Mr. Hawks has consistently been voted among the 5 best lobbyists in the state of Michigan by an independent political insider survey. His distinguished career has spanned over 26 years representing many of GCSI's prestigious clients. In addition, Mike was also recently voted among the top 5 public affairs professionals in the state. Mike received his bachelor's degree from Eastern Michigan University and possesses a master's degree from Michigan State University.

Ms. Zandee is a Michigan attorney with a social work background and has served as Chief Policy Advisor for State Representative Brandt Iden, Chairman of the House Ways & Means Committee. Sam received her undergraduate degree from Hope College, and obtained her JD and MSW from the University at Buffalo. She has also worked in the family court system, for various legal aid clinics, a children's advocacy center, and with in house counsel for Buffalo Medical School.

The Gaston Group is a well-respected, Virginia-based government relations and public affairs firm offering nearly two decades of experience in public policy, legislative affairs, grassroots and grasstops organizing, and media relations. Our practical approach to politics focuses on both sides of the political aisle, at all levels of government. In today's world, business strategy, politics, public policy, communications and public perception must intersect successfully and effectively. With a reputation for high ethical standards and a commitment to honesty, The Gaston Group is a trusted name that means success for our clients.We understand both the opportunities and challenges in communicating with government officials and agencies, and can assist clients in integrating effective government relations with their larger business objectives. In order to help clients reach those objectives, we are committed to providing year-round, individualized attention -- clearly, our clients come first.We represent professional trade associations, corporations, and non-profit organizations covering a variety of issues in the areas of housing, real estate and development, land use and zoning, landlord-tenant, renewable and alternative energy, telecommunications and technology, the arts, seafood production and processing, finance and economic development before the United States Congress, federal regulatory agencies, the General Assembly of Virginia, state regulatory agencies, local government and local governmental agencies.We are located in Williamsburg, Virginia, in the heart of Virginia's original capital and part of the metropolitan region known as Hampton Roads' one of the largest metropolitan areas in the country with a population of nearly two million people.

Before joining GCSI, Mr. DeVries served for 10 years as Chief of Staff to Senator Arlan Meekhof, the Republican Senate Majority Leader. During his time in the legislature, he managed many difficult legislative issues and became one of Lansing's leading experts on the legislative process. Bob has his bachelor's degree in political science from Grand Valley State University and his law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School.

Mrs. Hune was previously the VP of Governmental Affairs for the Michigan Credit Union League (MCUL) & Affiliates, the trade organization representing 96% of Michigan's credit unions. Prior to joining the League in 2008, she had more than nine years of experience in the state Legislature as a staffer for two speakers of the house and two majority floor leaders. Marcia holds a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Michigan and a master's degree in public administration from Western Michigan University. She is a member of Pi Alpha Alpha, the Public Administration Honor Society through Western Michigan University, as well Phi Kappa Phi, an All Discipline Honor Society.

In 2000, Harris Jones founded Harris Jones & Malone, LLC. To date, she remains the first and only Black woman in the State of Maryland to own and manage a law practice with a focus in lobbying, government relations, procurement, labor negotiations, criminal defense, and administrative trial board representation at both the state and local levels. Harris Jones & Malone proudly serves municipalities and related quasi-public agencies, non-profits, and small and large business enterprises, both publicly and privately held. Currently, Harris Jones & Malone represents clients on issues concerning, but not limited to construction, energy, water, retail sales, education, transportation, public safety, healthcare, gaming, real estate, telecommunications, procurement, corporate law, state funding for public and private development projects, taxation, labor, insurance, public interest, election, and environmental law.

Due to her hard work and tireless advocacy, Harris Jones is widely regarded as a lobbyist with the ability to effect real change in the legislative process, regardless of the size of her client or the perceived power of her opponent. As a result of her successful track record, her clients have enabled her to become the first Black attorney/lobbyist to be consistently ranked in the top five earning lobbyists in Maryland following the conclusion of each legislative session since 2009.

Harris Jones has worked on high profile matters such as the repeal of Maryland's Death Penalty, the enactment of the Civil Marriage Protection Act, and in 2019, the Community Safety and Strengthening Act, which authorizes Johns Hopkins University to establish a university police department.

Among her many legislative accomplishments, Harris Jones lobbied successfully for the passage of a priority lien bill on behalf of the Community Associations Institute Maryland Legislative Action Committee (CAI), an organization representing common ownership communities. For many years, CAI had battled with financial institutions over this critical legislation. In only her second legislative session representing CAI, Harris Jones was able to facilitate an agreement and secure the votes needed to pass the bill. This law allows condominium associations to recover up to four months of association fees at the time of a foreclosure sale. Hard hit by the downturn in the housing market, association fees are vital to the financial stability of all common ownership communities.

Harris Jones is a Member of the Board of Trustees/Directors of three publicly traded companies: Industrial Logistics Properties Trust, Diversified Healthcare Trust, and TravelCenters of America, LLC. She also serves on the Board of Trustees/Directors of Everyman Theatre and Baltimore Museum of Art. In 2021, Harris Jones was listed as one of The Daily Record's Power 100. She was also recognized by Savoy Magazine as one of the Most Influential Black Corporate Directors, an international honor. In 2019 Harris Jones received the Current Leader Award from the Alliance of Black Women Attorneys of Maryland, Inc. In 2016, Harris Jones received the Friend of Dyslexia Award for Outstanding Dyslexia Advocacy and also received the Maryland Government Relations Association's Community Service Award. Since 2000, Harris Jones has earned the following honors: YWCA Greater Baltimore's Special Leader Award, The Daily Record's Leadership in Law Award, The Baltimore Sun's 50 Women to Watch in 2013, The Daily Records Maryland's Top 100 Women in 2005 and 2009, The Baltimore Business Journal's 40 under 40, The Baltimore Times' Top 25 Young Leaders to Watch, and the Maryland Coalition for Responsive Government's 21st Century Woman distinction.

Ms. Farrah served six years in the Michigan House of Representatives before GCSI. While a member of the Legislature, she chaired the influential House Regulatory Reform Committee and was a member of the committees on labor, tax policy, insurance and local government. The former Southgate City Council president also worked 10 years for Wayne County in its Department of Environment. Barb earned a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Michigan-Dearborn.

Mr. Owen, formerly the Policy Advisor for Lieutenant Governor John Cherry in the Executive Office of Governor Jennifer Granholm. He was then appointed by Governor Granholm to serve as the Legislative Liaison in the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, and was reappointed by Governor Rick Snyder to serve in the same role. Gary is an expert on environmental and natural resources based initiatives. His relationships in these departments are fresh, and unparalleled amongst state lobbyists. Gary earned a bachelors degree in political science from the University of Michigan.

Diana Carlen is a Vice President at Gordon Thomas Honeywell Governmental Affairs (GTH-GA), the state's largest comprehensive governmental affairs firm. GTH-GA is information-driven and non-partisan. Diana represents a broad group of clients before the state legislature, state agencies, and the executive branch.

Mr. Zaagman served as Director of Government Affairs for the Michigan Restaurant Association for four years before joining GCSI. He also worked for five years as a lobbyist for the Michigan Osteopathic Association. The Muskegon native is widely respected in Capitol circles for his expertise in and knowledge of transportation-related issues, election law, liquor control and tax policy. He earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Central Michigan University and a master's degree in public administration from Western Michigan University. Bill is a 1996 graduate of the Michigan Political Leadership Program.

Mr. Profit had an award-winning 10-year career in the Michigan House of Representatives before joining GCSI. While a member of the Legislature, he chaired the influential House Tax Policy Committee, as well as the House Committee on Higher Education. The former legal advisor and Undersheriff to the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Department earned a bachelor's degree from Eastern Michigan University, where he also worked as an adjunct professor. Kirk is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, having earned his juris doctorate from the University of Detroit School of Law.