12 years.

Across his senatorial tenure, John managed multiple community and economic development projects in Northeastern Pennsylvania that transformed the region into one of the leading economic development areas in the country. He forged coalitions with labor groups, such as the Pennsylvania State Building and Construction Trades Council, and business groups, including the Pennsylvania Manufacturers Association and the Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce, to advance the Local Resource Manufacturing Tax Credit, the Pennsylvania EDGE Tax Credit and the Sales and Use Tax Exemption for computer data center development.

John also worked with the Earth Conservancy to reclaim thousands of acres of mine-scarred lands and set the stage for national developers, like NorthPoint Development, who have invested $1 billion to create 8,000 new jobs in the South Valley of Luzerne County.

Throughout his career, he worked with Republicans and Democrats to author laws to support veterans (Sgt. Sherwood Baker Act), protect seniors (Senior Citizens Full Benefits Act), support law enforcement (Officer John Wilding Law), improve our environment (Coal Refuse Energy and Reclamation Tax Credit) and expand educational opportunities (SHINE Afterschool Program).

Affiliations
• The Pennsylvania Environmental Quality Board, Member, 2011-2019
• The Luzerne Foundation, Executive Board Member, 2001-2017
• The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, Executive Board Member, 2011-2015
• The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, Executive Board Member, 2009-2010
• Osterhout Free Library, Director of Development, 1995-1998
• The Earth Conservancy, Board of Directors, 2022-Present
• The Pennsylvania Tuition Account Advisory Board, 2022-Present

Recognition
• Pennsylvania Citizens for Better Libraries Elected State Official of the Year
• Children's Service Center Commitment to Children Award
• North Branch Land Trust Community Stewardship Award
• Pennsylvania Health Care Association Legislative Champion
John is the founder of the Yudichak Family Lighthouse Fund of the Luzerne Foundation, a charity that has donated over $250,000 to public libraries, college scholarships, and youth programs.

Credentials
Education
• The Pennsylvania State University, M.A.
• The Pennsylvania State University, B.A.

Charles Satish Smith brings with him over 20 years of experience in Economic Development, Agriculture, Energy and Natural Resource development and conservation. Leading projects across the globe, including Western Europe, the Middle East and West Africa. Smith's ability to communicate and effectively educate policymakers has been key to his success. Smith has successfully leveraged financing and gained approval for some the most innovative and revolutionary agricultural and economic development projects in the Western Hemisphere.

0-5 years

Nick has served in key leadership positions both within Pennsylvania's Office of Administration (O.A.) and Governor's Office under both Governor Corbett and Governor Wolf. He brings a bipartisan approach to assisting GSL clients. While in O.A., Nick served as the Director of the Bureau of State Employment overseeing 32,000 non-civil service jobs and the application, interview and selection process associated with them. Nick built relationships with key stakeholders in the hiring process, including Deputies for Administration, labor unions and human resources personnel. Additionally, he was influential in proposing and implementing various executive orders, HR initiatives, management directives and policies throughout the enterprise


After transferring to the Governor's Office under Governor Wolf, Nick served as the Director of Administration and as a Deputy Chief of Staff before being named the Governor's Executive Deputy Chief of Staff. In these various roles, he oversaw personnel, procurement and the Governor's Office of Performance Through Excellence. He participated in legislative negotiations and played a key role in the Governor's final budget. Through his administration and procurement background, Nick has extensive experience working with all state agencies and delivery centers and specifically served as a liaison for the Office of Inspector General, Office of Administration, Department of General Services and the Department of Agriculture.

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.

0-5 years

Before joining the GSL team, Elizabeth worked as a registered lobbyist in Harrisburg. She assists the GSL team in communications and public affairs strategy, design and delivery.

Elizabeth attended Penn State University and received a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations. Elizabeth was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society.

Elizabeth is an avid golfer and volunteers with LPGA*Girls Golf USA in the Central Pennsylvania area. She is also a member of the Harrisburg Young Professionals.

Kyle brings to GSL Public Affairs and Communications more than two decades of experience in state government. A native of northeast Pennsylvania, Kyle came to Harrisburg more than 20 years ago and began his career in the Pennsylvania State Senate.

Kyle quickly worked his way up the ranks, serving in various roles and most recently as the Chief of Staff for Senator John Yudichak.

As Chief of Staff, Kyle was responsible for the day-to-day operations of both the Harrisburg Office and the District Offices. Kyle developed, implemented and promoted the Senator's legislative proposals and public policy agenda. He also identified and helped secure funding sources, such as RACP, LSA, PennDOT/DCED Multimodal and other CFA grant programs for economic development and infrastructure projects in the Senator's district.

In 2016, Kyle made the transition from chief of staff in the Senate to a career in lobbying. Widely regarded as one who could always work in a bipartisan manner within the halls of the Capitol, Kyle has been able to utilize those relationships to achieve numerous successes for his clients. Over the last few years, Kyle has worked with his clients to accomplish many legislative victories, such as the expansion of tax credit programs, implementing the first e-Scooter pilot program in Pennsylvania, amending state licensure laws and securing state appropriations.

Throughout Kyle's entire professional career, he has maintained an outstanding reputation amongst his peers. Kyle continues to use his experiences and longtime connections to collaboratively work with his clients and stakeholders to achieve policy and legislative goals.

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

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

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

Collaborative Stakeholder Initiative, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, 2012

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

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

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

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

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

West Michigan Air and Waste Management Association

National Brownfields Association

Republican National Lawyers Association

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

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

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

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

20+ years

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Citizens Research Council of Michigan, Director

UM Sparrow Health System, Board Member

Lansing Regional Chamber Public Policy Committee, Member

MI-ACE Public Policy Committee, Member

National Black Professional Lobbyists Association, Member

Over his many years of public service, Krystjan has worked with both leaders in state government and private business to successfully negotiate over $100 billion in bi-partisan state budgets, deliver once-in-a-lifetime changes to Pennsylvania's tax code, significantly enhance funding and educational opportunities for children, expand healthcare access and coverage for all Pennsylvanians and help foster some of the largest economic investments in the history of the Commonwealth.

Callahan was previously a partner at a Harrisburg based government affairs firm. At the beginning of his career he served as the Executive Director to the House Republican Whip and as the Executive Director of the House Republican Policy Committee. Callahan has also worked on the Commerce Committee in the House Republican Research Department and staffed several caucus task forces.

Callahan currently serves on various boards including serving on the Counsel of Trustees at his alma mater Lock Haven University, now Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania.

A native of Wellsboro, Callahan and his family currently reside in Mechanicsburg, PA.

6-10 years

Kathy's service as a senior adviser to Governor Tom Corbett for four years and the late Mayor Stephen R Reed of the City of Harrisburg provided her leadership experience and insight into how state and local governments operate from the inside. In those roles, she had real experiences in government and established and fostered relationships throughout all three branches of government. These experiences and relationships help her serve clients efficiently and effectively.

During the Pennsylvania COVID-19 business shutdown, Kathy helped clients in diverse business industries tell their story to Governor Wolf's Administration and obtain approval and a waiver to continue to operate. She worked with her team as if every client's business needs were a "911" call for help. Her round-the-clock work and counsel helped clients and their employees operate quickly, in a safe manner and in cooperation with law enforcement.

Clients have succeeded with their legislative lobbying goals as Kathy and her team supported them with needs to amend, pass or oppose legislation that would impact the client's business goals. Kathy's efforts and guidance support clients' business timeline and budgets.

Kathy lobbied with a team to successfully oppose any nuclear bailout legislation.

Kathy assists clients who need quick access to an agency decisionmaker for time sensitive issues. a Kathy assists clients with obtaining grant funds to support client projects.

Kathy is a licensed attorney in NY, NJ and PA, and she has more than a decade in Pennsylvania state and local politics with the unique experience as a senior staffer in the Office of the Governor. Kathy served as former Gov. Tom Corbett's Deputy Chief of Staff from 2011 to 2015. In that role, she was a trusted advisor to the governor and his cabinet and staff. She served as the governor's liaison to numerous state agencies and helped coordinate and manage policy, legislative and press initiatives. Kathy also worked on the governor's behalf with contacts in local and federal governments. While with the governor's office, Kathy represented the governor with numerous state and regional boards and commissions, including the Pennsylvania and New Jersey bi-state transportation authorities, the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Authority and the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority (PCCA). Further, she served with the governor as vice chair of Team Pennsylvania, a nonprofit that connects business and industry leaders and facilitates partnerships to support economic development and prosperity in the commonwealth.

Prior to joining Saxton & Stump, Kathy was an attorney for a Harrisburg-based law firm where she represented clients as an attorney and a lobbyist in diverse subject areas including energy and environmental, oil and natural gas and food and beverage on matters involving public finance, state and local tax, employment and corporate governance. Before joining the governor's office, she was a partner at Rhoads & Sinon LLP for 10 years where she focused her practice in litigation and labor and employment. She also previously served in leadership roles for the City of Harrisburg's Mayor Stephen R. Reed as deputy solicitor and director of human resources for approximately four years.

0-5 years

Hannah is a seasoned government relations professional with over 15 years of experience in state government, public policy, and health care advocacy. She joined K. Callahan & Associates in 2025 after serving as Director of Legislative Affairs for the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), where she led the Department's Legislative Affairs Office and directed legislative strategy and advocacy for programs serving millions of Pennsylvanians.

Before her tenure at DHS, Hannah established herself as a trusted government relations consultant, advising health care and human services clients on legislative strategy, regulatory matters, and advocacy initiatives. Over the past decade, she has worked on nearly every major health policy initiative considered by the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Hannah began her career in the Pennsylvania Senate, where she gained firsthand experience in legislative operations and the inner workings of state government.

Throughout her career, Hannah has developed expertise in legislative strategy and policy analysis while cultivating strong bipartisan relationships. Her ability to bridge public and private sector interests, coupled with her attention to detail and strategic mindset, has consistently advanced the priorities of her clients and the citizens she has served.

0-5 years

City and State's "40 Under 40 State Leaders" in 2022

PoliticsPA's "Top PA Political Operatives" in 2014

Board Member on the Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation Board of Review

Elena has significant experience coordinating and advancing legislative initiatives in Harrisburg. As former Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief of Staff for the Office of Governor Tom Wolf, she oversaw operations of 24 executive agencies, led the planning and implementation of the Governor's strategic plan and worked closely with the General Assembly to advance budgetary, investment, tax reform, election reform, public health and economic goals. Among numerous major initiatives that Elena helped guide from development to completion include the 2022-23 $45 billion budget process, Pennsylvania's largest tax credit package for energy and advanced manufacturing development, COVID vaccine distribution, Pennsylvania's Broadband Authority, regional economic hub development and business recruitment, and the regulatory and executive action agenda for equal rights policies across various industries. She also oversaw the development of risk management, process improvements and data management structures across state agencies. Having served as a liaison between various cabinet agencies, nonprofit organizations and public and private leaders, Elena understands how to collaborate to achieve a common objective.

Elena also has a depth of strategic knowledge about the organization and coordination of political and field programs for key caucus operations and races. Prior to her senior advisory career in the Governor's Office, Elena held executive leadership roles in the Democratic Party and election organizations. She was Executive Director for Campaign for a Fresh Start, which coordinated gubernatorial campaign and other Democratic campaign efforts; served as Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party; and was Political Director for the Pennsylvania House Democratic Campaign Committee.

0-5 years

Senior Advisor to the Shapiro Transition Committee

Rob has extensive experience in crafting and implementing policy, particularly in the areas of economic development and energy. A veteran of state government, Rob served in the Governor Tom Wolf Administration as Deputy Chief of Staff, Speechwriter, Secretary of Intergovernmental Affairs and most recently as Senior Advisor to the Governor. In this position, he served as primary political advisor and oversaw all aspects of economic development for the Wolf administration as well as coordinated all economic development related grant programs in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. He also coordinated all aspects of the administration's federal government relations efforts to advance the Governor's agenda in Washington, D.C.

Rob is an expert on the intersection of economic development, state funding and labor organizations. He has built coalitions to advance common goals and fostered relationships with a range of stakeholders, including interest groups, business and professional organizations, elected officials and community leaders across the state.

Stephen is a Government Relations Specialist at K. Callahan & Associates, where he supports the firm's lobbying and advocacy efforts through legislative tracking, policy research, and stakeholder engagement. With a strong background in political campaigns and government affairs, Stephen brings valuable experience in strategy, communications, and legislative analysis.

Before joining K. Callahan & Associates, Stephen worked in several positions at a government and public affairs firm. He has worked in various roles, focusing on campaign strategy and support, research and analytic support, and political communications. He assisted firm partners and senior consultants with developing and executing political campaigns at the state level in Virginia and Pennsylvania, helping candidates and initiatives maximize their outreach and impact. He also served as the firm's head photographer and production assistant, producing television commercials for notable campaigns, including Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and Pennsylvania State Senator Frank Farry.

With a diverse background spanning campaign strategy, public policy, and strategic communications, Stephen is committed to helping clients navigate the legislative landscape and achieve their advocacy goals.

Erin Loundenslager Kanter has over twenty years of experience lobbying for business and education issues in the Commonwealth. Kanter knowledge of the Capitol and legislative and advocacy strategies are invaluable tools for her clients. Kanter builds relationships based on trust which has been instrumental to her success.

Kanter was included on City & State's 2023 Pennsylvania Government Relations Power 100 and was a recipient of the Central Penn Business Journal's Forty Under 40.

Kanter is a past president of the Pennsylvania Public Relations Society and a member of Women in Government Relations and Pennsylvania Association of Government Relations.

Kanter graduated from the University of Delaware and resides with her family in Mechanicsburg.

6-10 years

Her efforts won many accolades from customers, regulators and legislators. She proved instrumental in the passage of legislation that ensured water quality and quantity and water system sustainability for decades.

Specifically, she played a critical role in the passage of Act 11 and Act 12, which pertained to water and wastewater system financing; and Act 154, that defines combined sewer overflow (CSO) system assets as sewer assets and thus regulated by the public utility commission. She spearheaded American Water's strategic response to shale gas development, collaborating with shale gas drillers and municipal officials to protect the environment and enhance the local economy by extending water into rural areas using a combination of public and private funding.

Kathy was among 30 task force members from across Pennsylvania selected by Governor Tom Wolf to address the estimated $20 billion funding shortfall needed to upgrade Pennsylvania's aging water infrastructure. She has also served on the Sustainable Water Infrastructure Task Force, selected by Gov. Ed Rendell.

As CEO of Pennsylvania American Water, part of Kathy's responsibilities included building relationships and partnering with legislators, County Commissioners, municipal officials representing the water company's service area in 36 counties and 400 municipalities.

Kathy is a licensed attorney in NJ and PA and started her career at the Office of Consumer Advocate, Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission and as a utility attorney at General Waterworks. She also served as corporate counsel and manager of finance for American Water and as vice president, treasurer and rate counsel for Philadelphia Suburban Water. During her tenure at Philadelphia Suburban Water, the company grew from a five-county suburban Philadelphia water company to the second largest publicly-traded U.S. water and wastewater service provider.

In 2007, she was tapped to lead American Water's largest subsidiary, Pennsylvania American Water. As the president of Pennsylvania American Water, she used her legal, financial, business and governmental experience to balance customer service, reasonable rates, infrastructure replacement and community engagement. Kathy later led American Water's mid-Atlantic region which included Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia and Maryland before she entered entering private practice.

Kathy currently serves on the board of directors for Highmark Health and has chaired the Pennsylvania Business Counsel, the Foundation for Enhancing Communities and the Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Association of Water Companies. She is also an active member of the boards of the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (Western and Central PA Chapter), the Earth Conservancy and the Hampden Township Industrial Development Authority.

Kathy is a nationally known speaker on leadership, utility finance, infrastructure and water and wastewater operations. She is also an expert witness on utility finance, tax and infrastructure issues and has testified before state and federal legislative committees.