20+ years

The firm's namesake, Phil Reale is an attorney and government relations consultant who has more than 40 years of experience representing clients in the courtroom and all levels of government. Phil has vast experience in a myriad of public policy areas ranging from oil and gas matters, healthcare policy, gaming and lottery laws in multiple jurisdictions around the U. S., economic development, alcohol policy, and e-government.

Phil is a 1977 graduate of the West Virginia University College of Law. He has been an active member of the Independent Oil and Gas Association of West Virginia, including one term as president of the organization and at all times an effective coordinator of public policy and legislative affairs for the industry in West Virginia. He served on the Board of Directors of Alliance Petroleum Corporation, an exploration and production company with operations in Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. He also served as the Independent Oil and Gas Association representative to Governor Tomblin's Natural Gas Vehicle Task Force. He is often found on the editorial pages of state newspapers offering comments on various issues confronting state government.

He rose to prominence in statewide political circles when in 1988, he chaired the transition team for incoming West Virginia Governor, Gaston Caperton and ultimately served as his Chief of Staff. This role led him into a career of helping guide clients through legislative and government processes. He has served the state in a variety of capacities including that of its representative to the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission for which he served as its Vice Chairman. Additionally, he Co-Chaired the Higher Education Advocacy Team and championed a higher education reform effort, served two terms as Chairman of the State College System of West Virginia Board of Directors, served on the West Virginia Judicial Investigation Commission, the West Virginia Educational Broadcasting Authority, the West Virginia Prepaid College Tuition Trust Fund Board of Directors and has held leadership positions in various political and civic organizations. He is the recipient of two Distinguished West Virginian Awards of Public Service.

Phil has routinely left his mark on statewide political campaigns over his many years of involvement in West Virginia politics and is often consulted by candidates seeking assistance with political strategies.

In addition to being a past Chairman of Special Olympics of West Virginia, Phil maintains an active role in the stewardship of several charitable organizations. Phil is the current Chairman of the West Virginia Golf Hall of Fame, a member of the West Virginia Golf Association Executive Committee and currently serves the organization as its vice-president and chair of its Long Term Planning Committee, and serves on the Leadership Council of the West Virginia University Cancer Institute.

In his spare time, Phil enjoys playing golf and supporting West Virginia Mountaineer athletics.

20+ years

Anita L. Schepker, Esq. joins Capitol Consulting after nearly a four-decade career in government relations. Anita has a wealth of knowledge about state government that only comes from successfully navigating numerous complex client issues through the halls at the State Capitol. Prior to joining Capitol Consulting, Anita was president and founder of Schepker&Associates, LLC, a full-service government relations and regulatory law firm. Anita brings to Capitol Consulting a broad group of clients that she's has represented for many years including among others: Abbott Laboratories, AFLAC, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Connecticut Psychological Association, DaVita, Eli Lilly, Horizan Pharma, PhRMA and Safelite Auto Glass.

Prior to starting Schepker&Associates, Anita was a principal in another Hartford based lobbying firm where she acted as president of the firm's public affairs corporation, directing all legislative and regulatory issues, and litigation for the firms' clients.

Anita got her start in legislative lobbying in 1981 at the Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA) where she began as a staff attorney and was promoted to general counsel. As general counsel, she headed CBIA's legal and political departments. After eight years at CBIA Anita was hired as the senior vice president for government affairs at the Connecticut Bank and Trust Company (CBT) where she oversaw all of its state legislative and regulatory activities. In addition, she coordinated CBT's federal and state political action committee activities.

Anita is a graduate of the University of Connecticut and she received her Juris Doctorate from the University of Tulsa College of Law. Also, she has a Masters in Education from St. Joseph's College.

Prior to joining K&L Gates, Ms. Diehl served as Deputy Secretary of Legislative Affairs to the Pennsylvania Governor, a senior staff position that involved the development and implementation of legislative strategy intended to advance the Governor's legislative priorities for several state agencies, including the Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Revenue, the Department of Transportation and the Pennsylvania Lottery. Ms. Diehl was directly and integrally involved in the enactment of several major legislative initiatives, including the historic transportation funding package of 2013, numerous pieces of legislation impacting energy and environmental policies and programs for the state, as well as, significant reforms intended to enhance operations and funding for the Pennsylvania Lottery. She was also directly involved with negotiations with the House of Representatives and the Senate relating to the enactment of the annual General Fund budget and related enactments.

Prior to working in the governor's office, Ms. Diehl served as Director of Legislative Affairs for the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue. During her tenure as Legislative Director, and prior to that, as Assistant Legislative Director, she advocated for legislative priorities related to taxation and the Pennsylvania Lottery, including significant business tax reform packages that dramatically changed state tax administration and tax compliance.

Before joining the Department of Revenue, Ms. Diehl worked in a senior staff capacity for the House Democratic Caucus. Her responsibilities included monitoring House floor activities and advising House Democratic Leadership in message development and legislative strategy.

6-10 years

Mike is a senior vice-president with McGuireWoods Consulting and a partner with the McGuireWoods LLP law firm. He helps clients develop strategies to address complex public policy challenges. He is a seasoned operative who understands how to integrate direct lobbying, grassroots campaigning, communications, and digital media to achieve results.

Viewed by his clients as a trusted advisor, Mike helps to lead the firm's multi-state national practice, working with clients across the country as they interact with governors, attorneys general, state legislators, and regulators. He has a wide bandwidth exposure to numerous and diverse industries (healthcare to energy to tech to transportation) and regularly interfaces with legal and corporate executives.

In the spring of 2015, Mike raised $63,000 in 70 days for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Man of the Year campaign. As a part of this effort to raise awareness and money for LLS, Mike was "pushed" out of an airplane at 11,300 feet by a 1st grader who was fighting leukemia. Yes, he is scared of heights.

Camp is currently the managing partner at Corporate Relations Management, a government relations firm based in Canton, MS. Previously Camp served as a Policy Advisor in the office of Governor Phil Bryant where he handled military policy, public safety, corrections, emergency management, and budget policy. Prior to joining the Governor's staff in January, 2012, Camp spent more than five years working as a Budget Analyst at the Legislative Budget Office, where his duties included helping state leaders prepare Mississippi's budget. Camp earned a Master's in Business Administration and a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management, with a minor in Communications, from Mississippi State University. Camp was appointed Chairman of Bully Bloc, one of the state's largest PACs, in late 2017. Bully Bloc is a Political Action Committee dedicated to the success of Mississippi State University and all Institutions of Higher Learning within the state. Camp served as Chairman of Bully Bloc through the 2019 election cycle and remains on the board. He also serves on the board of Improve Mississippi Political Action Committee (IMPAC). He and his wife, Sydney reside in Madison, Mississippi with daughter, Gray, and son, John Burke.

6-10 years

Joining the Law Office of Philip A. Reale in June 2017, Philip A. Reale, II, is the most recent addition to the firm. A 2010 graduate of the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill School of Law, Philip is an experienced litigator and general practice attorney who has represented clients across a broad spectrum of practice areas. He now focuses his practice on helping clients who are injured due to the negligence of others, as well as clients who have been wrongfully terminated or discriminated against in the workplace. Additionally, whether negotiating lease agreements, or litigating quiet title actions, Philip helps clients concerning a variety of oil and gas matters.

Prior to his transition to the Law Office of Philip A. Reale, Philip was an attorney at a the largest litigation firm in West Virginia, primarily engaged in defense litigation, representing employers in claims filed by employees for workplace injuries and wrongful discharge. His work has also included defense of newspapers in defamation actions, oil and natural gas contract matters, defense of automobile makers in products liability actions, prosecution of automobile accident cases, business formations and other various matters. His experience as a defense litigator provides him a unique perspective in assisting clients as he has the ability to evaluate cases from every angle to produce positive outcomes.

Philip also has a stellar record before the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals, having successfully represented multiple clients before West Virginia's highest court. In addition to his law degree, Philip also holds an M.B.A. from East Carolina University ('07).

In addition to being an accomplished attorney, Philip is one of the top amateur golfers in West Virginia, and competes regularly throughout the U.S. in top amateur golf tournaments.

In his spare time, Philip enjoys West Virginia Mountaineer athletics and spending time with his wife, Abby, and their daughter Eddison.

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.

Before his work in government affairs consulting, Brian served as Director of Public Affairs for The Westerly Hospital and spent more than two decades as Assistant Vice President for Government Relations at Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island, where he led legislative, regulatory, and public affairs initiatives on behalf of one of the state's largest health care organizations. Brian earned a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Finance and a Master of Business Administration in Management from Bryant University. He received a Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration from Providence College.

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."

0-5 years

Recognized as Lawmaker of the Year 11 times for various organizations during my tenure.

Senator Jim Perry's entry into North Carolina politics began when proposed legislation threatened to put his business at risk. Experiencing firsthand how public policy can affect jobs, enterprise value, and personal investment inspired his commitment to helping others navigate the legislative process and advocate for sound, balanced policy.

From 2019 to 2024, Senator Perry represented his district in the North Carolina General Assembly. During his first full term, he was unanimously elected by his peers to serve in Senate leadership as Majority Whip, a role he held until his retirement. His strong background in finance and operations earned him the respect of business leaders statewide and contributed to his notable success in fundraising within the Senate caucus. Before entering public service, Perry spent over 20 years in private equity, serving as CEO, COO, and limited partner across multiple ventures and boards in the dental sector. As COO of a 3,000-person dental organization, he led the company through several private equity transactions that achieved industry-leading EBITDA multiples (14x-19x) and enterprise values between $310 million and $2.7 billion before retiring from the industry in 2019.

In the Senate, Perry chaired key committees including Finance, Healthcare, and Appropriations on Health and Human Services. Widely recognized for his expertise in tax policy, healthcare, and complex business issues, he built lasting bipartisan relationships across both chambers of the General Assembly. Perry currently serves on the Board of Visitors at North Carolina State University. He holds a bachelor's degree from NC State University and an MBA from the Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Oil & Gas Legislative and Regulatory Policy: Representing several natural gas producers operating within the Marcellus Shale on legislative and regulatory policy matters pending within the PA General Assembly and numerous regulatory agencies with oversight for Marcellus Shale activities.

Competitive Industrial Electric Rates: Assisted large manufacturing clients in enacting legislation permitting large industrial customers to negotiate competitive rates with incumbent electric utilities, paving the way for significant, historic capital investments by those customers
.
Economic Development Incentives: Secured tens of millions of economic incentives for clients seeking to make large capital investment and significantly increase jobs in the Commonwealth, including grants and low interest loans, transportation assistance, rail capital and community development funds.

Business Tax Reform: Successfully led a large coalition of manufacturers and high/bio tech companies to secure dramatic statutory changes in Pennsylvania's Corporate Net Income Tax structure that had penalized companies for increased capital and employee investment in the Commonwealth.

Tax Free Zones: Successfully assisted large manufacturing client with the enactment of legislation creating several state and local tax free zones throughout Pennsylvania to facilitate business expansion and relocation.

Civil Justice Reform: Successfully represented several clients in passing legislation repealing the doctrine of joint & several liability in Pennsylvania.

Procurement Bid Protests: Managed several, successful bid protests on behalf of clients that wanted to pursue a protest without jeopardizing agency relationships.

Health Care: In separate matters, successfully represented several hospitals and the pharmaceutical industry in reversing or mitigating proposed agency recommendations that would have caused significant harm to those clients.

Mr. Gleason joined K&L Gates in 2002. Prior to joining K&L Gates, Mr. Gleason served in Pennsylvania Governor Mark Schweiker's Cabinet as Secretary for Legislative Affairs. In that capacity, he advised the Governor, the Governor's senior staff and fellow cabinet secretaries on legislative, regulatory and policy matters affecting all agencies under the governor's jurisdiction. On his departure from state government, Governor Schweiker had this to say about Mr. Gleason:

"Pete Gleason has been a vital advisor to me, and a trusted liaison with the General Assembly. He helped my Administration win passage of many historic pieces of legislation, including reforms to Pennsylvania's Medical Malpractice and Joint and Several Liability laws, not to mention the 2002-03 Budget – one of the most difficult budgets in Commonwealth history."

From 1997 to 2001, Mr. Gleason had served as deputy secretary for legislative affairs with the office of the governor in Pennsylvania. He worked with former Governor Tom Ridge until his appointment as director of Homeland Security.

During his tenure with the office of the governor, as the Governor's liaison to Pennsylvania General Assembly legislative leaders and committee chairs, Mr. Gleason played an integral role in the enactment of the following legislative initiatives:
The 2002-03 General Fund Budget (in the wake of a structural deficit in excess of $1.4 billion dollars).
All legislative tax policy matters; including several significant amendments to the Public Utility Realty Tax Act (PURTA), changes to the Corporate Net Income Tax (CNIT), the phase-out of the Capitol Stock and Franchise Tax (CSFT) and changes to the state Sales Tax.
The creation and expansion of Keystone Opportunity Zones (KOZ), Enhancement Zones (KOEZ) and Improvement Zones (KOIZ).
Historic reforms to Pennsylvania's Medical Malpractice and Joint and Several Liability laws.
The enactment of the Commonwealth's Procurement Code.
Natural Gas Deregulation.
The Uniform Electronic Transactions Act.
Land Use Reform ("Growing Smarter").
The Environmental Stewardship Act ("Growing Greener").
The Uniform Construction Code.
Workers' Compensation Reform.

Mr. Gleason's past positions also include director of legislative affairs at the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, special projects director to the Republican Leader of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and special assistant to former United States Senator John Heinz.
In 2008, the Pennsylvania Report named Mr. Gleason as one of Pennsylvania's "Top 100 Most Influential People," in a list comprised of the 100 people most likely to have an impact on government and politics in Pennsylvania in 2008. In a 2004 poll conducted with state legislators, staff, lobbyists and other state policy stakeholders, he was named as "Most Effective Lobbyist" in Pennsylvania. Mr. Gleason was recently honored by the Pennsylvania Law Weekly and the Legal Intelligencer as one of forty lawyers under forty "On the Fast Track" for his work at K&L Gates and in the office of the governor.

20+ years

Since 1989, Mr. Dugan has been lobbying legislators, state agency officials, constitutional officers and municipal officials on behalf of a wide variety of clients. As a Capitol lobbyist, Mr. Dugan has assisted numerous corporations, associations and nonprofits navigate the halls of state government. Clients have come to rely on his strategic counsel and advice to achieve success on their legislative and regulatory agendas.

During his over two decades of lobbying Mr. Dugan has represented dozens of clients before state government, included but not limited to: Coca-Cola, Pepsico, Visa, eBay, Diebold Election Systems, Connecticut Society of CPAs, Outdoor Advertisers, Emergency Physicians, Funeral Directors, Physical Therapist, School Psychologists, Town Clerks, The Trust for Public Land and the Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut.

Prior to becoming a Capitol lobbyist, Mike was the 2nd Congressional District Campaign Coordinator for the successful 1986 campaign of then Governor William A. O'Neill. Following that campaign he was the Legislative Assistant for two different Speakers of the Connecticut House of Representatives.

Mr. Dugan was recognized by Hartford Magazine as one of the "Players" among the Lobbyists at the State Capitol. He continues to be active politically, serving as an advisor on numerous statewide and local campaigns. He has served as a delegate to several state and congressional conventions.

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.

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.

20+ years

Liz Connelly joins Capitol Consulting as a Government Relations Associate after more than six years on staff in the Connecticut General Assembly. Liz began her tenure with House Democrats as a top advisor to then House Majority Leader Joe Aresimowicz (Berlin and Southington). When Rep. Aresimowicz was elected Speaker of the House, Liz was then promoted to Senior Legislative and Communications Advisor to Speaker of the House. During her time as a senior advisor to the Speaker, Liz developed and maintains a wide network of legislators, state agency, staff and advocacy organizations. In addition, she was responsible for dealing and negotiating with numerous business and industry representatives on behalf of the Speaker. Liz brings to Capitol Consulting a strong work ethic and a clear understanding of the legislative process to immediately assist Capitol Consulting's clients. In addition to lobbying directly for the firm's numerous clients, Liz will manage the firm's social media presence, assist in the firm's marketing for new business and maintain the firm's bill tracking system.

Prior to working in the legislature, Liz served as a Communications and Media Coordinator at The Governor's Prevention Partnership, a nonprofit organization that builds and offers youth prevention programs to prevent substance misuse and bullying.

Liz received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Connecticut, where she double majored in political science and journalism.

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.

20+ years

Josh Hughes is a Senior Vice President, lobbyist and attorney at Capitol Consulting. He brings to Capitol Consulting a solid reputation with over 15-years of experience as a Capitol insider with extensive knowledge of the legislative process and policymakers. Over the years, Josh's network of contacts has provided his clients with access to all levels of state government in the legislative, administrative and executive branches. He has a reputation of working tirelessly to achieve successful results for the clients he is privileged to serve.

During his State Capitol lobbying career Josh has provided leadership and strategic advice to numerous corporations, state and national associations as well as nonprofit organizations including Tesla Motors Inc., Caterpillar, the National Association of Insurance & Financial Advisors (NAIFA), Greenskies Renewable Energy, the Association of American Publishers, the Corporation for Battery Recycling (Duracell, Panasonic and Energizer), the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), Splunk Inc., alcohol retailers, distillers and wholesalers. Josh also continues to work with legislative campaigns in both parties bolstering the bipartisan connections of the firm.

Before becoming a State Capitol lobbyist, while in law school Josh was an intern with CB Richard Ellis commercial real estate in New York City. Prior to that Josh worked in the sales department of John Hancock Mutual Funds in Boston. In addition, he was on the account team of Ingall's Advertising.

Josh received his Bachelor of Arts degree in American Literature with a minor in Environmental Studies from Hartwick College. He received a Juris Doctorate degree from Quinnipiac University School of Law.

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.

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

Hasina Wittenberg is president of Government Relations Strategies (GRS), a leading government affairs firm located in Portland metropolitan area. Wittenberg began her lobbying career in 1993 working for the League of Oregon Cities. She then went to work for a contract lobbying firm until 2005 when she formed Government Relations Strategies Inc. With more than 20 years of experience, she provides legislative advocacy for numerous clients by cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with both local and state officials and Oregon lawmakers. Clients include publicly traded corporations, multinational corporations, professional trade associations, non-profit organizations, and a variety of local governments. Hasina's diverse client background and experience in multiple audience communications has led to the development of highly successful government relations programs through written and oral promotion, policy development, and program evaluation and management. She consistently produces successful outcomes for her clients, and has worked to achieve bipartisan support on many legislative issues.

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.

Former State Representative

A cum laude graduate of Dartmouth College, Mr. Willis earned his Bachelor's Degree in Government. He graduated from the Marshall-Wythe School of Law at the College of William & Mary. During law school, he served as a Law Clerk to then Chief Justice Myron T. Steele of the Delaware Supreme Court. He was admitted to the Delaware Bar in 2006.


In 2012, Mr. Willis was invited to become a Fellow in the Aspen Institute's Aspen-Rodel Fellowship in Public Service. This two-year nonpartisan educational program is comprised of twenty-four elected officials from all levels of government across the country. The program is designed to "bring together elected officials who have demonstrated an outstanding ability to work responsibly across partisan divisions and bring greater civility to public discourse."

He was also a Fellow in Leadership Delaware. The mission of Leadership Delaware is to recruit and mentor young Delawareans who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in the community, nonprofit, political, professional, and corporate sectors in Delaware.

Mr. Willis, his wife, Laura, and their sons, Deane and Ellwood, reside in Clayton, Delaware.

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.

20+ years

Expertise: Crafting winning strategies at the intersection of politics, policy, and public affairs.

With over 30 years of experience across campaigns, government, and advocacy, Josh has built a career driving results where it matters most: behind the scenes and ahead of the curve. As a trusted advisor to Governors, legislative leaders, and grassroots movements, he brings a rare blend of political instinct, strategic discipline, and deep institutional knowledge.

Strategic Approach: Whether running campaigns or navigating the complexities of government, Josh leads with experience, precision, and a clear-eyed view of how to move the levers of power.

Unique Ability: Turning relationships into results and translating political dynamics into strategic advantage for clients and causes.

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.

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.