20+ years

Bruce is the founder of Sheehan Phinney Capitol Group. Having worked the halls and hearing rooms of the State House for more than 40 years, he is one of the most experienced lobbyists in Concord and has developed deep relationships with key policy makers.

Bruce began his work in state government in 1980 as a college intern and later served as a legislative assistant to the New Hampshire House Majority Leader. He began his lobbying career as the Legislative Counsel to the Business & Industry Association of New Hampshire, the state's leading business advocacy organization.

Bruce has represented clients in a wide variety of policy issues during his career including taxation, environmental regulation, electric utility restructuring and health policy.

He has also been involved in political campaigns for the past 40 years and is a sought-after advisor to candidates during each election cycle.

20+ years

Listed as one of New Hampshire's top twenty most effective lobbyists by Business New Hampshire magazine. Recognized in the Union Leader, New Hampshire's only state-wide newspaper in 40 Under Forty, described as "40 up and coming people, all under the age of 40, who are making a difference in our state."

Curtis served as Senior Legislative Assistant to the New Hampshire House Majority Leader and as Legislative Assistant to the Senate Majority Leader prior to his lobbying career. He established and maintained a practice in government relations representing four professional/trade associations and a pari-mutuel facility, and served as Executive Director of the New Hampshire High Technology Council before joining a larger firm for 18 years where he eventually become a partner. He was listed as one of New Hampshire's top twenty most effective lobbyists in 1996 at the age of 33, by Business New Hampshire magazine. In 2003, Curtis was recognized in the Union Leader, New Hampshire's only state-wide newspaper, as one of that year's 40 Under Forty, described as "40 up and coming people, all under the age of 40, who are making a difference in our state." Curtis has been closely involved in New Hampshire state politics for over 30 years, including being chosen as a Delegate to the 2008 Republican National Convention. In the past, he has served in senior campaign staff positions for two Presidential Primary campaigns, two New Hampshire Congressional campaigns and a governor's race, and has been an advisor to several successful state Senate campaigns. He has also been an analyst on the New Hampshire Primary for CBS radio network and a number of radio talk shows across the country. Curtis also appeared as a regular pundit on the political website Primary Diner. One of his articles, NH Primary for Dummies, was featured on ABCNews.com. Curtis has coached youth baseball and softball, and served as New Hampshire District Two Commissioner for Babe Ruth Softball and has been a Director, many years as President, of the Concord Baseball Association, Inc., a charitable non-profit corporation. In that capacity, he led the effort to bring a team in the New England Collegiate Baseball League, the Concord Quarry Dogs, to Concord and was involved in two Babe Ruth League baseball World Series hosted in Concord. He was also a founding member of the Concord CrimeLine.

Kirsten Koch joined Cornerstone's Concord team in October 2024, serving as Vice President to assist with executing strategic client initiatives and helping them cultivate strong relationships throughout the state.

Kirsten came to the firm following her time at the Business & Industry Association of New Hampshire (BIA) most recently serving as Vice President of Public Policy. In this role, Kirsten advised the public policy team, driving proactive advocacy efforts and overseeing the policy development process among BIA members. She regularly testified before the state legislature representing the business community on a variety of energy and environmental issues. Kirsten successfully advocated changes to make New Hampshire a more competitive state for doing business, including spearheading key policy initiatives to streamline permitting processes and drive the development of local energy sources. She also directed BIA's largest coalition of businesses while producing educational conferences for the organization.

Before her time at BIA, Kirsten worked as a Legislative Aide for the New Hampshire State Senate, gaining an in-depth understanding of the legislative process and building strong relationships with legislators and state agencies. She served as the aide to the Health and Human Services Committee and the Transportation Committee. Additionally, Kirsten served as Strategic Initiatives Director for the New Hampshire Republican State Committee, leading grassroots initiatives and managing statewide coalitions for federal, state and local elections.

Kirsten is proud to be a lifelong Granite Stater. She holds a bachelor's degree in political science with a law minor from Plymouth State University, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude.

6-10 years

RWL is the go-to firm when businesses and individuals have a complex legal problem, with a team of attorneys that thrive on pursuing the most challenging cases on behalf of its clients. Our attorneys have represented scores of clients, including: major-league sports franchises; name-brand companies such as Google, Uber, Facebook and FedEx; whistleblowers in false claims cases; and millions of consumers in national class action suits.

With offices located in Baltimore, the state capital of Annapolis and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, Rifkin Weiner Livingston LLC (RWL) provides an important link to Maryland's principal business, commercial and government centers.

John C. "JR" Reith is the Chief Operating Officer at Rifkin Weiner Livingston LLC. He also a Registered Lobbyist in the firm's extensive Government Relations and Lobbying practice. He served as Finance Director for all three of former Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr.'s gubernatorial campaigns and was co-chairman of his campaign committees. Mr. Reith served on the Inaugural Committee for Governor Larry Hogan, and has been active in the National Republican Party since 1996. In 2016, Mr. Reith served as the co-chairman for the Inaugural Committee for Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh. He currently sits on the board of directors for The Canton Group, ThinkBig Networks, and on the alumni board for the Boys' Latin School of Maryland. Previously, Mr. Reith served as an advisor for Compass Marketing, Inc. and as an advisor for Brown Advisory in Baltimore. He is also a former board member of the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House and the GBMC Philanthropy Committee board of directors.

Tim Peckinpaugh's practice focuses on energy, environmental, and natural resource legislative and funding issues.

Mr. Peckinpaugh has represented clients for over thirty years in all aspects of energy policy, including nuclear (fission and fusion), hydroelectric, coal, oil and natural gas, electricity, as well as a variety of clean technology and energy efficiency issues. He also represents major international corporations and local communities on Department of Energy nuclear waste cleanup, nuclear security, and contracting issues. In addition, Mr. Peckinpaugh represents regional chambers of commerce and companies from the Pacific Northwest on appropriations, grant funding, energy, technology, natural resource, trade, agriculture, workforce, and economic development opportunities.

Mr. Peckinpaugh provides assistance on appropriations and legislative drafting, and counsels many of the firm's clients on campaign finance, lobbying, and governmental ethical issues. Finally, he is a previous chair of the firm's public policy group and currently manages the K&L Gates Political Action Committee, one of the largest law firm PACs in the country.

Mr. Peckinpaugh came to the firm in 1985 from Capitol Hill, where he had five year's experience as a professional staff aide to the House Science Committee, former U.S. Congressman Sid Morrison (R–WA), and the Republican Study Committee. While on the Hill, he focused on energy, natural resource, science, technology, and defense issues.

11-15 years

I am selected as a top administrative law attorney in Concord NH by Super Lawyers with a Rising Stars designation for 2017-2021.

I have extensive experience before the NH Banking Department.

I am an appointed member of the NH Supreme Court's Access to Justice Commission.

I am a lawyer/lobbyist and current president of Gallagher, Callahan & Gartrell, P.C.. My experiences as an advocate span all levels of NH state government, ranging from the State House halls to the courts.

6-10 years

The Daily Record's Top 100 Women 2021
The Daily's Record's 2017 VIP List (Very Important Professional)
2017 Maryland Rising Star - Legislative & Governmental Affairs
2016 Maryland Rising Star - Legislative & Governmental Affairs
2015 Maryland Rising Star - Legislative & Governmental Affairs
2014 Maryland Rising Star

RWL is the go-to firm when businesses and individuals have a complex legal problem, with a team of attorneys that thrive on pursuing the most challenging cases on behalf of its clients. Our attorneys have represented scores of clients, including: major-league sports franchises; name-brand companies such as Google, Uber, Facebook and FedEx; whistleblowers in false claims cases; and millions of consumers in national class action suits.

With offices located in Baltimore, the state capital of Annapolis and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, Rifkin Weiner Livingston LLC (RWL) provides an important link to Maryland's principal business, commercial and government centers.

6-10 years

The Daily Record's 40 Under 40 VIP List (2021)

Maryland Rising Star - Legislative & Governmental Affairs (2021)

Maryland Rising Star - Legislative & Governmental Affairs (2020)

Maryland Matters List of "Winners" from the Legislative Session (2019)

Maryland State Baseball Coaches Association CRCBL Executive of the Year (2018)

RWL is the go-to firm for businesses and individuals with complex matters in need of resolution. With a team of attorneys that thrive on pursuing the most challenging cases, lobbying matters and procurements on behalf of its clients, our attorneys have represented scores of clients, including: major-league sports franchises; name-brand companies such as Google, Uber, Facebook and FedEx; whistleblowers in false claims cases; and millions of consumers in national class action suits.

With offices located in Baltimore, the state capital of Annapolis and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, Rifkin Weiner Livingston LLC (RWL) provides an important link to Maryland's principal business, commercial and government centers.

Bradley Rifkin co-chairs RWL's Government Relations and Lobbying practice.

Bradley effectively advocates for a diverse group of clients with complicated and nuanced issues before the Maryland General Assembly, local county jurisdictions and state agencies. Mr. Rifkin works closely with clients to develop strategic plans to meet long-term and short-term goals and he helps execute those plans through effective stakeholder networking, preparation of supplemental documentation, oral testimony on behalf of the client and high stakes negotiation. In his practice, he has a history of delivering impactful results for clients in a fast-paced environment.

Bradley has successfully represented clients with a wide array of statutory, regulatory, funding and procurement interests in the areas of alcoholic beverage manufacturing, casino-gaming, franchise law, innovative technology, insurance, medical cannabis, non-profit organizations, satellite radio, telecommunications, and transportation.

Prior to joining the firm Bradley attended Brown University where he majored in Political Science and graduated in 2009 (with honors from that Department). He then attended the University of Maryland School of Law and graduated in 2013.

Since 2013, Bradley has served as President of the Cal Ripken Collegiate Baseball League in his spare time.

20+ years

I hold a Ph.D. in Economics from Johns Hopkins University.

I served on the commission established to achieve long-term viability of the New Hampshire Retirement System, and was appointed by two Governors to serve as the Chairperson of the Board of the New Hampshire Retirement System, an office I held for five years. I am a former member of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston's New England Public Policy Center Advisory Board, and the Josiah Bartlett Center for Public Policy. I have also served on a number of legislatively-established study commissions, including electric utility property taxes and education funding.

I have a PhD in Economics and have been an economist at Gallagher, Callahan & Gartrell, in Concord, New Hampshire for more than 25 years.

I regularly testify before the New Hampshire Legislature on behalf of a range of business and non-profit clients. I work on matters before regulatory agencies and have appeared as an expert witness regarding fiscal and economic impacts of energy infrastructure projects. I have also authored studies and provided strategic advice on the effects of a statewide property tax, various business tax proposals, and public investments and infrastructure.

15-20 years

For many years I have been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers for my work in real estate law and land use and zoning law and litigation. I was also among the New Hampshire Union Leader's 2012 "40 Under 40" class and among NH Business Review's New Hampshire 200 which spotlights the 200 most influential business leaders in the Granite State's private sector.

I am a commissioner and past-chairman of the board of commissioners of the Concord Housing and Redevelopment Authority. I also sit on the Executive Committee of the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce, am a current Director, and have served as Chairman of its Government Affairs Committee. I was a member of Concord 2020, a community advisory group dedicated to improving the workability and livability of the City of Concord, NH.

Through the firm, I am a past chairman and former member of the National Association of Home Builders. I served on the National Association of Home Builders Legal Action Committee.

I represent business, construction, land use development, and environmental clients on a variety of legislative, regulatory, and litigation matters. I represented the New Hampshire Home Builders Association on the question of residential fire sprinkler legislation, crafting amendments to New Hampshire's residential construction and fire safety codes, and in negotiating amendments to the State Comprehensive Shoreland Protection Act. I also managed the negotiation and closing of several commercial asset sales and purchases while leading the processing of various state and municipal development, environmental, and excavation permit applications.

20+ years

RWL successfully worked with the Legislature and the Public Service Commission to gain approval for the largest-to-date offshore wind project in the United States.

Lead lobbyist in gaining necessary approvals for Dominion's LNG export facility in Calvert County

Represented as co-lead lobbyist for Washington Redskins in their successful move to Prince George's County

Co-lead lobbyist on successful effort for first Maryland P3 project, (Baltimore Seagirt Marine Terminal facility)

Recipient of Maryland Government Relations Association's Outstanding Colleague Award (2019)

Appointed by Governor Glendening to Celebration 2000, and was the Governor's appointee to the Commission on Lobbyists Ethics

Chief of Staff, Parris N. Glendening, County Executive of Prince George's County, Maryland (1988-1990)

People's Zoning Counsel for Prince George's County, Maryland (1985-1988)

Attorney to the Prince George's County Personnel Board (1982-1985)

First Vice Chair, Prince George's County Democratic Central Committee (1986)

Maryland state joint task force on lobbying ethics (1994)

Transition Committee of Attorney General Brian Frosh (2012)

Vice Chair, Anne Arundel County Development Corporation Board of Directors (appointed by Anne Arundel County Executive Steve Schuh and reappointed by County Executive Steuart Pittman (2016-Present)

Joel D. Rozner rejoined the firm as a Partner in 1998. Previously a partner in the firm from 1991 to 1994, Mr. Rozner focuses his expertise on government relations in Annapolis and Prince George's County and is the former chair of the firm's extensive Government Relations and Lobbying practice.

Mr. Rozner was elected three times to the Prince George's Democratic Central Committee. He served seven years as People's Zoning Counsel for Prince George's County and also as Chief of Staff for then County Executive Parris N. Glendening who was later elected Governor. Mr. Rozner was the Governor's appointee to the Commission on Lobbyist Ethics.

In his practice, Mr. Rozner has represented a wide range of clients including the Washington Redskins in their successful move to Prince George's County and also was the lead lobbyist in gaining necessary approvals for Dominion's LNG export facility in Southern Maryland, which to date is the state's largest capital project. Having participated in and managed numerous political campaigns, he is also primarily responsible for development of the firm's legislative strategy.

6-10 years

Simon joined Sheehan Phinney Capitol Group in 2015 after serving for 10 years as a staff member for two New Hampshire U.S. Senators, John E. Sununu and Kelly Ayotte.

During Simon's tenure as a senate staffer, he worked on many in-state issues, which led to him developing meaningful relationships throughout the state and in state government that now provide our clients with a deep network to address concerns.

Since joining the firm, Simon has been involved in many key legislative issues at the State House. With his experience in public service, commitment to his clients, and the respect he has built on both sides of the aisle, Simon has become a go-to advocate who has served Capitol Group's clients well.

Simon was raised in a political family. His grandfather, Meldrim Thomson Jr., served three terms as governor of New Hampshire in the 1970s and his mother served three terms as a state representative.

As a third generation participant in New Hampshire's political process, Simon has developed his own network of elected officials and state agency staff members, which gives him insight on the innerworkings of the State House and throughout state government.

Simon, his wife Liz, and their two sons live in Merrimack, N.H. where he has served as a member of the town's Conservation Commission. He currently serves on the board of directors of the Greater Nashua YMCA and was recently installed as an incorporator with Franklin Savings Bank.

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.

6-10 years

Mr. Cuzzi launched Prospect Hill Strategies in 2012. Today, David brings over two decades of experience to benefit some of New Hampshire's largest and smallest companies. The results achieved in both New Hampshire and Washington, DC for a diverse client roster demonstrate the Firm's ability to provide full service public affairs and government relations solutions to organizations with varying needs across a range of industries.

David previously worked for BAE Systems' Electronic Systems sector and its legacy businesses in Nashua, NH, in the roles of Manager, Business Development and Director, Government Relations. As a Business Development Manager, he led the strategy, resource planning, and execution of efforts to maintain core business and capture new business for a product line with annual sales of $240 million, including one of the company's most important programs. As Government Relations Director, David was responsible for advocacy at the federal, state and local levels for the Nashua, NH-based sector, which then employed 9,000 people at 16 sites across 7 states, with annual sales of $3.5 billion.

Prior to joining BAE Systems, David served as a top aide to then-U.S. Senator John E. Sununu (R-NH) on Capitol Hill, advising the Senator on National Security, Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Veterans' matters, and all issues pertinent to the Senator's service on the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee. Mr. Cuzzi played a critical role in reversing the Department of Defense's recommendation to close the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in the 2005, and was a key negotiator in the drafting and passage of legislation reauthorizing the USA PATRIOT ACT in 2006 and 2007, and reforming the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States in 2007.

Mr. Cuzzi also served in New Hampshire and Washington, DC as an aide for two members of the U.S. House of Representatives, handling a wide portfolio of issues, including all committee work for a member of the Appropriations Committee. His other career assignments include posts with Podesta Associates in Washington, DC, Putnam Investments in Andover, MA, Bob Dole's 1996 New Hampshire Presidential Primary campaign, and the National Restaurant Association in Washington, DC.

David was born and raised in Waltham, MA. He is a graduate of St. Anselm College, and lives in Bedford, NH with his wife, Christina, and their twin boys. An avid sports fan and golfer, Mr. Cuzzi is active in business and civic organizations. He is honored to serve on the following Boards of Directors: Elliot Health System, McAuliffe-Sheppard Discovery Center, NH Scholars, NH Research and Industry Council, Rivier University President's Circle, and the New Hampshire Advisory Committee of the U.S. Global Leadership Council. David is Chair of the New Hampshire State Society's annual Educational Opportunity Fund golf tournament, and was an appointed member of the of the NH Telecommunications Planning and Development Advisory Committee, and Board Vice-Chair of the Manchester Community Health Center.

Maura Weston brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in political and legislative advocacy to our Concord office.

Maura previously served as President and Founder of MM Weston & Associates. With extensive experience representing a wide range of clients before the New Hampshire legislature and regulatory agencies, she specializes in crafting and executing both short- and long-term legislative strategies, drafting testimony and working closely with policymakers to advance client interests. After founding her own government relations practice, Maura successfully represented clients in key sectors such as telecommunications, healthcare, energy and contract procurement.

Her notable achievements include advocating for the deregulation of VoIP services, reforming wireless facility siting processes and advancing net energy metering laws to expand renewable energy markets. Maura has also played a pivotal role in creating new healthcare legislation for collaborative practice agreements and helped invalidate restrictive covenants in physician employment contracts.

Prior to founding MM Weston & Associates in 2006, Maura was a Partner at Rath, Young, and Pignatelli, where she honed her expertise in government relations. Earlier in her career, she worked as an Associate Attorney and Law Clerk at the same firm.

Maura holds a Juris Doctor from the University of New Hampshire School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of New Hampshire. In addition, she is an active member of the American Bar Association and New Hampshire Bar Association and became the sole New Hampshire member of the National League of Women Lobbyists.

6-10 years

RWL is the go-to firm when businesses and individuals have a complex legal problem, with a team of attorneys that thrive on pursuing the most challenging cases on behalf of its clients. Our attorneys have represented scores of clients, including: major-league sports franchises; name-brand companies such as Google, Uber, Facebook and FedEx; whistleblowers in false claims cases; and millions of consumers in national class action suits.

With offices located in Baltimore, the state capital of Annapolis and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, Rifkin Weiner Livingston LLC (RWL) provides an important link to Maryland's principal business, commercial and government centers.

Matthew has been an advocate for over five years as a registered lobbyist in Maryland at RWL Law and has represented a variety of clients, including trade associations, businesses, non-profits and other entities on tax issues, business regulatory matters, capital budget requests and a variety of other matters. Additional experience includes managing numerous Maryland State and Local political campaigns including time at the Maryland Senate and House Democratic Caucuses and serving as a Senate staffer for the Maryland Senate Majority Leader for several years.

26 years representing the state of Tennessee in the United States House of Representatives. Mr. Gordon served as Chairman of the House Committee on Science and Technology from 2007 to 2010. Mr. Gordon was also a senior member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and served on the House Committee on Financial Services and the House Committee on Rules, Transatlantic Parliamentary Dialogue, and NATO Parliamentary Assembly.

During his distinguished congressional career, Mr. Gordon developed a reputation as the undisputed bipartisan leader in innovation policy in the U.S. Congress. During his chairmanship the committee passed 151 bills and resolutions and all were bipartisan. In 2007, he championed the America COMPETES Act, signed into law by President Bush, which promotes federal investments in innovation in order to make the US more competitive. In 2010, as Chairman of the Science and Technology Committee, he engineered the passage of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act. Signed by President Obama, the act renewed the federal commitment to R&D and education, adding new provisions such as support for prize competitions.

Mr. Gordon played a key role in developing and passing the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act, which encouraged the federal government to promote the transfer of nanotechnology breakthroughs from laboratories to commercial products. He also promoted legislation that would implement a research program focusing on the environmental, health, and safety aspects of nanotechnology.

Throughout his political career, Mr. Gordon led the debate on a wide range of technology issues and formulated legislative initiatives on a number of other subjects, including health information technology, nuclear power, rare earth minerals, and synthetic biotechnology. Additionally, he led the effort to enact the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which increased mileage standards, improved vehicle technology, promoted alternative energy research, and improved energy efficiency in a variety of ways. Gordon was also a leading proponent of America's space program, and of improving the nation's performance in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education. He is also a "Distinguished Fellow" on the Council on Competitiveness and appointed by President Obama to the Blue Ribbon Panel of the Antarctica and Southern Oceans. He is a member of the Brookings Leadership Advisory Board and is a project member for the American Academy of art and Science's New Models for U.S. Science and Technology Policy.

He is a Board Member of the U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress and the Middle Tennessee State University Foundation, and he is on the Board of Counselors for the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress.

In 2012, Gordon received the Insignia of Officier de la Légion d'Honneur, the highest decoration that the Republic of France can confer on an individual. In 2012 Gordon also received an honorary Ph.D. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and in May of 2013 he received an honorary doctorate from his alma mater Middle Tennessee State University.

Active in Democratic politics early on, Gordon served as executive director of the Tennessee Democratic Party in 1979 and state party chairman from 1981 to 1983.

Prior to his public service, Mr. Gordon was a lawyer in private practice. He served in the United States Army Reserve from 1971 to 1972.

20+ years

Former staff counsel to Maryland Senate Budget and Taxation Committee handling matters related to state & local taxes, retirement, and agency budgets

Experienced lobbyist on health care delivery systems, health insurance, and health occupations, including managed care, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, dental plans, and pharmaceuticals

Team leader on multi-firm effort to preserve the Preakness Stakes in Maryland and to enact a statutory framework for a nearly $400 million capital redevelopment effort for Maryland's racetracks

Counsel for automotive industries including new automobile dealers and rental car agencies

Lead lobbyist on legislation to authorize transportation network companies

Experienced gaming lobbyist representing lottery, casino, racetrack, and sports wagering interests

Procurement counsel assisting entities on RFPs, bids and other offers of goods, services, and construction to state & local governments

Counsels clients on state and local ethics laws, gift laws, campaign contribution compliance, election laws, and lobbying rules

Fiscal Analyst, Department of Fiscal Services (1988)
Committee Staff, Maryland Senate Budget & Taxation Committee (1989 - 1990)

Michael V. Johansen is the Administrative Partner at Rifkin Weiner Livingston LLC and the Chair of the firm's Administrative Law and Regulatory Compliance practice. Mike has nearly 30 years of experience in lobbying and legal matters before the General Assembly, executive agencies, and local/municipal governments in the state of Maryland. As a registered lobbyist, he has represented clients in the areas of healthcare, healthcare financing, health reform, health certificate of need (CON), casino gaming, lottery, horse racing, transportation, motor vehicles, rental cars, insurance, state and local taxes, franchises, business regulation, IT - information technology, environmental regulation, procurement, state contracting, bid protests, and acquisition of public funds for private programs and projects. Mike also advises clients on state and local ethics laws, gift laws, campaign contribution compliance, election laws and lobbying rules.

Prior to joining the firm, Mike was legislative staff to the Maryland General Assembly, the Senate Budget & Taxation Committee, and the Department of Fiscal Services. He is a member of the board of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation - Maryland Chapter and a board member of the Indian Creek School.

6-10 years

Worked with legislators to pass and hold votes on the 2018 Budget out of the House. Only two House Democrats voted against the final budget.

Worked with labor leaders and community partners on the committee vote and floor fight to kill so called right to work in 2014 and 2016.

Worked with the Speaker's Leadership team to shape the Agenda for House Democrats.

Served as point staff person for the Speaker during budget negotiations with the Governor and his staff.

Scripted floor speeches and scripted questions for committee members during key hearings.

Created the New Hampshire Campaign for Voting Rights which continues to be the leading voice on voting rights issues in the state.

Government Affairs Advisor, Preti Strategies.

Communications and Policy Director, NH Speaker of the House.

Political and Field Director, America Votes New Hampshire.

Education: B.A. Political Science, Emmanuel College. Boston, MA May 2008.

Marc Goldberg joined Cornerstone in July 2023, expanding the firm's public affairs presence to New Hampshire and bringing 17 years of media and strategic communications experience to the Public Affairs team.

Previously, Marc served as chief of staff for the office of Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH) since 2016. In this role, he managed a team of nearly 50 staffers across the Senator's D.C. office, five state offices and subcommittee office through the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. Before that, he also served as Sen. Hassan's campaign manager as well as her communications director when she was New Hampshire's governor. Other communications roles include press secretary for former Maryland Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown and communications director for former Rep. Suzanne Kosmas (D-FL).

Marc has also served as the independent expenditure director for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. In this role he focused on running paid-media efforts across the committee's targeted states and building teams of TV, digital and polling consultants for each state.

Marc holds a bachelor's degree in political science with a concentration of American politics and a minor in psychology from the University of Pennsylvania.

20+ years

Forty Under 40 (2004) Recognition by statewide newspaper of those under 40 making an impact in NH.

President's Award - NH Dental Society (2011)

Extra Mile Award (2014) NH Manufactured & Modular Housing Association

W. Dennis Stephens is a government affairs counselor at K&L Gates. He previously served as a senior staff member for several House Republican members, including former Majority Leader Dick Armey. Dennis has more than 37 years working in Republican campaigns, policy, and political matters including more than 21 years experience as a Republican lobbyist.

Dennis works on a wide range of public policy issues including tax, technology, foreign policy, and transportation on behalf of Fortune 500 companies, associations, and small businesses.

Dennis has worked closely with many Republicans in the House and Senate including members of the Republican Study Committee. He has especially close relationships with the House Republican leadership and senior staff as well as many of the incoming freshmen.

In addition, Dennis has worked closely for more than two decades with every leading conservative activist and grassroots organization including The Heritage Foundation, Americans for Tax Reform, FreedomWorks, Americans for Prosperity, and the Family Research Council.

Dennis is very active in the conservative movement and is a regular speaker for the Leadership Institute Capitol Hill Staff School. He is also consulted regularly by Republican elected officials to review both policy issues and electoral strategy and tactics.

Prior to working on Capitol Hill, Dennis spent three years in the second term of the Reagan Administration, including the Office of Presidential Personnel in the White House.

20+ years

Presented and moderated panels at the New Hampshire Business and Industry Association's annual energy symposiums.

Presented at Northeast Energy and Commerce Association's "Hot Topics in 2024 New England Public Policy Webinar."

Recipient of the New Hampshire Business and Industry Association's 2005 "Above and Beyond" award.

I appear before the New Hampshire Legislature, state agencies (e.g., the Department of Energy, Department of Health and Human Services, and the Department of Insurance) and boards (e.g., Prescription Drug Affordability Board) for public hearings, work sessions, testimony, and presentations.

I am a government and regulatory affairs professional with 24 years of experience representing clients before the New Hampshire General Court and Executive Branch agencies. I work collaboratively with clients and colleagues to develop, implement, and adapt strategies for communicating, negotiating, and promoting public policies that advance client goals.

I maintain positive working relationships and open dialogues with state officials, stakeholders, and client team members as I advocate for client positions. I am a trusted and respected source of information and appear before the New Hampshire Legislature, state agencies, and boards for public hearings, work sessions, testimony, and presentations. I have worked on public policy issues and legislative and regulatory matters related to energy, environment, health care, elder law, transportation, business strategies, and economic and market analyses.

Prior to working in the government relations field, I was an energy policy analyst in the New Hampshire Governor's Office of Energy and Community Services, where I helped advocate for the Governor's preferred policies on electric industry restructuring.

20+ years

Previously, McGarah served as the Committee Director of the powerful Senate Natural Resources Committee. During her 10 years with this committee she established solid relationships with key members of the legislature and various environmental agencies, and developed a thorough knowledge of Texas' air, water, and waste issues.

McGarah dedicated countless hours to the preparation and passage of groundbreaking pieces of legislation, including Senate Bill 1 in 1997 and Senate Bill 2 in 2001. Both of these bills dealt with state water management measures and greatly impacted the state.

McGarah was also instrumental in the development and passage of SB 5 in the 75th Legislature, which created the Texas Emissions Reduction Program. This program has served as a model for numerous other states across the country, and has been a vital component in assisting Texas meet the Federal Air Quality Standards.

DAVID A. SMITH is a partner in the Princeton Public Affairs Group, is a veteran of the public affairs arena and has successfully managed public affairs campaigns impacting auto insurance, life insurance, tort reform and environmental legislative initiatives. Mr. Smith received national acclaim when he was honored with a ""Pollie Award"" by the American Association of Political Consultants and named to their United States ""Public Affairs Team of the Year." Mr. Smith was also named one of the most influential players in New Jersey's Healthcare arena by the Annual HealthSense Listing. Since 2005, Mr. Smith has been a Commissioner on the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission (nominated by the Governor for two separate four year terms and confirmed by the NJ Senate) and currently serves as an Officer on the Commission (Secretary). Mr. Smith serves on the National Board of Directors of the Public Affairs Council, and was one of the few contract lobbyists in the Country to be appointed to a National Task Force charged with creating ethical standard for lobbyists throughout the United States. Mr. Smith is a founder and member of the Board of Directors of ProtectingAmerica.org, an advocacy organization Co-chaired by James Lee Witt, former Cabinet member under President Clinton and Admiral James Loy, Deputy Director of Homeland Security under President Bush. Mr. Smith also serves as an Officer (1st Vice President) of the New Jersey Hall of Fame Foundation Board of Directors and also serves on the Executive Committee (Secretary) of The Advocacy Group (TAG). Finally, Mr. Smith serves on the Board of Directors as an officer (Treasurer) of the State Capitol Insurance Company RRG, the first professional liability company for lobbyists headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Mr. Smith has appeared on television and radio stations representing clients' interests, authored dozens of articles on politics/policy issues in New Jersey and is a frequent guest speaker/lecturer at national and state conferences, legislative hearings, meetings and seminars. He has been a consultant to statewide and legislative political campaigns and is a member of the Executive Finance Committee of the Assembly Democratic Leadership Committee as well as the New Jersey State Democratic Committee. Prior to joining the firm in 1995, Mr. Smith served as Director of Policy and Planning for the New Jersey General Assembly Democratic Office. In that capacity, Mr. Smith supervised the partisan staff of all Assembly Committees and Task Forces while serving as senior staff aide to the insurance and commerce legislative committees. He was a Director with the New Jersey Dental Association from 1985 to 1990 and served on several national and state health care and insurance advisory committees.

Mr. Smith was awarded a Master of Science in Financial Services (MSFS) Degree from the Richard D. Irwin Graduate School of The American College. He is a Graduate Fellow of the Public Affairs Institute, a three year educational program of the Public Affairs Council located in Washington, DC. Mr. Smith also graduated with a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Political Science from Gettysburg College.

6-10 years

Kate has a strong background in public policy and brings over fifteen years of government experience to the Dupont Group. She has served on the staffs of US Congressman Charles F. Bass, US Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart, US Senator John E. Sununu and US Senator Kelly A. Ayotte. Kate also served as the Political Director for the New Hampshire Republican State Party's House PAC in 2010. She has also spent time in the private sector, focusing on the communications and marketing fields and aiding candidates in message development, presentation and design. Kate's professional focus includes communications, energy and health care. Additionally, she works with the Dupont Group public relations division White Birch Communications Group where she manages the firm's public policy conferences. Kate is currently an adjunct faculty member at New England College Graduate Programs and Granite State College.

Kate hold a Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint Anselm College and a Master of Science in Political Science with a concentration in Professional Politics from Suffolk University. Kate serves as the co-chair of the New Hampshire State Society Annual Golf Tournament, which benefits the group's Education Stipend Fund, providing stipends to NH College students pursuing internships in Washington DC. Kate also serves as Secretary on the Manchester Development Corporation Board, which is a 501 (C)(4) non-profit development corporation that supports the economic development initiatives of the City under the direction of the Board of Mayor & Aldermen and is a member of the Board of Speedway Children's Charities. She also serves as the Executive Director for the NH Association of Counties and is a member of the board of the National Council of County Association Executives.

20+ years

A New Hampshire native, Henry began his government affairs career with a small lobbying firm after graduating as a political science major from the University of New Hampshire in 1986.

He next moved to the Business & Industry Association of New Hampshire, representing the interests of its more than 400 member-businesses and staffing its highly respected environmental affairs and energy and regulated utilities committees. He transitioned back to private practice in 1999, eventually becoming a partner in Sheehan Phinney Capitol Group.

Henry is a highly respected and well-liked lobbyist with three-and-a-half decades of experience. He currently represents clients in the lodging and restaurant industry, healthcare providers, solid waste management industry, life insurers, automobile part vendors and nonprofit organizations.

Henry is chairman of the board of directors for Crotched Mountain Foundation and the Capital Regional Development Council. He is a past chairman of the board of the Concord Family YMCA.