15-20 years

Successfully secured recent state approval of the largest public and private partnership for a 45 block redevelopment in Detroit, including a world class event center and mixed use development, valued at $650 million;

Helped design and execute a successful strategy to expand early childhood funding, including $65 million in additional funding opportunities for 14,000 preschoolers to attend Great Start Readiness Program (GRSP);

Successfully achieved approval of KENO for the Michigan State Lottery, which has generated hundreds of millions of dollars into the school aid fund;

Recently negotiated an economic development package with the MEDC to allow for a $100 million expansion, creating 1,000 new jobs for a Mid-Michigan based client;

Played an instrumental role in reshaping debate and the political environment on behalf of a major business organization by helping pass key policy initiatives which include: major business tax restructuring and incorporating fiscal discipline and performance metrics;

Obtained Legislative authority for the start up of the Biosciences Research & Commercialization Center at Western Michigan University including $10 million in state start up funds, creating over 33 life science companies, 240 high tech jobs and leveraged an additional $160 million in private sector investment;
Helped negotiate an incentive package, on behalf of a large international IT company, with the State of Michigan to bring a unique global software development center to the campus of Michigan State University, creating over 500 jobs to date;

Effectively secured hundreds of millions of dollars in capital outlay projects for our university and community college clients;

Assisted several clients in successfully navigating through the procurement process in areas such as Michigan State Lottery, Department of Corrections, IT, and Real Estate, resulting in several hundred million dollars in opportunities;

Negotiated a comprehensive economic development package for an international client, including infrastructure dollars for $84.4 million in investment in 1,600 new jobs in West Michigan;
Facilitated the donation of a retired 747 Jetliner from a major airline to a university client's aviation and engineering programs for the training of future pilots and engineers;

Secured $100 million in state funding for the construction of the McNamara Terminal at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport;

Passed legislation that raised the cap that a Michigan based beer manufacturer could produce each year, allowing it to continue to grow and invest in southwest Michigan while hiring dozens of new employees.

Bret Marr joined MHSA in 2003, and became a member of Muchmore Harrington Smalley & Associates, LLC in 2015. Prior to that, he successfully served as Director of Legislative Affairs for former Governor John Engler. Bret served as the primary contact between the Michigan Legislature and Governor Engler on legislative and appropriations issues. Bret coordinated Michigan's electric restructuring plan in the Legislature as well as the rewrite of Michigan's Telecommunications Act. He also shepherded numerous changes to Michigan's tax structure, including a rewrite of the Brownfield program and streamlining of the tax reverted property process.

Consistently voted one of Lansing's top lobbyists, Bret's focus is now on hospitality, healthcare, transportation and general business issues. He also manages several appropriations issues for MHSA's clients. In recent years, he has successfully secured funding for the Detroit Super Bowl XL Host Committee, state approval of a new events center in the City of Detroit and directed the efforts of a coalition moving Michigan's school start date to after Labor Day.

Prior to serving Governor Engler, Bret was Director of Government Affairs for the Michigan Restaurant Association (MRA). He served as the MRA's Lansing and Washington, D.C. lobbyist and coordinated a strong grass roots program. Bret began his career in the Michigan Senate as Communications Director for the Chair of the Education Committee. While a Senate staff member, he served as policy advisor to the Appropriations Committee and advisor to the Economic Development and Financial Services Committees.

Bret graduated with a bachelor of science in Public Affairs Management from Michigan State University and received his Master's of Public Administration, also from MSU, where he graduated with honors. He served on the Michigan Travel Commission and is a member of the Michigan Political History Society. He also coaches youth soccer and hockey.

Bret is married to Jenna and resides in Okemos with their three children.

20+ years

Capitol Strategy Group has been listed as one of the top 5 small government affairs firms by James Magazine.

Travis Lindley is a founding partner of Capitol Strategy Group with a history of success that has earned him recognition as a respected healthcare government affairs consultant and grassroots/grass-tops advisor in Georgia. Lindley offers insider expertise by way of an extensive background in the areas of government affairs, public affairs, political action committee fundraising and management, executive services and association management, and grassroots/grass-tops advocacy projects.

Lindley has proven himself an instrumental advocate on behalf of healthcare professionals and organizations through his achievements regarding patient choice and safety, scope of practice, insurance reform, regulatory issues, and matters concerning budget and appropriations. The firm is proud to represent top organizations and healthcare leaders in the patient and physician arenas in Georgia.

Lindley also works with a number of Georgia political action committees in raising funds and managing the physician PACs; among them are the Georgia Medical PAC, Georgia Medical Eye PAC, Ambulatory Surgery Center-Georgia PAC, Georgia Psychiatry PAC, and Georgia Emergency Medicine PAC.

Lindley has managed grassroots campaigns in Georgia, Alabama, and Texas, impacting issues and legislation at the state and federal levels. Lindley has successfully executed regional components of a national public affairs campaign plan that included Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Lindley has also led and executed legislative grassroots public affairs campaigns pushing patient prescription drug safety legislation into law.

Lindley and the clients he represents were heavily involved in the four-year legislative process around Certificate of Need reform in Georgia, which began during the 2005 Georgia legislative session and culminated during the landmark 2008 legislative session. From the beginning, Lindley helped pull like-minded stakeholders together to form a working coalition to achieve legislative reform. In 2008, Lindley began working with a group practice of radiation and medical oncologists in South Georgia as part of their government affairs team; he also helped them establish a non-profit foundation.

During the 2015 legislative session, Georgia joined a growing number of states to pass legislation allowing for biosimilar drugs and treatments. Lindley was the grassroots coalition coordinator for a coalition consisting of patient advocacy groups, physician groups, manufactures, and key stakeholders. The legislation, which passed with overwhelming support and became law in July 2015, ensured that Georgia's biosimilars law is among the strongest in terms of patient safety and patient/physician communication. In recent years, Lindley has worked toward the successful passage of legislation allowing biosimilars, step therapy reform, bariatric surgery, testing and treatment for Hepatitis C, access to HIV/AIDS drugs and care, and other innovative patient care legislation.

Lindley serves as the executive director to the Georgia Society of Ophthalmology (GSO) and the Georgia Psychiatric Physicians Association (GPPA). Under his leadership, the associations have led their respective medical specialties in meaningful legislative changes on patient safety, insurance reform and access. Georgia was the first in the nation to pass several laws ensuring access to medication and testing.

After achieving the Eagle Scout rank and obtaining a degree in Communications with a minor in Political Science from the University of West Georgia, Lindley began his career working for several Georgia Members of Congress. Subsequently, Lindley worked on Senator Saxby Chambliss' historic United States Senate campaign, and played a lead role in Congressman Tom Price's hotly contested 6th District runoff.

Lindley resides in Smyrna and enjoys traveling, landscape photography, and spending time with his dachshunds, Zeus and Maggie. He is also an avid collector of political memorabilia and over the years has amassed an impressive collection. Lindley serves in several leadership roles in his community and his church.

Prior to joining PLDO in 2011, Mr. Jordan was Director of Public Affairs for The Westerly Hospital, located in Westerly, Rhode Island. He also worked at Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island for over two decades, most recently as Assistant Vice President, Government Relations. Mr. Jordan received his Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Finance and his Master of Business Administration in Management from Bryant University. He received his undergraduate Bachelor of Science degree in Health Services Administration from Providence College.

Sandi Jones joined MHSA in 1996 and became a member in 2003. She adds over 20 years of governmental and community relations experience to the MHSA team and is considered one of Lansing's top ten lobbyists and one of the most powerful female lobbyists in Michigan.

Specializing in appropriations, judiciary, mental health, long term care, law enforcement, criminal justice, and education issues, Sandi enjoys influencing change in the legislative and regulatory processes.

Sandi holds a bachelor's degree in Communications with a minor in Marketing and a Master's in Public Administration, both from Western Michigan University (WMU). She holds the distinction of being the first female to have served as the president of the student body at WMU. Sandi is a member of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, Pi Alpha Alpha National Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration, the Michigan Political History Society, the American Society for Public Administrators and is a founding member of In Forum and The White House Project.

In addition to her education-related organizations and associations, Sandi is a member of the March of Dimes Board of Directors, the Michigan Society of Association Executives, the Michigan Fraternal Order of Police, and the Children's Trust Fund. She is currently Chair of the Public Affairs Committee for the Michigan Chapter of the March of Dimes. She has helped build homes for Habitat for Humanity and facilitates mock law-making sessions with the Michigan Youth Leadership Forum, a program to introduce high school students with disabilities to state government. She also sits on the Board of Directors of Montessori Children's House of Lansing and volunteers for various other youth initiatives, including her favorite, Impact Lansing.

Sandi and her husband John reside in Mason with their five children.

Adrian joined MHSA in 2002, and became a member of Muchmore Harrington Smalley & Associates, LLC in 2015. Prior to that, he served as the Assistant Vice President of Legislative Relations for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). Adrian collaborated with key stakeholders to improve Michigan's business climate with high profile legislation such as Next Energy and the establishment of the Broadband Authority. Adrian was also influential during the passage of legislation to create the Metropolitan Airport Authority Act, which was responsible for the building and modernization of the McNamara Terminal at Detroit Metropolitan Airport.

Respected as one of Lansing's top lobbyists, Adrian specializes in economic development, energy and technology, environmental, insurance, banking and tax policy issues. Recent accomplishments include the passage of legislation that gave Jackson National the ability to expand their business. Adrian secured state investment for the Farmers Insurance expansion and the JW Marriott Hotel, both in Grand Rapids. He has been instrumental in the last three business tax code rewrites and worked on legislation to standardize college entrance testing.

Prior to his work at the MEDC, Adrian was the Legislative Liaison for the Department of Management and Budget where he was responsible for securing funding to build the Hall of Justice, Constitution Hall and the Vietnam War Memorial. Adrian began his career working as a legislative aide for three state Senators, later serving as director of public affairs. Adrian also worked as the public events coordinator for the Senate Majority Leader.

Adrian holds a bachelor's degree in Communications and Sociology from Western Michigan University (WMU), where he graduated with honors. While at WMU, Adrian served on the Board to Review the President's Address on Racial and Ethnic Harmony.

Adrian and his wife Erin live in East Lansing with their four girls.

Malcolm Kletke joined MHSA in 2020. Malcolm previously held the position of Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs for Governor Whitmer, serving as the chief contact between the Michigan Legislature and Governor Whitmer on all legislative issues. He was involved in historic changes to Michigan's Auto No-Fault system, the Raise the Age package, sports-betting and online gaming legislation, Rebuilding Michigan Plan, and dealing with the COVID-19 response.

Prior to serving Governor Whitmer, Malcolm served as a policy analyst for the Michigan Senate Democratic Caucus. In this role he provided research, analysis, and policy advice on matters coming before the Transportation, Commerce, Natural Resources & Environmental Quality, and Agriculture Committees. He was also responsible for overseeing the Department of Transportation, Department of Environmental Quality, Department of Natural Resources, and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development budgets. Malcolm began his career in the Michigan Senate working as a legislative assistant for then-Senate Minority Leader Gretchen Whitmer.

Malcolm holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science – Pre Law from Michigan State University.

Malcolm and his wife Alexandra live in Lansing.

6-10 years

Capitol Strategy Group has been listed as one of the top 5 small government affairs firms by James Magazine.

Georgia Departments of Community, Behavioral, and Public Health.

Close working relationships with the Health, Insurance, and Appropriations chairs in both chambers.

Devin Krecl joined Capitol Strategy Group in 2014. Mr. Krecl's experience brings insider expertise in public and government affairs, lobbying, PAC management, grassroots and grass-tops. Further, Krecl's knowledge and proficiency in marketing and event planning, oversight of human resources, and firm operations gives his clients and teams all the resources necessary for success.

He specializes in advancing development initiatives with his team and implementing comprehensive strategies to promote the priorities of the clients. His leadership has allowed him to adapt to any task and effectively lead his team when working on a project.

In 2015, Mr. Krecl began working with the firm's leadership as a government affairs associate. He currently consults the Medical Association of Georgia, Georgia Society of Ophthalmology, Georgia Psychiatric Physicians Association, Georgia College of Emergency Physicians, Georgia Society of Ambulatory Surgery Centers, American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Georgia AIDS Coalition, Georgia Association of Community Service Boards, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, Resurgens Orthopaedics, Strategic Health Partners, GlaxoSmith Kline, Alexion Pharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, and Quest Diagnostics.

Mr. Krecl is a graduate of Kennesaw State University, where he received a B.S. in Political Science with a specialization in Government and Professional Politics. He also received a Minor in the area of Business Management.

Devin resides in Canton with his wife, Leah, 2 sons Brooks and Chace, and 2 Labrador Retrievers, Calvin and Gunner. They enjoy traveling as much as possible and all things outdoors.

15-20 years

Drew Duncan was born and raised in Parker, South Dakota. Drew graduated from Parker High School in 1994. In 1999 Drew graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. In 2002 Drew received his law degree from the University of South Dakota School of Law. During his time at USD, he served as the Student Board Association Vice-President his second year, and the Student Board Association President his third year. Drew was also a member of USD's Trial Team in 2002.

Following law school, Drew clerked for the Fifth Circuit Judge of the South Dakota Unified Judicial System in Aberdeen, South Dakota. Following his clerkship, he joined Zimmer, Duncan & Cole, LLP in 2003 and helped form The Duncan Law Firm, LLP in late 2017.

Drew has focused his practice on governmental affairs. Drew's practice also includes regulatory work with the State of South Dakota, criminal law, business services and family law.

Drew and his wife, Carrie, have two children, Olivia and Bennett. Drew is an avid golfer and outdoorsman and prides himself in being an active member of the community. He has served on the Board of Directors of the ParMar Valley Country Club, the Board of Directors of the Young Lawyers' Section of the South Dakota State Bar Association, the Executive Board of the South Dakota Republican Party, the Board of Directors of the South Dakota Arthritis Advisory Board, and the South Dakota Board of Elections.

Drew's representative clients include Eli Lilly Corporation, Heartland Consumers Power District, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, Neighborhood Dental, the City of Parker, the South Dakota Collectors' Association, the South Dakota Insurance Alliance and Verizon Wireless.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Russell Hightower is a senior government affairs and public policy strategist with more than 20 years of experience advising clients on their legislative, regulatory, and political needs across Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. He is a member of the firm's lobbying and government relations consulting practice and brings deep experience in complex permitting, regulatory strategy, and public-sector engagement. Clients view him as a trusted advisor on transactions, stakeholder engagement, and long-term strategic planning.

Russell has long-standing relationships with elected officials, agency leadership, and senior staff and works directly with the legislative and executive branches at the state and local levels. His experience includes navigating state environmental permitting agencies and local governments on large-scale infrastructure projects requiring multi-jurisdictional approvals, including successfully permitting major facility expansions as well as leading community, zoning, and government engagement strategies supporting complex development initiatives.

Prior to joining Parker Poe Consulting, Russell led government relations for Waste Management (WM) across Georgia and the Carolinas, directing legislative and regulatory strategy, managing lobbying teams, and advising senior leadership on political risk and public-sector strategy. He also served as the local lead for mergers and acquisitions. Prior to WM, he advocated before South Carolina legislators and executive agencies on behalf of business and professional interests through the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance and South Carolina REALTORS.

Russell holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of South Carolina and a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management from Clemson University. He was inducted into Pi Alpha Alpha, the global honor society for public affairs and administration, and was recognized by Waste360 as a "40 Under 40" honoree. He has held leadership roles with the South Carolina Solid Waste Advisory Council (gubernatorial appointee), the Solid Waste Association of North America, and the National Waste & Recycling Association.

MEGHAN LOPER serves as Vice President and has been helping shape State policy for more than decade. She joined CSG with extensive government affairs experience advocating for private businesses and working with elected officials. Ms. Loper has a unique ability to identify policy opportunities, develop effective advocacy strategies and achieve success by utilizing her bipartisan network with key decision-makers.

Prior to joining CSG, Ms. Loper served as Public Policy Director for Majestic Realty Co., one of the nation's largest privately held, family-owned real estate development firms. With Majestic properties playing a critical role in the supply chain, Ms. Loper served on several regional goods movement committees and stakeholder agency advisory groups. She gained extensive experience on transportation issues by serving as the lead staffer for a member of the California Transportation Commission. Ms. Loper was also the Program Director for the Majestic Realty Foundation, collaborating with nonprofits on programs related to health, education, and violence prevention. She advised the Foundation's board of directors and regional planning teams. She developed the curriculum for its flagship program, the Los Angeles Youth Leadership Council.

Ms. Loper was selected for the prestigious Coro Fellows Program in Public Affairs in Los Angeles. Coro is a graduate-level leadership training program that provides experience in the public affairs arena.

Ms. Loper received her MBA from the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California. A two-time Trojan grad, she also graduated Cum Laude with departmental honors and holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Policy and Management from the University of Southern California. She serves on Leadership Council for the Sol Price School of Public Policy at USC."