20+ years

James M. Demers is the founder of The Demers Group and Demers, Blaisdell Inc., he presently serves as President & CEO of Demers, Blaisdell & Prasol Inc. Mr. Demers is a former member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives and former congressional candidate. He has over 40 years of experience in the legislative, regulatory and political fields. He has been a political commentator for numerous media outlets including ABC News, CNN, MSNBC, Fox News as well as NH news stations WMUR-TV, WBIN-TV and New England Cable News. He has been actively involved in advising presidential campaigns, serving as co-chairman of President Barack Obama's NH campaign in 2008. He presently serves on the advisory board of the NH Institute of Politics at St. Anselm College, chairman of the NH International Trade Advisory Commission and he is a "political insider" for Politico and the National Journal. He was nominated by President Obama and confirmed by the US Senate to serve on the Board of Directors of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, which is the country's development financial institution. He has been recognized by numerous state and national publications as one of New Hampshire's "most influential" and "most powerful" people. He is a graduate of the University of Miami (FL) and he holds an MBA from Southern New Hampshire University. He served three terms in the NH House where he served as the Assistant Minority Whip. He has also served as President and Executive Director of the New England-New York-New Jersey Financial Services Association and the National Card Coalition after doing corporate government affairs work for two national financial services companies. He is a resident of Concord, NH.

Holly Salmons Kirby is a principal with JohnsonPossKirby Government Relations. She has been working on the hill and in other functions of state politics since 2000. Kirby served as an intern for the Senate Transportation Committee during the 102nd General Assembly. There she worked on key pieces of legislation such as fiber optic right-of-way for the Intelligent Transportation System and primary restraint. Kirby attended the University of Tennessee at Martin and Western Kentucky University where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. After graduating from Western Kentucky, she served as one of the field coordinators for Andy Womack's gubernatorial campaign. In this capacity, she managed all volunteer efforts, coordinated supporter databases, and assisted the candidate at events across the state.

Holly began her lobbying career when she interned for the firm of Smith Johnson & Carr in 2002. She returned to the firm as an associate for Bo Johnson in 2003. In this capacity, she worked on many issues ranging from outdoor advertising and railroads to manufacturing and alcoholic beverages. In 2006, Kirby worked with key legislators and railroad representatives to pass legislation strengthening the railroad trespassing laws.

In 2007, Holly accepted the position of Senior Associate with the new firm, JohnsonPoss Government Relations. In this capacity she continued to focus on the wide range of business issues she had worked on previously while expanding her work scope to include a variety of education issues. In 2010, Holly accepted the offer to become a principal in the firm.

20+ years

Nicholas G. Manis, the son of MCA co-founder George Manis and managing partner of the firm, has presided over legislative and special event successes on behalf of clients such as the Motion Picture Association of America, the Baltimore Ravens, the Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants and Pfizer.

Nick has been an accomplished lobbyist and legislative analyst for more than 25 years and has played an instrumental role in forging innovative and economically enhancing business partnerships among clients. He is proud to see MCA continuously ranked as one of the top lobbying firms in Maryland and the growth the firm has experienced during his time here. He has represented clients in matters related to sports entertainment, taxes, professional licensing, gaming, transportation, insurance, franchises, business regulation, information technology, environmental regulation, mergers and acquisitions, pharmaceuticals and healthcare.

In 1989, Nick's business bent led him to co-found Manis & Wright Realty, a premier residential and commercial realty firm that grew from modest beginnings to a successful 40 associates company that merged with the largest real estate company in Maryland.

Nick graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park in 1980. He was the captain of the varsity lacrosse team during his time at College Park.

A native of Annapolis, Nick is involved in many local business and community organizations including the Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce, the University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center Board of Advisors, Annapolis Youth Lacrosse Association, and the Maryland Chamber of Commerce. He was presented the Louis L. Goldstein Award in 1998 in recognition of his efforts on behalf of the Maryland Alcohol Beverage Industry. He is married with two children.

Prior to joining JohnsonPossKirby in 2017, Luke served Capitol Hill in the Tennessee General Assembly, the Department of Finance and Administration, and the Office of Governor Bill Haslam.

Luke began working in politics in 2009 for Representative Pat Marsh and then joined Governor Haslam's office in February of 2011. During his tenure there, Luke helped shepherd the Governor's signature legislation through the legislative process. These initiatives include teacher tenure reform, tort reform, the TEAM Act, the Prescription Safety Act, and TN Promise to name a few. In 2015, Luke left the Governor's office to join Commissioner Larry Martin and the Department of Finance and Administration.In his role as Legislative Liaison, Luke was responsible for communicating with the legislature on behalf of Commissioner Martin and the divisions within the department. Luke worked with the Commissioner, Strategy Technology Solutions (STS), Benefits Administration, and the Division of Budget to achieve the department's goals and facilitate a strong working relationship between the department and General Assembly.

In addition to his work with the F&A divisions, Luke played a role in preparing the Governor's Budget and advocating for its approval in the General Assembly. These budgets included the largest tax cut in state history, two debt free budgets, and significant investments in recruiting jobs.Luke and his wife, Katie, live in Franklin with their two daughters, Ryall and Mackie.

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.

Nathan Poss has over 20 years of experience in both the public and private sector. His focus is to provide clients with a comprehensive range of services, including: legislative drafting and tracking, policy development, governmental lobbying (at all levels), strategy development, and business procurement.



Prior to forming JohnsonPossKirby Government Relations in 2007, Nathan served as a principal at Smith Johnson & Carr, focusing on lobbying efforts for the firm's business clients and taking the lead on procurement strategies.



Before entering into the lobbying world, Nathan served seven years on Capitol Hill as a legislative assistant to then Speaker Pro Tempore of the Senate, State Senator Bob Rochelle. During his tenure with the state, he played an important part in writing and developing legislation, organizing political strategies, building coalitions, and monitoring legislation for committees. Poss has also been actively involved in numerous successful political campaigns.



Poss has built a reputation of hard work and respect among those on Capitol Hill. Working with major players in the state's business community, he has served as a key strategist on major environmental and tax issues. Nathan has garnered a reputation for producing tangible results through well-executed and intricate lobbying efforts designed to achieve long lasting success for his clients.

In addition to his lobbying successes, Nathan has extensive experience with the procurement process in Tennessee. Recently recognized by the TN Report for being known as an "expert in the state's purchasing practices," Nathan has cultivated the necessary connections with top-level decision makers throughout all areas of state government. Throughout his practice he has developed a strong grasp of the state's purchasing processes, and has successfully secured multi-million dollar purchases for numerous clients.

Nathan is a graduate of Cumberland University with a B.A. in Social Science. A native Tennessean, Nathan grew up in Lebanon and currently lives in Green Hills with his wife Molly.

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.

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.

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.

Matthew O'Shea is the President of Matthew O'Shea Consulting, Inc. In 1994, Matthew started his public service career with State Representative Dan Rutherford and then worked for State Representative James Durkin and Senator Thomas Walsh from 1995 through 2000. While working for Representative Durkin and Walsh, Matt attended John Marshall Law School and completed his Juris Doctor in 2000. After leaving Representative Durkin and Senator Walsh, he served as the Village Administrator for the Village of Forest Park located in the western suburbs of Cook County. While serving as Village Administrator, Matt was also appointed to the Senate to fill out the remaining term of Senator Tom Walsh for the 22nd Legislative District.

As State Senator, Matt was able to learn and experience the legislative process from an elected official standpoint. In 2004, Matt joined House Republican Minority Leader Tom Cross as Deputy Chief and Ethics Officer before coming Chief of Staff. In his role as Chief of Staff, he dealt with all four legislative caucuses including participating in several high level leadership meetings. His role as Chief of Staff allowed him to deal with many important issues facing the legislature such as pensions, capital funding, energy, local government, budget, Medicaid and redistricting.

Matt has knowledge and experience working with many regulatory issues including those before Joint Committee on Administrative Rules. Matt has spent time working on many political elections at all levels of state government.

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.

20+ years

A long-time trusted advisor to Maryland policymakers, Joseph C. Bryce, Esq., is regarded as one of Maryland's top governmental program architects and advocates. He brings his reputation for creative and insightful problem solving and ability to manage large, complex projects and issues to MCA.

Joe has the ability to handle controversial issues in a professional manner. This skill, combined with his detailed and extensive knowledge of all levels of government, has proven invaluable to our clients.

For nearly twenty years, Joe distinguished himself working at the highest levels of government. He worked with two Maryland Governors, the Maryland Senate President, and the Chancellor of the University System of Maryland. In all of these positions, Joe provided senior policy and budget advice, and implemented legislative agendas in areas such as health, K-12 and higher education, environment, gaming, tax policy, energy, and social and criminal justice.
Joe served as Governor Martin O'Malley's Senior Policy and Legislative Advisor (2007-2012); the University System of Maryland's Associate Vice Chancellor for Government Relations (2002 to 2007); Chief Legislative Officer for Governor Parris N. Glendening (1997 to 2002); and Chief of Staff to Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr. (1994 to 1997).

Joe graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park in 1989. In 1993, he graduated first in his class from Georgetown Law School. He is the recipient of numerous professional and academic recognitions and honors and currently serves on the Board of the Maryland Stadium Authority as an appointee of Governor Larry Hogan. Joe and his wife, Kristin Jones Bryce, have two adult children (Joey and Madison) and reside in Odenton.

Katie has been working on Capitol Hill and in other functions of state politics since 2007. Katie has worked in the office of United States Senator Lamar Alexander, as well as the Office of Governor Bill Haslam.

During her tenure in Governor Haslam's office, Katie was instrumental in the governor's Drive to 55 Initiative, helping shepherd key legislation such as the Tennessee Promise and the FOCUS Act.

While working as Director of Legislation, Katie advised the governor, his senior staff, and twenty-three state agencies on political strategy and legislative affairs.

Prior to joining the JohnsonPossKirby team, Katie worked as Senior Advisor of Government Affairs and Economic Development at Bradley Arant Boult Cummings, LLP.

Katie graduated from the University of Tennessee at Martin in 2008. She continues to serve her alma mater as a member of the Advisory Board.

Katie lives in Franklin with her husband, Luke, and daughters Ryall and Mackie.

DONALD G. ISAACSON received his bachelor's degree from Augustana College, and his law degree from Arizona State University, where he was a member of the editorial board of the Law Journal. Mr. Isaacson has been in private practice primarily in the area of governmental consulting and lobbying. Throughout his career, he has been active on the legislative committees of the State Bar Association and the Arizona and Phoenix Chambers of Commerce. He has served as the Chairman of the State Bar's Professional Liability Committee. He is on the Board of Directors of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Vice-Chairman of its Water, Energy & Natural Resources Committee. He also chairs the Phoenix Chamber's Health & Insurance Committee.

In nine of the past 10 years (2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2012, 2011 and 2010), Don Isaacson has been recognized as "Best Lobbyist" by the Arizona Capitol Times. He was awarded the "Toughest Lobbyist to Go Up Against" in 2019. He is also consistently ranked by his peers as a top lawyer in the field of government relations in The Best Lawyers in America, one of the most credible and definitive guides to legal expertise in the United States.

MICHAEL BZDYRA, Senior Lobbyist at FOCUS Government Affairs, has extensive experience in state government and provides government relations services for a variety of clients. Mike works closely with organizations in the financial industry, business clients, and educational organizations, on a wide variety of issues related to their businesses and government affairs goals. He possesses excellent relationships with the administration, executive branch agencies, the legislature, as well as with local municipal officials across the state.

Mike has more than 30 years of professional experience in Connecticut state government. Most recently from 2016 to 2019, Mike served as Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). He was responsible for the overall operations of the DMV that served millions of customers annually and led the department of 800 employees and managed a $66 million budget. He previously served as the DMV Deputy Commissioner.

Prior to joining the DMV, Mike served as the Government Relations Liaison to the Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority (CRRA). In this role, he was responsible for directing, planning, and implementing CRRA's legislative, governmental, and regulatory activities. He also regularly collaborated with the Connecticut State Legislature, the Governor's office, and executive branch agencies.

In addition, Mike has served as the Senior Policy/Communications Specialist at the Senate Democrat's office and as a legislative aide and clerk for the General Assembly's Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee.

Thomas Prasol serves as the Managing Director for Demers, Blaisdell & Prasol Inc. He has been providing strategy, lobbying, and association management for clients since 2011. He brings a myriad of experience in State and Federal government beginning his professional career as a Project Assistant to U.S. Senator Judd Gregg and as Policy and Field Coordinator for several State and Federal campaigns. In 2008 he transitioned to the position of Project Director for Senator Gregg where he handled federal appropriations in the areas of first responders. Upon Senator Gregg's retirement, he moved to the New Hampshire State Senate where he was a Legislative Aide to the Senate Education Committee. With his experience in federal and state government, Mr. Prasol brings another dimension to the firm in areas of strategy, management of special projects, and government affairs implementation. He continues to bring his experience and knowledge to assist State and Federal campaigns with strategy and policy research. In addition to his work for Demers, Blaisdell & Prasol, he serves on the Town Planning Board and has previously served as Chair of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board in his local community He received his Bachelor's degree in Politics from Saint Anselm College where he served as an Ambassador to the New Hampshire Institute of Politics, and his Master's degree in Criminal Justice from Boston University. He currently resides in Hooksett, NH with his fiance' Maria and two dogs Zeus and Tyson.

LUKE OTERO is the President of Otero Consulting, a New Mexico based legislative and regulatory consulting firm. He has been lobbying and consulting for twenty-four years representing various national and local clients. As a company standard, Mr. Otero strives to protect and promote the best interests of all his clients, ensuring that all client concerns are met with great attention by the appropriate officials.

Trammel began his time in Tennessee State politics as a key legislative liaison for the Department of Finance and Administration under Governor Haslam. During this time, he worked on the state's budget process, information systems and insurance plans and served as a vital link to the General Assembly on several topline legislative priorities.

Trammel transitioned to the private sector after the Haslam Administration to serve as a senior government relations advisor at Butler Snow. There he leveraged strategic procurement to create open channels of communication with top decision-makers and lobbied a variety of issues including health care, insurance and telecommunications.

Trammel is an alumna of the University of Tennessee–Knoxville, where he graduated magna cum laude and received his law degree from the University of Memphis. He has been listed among Ones to Watch in government relations practice by Best Lawyers in America®.

Originally from Brentwood, Trammel lives in Franklin. Outside the office, you can catch him at one of his kids' sporting events or out on the golf course.

Energy Bar Association, Member
Vermont Law Review, Member
U.S. Trade Representative, Kentucky Point of Contact, 2006 --Present

Kentucky Office of Energy Policy, Frankfort, KY, Executive Director, 2005
Kentucky Public Service Commission, Frankfort, KY, General Counsel/Policy Advisor, 2004 - 2005
US House of Representatives, Committee on Energy and Commerce, Washington, D.C., Majority Counsel, 1999 - 2004
United States Department of Justice, Environment & Natural Resources Division, Washington, D.C., Law Clerk, 1999
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, Rome, Italy, Visiting Scholar, 1998

JOHN D. NICOLAY directed state governmental representation at Winston & Strawn LLP for seven years. Previously, he served as general counsel to the Illinois Senate President, where his responsibilities included staffing and operations for the Illinois Senate Judiciary Committee.

Prior to his work with the office of the Senate President, he served as a legislative liaison for the Cook County State's Attorney's Office where he helped secure passage of more than 50 pieces of legislation, including major sentencing and evidentiary reforms. He also served as an Assistant State's Attorney and practiced in the area of commercial and governmental litigation at Shefsky & Froelich, Ltd. In addition, Mr. Nicolay served as a Legislative Aide to former Senate Minority Leader Frank Watson, and as a special assistant to Governor James R. Thompson.

Mr. Nicolay has represented Fortune 500 companies, trade associations, and entrepreneurs in the General Assembly. He also has negotiated and litigated on behalf of clients before municipal and administrative law tribunals. He is a frequent speaker on legislative process and governmental ethics, and served as outside ethics counsel to the Senate President. Mr. Nicolay is the co-author of Effective Dates of Illinois Legislation, in the Handbook of Illinois Administrative Law (Illinois State Bar Association, 2001).

In January 2008, Mr. Nicolay was named as a "Rising Star" in the Illinois Super Lawyers edition of Chicago Magazine, having been nominated by fellow members of the Illinois bar.

Mr. Nicolay is past President and serves on the Board of Directors of The Advocacy Group, an international governmental affairs organization. He is Vice-Chairman of the Illinois Executive Mansion Association, a not-for-profit corporation which administers the public use of the Governor's Mansion in Springfield and the Hayes Mansion in DuQuoin. He also serves on the Board of Trustees of MacMurray College, served two terms on the Board of Directors of the Illinois State Chamber of Commerce, and served on the Board of Directors of Intermountain Corporate Affairs Company. He is honored to serve on the Advisory Board of Misericordia/Heart of Mercy Home in Chicago, a residential facility for developmentally disabled children and adults, which is a pro bono client of the firm.

Mr. Nicolay received a B.S. in history and political science from MacMurray College and a J.D. from DePaul University College of Law. He is admitted to practice in the Illinois Supreme Court and the United States District Court for the Northern, Central, and Southern Districts of Illinois.

DAVID G. COLLINS is the Director of Government Relations for Rath, Young and Pignatelli, P.C. and leads the firm's Government Relations Practice Group. Prior to RYP, David was the Director of Government Relations for Public Service Company of New Hampshire and in an earlier life, a Biologist for New Hampshire Fish & Game. A veteran lobbyist, well known and well respected, David has a wealth of front line lobbying and public affairs experience.

He has served as a trusted advisor to leaders of a wide variety of industries including electric utilities, insurance, telecommunications, oil and gas, financial service and health care companies. Among a few of his current clients, in addition to the New Hampshire Credit Union League, are Comcast, PSNH, Anthem, Dartmouth College, the American Petroleum Institute and American Express. David currently serves as the Vice Chairman of the New Hampshire Air Resources Council and on the Board of Directors of The Advocacy Group, a select group of nationally recognized public affairs professionals.

His public service has included serving as Trustee of the Manchester VNA, President of the Queen City Kiwanis, Chairman of the Bedford Conservation Commission and Director of the New Hampshire Wildlife Federation.

He is an avid golfer, a passionate fly tyer and an admittedly addicted fly fisherman. He resides in Bow with his wife Lucie and they have three grown children and two grandchildren.

6-10 years

Director of State Government Affairs, Comcast Cable Communications, Inc., 2007-2010

Vice President & Board of Directors, Mississippi Cable and Telecommunications Association, 2007-2010

President, Mississippi CablePAC, 2009-2010

Board of Directors, Louisiana Cable and Telecommunications Association, Baton Rouge, LA, 2010

Top 40 Under 40, Mississippi Business Journal, 2010

Leadership Mississippi, Class of 2010

Served as State Caucus Manager for the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation (CSF) in Washington D.C., managing 18 states by communicating with state caucus leadership, attending in-state events and assisting with the crafting and passing of legislation.

Served as Government Affairs Assistant for Jeffrey J. Kimbell and Associates in Washington D.C.

Served as a Congressional Intern to U.S. Senator Thad Cochran.

6-10 years

Jeff Fitzgerald is a partner with Paladin Consulting Group. Mr. Fitzgerald has very strong relationships and connections in the current political climate and is well positioned to help navigate the policy and political goals of our clients. Mr. Fitzgerald comes to Paladin after serving twelve years in the Wisconsin State Legislature. During the most recent session, Mr. Fitzgerald served as Speaker -- "the body's highest post. He has also served as Majority Leader and Assistant Majority Leader during his time in office. Through the leadership of Mr. Fitzgerald, the Assembly Republicans retook control of the Assembly in 2010 after losing the majority two years earlier. As a result of his years in the legislature, Mr. Fitzgerald has a thorough understanding of legislative strategy and procedure. He is very well positioned to help a client navigate government in the most efficient and effective way. Mr. Fitzgerald was
also a candidate for the United States Senate in 2012, giving him a statewide profile and relationships with numerous companies and communities throughout Wisconsin.

20+ years

Leadership Maryland Board and is a member of the class of 2019

University of Maryland Baltimore County School of Public Policy External Advisory Board

Maryland Economic Development Association Board and Co-Chair of the Public Policy Awareness Committee

Chair, Odenton Town Center Advisory Committee

With more than 20 years of government relations, management, and administration expertise, Andrea E. Mansfield brings her ability to successfully execute advocacy efforts and programs to Manis Canning. Her broad experience and involvement with the Maryland Legislature on policy, fiscal and budget matters; and her ability to work with diverse groups and build consensus on complex issues is an asset to the firm.

Andrea has extensive experience at the state and local level, having led and coordinated policy efforts for the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) and implemented the legislative agendas of state agencies. As MACo's Legislative Director she advised, crafted, and implemented the common agendas and legislative goals of Maryland's 23 counties and Baltimore City.

In state government, she worked within three Administrations in positions of increasing responsibility, serving as legislative liaison to the Legislature for the Department of Budget and Management, and the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR); and Special Assistant, Director of Financial Aid, and Assistant Secretary of Finance Policy with the Maryland Higher Education Commission.

She has a Master of Policy Sciences from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and a Bachelor of Arts in Government and Politics from the University of Maryland, College Park.

20+ years

Accomplishing goals in Annapolis depends in large measure on mutual trust and mastery of the legislative process, two attributes that John F. Favazza, Esq., has honed through his experiences in Annapolis and applies now as a member of the MCA firm.

These traits coupled with his legal training and ability to deal effectively with complicated and sometimes controversial subject matter, give added strength to the Manis Canning team in work for their wide array of clients. He has a deep understanding of the nuances and subtleties of the legislative process and state government, and advises clients on strategies to accomplish their goals.

John spent 13 years working inside the legislative process in Annapolis. He served as Counsel to the House Economic Matters Committee for four years, and then spent nine years working for the Speaker of the House, the last six as Chief of Staff. Working with the Speaker and House leadership, John gained insight into the larger strategic decisions that underpin the legislative process in Maryland. He was involved in a broad array of substantive and policy issues, but with a focus on business, environmental, gaming and tax structure issues.

John holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in History from Towson University and Villanova University respectively and a law degree from the University of Maryland. A member of the Maryland Bar, John lives in Annapolis with his wife Erin, and their three children.