JOHN Y. BROWN III was elected as Kentucky's Secretary of State at the age of 32, the second youngest in the nation, and re-elected without opposition, serving from 1996-2004. His accomplishments as secretary of state include becoming a national voice for election reform, creating nationally recognized e-government services as well as programs to promote entrepreneurism and small business development, all while saving Kentucky taxpayers nearly a million dollars through efficient management measures. Before entering politics, John headed up franchising for Roaster's Inc., developing fast food venues in 37 states and several foreign countries. John served as vice-president of ResCare, working in government relations and public affairs for the Louisville based human services company with over 40,000 employees in over 40 states and several foreign countries. He served several years as an adjunct professor of business law at Bellarmine University. In 2007, John ran unsuccessfully as the lieutenant governor running mate on a ticket with gubernatorial candidate Jody Richards (Kentucky's Speaker of the House) in a seven slate Democratic primary. John graduated magna cum laude from Bellarmine University, earned a law degree (with distinction) from University of Kentucky, and then went back to Bellarmine University for his M.B.A.

Felix Chevalier is an attorney and government affairs professional with over 20 years of experience developing and implementing effective procurement and policy strategies. He's skillful at identifying and facilitating public-private partnerships. Felix joined Cornerstone's Houston office as a senior consultant in June 2022.

Felix provides expertise and client support at the local, state and federal levels. He also has an extensive national and international network, specifically in Central America, South America and the Caribbean. Felix has worked with companies in various industries including energy, manufacturing, transportation, agriculture, engineering, and technology. By leveraging his business, political, and legal experience, Felix has built a successful track record of working with clients to advance their strategic business objectives. He has strong relationships with the international diplomatic community and government officials. He has facilitated official delegations and international trade missions, representing companies, local governments and national associations.

In 2005, Felix launched his own Houston-based law firm, The Chevalier Law Firm, which he continues to manage and operate, representing companies in a wide variety of industries. He also co-founded Key PAC, which is a non-partisan organization that convenes business and community principals with political leaders on economic and social matters.

Felix received his law degree from St. John's University School of Law, his Bachelor of Arts from the State University of New York at New Paltz College and completed an Executive Education Program at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College. He also speaks fluent Spanish.

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.

Justin R. Jordan is an award-winning political advisor and a vice president at Cornerstone Government Affairs. Justin specializes in federal and state government relations, and communications.

For more than 14 years, Justin has been involved in guiding congressional, state legislature, judicial, mayoral, city council, county executive and school board campaigns and advising clients and elected officials. His unique background offers his clients an integrated approach to solutions that help them navigate the political arena. In addition to his work with a range of Cornerstone clients in the state of Texas, he also has experience working on behalf of foreign governments.

Prior to joining Cornerstone, Justin founded Patriot Group Strategies, a consulting firm specializing in strategy, marketing and fundraising. Over the years, he developed a niche of reaching constituency's through the use of unconventional and innovative communication strategies. His entrepreneurial know-how positions him as a national leader in providing strategic advice in an array of political issues including, but not limited to diplomatic relations, pensions, and cyber security.

He has served as a deputy field coordinator for the National Republican Congressional Committee, chairman of the Texas Federation of College Republicans and Executive Director for the watchdog organization, Texans for Ethics and Accountability.

Justin is a member of the Houston Airport System Development Corporation.

6-10 years

Stephen Susano is the Co-Founder and COO of Stones River Group, a Nashville-based public affairs firm serving both Tennessee, regional and national clients. He provides clients with strategic counsel on business opportunities and project management, regulatory matters, procurement, economic development, third-party engagement, and market positioning. Stephen leverages his lengthy private-sector experience and deep network of relationships with business leaders and key policymakers in state and local government across Tennessee to deliver solutions for clients in multiple industries.

Prior to Stones River Group, Stephen served as Executive Director of the Tennessee Business Partnership (TBP), an advocacy organization supported by many of the state's leading enterprises. He spearheaded its efforts to advance pro-business policies, including education and judicial reforms, to encourage job growth and economic development. In 2014, Stephen led the statewide "Vote Yes on 2" campaign in support of the Judicial Selection Amendment to the Tennessee constitution. Stephen built a broad coalition of business groups, trade associations, legal advocates and community leaders in favor of the amendment. This coalition's successful mobilization helped ensure the amendment was approved with overwhelming support, carrying 94 out of 95 counties in Tennessee

Prior to working in the public affairs space, Stephen had an extensive career in the financial services industry. He served in operating and business development roles for several investment advisers and asset management firms. He has consulted with and raised capital for both U.S. and foreign-based investment firms, and has negotiated distribution and trading agreements with multiple financial services companies. Through his work, Stephen navigated complex regulatory regimes in domestic and offshore jurisdictions

Stephen grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee and currently lives in Brentwood with his wife, Ana. He and Ana have four children. Stephen serves on the board of the Nashville Downtown Partnership.

Martin Hubert brings a wealth of state government experience to the clients of Cornerstone Government Affairs. From his early career as chief counsel to the Senate Natural Resources Committee to his gubernatorial appointment as a commissioner of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to his eight years as the deputy comptroller of Texas, Hubert has managed thousands of employees and millions of taxpayer dollars under both Democrat and Republican administrations.

Martin was the 2008 recipient of TSABAA's Administrator of the Year Award. Presented annually, this prestigious award was established to formally recognize state employees who have demonstrated outstanding leadership skills and who have made significant contributions to state agency business administration.

As the final general counsel to legendary Lt. Governor Bob Bullock, Martin learned the mastery of government relations from some of the most influential leaders in Texas history. His knowledge of agriculture stems from generations of the Hubert family's cow/calf and farming operations in South Texas and serving as the Texas Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture for eight years. Martin offers a unique combination of legal, natural resources, tax policy and state government procedural expertise.

Hubert is a graduate of the Georgetown University Law Center and St. Mary's School of Law. He was Brigade Executive Officer in the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M University, where he was a member of the Ross Volunteers Honor Guard and the Singing Cadets. He successfully completed Army Ranger School and served in the U.S. Army Reserves. He is a marathon runner and coaches his son's little league teams.

Hubert is a second tenor and helps raise money for Legal Aid through the Travis County Bar Association's "Bar and Grill" fundraisers. He and his wife Celeste live in a historic home in Austin, where they are involved with the Austin Symphony, St. Theresa's Catholic Church and School, and the happily busy lives of their children Belle and Patrick.

David Browning is one of Florida's top political campaign operatives. David has worked with Florida's most powerful elected officials and brings a new dimension to Southern Strategy Group's team of lobbyists in Tallahassee. David was instrumental in raising millions of dollars for campaign war chests in the 2010 election cycle for Governor Rick Scott. David also worked for Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater and Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam and set fundraising records for those campaigns. Fundraiser, strategist, and confidante, David is among a handful of insiders who help guide candidates to victory in Florida.

David has been equally busy helping the legislative branch. David served as the chief fundraiser for Speaker Dean Cannon. David's responsibilities included raising money for Speaker Cannon's personal campaign, as well as working with House leadership to raise money for the House Republican Caucus. Through these efforts, the Florida House returned 81 republican members giving them a supermajority.

In the Florida Senate David represented Senate President Mike Haridopolos and Senate Majority Leader Andy Gardiner. David worked with Senator John Thrasher who was elected in a highly contested special election. David brings his unique expertise to the Tallahassee team and offers our clients unprecedented insight into the workings of state government.

David is a graduate of Florida State University with a degree in Political Science.

Ross Giesinger brings over a decade of legislative experience at the Texas Capitol to the Cornerstone team, having served for six legislative sessions in both the Texas House and Senate.

Most recently, Ross worked as a policy advisor to Dade Phelan, Speaker of the Texas House, of Representatives, during the 87th Regular Session, where he assisted with the passage of over 80 pieces of legislation. Additionally, Ross drafted and managed several bills filed in response to Winter Storm Uri, including SB 3, one of the most comprehensive energy reforms in Texas in the last 20 years.

Prior to his time in the House, Ross spent several years working as general counsel and legislative director for Sen. Lois Kolkhorst (R-TX) and as the director of the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services. While at the Senate, Ross assisted with the passage of nearly 300 bills and worked to obtain funds for a variety of initiatives, including legislation that secured permanent funding for Texas State Parks.

Ross began his career at the legislature in 2010 as a drafting attorney for the Texas Legislative Council. During his time with the state, he has drafted thousands of pieces of legislation, allowing him to develop expertise in a wide variety of subject areas, including energy, healthcare, water, land use and development, transportation, insurance, labor, agriculture, wildlife, taxation, and state budgeting.

Ross is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and Southern Methodist University's Dedman School of Law. He is a member of the Austin Young Lawyers Association and was recently elected to serve on the Council of the Texas State Bar's Legislative and Campaign Law Section. Ross also serves as a Steward of the Wild for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and has been active in the Austin Ballet Guild, the Trail Foundation, and CCA. He and his wife Courtney live in Austin with their young son Henry.

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.

6-10 years

0-5 years

Chris Gobble is a respected government affairs specialist with deep issue expertise and a broad base of policymaker and stakeholder relationships. He leverages his insights into the state General Assembly, Tennessee executive branch, and local governments to help SRG clients navigate complex political challenges and effectively advance meaningful policy solutions.

Prior to joining SRG, Chris served as senior director of public policy for the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, where he helped drive policy changes and facilitate government affairs efforts for 2,000 businesses representing over 180,000 employees. He also regularly and effectively collaborated with local, state, and federal elected officials to advance Chattanooga's status as a leader in education, workforce, and economic development.

Prior to Gobble's tenure in Chattanooga, he was the legislative and policy director for the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. In this role, Gobble worked closely with Governor Bill Haslam's office and the state legislature to develop and implement a variety of public policy initiatives.

Originally from Bradley County, Chris earned a B.A. in Political Science and Communications from Lipscomb University. He and his wife Sarah live in Nashville.

EMMA C. SHOULDICE joined the family firm on January 2, 2020. A 2019 graduate of Providence College, Emma received a Bachelor of Arts Degree, majoring in Political Science with a Certificate in Business Studies.

Prior to graduation, Emma was a Senior Intern for Rhode Island Congressman David Cicilline communicating directly with constituents, provided training to new interns on office protocols, wrote constituent communications, and handled information and database management. Emma also interned for William Shouldice & Associates LLC, monitoring House and Senate committees and bills, analyzed effects of potential amendments in the Vermont Legislature, and assessed the political landscape to proactively move client priorities.

Emma worked for The Advocacy Solutions LLC in Providence, Rhode Island while pursuing her college degree. At Advocacy Solutions, Emma analyzed fiscal year budgets and committee hearings to identify potential impact to clients' interests and presented findings to the Senior Lobbyist, tracked bills through all stages in the Rhode Island General Assembly, as well as managing bill calendars and committee hearings to ensure clients could attend essential meetings at the State House.

Emma's family comes from a long line of government relations enthusiasts. Her Aunt, Heather Shouldice, served in the Vermont House of Representatives. Her Father, Bill Shouldice IV, was Secretary of Commerce under Governor Howard Dean, and her Grandfather, Bill Shouldice III, is the Founder & Advisor of the Shouldice Firm. Emma's Great, Great Grandfather, William Burke, was a State Senator from Rutland County. Emma joins Heather Shouldice, Cheri L'Esperance and Tess Kennedy at William Shouldice & Associates LLC.

Emma lives in South Burlington and spends time on Cape Cod and Lake Dunmore in the summer.

6-10 years

A native of Michigan's rugged, beautiful Upper Peninsula, Matt joined Karoub Associates in 2011 after serving eight years on legislative staff for a former State Senator and Senate Minority Leader. He holds degrees from Western Michigan University, Gogebic Community College, and is a 2005 Fellow of the Michigan Political Leadership Program (MPLP) at Michigan State University.

An avid golfer, musician, and NASCAR enthusiast, Matt and his wife Rebecca reside with their son in Okemos.

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.

20+ years

Tim provided a long sought-after voice to retirees in the Retired Detroit Police & Fire Fighters Association. He and his team successfully fought unions, the City of Detroit, and the pension board's opposition to amend decades-old state law. The association spent 25 years trying to obtain representation on its pension board through litigation and city charter amendment to no avail. Tim and his team did it in a fraction of the time.

Prior to becoming president of MLC, Tim was appointed as Governor John Engler's Campaign Manager to manage his 1998 re-election campaign, after having worked in the Governor's office as Director of External Affairs and Deputy Director of Public Affairs. Former positions also included stints in the Michigan House and Senate, Oakland County government and Senior Director of Government Affairs of the Michigan Credit Union League.

20+ years

Jason Webb's often heard motto is "You must educate before you can advocate." He believes that policy makers are invariably dependent on concise and accurate information. While the introduction of those conversations is the foundation for advocacy, it's the ongoing discussion and exchange of ideas that tend to build success in the long run.

"If you can reduce complicated matters down to their core principles, then individuals will usually have a better chance of understanding them. Greater comprehension brings with it the likelihood that people will consider different perspectives on an issue. By increasing diverse viewpoints, we can collectively solve complex problems," he says.

For over two decades, Webb has worked in government relations, serving a diverse range of clients that include Fortune 500 companies, trade associations and non-profit corporations. His proficiency includes economic development, environment, finance, healthcare, insurance, natural resources, professional licensure, taxes and technology.

The son of a coal miner, Webb understands the adage that there is no substitute for hard work. He worked his way through college, completed internships at Merrill Lynch and a trading firm on the Chicago Board Options Exchange and worked with the Senior PGA Tour.

Webb received his Bachelor in Business Administration in finance and political science from the Gatton College of Business and Economics at the University of Kentucky.

11-15 years

1st Vice President, Maryland Government Relations Association

Former General Counsel, Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation

Former General Counsel, Greater Bowie Chamber of Commerce

Pounds is an accomplished attorney and lobbyist with sixteen years of legal experience and served as General Counsel for government, quasi-government entities, boards & commissions, and businesses. After seven years in Prince George's as a senior campaign and transition staff member, an associate county attorney, and then General Counsel to the Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation, Pounds served six years as a partner and senior counsel in two prominent Maryland law firms. He represents clients in municipal and cannabis law, alcoholic beverage licensing; land use and zoning; business transactions, and government relations. He is a graduate of Virginia Tech, and received his Juris Doctor, with honors, at the University of Baltimore School of Law. Pounds is active in his community and serves on several boards, including the Greater Bowie Chamber of Commerce and the Maryland Government Relations Association. He lives in Bowie with his wife and two children.

Lincoln Shurtz has over two decades of experience advancing client priorities in both the public and private sectors. Before starting Legislative Insight Consulting, Lincoln served for four years in active military service in the US Army as a tank commander. The skills and political acumen he developed leading a platoon helped shape his career path, eventually leading him to the Utah League of Cities and Towns, where he became Director of Government Relations.

A bipartisan approach is part of what sets Lincoln apart from the rest. Relationships built on trust and experience provide more than partisan rhetoric.

Lincoln serves and has served on many boards, including EDCUtah, the Governor's Committee on Accountability and Government Efficiency, Utah Governor's Office of Economic Development, and the Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah.

Lincoln received degrees in Political Science and Economics from the University of Utah, where he is a lecturer in the MPA program. When not working, he can be found heliskiing in Utah and Canada and spending time with his family.

Sydney Ridley brings years of legislative and political experience to Southern Strategy Group's Tampa Bay office. Sydney spent the past four years as the Chief Legislative Aide to House Majority Leader Dana Young, where she directed all priority policy and budget initiatives. Sydney's time as staff was at the highest level of the Florida House of Representatives, and she brings unmatched relationships with legislative staff, agency heads, and elected officials.

A political pro in Tampa Bay with extensive campaign management experience, Sydney guided Senator Dana Young to successive electoral victories in the Florida House and spearheaded her subsequent election to the Florida Senate. Sydney's political expertise, particularly in the Tampa Bay area, serves as a great strategic asset to our clients. In addition to her work with Senator Young, Sydney has served as both a political director and a field director on various Congressional and State Senate campaigns.

Born and raised in Tampa, Sydney is a third-generation Floridian, a graduate of the University of Virginia, a Florida Gator at heart, and a lover of history, golf, music, and football.

20+ years

Chairman of the Board of Overseers, Seton Hall University School of Diplomacy and International Relations

Member of Environment and Energy Team, Transition 2018/NJ Governor-elect Phil Murphy's Gubernatorial Transition

Rich, a Founding Partner of GTB, Partners LLC, has enjoyed a distinguished career in politics and international affairs spanning four decades while working at the highest levels of the Federal government and the State of New Jersey. At GTB, Rich directs our international affairs practice as well as executive branch efforts of the firm. In addition, Rich conducts comprehensive development efforts on behalf of GTB's clients seeking to do business with all levels of government in New Jersey.

In 2011, Rich and Michael Torpey founded Advanced Energy New Jersey, a clean energy/energy efficiency not-for- profit trade association comprised of 150 companies engaged in this space.

Prior to founding GTB, Rich was the managing partner in Winning Strategies/Global.

He served as Senior Advisor for Trade Development to the late-Secretary of Commerce Ron Brown. There he led the US Government's commercial diplomacy efforts in the Middle East and Africa. Before joining the Commerce Department, Rich served as Special Counsel to the President in the White House Office of Presidential Personnel and Assistant Counsel to the Presidential Transition. He previously was Director of External Affairs for New Jersey Governor Jim Florio. In 1992, Rich was appointed to serve as the New Jersey State Director for the successful Bill Clinton and Al Gore presidential election campaign. For the first time since 1964, the Democratic Presidential candidate carried the state. His political experience also includes serving on the staffs of U.S. Senators Frank Lautenberg and Bill Bradley and as an advisor to Senator Bob Torricelli. Early in his career, Rich was Chief of Staff to New Jersey State Senator Raymond Lesniak. Rich has also served a term as Council
President in his home town of Spring Lake Heights.

Rich earned his LL.M. in International and Comparative Law at Georgetown University Law Center, received his J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law and his B.A. in Political Science from Fordham University. At Fordham, he pitched for the Fordham Rams baseball team and was invited to join Omicron Delta Epsilon, the honor society in economics. Rich serves on the Board of Overseers to Seton Hall University's School of Diplomacy, where he is currently the Chairman, and their President's Advisory Group. Rich and his wife Robin have two children, Brigid and John.

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.

0-5 years

Nick Kratz joined Capital Associates, Inc. in April 2014 after leaving his position as Director of Governmental Affairs for the Pennsylvania Retailers' Association. Since joining Capital Associates, Nick has managed several clients, and has established himself as respected lobbyist in Harrisburg. Currently, Nick primarily focuses on numerous health related issues, serving individuals with intellectual disability through his advocacy on behalf of PAR (Pennsylvania Advocacy and Resources for Autism and Intellectual Disability).

He has accomplished many legislative victories, by workign with the House, Senate, and the Governor's Office to get several bills signed into law.

Nick managed the legislative issues for the Pennsylvania Retailers', serving as a lobbyist on behalf of over 60 retail outlets located in Pennsylvania. During his tenure at the Retailers', Nick primarily focused on issues such as liquor privatization, minimum wage, sales and use taxes, business taxes, and other industry related issues.Prior to working with the Pennsylvania Retailers' Association, Nick served Governor Tom Corbett's Office of Legislative Affairs, where he assisted in all aspects of the Governor's legislative agenda. Nick was an essential staff member in the office, where he served a year and a half as a legislative assistant to the Deputy Secretaries and the Secretary of Legislative Affairs. On a daily basis, Nick was trusted with the organization and development of multiple legislative tracking systems that allowed for an effective implementation of legislative strategies.Originally from Quakertown Pennsylvania, Nick moved to Harrisburg following graduation fromMessiah College in 2012, with a degree in
political science. He has quickly gained a reputation for his loyalty, hard-work, and organizational skills. In his free time Nick enjoys being an active member of The Meetinghouse Church in Carlisle and enjoys golfing and playing volleyball. Nick also serves as the Executive Director of the PA esports Coalition, a brand-new coalition focusing on the growth and development of competitive esports in Pennsylvania.

20+ years

Recently helped a client make a change in state law that cleared up a logistic regulatory burden that will bring back more than $500,000 to the State of Indiana.

19th Star State Solutions is also affiliated with Dentons Law Firm and a proud member of Dentons 50. As part of the Dentons 50 team. Dentons 50 is a full-service, 50-state public policy and advocacy network with unrivaled reach and depth in state capitols across the nation for clients in all industry sectors. Dentons 50 is a comprehensive, centralized resource for groups and businesses with complex, multistate policy matters.

As principal of 19th Star State Solutions, LLC, a full-service governmental affairs firm, John assists clients in their legislative, regulatory and executive branch lobbying needs. Mr. Willey has over 30 years' experience in lobbying, state and federal relations, crisis management, grassroots advocacy, campaign/political strategy and development of political action committees.

Prior to forming 19th Star State Solutions he worked for Anthem, Inc for over 18 years managing public affairs for the State of Indiana as well as interests at the local, federal and regulatory level. In addition to his work on the lobbying side he was also tasked with designing and implementing simultaneous PAC and Grassroots programs for associates in all Anthem states Under his leadership Grassroots Membership rose dramatically and Anthem's Political Action Committee tripled its PAC receipts. John has been activity in his community and serves on a number of boards and commissions.

20+ years

Gretchen Jacobs has been named one of the Arizona's most effective lobbyists by her peers. She has been named one of the "Legislative Leaders of the Year" by the Arizona Capitol Times. If what your business needs is political success without grandstanding, then Arizona Governmental Affairs is for you.

In a business that's often a bloodsport, Gretchen has built deep, long-term professional relationships across the political map. Let others leave bodies in their path; Gretchen prefers to leave a trail of success.

Lobbyist. Lawyer. Oxford-educated scholar. Arizonan. Mother. Gretchen Jacobs is all those things, and then some. With a degree in political science from USC and a law degree from Santa Clara, Gretchen spent the first part of her career in civil courtrooms, then shifted from the courtroom to the political arena in 1998.

Since then, for the last nearly 25 years, Gretchen has earned a reputation at the State Capitol as one of the hardest working and "most effective" lobbyists in Arizona (as noted in numerous publications including the Arizona Republic and The Arizona Capitol Times). She has excellent relationships with legislative leadership and state agency representatives and knows, from first-hand experience, how to successfully navigate clients through state government terrain.

As an attorney, Gretchen maintains her licenses to practice law in Arizona and California. Gretchen oversees all governmental relation activities conducted on behalf of AGA's clients.

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

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.

Max Moll joined the Cornerstone Public Affairs team April of 2023, bringing a public affairs and strategic communications presence to Cornerstone's Texas offices. In his previous role as chief engagement officer at the Houston Independent School District, he oversaw government relations, communications, family and community engagement and board relations for the nation's eighth largest school district. He also oversaw the district's legislative affairs work and external lobby team, ensuring alignment and execution of district's legislative priorities. In addition, he represented the district with external stakeholders, in traditional and digital media appearances, and on panels and other various speaking opportunities. He was also the lead spokesperson for the district and main point of contact for elected officials, advocacy groups and private industry.

Prior to working at HISD, Max served as the chief communications officer & deputy director for the Office of the Houston City Controller, Chris B. Brown. He spearheaded all communications initiatives for the Office of the City Controller, working across the City of Houston's 22 departments to help unify external and internal communications. Max served as liaison between Controller's Office and the city's investors, developing key external messaging relating to investment strategy, portfolio performance, and maintaining key relationships with city's investor base. In addition, and in partnership with the Controller's Office Treasury Division, Max helped oversee the city's Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investments, helping grow the portfolio to over $950 million.

Max also served as the chief of staff to the CEO of the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, where he oversaw the development and execution of the Chamber's public affairs and community outreach efforts, legislative advocacy campaigns and external affairs projects. Also, he served as the main point of contact for media, securing comprehensive coverage and managing all media relationships on behalf of the Chamber and its members.

He holds a master's in business administration from Boston University, master's in political management from George Washington University, and a bachelor's in mass communication from LSU.

Craig Holzheauser brings to Cornerstone years of involvement in Texas state and local politics. The son of a state representative, Craig went to work in the private sector after college before beginning a political career at the state capitol in 2012.

Working as a legislative consultant, managing the campaigns of House and Senate members, and serving as legislative director and then committee director of the House Committee on Public Health in his first year of employment, Craig is goal oriented and proven himself to be a quick study. Craig has a keen political intuition and a knack for developing the type of relationships that matter in campaigns, service of an elected official, or success for his clients.

A native of Victoria, Texas, Craig holds a Bachelor of Science in Construction Science from Texas A&M University.