Jim Monahan has a strong and established public affairs practice that focuses on representing businesses, trade associations and non-profit organizations before state and national governmental agencies. This work includes an emphasis on policy development, legislative advocacy and effective communications.

Jim's professional focus includes energy, transportation and environmental issues. He does work in the healthcare field, with an emphasis on Medicaid policy. In addition, Jim oversees the Dupont Group public relations division White Birch Communications Group.

Jim was elected as Merrimack County Treasurer in the Fall of 2008 and served one term. Currently, he serves on the Concord Zoning Board of Adjustment. Jim is well known for providing news media analysis on topics of politics and public policy. Formerly, Jim was a member of the Independent System Operator (ISO) New England Board Advisory Committee, and a contributing editor to the political website Primary Diner.

FRANCIS X. MCMAHON, ESQ., the founder and president of Advocacy Solutions, has deep expertise in ally development, grassroots and grasstops coalition building, strategic communications management, and online advocacy for clients in a wide range of industries including healthcare, telecommunications, energy, and transportation.

Over the course of his career, Frank has been a key staff member and advisor on many winning political and issue campaigns. He served as Special Counsel and Deputy Chief of Staff to Rhode Island Governor Bruce Sundlun and has led campaigns for Honda Motor Corporation, Verizon, and National Grid.

An avid Friar basketball fan, Frank is a graduate of Providence College, Suffolk University Law School, and a member of the Rhode Island State and Federal Bar Association.

RYAN KILPATRICK is a founding partner at AI. Prior to helping launch AI, Ryan was a partner at FKG Consulting. In his role at AI, Ryan Kilpatrick develops and implements public affairs strategies for clients at the state and municipal levels. Past projects include helping to pass a statewide cigarette tax increase, working to facilitate agreement between auto insurers and transportation network companies in Oklahoma, and efforts to modernize Oklahoma's alcohol laws. He also co-chairs the policy committee for the Oklahoma Turning Point Council, a group that seeks to improve health outcomes through community partnerships.

Ryan previously worked on legislative and statewide campaigns and worked in Washington, DC for Congressman Tom Cole. Ryan graduated from Trinity University in San Antonio. His community involvement includes Leadership Oklahoma City's LOYAL Class X, the Downtown Club of OKC, Big Brothers Big Sisters and coaching volleyball for the Oklahoma City Police Athletic League. Ryan is a sports fanatic; you can catch him and his wife Mary Ellen at an OKC Thunder or Energy FC game.

0-5 years

Greg led the school bond campaign for Phoenix-Talent School District on a small budget and a limited time frame which resulted in the passage of a $68,000,000 facilities bond.

Greg has helped the marijuana and hemp industries in particular successfully navigate the world of laws and regulations by providing guidance and utilizing his decades long relationships with local and state government officials to effectively represent his clients. His work has provided legitimate companies an influential voice within the industry and that government officials and the greater business community listen to.

Greg worked to successfully changed local land use laws at the request of his clients, which allowed for the use of specialized security systems in commercial zones and also enhanced livability of the communities.

Oregon Capitol Club
Ashland City Council 2008-2018
Southern Oregon Humane Society Board Member 2016 - Present
Ashland Emergency Food Bank Board President 2009-2018
Paul Harris Fellow - Ashland Lithia Springs Rotary Club

With two decades of experience in law enforcement and experience in international business development, non-profit leadership and as an elected official himself, Greg has a background and skill set that can help people and organizations achieve their goals.

A native Oregonian, born in Portland, raised in Salem and a resident of Southern Oregon for over 20 years, Greg has a strong connection to our state and a deep and varied background. After spending two decades in law enforcement, Greg worked for a local start-up, conducting international business development by opening up new markets and working with foreign governments to create strong partnerships. He has also served in leadership positions for local non-profits, assisting each in expanding their services, building relationships and strengthening their organizations.

Greg has served as an elected official, elected to the Ashland City Council in 2008 and re-elected in 2012 and 2016. Greg dealt with complex issues in a very politically active community, with great success by focusing on the problem, building relationships and finding a solution that satisfied all parties and benefited the community.

As the Vice President for Client Relations with JWA Pubic Affairs, Greg helped grow the firm exponentially while helping individuals and organizations achieve their legislative goals through effective issue advocacy with elected officials and government agencies.
Greg also worked with organizations to achieve their goals by providing consultation in public affairs, government relations and fundraising. In the fall of 2019, with the blessing of JWA's founder, Greg founded United Strategies.

United Strategies serves clients in Southern Oregon and clients from out of state in the areas of health care, cannabis regulations (marijuana and hemp), land use, non-profit issues and general business related issues.

In addition, Greg has previously been successful in assisting school districts pass multi-mullion dollar school bonds and represented their issues in front of the Oregon legislation to great success.

Greg utilizes his unique background in law enforcement, international business development and politics to provide risk assessment and mitigation services for clients.

Greg has created a vast personal network of relationships with individuals and organizations in Southern Oregon and throughout the state. These relationships have built over two decades on trust and respect. Greg is able to utilize his network to assist his clients in accomplishing their goals.

Greg and his wife Jessica have been married since 1997 and currently have three children, with two in college and one in high school. Greg is a lifelong lover of sports and coaches high school football in his spare time.

11-15 years

0-5 years

As Vice President, Phil Scheuers supports the Pac/West Lobby Group team by tracking and managing legislation and advocating for client interests across state agency budgets, revenue, and capital construction committees. Phil also manages the firm's administrative duties, leads economic development projects, and supports clients through campaign consulting and association management.

There are few that have more experience working on Oregon's state budget and revenue than Phil. When he left as a legislative staffer, he was one of the longest-serving staffers on the House side with a wealth of experience on ways and means. Phil maintains strong relationships with regional and state partners and has extensive experience in economic development programs, including business incentives, industrial land development, and more. Phil is known for his ability to think outside the box and identify ways to leverage opportunities to help clients achieve their goals. Phil cares about advocating for rural issues, lifestyles, and people. He spends some of his free time on the Hermiston Education Foundation Board and is a proponent of equitable education.

Joining the team in 2018, Phil had a decade of experience working in government affairs and economic development in Eastern Oregon, focusing much of his time on the ways and means and capital construction processes.

11-15 years

Served 8 years as Member of Oklahoma House of Representatives

Before founding A&A Advocates, Inc. in 2008, Mr. Adkins served in the Oklahoma House of Representatives for eight years. He is the past Chairman of the Energy, Utility, Aerospace, and Technology Committee for the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

Mr. Adkins' responsibilities included jurisdiction and oversight of Oklahoma's oil and gas industry, telecommunications and technology, mining, aerospace industry, as well as, all electric and water utilities. He was either the principal author or had direct responsibility for almost every major initiative that fell within his jurisdiction and became law in Oklahoma during his four years as chairman.

Adkins' respect, from both sides of the aisle, enabled him to carry dozens of pieces of legislation and never lose a bill either in committee or on the floor during his eight years in the House of Representatives.

Regarded as one of Oklahoma's leaders on energy policy, Mr. Adkins has testified before the Environment and Public Works Committee of the United States Senate with respect to the energy industry and its relation to carbon emissions and climate change.

Mr. Adkins' legislative career was highlighted by being twice named Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Association legislator of the year. He was also named the Higher Education legislative newcomer of the year, American Royalty Council legislator of the year, and Industrial Electric Consumers legislator of the year. He was selected to participate in Leadership Oklahoma and is now a lifetime member of the organization.

In addition, Dennis served on the powerful Appropriations and Budget Committee, as well as, the Revenue and Tax, Environment and Natural Resources, and Public Health committees in the House of Representatives. Prior to the legislature, Mr. Adkins served the State of Oklahoma in professional positions within the Department of Corrections, Department of Human Services and Department of Rehabilitative Services.

He graduated from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.

20+ years

Rocco founded the firm of Pugliese Associates in 1980 working from a small office in Harrisburg with a single client. The firm now maintains offices in Harrisburg and Philadelphia with close to 50 clients including: non-profit organizations, universities, government authorities, venture capitalists, state and national corporations, and trade associations.

Rocco has more than 35 years of lobbying and state government experience. Starting his working years in the mid-70's employed in the State Senate; he was later hired as an aide to the House Transportation Committee. In his years of lobbying, Rocco has been active on a number of highly visible, diverse and complex issues. They include such topics as gaming, corporate initiatives and ventures, appropriations, tobacco settlement, economic development, workers' compensation, state procurement, along with a variety of other policy and legislative issues.

Rocco graduated from Gannon University in 1975 with a BA in Political Science, and he also holds a Masters degree in Public Administration from Penn State University.

Experience, Integrity, and Results- Rocco's motivation, commitment, leadership and direction are what make Pugliese Associates what it is today.

As Vice President of Health Care Policy, Henry T. O'Keeffe is a lobbyist on the government affairs team at Pac/West Lobby Group specializing in health care and helping clients engage in the legislative rulemaking process and mold their legislative priorities into proposed legislation that protects community health, local innovation, and opposes one-size-fits-all policies.

Henry has a proven track record working in health care, local government, non-profits, and private business. He is a member of the Oregon State Bar and is skilled at organizing, drafting, and negotiating legal agreements and advancing legislation for his clients. Henry is inquisitive and talented at crafting clear, concise language for legislative concepts. 

Henry has a history of caring about helping people, whether in his capacity as a student volunteer at a domestic violence shelter in college, or as the principal attorney at his law firm today. His own personal health story has helped him understand the challenges and opportunities in Oregon's health care system and energized him in his role as an advocate.

Joining the team in 2022, Henry's background includes state legislative affairs, eight years as general counsel for Greater Oregon Behavioral Health, Inc., and serving as a legislative aide for the American Civil Liberties Union of Washington State. A native Oregonian, Henry has bachelor's degrees in philosophy, politics, economics, and anthropology/sociology from Eastern Oregon University and a J.D. from Lewis & Clark Law School.

20+ years

Paul Phillips is one of the leading public affairs and political campaign strategists active today. With more than 30 years of professional experience in politics, marketing and issues management, Paul has an impressive track record of designing and implementing successful programs, initiatives, and campaigns on a wide range of issues such as taxation, transportation, construction, sportsman/conservation, natural resources, health care, facility siting and permitting, and energy.

Paul began his political career in 1978 while working on the successful Oregon gubernatorial campaign of Victor G. Atiyeh. After five years working as assistant to Governor Atiyeh, Paul was hired by Nike, Inc., to manage communication development. In late 1983, while working at Nike, Phillips was appointed to the State House of Representatives. After successfully winning two elections, Phillips left the House and was elected to the State Senate where he served two terms.

While in the Senate and Chair of the Revenue Committee, Phillips helped facilitate major policy changes to Oregon's strategic investment programs which resulted in significant private sector investment stabilizing a changing economy in the Northwest. Later, in his professional life, he organized and led strong coalitions. One example is with Tektronix, Intel, Genentech, Precision Castparts, Nike, Schnitzer Steel, and Columbia Sportswear, among others, that resulted in a major and lasting overhaul of corporate apportionment taxation in Oregon.

In 1997, he and his wife, Nancy Phillips, began Pac/West Communications. Since then, Paul has grown Pac/West into one of the most successful political public relations and marketing firms in the region. Paul and Nancy have built a reputation as a national leader in the arena of behavioral change, whether they be national campaigns or statewide efforts.

Paul is well-known for winning difficult, and sometimes controversial, efforts. He has played lead roles in over 361 campaigns and initiatives across the United States, often securing key support from non-tradition allies, including passage of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act (2003). He has managed a wide range of campaigns for candidates, including gubernatorial, U.S. Senate, Congressional, as well as statewide and local issue ballot measures on a wide variety of topics. Most recently, Paul was the chief architect and strategist for CRED and Protect Colorado which defeated attacks on the oil and natural gas industry in Colorado.

Paul was recently appointed to the Native American Youth and Family Center Advisory Board. He has also previously served as a member of the Board of Trustees Pacific University. Paul is a member and of Boone & Crockett Club. He is the Club liaison with the Western Governors' Association and serves as co-chair of the club's Conservation Policy Committee.

Paul has a B.A. in economics from Pacific University in Forest Grove, Ore.

11-15 years

20+ years

I have maintained a solid reputation as a well-respected and constant presence in the Capitol for over three decades. I have been on the Hill with many state policy makers throughout the entirety of their careers. My long term relationships with administration officials, legislative leaders and key staff give me the ability to reach out to these individuals quickly to ensure our clients' messages and perspectives are considered.

My diverse and significant background in government, politics and corporate strategy serves me well as a lobbyist. In addition to spending more than 25 years in government relations and executive management for the Pennsylvania Builders Association, I have also worked for the Pennsylvania Retailers Association. I understand the internal dynamics of associations and the nuances required to assist them in formulating and implementing their governmental affairs agendas. I also work with a wide range of our varied corporate clients leveraging my expertise in building construction, management, service and development.

Before launching my lobbying career, I began as a political activist while attending college. I graduated from Gannon University with a BA in Political Science and soon moved to Harrisburg where I served in several leadership staff roles within the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

20+ years

Former Nebraska State Senator
Served as:
Chairman of Judiciary Committee
Vice-Chairman of the Executive Board
Served on the following committees:
Banking, Commerce and Insurance
Government, Military and Veterans Affairs
Business and Labor
Agriculture

John joined the O'Hara Lindsay in 1997 and became president in 2008 when Paul O'Hara retired.

Prior to becoming a lobbyist, John served as a Nebraska state senator for two terms representing Omaha's 9th legislative district. While there, his colleagues chose him to chair the Judiciary Committee and before that Vice-Chair of the Executive Board.

He practiced law in Omaha for 13 years, starting out with his father and older brother. John clerked for the Honorable John Grant at the Nebraska Supreme Court for a year after law school.

John was born and raised in Omaha. John and his wife, Mary Beth, are the parents of four boys, John, Patrick, Bobby and David. John, a big fan of Little League baseball, coached for a number of years. John's great-grandfather, John B. Furay, was a member of Nebraska's first legislature in 1869. That may explain why it seems that John has politics in his blood!

11-15 years

Jake has been recognized in the New York Observer's Power 80 as one of the influencers and insiders "who help run this" City, City & State's 40 Under 40 as a "rising star" in New York politics and also by City & State as a key member of one of the top 10 government relations teams in New York that is leading the state in influence and separately as one of the top 10 political consultants in New York "the people putting New York politicians into office."

I have elected and work closely with some of New York's leading political figures, including:
- NYS Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins
- NYS Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris
- Members of the NYS Senate Majority
- Members of the NYS Assembly Majority
- Members of NY's congressional delegation
- Members of the NYC Council
- Boroughwide officials throughout NYC
- Westchester County Executive George Latimer
- County officials throughout NYS

Jake Dilemani is a Senior Vice President in Mercury's New York City office. With an extensive background in campaign management and public affairs, Jake has effectively blended research, message development, statistical analysis, media relations and advocacy to achieve success for a variety of clients. At Mercury, Jake leads political consulting, public affairs and government relations projects.Jake has advised winning candidates facing tough races in federal, state and local elections, developed state of the art grassroots and public affairs campaigns for corporate clients and advocacy groups and has generated numerous earned media placements in the New York media market's most respected print, broadcast and digital outlets.Jake represents a diverse clientele, including high profile political campaigns and independent expenditures, Fortune 500 companies, foreign government officials and a host of New York's leading political figures.For six years, Jake served as a strategist to many members of the New York State Senate Democratic Conference, including Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris, and former Senator George Latimer whom Jake advised on his successful campaign for Westchester County Executive. Jake's political consulting work has included industry-leading direct mail and cutting-edge public opinion research for campaigns ranging from congressional incumbents to municipal mayors to state legislative leaders.Prior to joining Mercury, Jake served as Vice President for Public Affairs at a strategic communications firm in New York, and held senior roles on numerous campaigns for public office.In the public sector, Jake served as a Chief of Staff in the New York State Legislature, and is currently a Democratic Party Leader representing Manhattan's East Side, where he plays an integral role in the nomination and election of New York's city and state judiciary.

Jake has been recognized in the New York Observer's Power 80 as one of the influencers and insiders "who help run this city," and City & State's 40 Under 40 as a "rising star" in New York politics.

B.A., Miami University
Major: Political Science

Advising clients on a broad range of topics in Texas and beyond is what Greg Macksood has dedicated his life to for the past 20 years. During that time, he has served as a trusted advisor to a wide range of clientele including Fortune 100 corporations, state trade associations and seed capital pre-revenue startups in developing political, legislative, media and grassroots engagement strategies throughout the country.

After attending Miami University in Oxford, Ohio where he received a B.A. in Political Science, Macksood split his time between Columbus, Ohio and Washington, D.C. working for a national public affairs and government relations firm. There, he focused on healthcare, tax policy, and natural resources.

Since then, Macksood has directed the government relations efforts in Texas for one of the nation's largest energy companies. It was during that time that he served on numerous boards and held multiple leadership positions across several trade associations. All the while, Macksood was learning how to navigate different political climates across Texas and effectively advocate for the energy sector, maintaining and developing deep political relationships in both parties.

In addition to his deep legislative relationships across both sides of the aisle, Macksood also has extensive experience representing interests before Texas regulatory agencies on issues including water, transportation, eminent domain, air permitting, insurance, healthcare, electricity and land use and minerals. His intimate knowledge of agency procedures makes him an effective advocate for his clients.

As for political experience, Macksood has managed statewide ballot initiatives, created issue advocacy coalitions, and implemented media communications strategies.

Greg is also the father of three young children who keep him and his wife Dakota busy outside of the world of politics.

Patricia A. Octeau serves as Senior Director at William A. Farrell & Associates LLC, representing a variety of clients before the Rhode Island General Assembly. As a registered lobbyist, she represents clients in the financial services, telecommunications, healthcare policy, information technology and workers compensation areas. She is responsible for complying with the various lobby registrations and mandatory legislative/executive lobby reports on behalf of the Firm's clients and is involved with the Firm's local and state activities at both the legislative and executive branch levels. Ms. Octeau has over 20 years of experience in the government relations and strategy arena.

Ms. Octeau is a 1980 graduate of Bryant University.

ROBERT CULLEY has had extensive experience in the legislative process for over 35 years before the Texas Legislature and various state agencies of government. He was Chief of Staff for a State Representative who was later elected State Senator. His service at the Capitol has left him with strong relationships among both members and staff. During his time working for the legislature, Robert oversaw the House Public Education Committee and the Senate Administrative Committee. Then, he became the Director of Governmental Affairs for the Texas Motor Transportation Association where he managed public relations, grassroots and lobbying efforts for the association's 1200 members.

In 1993, Robert joined Polan Culley Inc. (then Polan Ingram Advocacy Group), bringing his extensive Capitol and trade association experience to the firm. He brings his clients a wealth of knowledge in strategy and project management, and is well-respected for his aggressive pursuit of the client's interest in long term goals.

20+ years

Mayor, City of Portland (2005-2006)

Portland City Council (2002-2008)

Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority, Board member (2021 - present). (confirmable position)

Portland Regional Chamber, Chair (2012-14), Trustee (2008-16; 2019- present)

Portland Community Chamber of Commerce, President (2019-21), Trustee (2016-present)

Maine State Chamber of Commerce, Trustee (2009 - present)

Federal Communications Bar Association, New England Steering Committee (2011 - present)

Portland Charter Commission, Vice-Chair (2009-2010)

Cumberland County Budget Advisory Committee, Chair (2005)

U.S. Conference of Mayors, Community and Faith-Based Initiatives Task Force, Vice Chair (2006)

Greater Portland Transit District, Trustee (2002-2005)

Project Green Schools, Advisory Trustee (2017-present)

Portland Trails, President (1997-1998), Advisory Trustee (2002 - present)

Mayor's Healthy Portland Task Force (2006-2008)

Portland School Department, Budget and Revenue Task Force, Chair (2013-4)

AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell

Recognized in Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business under Energy & Natural Resources Law

Listed in The Best Lawyers in America for Administrative/Regulatory Law, Government Relations Practice, Energy Regulatory Law in Portland, Maine

Selected by peers for inclusion in New England Super Lawyers under Utilities, Banking and Government Relations

Recognized by Best Lawyers as the 2020 Portland, Maine Energy Law Lawyer of the Year

Neal W. Allen Award for Leadership in the Public Sector (2009)

Ruth M. Shaper Memorial Award, Maine Public Health Association (2008)

Public Service for the Environment Award, Sierra Club, ME Chapter (2006)

As a registered lobbyist for more than 25 years, Jim has developed strong relationships with key legislative leaders, committee members, and state agency officials on both sides of the aisle and across a wide range of policy areas.

As a former municipal official of Maine's largest city, including service on the Legislative Policy Committee of the Maine Municipal Association, Jim has developed an extensive network of municipal officials throughout the State of Maine.

Jim has represented several large statewide trade associations with members throughout the state which allowed him to develop strong relationships over many years with members of the state's banking industry, the water utility industry, the wastewater and sewer district community, county commissioners, and attorneys.

Jim for many years has been an active board member of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce whose board is comprised of business leaders from many of Maine's largest companies.

Jim has in recent years served as board chair of the Portland Regional Chamber and the Portland Community Chamber, which positions are highly visible within the business and government communities in the Portland area.

As a practicing public utilities lawyer, Jim has appeared before the Maine Public Utilities Commission and its staff since the early 1990s. In this role, he has also worked closely the Governor's Energy Office, the Office of Public Advocate, the Maine Department of Transportation, and staff from the Governor's Office across multiple administrations.

As a regulatory lawyer who practice includes representing local government agencies and attorneys, Jim has developed long-standing relationships within many state agencies, including Maine's Judicial Branch, professional licensing agencies, the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, the Maine Department of Administrative and Financial Services, the Bureau of Financial Institutions, the Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection, the Department of Economic and Community Development, the Maine Bond Bank, the Finance Authority of Maine, the University of Maine System, and the Maine Community College System.

Jim has also developed long-standing relationships with the members of Maine's Congressional delegations and their staff.

Jim joined Verrill in 1991 has been a partner since 1999. He currently chairs Verrill's Energy, Telecommunications, and Natural Resources practice group, and he is a founding Director of Maine Street Solutions, Verrill's government relations affiliate. Jim focuses his legal and government relations practice on the following areas:

Energy
Telecommunications
Water and Wastewater Systems
Municipal Law
Procurement
Transportation
Substance Use Disorder Treatment

Jim's unique background as a regulatory lawyer, former Mayor, and trained mediator allows him to provide clients not only with insightful legal advice, but also with creative solutions involving public relations, facilitation, and outreach to key government, business, and community leaders. His experience in public service and leadership positions on multiple business and nonprofit boards gives him a deep understanding of government and a broad range of connections within Maine's business and political community. Applying these skills across a wide range of regulated industries, Jim has helped craft or modify laws and regulations; represented clients in adjudicatory proceedings before government agencies and the courts; assisted clients in complex business transactions; facilitated thousands of board, committee, and stakeholder group meetings; served as a public speaker or moderator at numerous conferences, seminars, trade association meetings, and televised news programs; and provided a wide range of legal and public policy advice.

Jim is a graduate of Columbia University School of Law (J.D.), Princeton University, Princeton School of Public and International Affairs, and the University of Southern Maine (Certificate Program in Mediation).

11-15 years

In 2023, Rory was recognized as a VIP in the Maryland Daily Record's Veterans in Business in Law.

Recognized as a 2024 Woman to Watch by Shore Magazine, Lindsay has received multiple awards including the 2022 Don W. Beise Award, the 2017 Reaching for Excellence Award, and the 2016 Urbanski Grassroots Award.

In 2023, Michael was honored as Partner of the Year by the Maryland Association of Destination Marketing Organizations.

Rory Murray joined Providence Strategies as Principal in 2021. A native of the Philadelphia area, he
relocated to Maryland in 2007. Rory served honorably in the United States Marine Corps for three years, achieving the rank of Sergeant. Following his military service, he continued his career as a Maryland State Trooper. Rory holds a bachelors degree in political science from Towson University, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Baltimore, and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Maryland School of Law. After graduating from law school, he joined a prestigious lobbying firm in Annapolis before assuming the role of Vice President of Advocacy at the MD|DC Credit Union Association. In 2023, Rory was recognized as a VIP in the Maryland Daily Record's Veterans in Business in Law. He resides in Ellicott City with his wife, Emilie, has three young children, and their dog named Maddie.

Will Farrell serves as Director of State and Municipal Affairs at William A. Farrell & Associates LLC. As a registered lobbyist, he brings a unique integrated set of government and municipal skills, representing clients before the Rhode Island General Assembly, as well as state and local regulatory agencies. His expertise encompasses the financial services, real estate development, pharmaceutical and telecommunications industries. Prior to entering the private sector, Will worked in Washington, DC for Senator Ted Kennedy, in Manhattan administering the Fulbright Scholarship on behalf of the US State Department, and more recently as Director of Municipal Affairs for Providence Mayor Angel Taveras. In addition to his lobbying practice, Will has also managed several local campaigns and ballot referendums.

Will is a 2006 graduate of Northeastern University.

Julia's achievements in her field have earned her recognition from the Oklahoma's 30 under 30, alumni status for OKC's LOYAL Program and Leadership Exchange Academy.

Julia Jernigan is Executive Director of Oklahoma Behavioral Health Association, which is a trade association made up of private mental health and addiction treatment providers. She also works with the Oklahoma House and Senate to fundraise for various PACs as well as individual members. Her involvement with clients includes assisting them with everything from marketing, issues management, media relations, strategic planning, public policy training and fundraising.

She earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of Central Oklahoma and a Master's in Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma. Prior to her current position, she was the Program Director at the National Alliance for Mental Illness and worked in various advocacy capacities.

Julia is a member of Junior League of Oklahoma City. She is also on the Board of Directors for the Care Center, serves as the Vice Chair and Co-Founder for the Young Professional Board of ReMerge, and volunteers in various organizations in her community.

20+ years

Led the passage of legislation to provide for Ready to Go Drinks in grocery stores, convenience stores and restaurant licensees.

Secured funding for the 15 Community Colleges including passage of the State Board of Higher Education.

Led the passage of legislation to provide for the addition of the federal judiciary in the Pennsylvania Protective Class Law.

Worked to advance client's legislative goals in the reauthorization of the Commonwealth's One Call System.

C&G Strategies has focused its practice on working both sides of the aisle. We have relationships in all four Caucus Leadership Teams

Co-Founder/Chief Financial Officer

With over two decades of executive experience, Rob's career has placed him at the highest level of local and state government. As a public affairs professional, he has shaped public policy and legislation for clients in non-profit organizations, for-profit companies, trade associations, unions, and more. Rob provides individualized services that support clients' specific needs and has successfully represented clients in a variety of sectors. Whether navigating state or local government, facilitating introductions with decision makers, working with stakeholders, or developing and executing strategies, he is focused on allowing each individual client to meet their goals.

DOUG NELSON spent five years as Missouri's State Commissioner of Administration working with all branches of government and every executive branch department on contracting and procurement matters. As Commissioner, he oversaw more than 2,000 active procurement contracts, information technology and cybersecurity issues, bond issuances and budget matters. Along with Doug's unmatched experience in all types of government contract issues, his extensive network of national and state contacts makes him a great resource to clients. Doug also spent more than 18 years as an Assistant Missouri Attorney General focusing on consumer and contract litigation and administrative/regulatory matters. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1987 from the University of Missouri, Columbia, and Law degree in 1990 from the University of Missouri, Kansas City.

20+ years

Our firm has the capability to approach any member of the legislature, both Republican and Democrat. We also have strong relationships within the Executive branch and many state agencies. We are confident in our abilities to reach the right person on any issue.

Christie Strategy Group provides clients with a comprehensive, strategic approach to solving problems in the public and governmental arenas through direct representation, political action committee development, and establishments of grassroots lobbying programs and issue management through positive media relations.

Prior to founding his own firm, Christie was Vice President of the Business Council of Alabama. Over a period of several years, his responsibilities included supervision of the association's governmental relations program, development of a comprehensive grassroots structure involving association members and local chambers of commerce, and coordination of the organization's political affairs.

Working with the Business Council of Alabama's ProgressPAC, Christie raised over $2 million on behalf of pro-business candidates in Alabama during a two-year period.

Before joining the Business Council, Christie was a senior Public Affairs Officer with Walter Industries, Inc., a Fortune 200 corporation. He also served in Washington, D.C. on the staff of Congressman John H. Buchanan, Jr. as both Press Secretary and Research Assistant.

A member of numerous public affairs organizations on the state and national levels, Christie served as Chairman of the Business Council Governmental Affairs Committee and on the Executive Committee of United for State Action, a group of state business organizations dedicated to enhancing business' influence through direct participation in the political process.

A graduate of Vanderbilt University, where he received his undergraduate degree in International Relations cum laude, Christie is an accomplished speaker on the subject of political involvement and participation.

Martin and his wife, Stephanie, reside in Montgomery.

HEATH CLARKSTON has more than two decades working for a variety of clients as a registered lobbyist in Missouri with state government relations and public relations experience. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration and Political Science in 1997 from Missouri State University in Springfield. He began his career as a legislative intern for the Taxpayers Research Institute, a division of Associated Industries of Missouri. After joining Gallagher Consultants Inc. in 2006, Heath quickly earned a reputation as a tenacious, hard-working voice in the Missouri State Capitol for his clients. An active member in many civic and professional organizations, Heath is the benchmark of hard work in the State Capitol.

6-10 years

11-15 years

MIKE TOMAN is responsible for the firm's day-to-day business operations. He is known for keen attention to detail and a grasp of such varied fields as health care, organizational budgeting, and procurement processes. Mike has been with The Success Group since 2000. Prior to joining The Success Group, he spent five years lobbying as a senior policy analyst with the County Commissioners Association of Ohio, worked for the Ohio Legislative Budget Office, and worked for the Ohio Supreme Court. Mike served as President of the Ohio Lobbying Association (OLA) and was a member of the OLA Board of Trustees for seven years. Currently, Mike serves on the Board of Trustees for The Advocacy Group (TAG) and on The Ohio State University's President's Advisory Board. Mike sits on select alumni committees at the John Glenn College of Public Affairs' Alumni Advisory Committee. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Criminal Justice at Eastern Michigan University and a Master of Public Administration at The Ohio State's John Glenn College.

20+ years

Led the passage of legislation to provide for Ready to Go Drinks in grocery stores, convenience stores and restaurant licensees.

Secured funding for the 15 Community Colleges including passage of the State Board of Higher Education.

Led the passage of legislation to provide for the addition of the federal judiciary in the Pennsylvania Protective Class Law.

Worked to advance client's legislative goals in the reauthorization of the Commonwealth's One Call System.

C&G Strategies has focused its practice on working both sides of the aisle. We have relationships in all four Caucus Leadership Teams

Co-Founder/General Counsel

Tony has dedicated his entire career to government relations, representing a variety of corporations and non-profit organizations from across the Commonwealth. An effective advocate, his experience and reputation helps make connections between his clients and policy makers. Tony is an active and well-respected participant in the legislative process in Harrisburg. Tony is known for his tireless work ethic and his ability to bring together stakeholders on any issue to find commonalities and work together. His expertise lies in government relations, legislative strategy, political action committee (PAC) regulation, and lobbying regulation. Tony is also a frequent continuing legal education (CLE) presenter.

B.S., Cum Laude,
Texas Tech University
Major: Agricultural & Applied Economics

Drew DeBerry has more than 20 years of experience at the highest levels of public policy development and implementation. He has dedicated his years of service to developing a wealth of knowledge and relationships that complement the growing range of clients at Axis Strategic Partners.

DeBerry served on Governor Greg Abbott's senior staff for the first three years of his term as governor, most recently serving as Director of Budget and Policy and as Policy Director prior to that. In those roles, DeBerry worked closely with executive agency commissioners, directors, and staff as well as legislative offices on all aspects of the state budget and programs throughout state government.

Prior to working for Governor Abbott, DeBerry was the Deputy Commissioner of the Texas Department of Agriculture under then-Commissioner Todd Staples. This position followed several years in Washington, D.C. serving under President George W. Bush as the White House Liaison and Deputy Chief of Staff at USDA. He began his career working in the legislative arena as a staff member in the Texas State Senate.

Throughout his extensive public service career, DeBerry has also worked on state and national political campaigns to develop grassroots coalitions and help to direct overall campaign strategy.

A graduate of Texas Tech University, Drew and his wife, Kara, have four outstanding and talented children.

15-20 years