0-5 years

Before joining the GSL team, Elizabeth worked as a registered lobbyist in Harrisburg. She assists the GSL team in communications and public affairs strategy, design and delivery.

Elizabeth attended Penn State University and received a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations. Elizabeth was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society.

Elizabeth is an avid golfer and volunteers with LPGA*Girls Golf USA in the Central Pennsylvania area. She is also a member of the Harrisburg Young Professionals.

0-5 years

In my last position, I served as the Administrator of a county children and youth agency. At the time I began working at the Agency, the staff complement had significantly decreased and the agency was on a provisional license. Through cooperation and collaboration with the staff, I was able to improve staffing levels and restore the agency to full licensure status.

My prior experience includes serving as a Commissioner on the PA Gaming Control Board; as a Legislative Affairs Director for the PA Attorney General's office and as Legislative Secretary for the PA Governor's office. Through these positions I have established and maintained professional relationships with members of the PA General Assembly, the PA Gaming Control Board staff and legislative professionals in a number of state agencies.

15-20 years

Dr. Baker was named an Alumni Fellow at the Penn State University and delivered the commencement address at the College of Agricultural Sciences spring graduation. She also received the prestigious Medal of Honor Award from the Philadelphia Society for the Promotion of Agriculture (PSPA), the oldest (1785) continuously operating agricultural society in the country. PSPA was involved in establishing the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. In addition, Baker was honored with the esteemed Jefferson Award by the Penn Ag Democrats.

Baker was appointed during the Rendell administration to work in the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture . While there, she directed the educational outreach for the Department.

Dr. Baker owns Versant Strategies, a premier governmental affairs firm focused on agricultural, education, environmental, and rural issues. Versant has represented dozens of clients in the Harrisburg and DC marketplace ranging from small farms and businesses to Fortune 500 companies.

Previously, Baker served in the executive office of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. While there, she directed the educational outreach for the Department using the knowledge, skills, and traits she perfected during her 20 years behind a teacher’s desk at secondary and post-secondary institutions. Baker served as a faculty member at Penn State, an adjunct professor at North Carolina State University, and was the first woman elected as president of the National Association of Agricultural Educators. She is known across the nation as a published author and columnist with frequent engagements as a motivational keynote speaker and workshop presenter.

MeeCee, husband Jim Garofalo, a retired PA State Police Major who now works with USDA Investigation and Enforcement, and daughter Libby, a former state FFA president (Future Farmers' of America) and current Penn State student, live on the Baker homestead farm in Juniata County.

15-20 years

Angie is a government relations professional with over 15 years of experience in Harrisburg. During her tenure as Senior Associate for McNees-Winter Group LLC her duties include interaction with legislative and administrative officials in areas such as health care policy, economic development and tax policies, transportation issues, and procurement. Angie monitors regulatory developments, state contracts, and other state programs and communicates these items to clients on a regular basis. Angie represents clients across a wide spectrum of industries and excels at understanding their unique challenges. She participates in numerous coalitions on behalf of clients.

For seven years Angie was also the Managing Director of the Pennsylvania Association of Nurse Anesthetists. During her time spent there the association improved efficiencies and doubled attendance at annual conferences. She handled large and small scale event planning, coordinated annual elections, oversaw various committee functions, supported executive officers in their monthly activities, and handled day-to-day inquiries from association members.

Angie currently resides in Camp Hill, PA with her husband, Jim, and their two children.

0-5 years

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.

0-5 years

With more than a decade of experience in politics, Ray Zaborney has played a key role in advising some of Pennsylvania's leading political figures. For his work, he has been recognized nationally as one of the country's leading political consultants. As the founding partner of Maverick Strategies (formerly State Street Strategies), Zaborney serves as a government relations and public affairs strategist for organizations with interests in front of state government.

Zaborney has advised a wide range of clients on legislation and politics in the Commonwealth, from Fortune 500 companies to scrappy startups and everything in between. Zaborney has worked to help set up a regulatory framework for Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) here in the Commonwealth, to expand gaming to make Pennsylvania a leader in internet gaming, to pass a record investment in infrastructure, and to protect and expand the authority of our Capitol city to escape near bankruptcy. He has been a leading advocate for non-discrimination protections, affordable health care, access to quality hospitals, education reforms to improve our public schools, and legislation to give minor offenders a clean slate to pursue opportunities.

Ray has served as a political advisor to some of Pennsylvania's leading political organizations including The Pennsylvania Republican Party, The Senate Republican Campaign Committee, The House Republican Campaign Committee, Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman, Majority Leader Dave Reed, Justice Sallie Mundy, Attorney General and Governor Tom Corbett, Lynn Swann, and numerous House and Senate members.

Ray is often sought after as a spokesperson and as a political analyst. Ray has contributed to stories that have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Washington Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Pittsburgh Post Gazette, The Pittsburgh Tribune Review, The Harrisburg Patriot, The Erie Times, The Scranton Times, The Wilkes Barre Times Leader, The Allentown Morning Call, The Pittsburgh City Paper, Stateline, Roll Call, CQ Politics, PoliticsPA, ESPN The Magazine, and Sports Illustrated.

In addition to his many print contributions, Zaborney has been a frequent guest on television and radio programs throughout the Commonwealth to discuss political campaigns and the political environment both in Pennsylvania and our nation.

Ray lives and works with his wife, Jennifer, and their daughters, Grace and Emma, in New Cumberland.

Director Of Federal Government Affairs

Anne Dudro brings over two decades of expertise in federal policy to the Duane Morris Government Strategies team. Throughout her career, she has been committed to crafting and executing innovative strategies that address complex challenges while promoting effective public policies.

Before joining DMGS, Anne co-founded and served as managing partner of Commonwealth Consulting Partners, a Pittsburgh-based government relations firm. There, she specialized in helping clients achieve immediate objectives and long-term goals through tailored government affairs strategies, focusing on grant procurement, education, and emerging technologies. With a collaborative team approach, Commonwealth Consulting Partners successfully secured millions of dollars for clients through competitive federal and state grant programs and competitions.

Anne's extensive consulting experience also includes her tenure as a Senior Associate at HCM Strategists, where she spent seven years managing diverse client portfolios. Her work included overseeing philanthropic initiatives for Fortune 500 companies and leading multi-million-dollar projects centered on education and healthcare across the United States.

Anne spent seven years in President George W. Bush's administration, holding several key roles. From 2006 to 2008, she served as Chief of Staff for the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education at the U.S. Department of Education under Secretary Margaret Spellings. Prior to that, she held two staff positions at the White House from February 2002 to February 2005. As a member of the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy, led by Harriet Miers, Anne coordinated and managed four policy councils and the presidential policy development process. Earlier, she worked in the Office of Speechwriting, collaborating with senior communications and policy advisors to ensure Administration policies were accurately conveyed.

Anne began her career at the political consulting firm American Continental Group, where she established a strong foundation for her subsequent leadership in public policy and strategic consulting.

A graduate of St. Lawrence University with a degree in Government, Anne now resides in Pittsburgh with her husband and three children. She is actively involved in her community and has served on numerous boards.

0-5 years

John brings 24 years of strategic experience in shaping legislative, budgetary, and regulatory policy in the Commonwealth. He most recently served three terms as Pennsylvania State Senator for Senate District 14 in Carbon and Luzerne Counties, where he earned a reputation as a consensus-builder and accomplished notable community and economic development objectives. John was Chairman of the Senate Community and Economic Development Committee, Vice-Chairman of the Aging and Youth Committee and minority Chairman of the Senate Environmental and Energy Resource Committee, a role he held for nearly a decade. Prior to his election to the Senate, he served the 119th District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for 12 years.

Across his senatorial tenure, John managed multiple community and economic development projects in Northeastern Pennsylvania that transformed the region into one of the leading economic development areas in the country. He forged coalitions with labor groups, such as the Pennsylvania State Building and Construction Trades Council, and business groups, including the Pennsylvania Manufacturers Association and the Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce, to advance the Local Resource Manufacturing Tax Credit, the Pennsylvania EDGE Tax Credit and the Sales and Use Tax Exemption for computer data center development.

John also worked with the Earth Conservancy to reclaim thousands of acres of mine-scarred lands and set the stage for national developers, like NorthPoint Development, who have invested $1 billion to create 8,000 new jobs in the South Valley of Luzerne County.

Throughout his career, he worked with Republicans and Democrats to author laws to support veterans (Sgt. Sherwood Baker Act), protect seniors (Senior Citizens Full Benefits Act), support law enforcement (Officer John Wilding Law), improve our environment (Coal Refuse Energy and Reclamation Tax Credit) and expand educational opportunities (SHINE Afterschool Program).

Affiliations
� The Pennsylvania Environmental Quality Board, Member, 2011-2019
� The Luzerne Foundation, Executive Board Member, 2001-2017
� The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, Executive Board Member, 2011-2015
� The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, Executive Board Member, 2009-2010
� Osterhout Free Library, Director of Development, 1995-1998
� The Earth Conservancy, Board of Directors, 2022-Present
� The Pennsylvania Tuition Account Advisory Board, 2022-Present

Recognition
� Pennsylvania Citizens for Better Libraries Elected State Official of the Year
� Children's Service Center Commitment to Children Award
� North Branch Land Trust Community Stewardship Award
� Pennsylvania Health Care Association Legislative Champion
John is the founder of the Yudichak Family Lighthouse Fund of the Luzerne Foundation, a charity that has donated over $250,000 to public libraries, college scholarships, and youth programs.

Credentials
Education
� The Pennsylvania State University, M.A.
� The Pennsylvania State University, B.A.

20+ years

City & State Top Lobby Firm 2022
City & State Top Lobbyist 2023
City & State Top Lobbyist 2024

Peter has served on the boards and committees of numerous national, regional and local professional, business and trade associations, including the Public Affairs Council, American Gas Association, American Forest and Paper Association, Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, Pennsylvania Business Roundtable, Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, York County Chamber of Commerce, York County Historical Society, Eckerd College Parent Council and currently is a member of the National Association for Lobbying Ethics, Pennsylvania Association for Government Affairs and a Lifetime member of the Pennsylvania Society.

Peter's extensive knowledge of government, business and trade organizations provides clients with the benefit of a uniquely broad perspective.

Prior to launching Capitol Strategies Group, Peter successfully managed one of Pennsylvania's largest lobbying firms. He also served as Vice President for Public Affairs with Glatfelter, a global manufacturer of specialty papers, Vice President for Government Affairs for Philadelphia Gas Works and as a corporate officer and Vice President of Public Affairs with Waste Management, Inc.

Peter's extensive governmental experience includes serving as Special Assistant to the Governor of Pennsylvania and in senior positions in the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services as well as the Department of Labor and Industry. He also served as the Director of Legislation for the Mayor of Philadelphia and the Vice President for Government Affairs for the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. He has consulted for numerous national, state and local political campaigns and political parties.

15-20 years

Central PA 40 under 40
Central PA JDRF Board Chairman 2013-2015

Dan Hayward was named executive director for the Pennsylvania Republican Party in 2003, and became one of the youngest political power-players in Pennsylvania. Today, he applies his success and experience to orchestrate successful local, regional, and statewide issue advocacy campaigns, manage and direct lobbying efforts, and continues to be a key advisor in campaigns and elections.

It was in those early days after graduating summa cum laude from Shippensburg University and landing his first job at the Pennsylvania Republican Party that Dan honed his leadership skills through organizing grassroots campaigns and motivating people toward a common goal. Dan’s hard work and skill helped him rise quickly through the ranks. In 2004, at age 25, he was both the executive and victory director of the state GOP and managed a $28 million budget while directing 115 field operatives.

In 2005, Dan joined Novak Strategic Advisors (NSA) as a Senior Associate where he translated his campaign skills into a new paradigm of advocacy, which mobilizes grassroots constituencies on state and national issues at the local level in Pennsylvania. The success of the Issue Advocacy and Public Affairs division, along with the already successful traditional lobbying arm, earned Novak Strategic its reputation for being the state’s premier public advocacy firm. Dan became partner in 2010 and the firm's managing partner in 2013. Dan currently serves on the non-profit boards of the Central Pennsylvania JDRF, Running for Rachel and Riding on Insulin.

6-10 years

Her efforts won many accolades from customers, regulators and legislators. She proved instrumental in the passage of legislation that ensured water quality and quantity and water system sustainability for decades.

Specifically, she played a critical role in the passage of Act 11 and Act 12, which pertained to water and wastewater system financing; and Act 154, that defines combined sewer overflow (CSO) system assets as sewer assets and thus regulated by the public utility commission. She spearheaded American Water's strategic response to shale gas development, collaborating with shale gas drillers and municipal officials to protect the environment and enhance the local economy by extending water into rural areas using a combination of public and private funding.

Kathy was among 30 task force members from across Pennsylvania selected by Governor Tom Wolf to address the estimated $20 billion funding shortfall needed to upgrade Pennsylvania's aging water infrastructure. She has also served on the Sustainable Water Infrastructure Task Force, selected by Gov. Ed Rendell.

As CEO of Pennsylvania American Water, part of Kathy's responsibilities included building relationships and partnering with legislators, County Commissioners, municipal officials representing the water company's service area in 36 counties and 400 municipalities.

Kathy is a licensed attorney in NJ and PA and started her career at the Office of Consumer Advocate, Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission and as a utility attorney at General Waterworks. She also served as corporate counsel and manager of finance for American Water and as vice president, treasurer and rate counsel for Philadelphia Suburban Water. During her tenure at Philadelphia Suburban Water, the company grew from a five-county suburban Philadelphia water company to the second largest publicly-traded U.S. water and wastewater service provider.

In 2007, she was tapped to lead American Water's largest subsidiary, Pennsylvania American Water. As the president of Pennsylvania American Water, she used her legal, financial, business and governmental experience to balance customer service, reasonable rates, infrastructure replacement and community engagement. Kathy later led American Water's mid-Atlantic region which included Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia and Maryland before she entered entering private practice.

Kathy currently serves on the board of directors for Highmark Health and has chaired the Pennsylvania Business Counsel, the Foundation for Enhancing Communities and the Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Association of Water Companies. She is also an active member of the boards of the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (Western and Central PA Chapter), the Earth Conservancy and the Hampden Township Industrial Development Authority.

Kathy is a nationally known speaker on leadership, utility finance, infrastructure and water and wastewater operations. She is also an expert witness on utility finance, tax and infrastructure issues and has testified before state and federal legislative committees.

0-5 years

20+ years

Named as most effective association lobbyist by PA Legislative Services. Twice included in top ten of City and State PA Power 100 List.

0-5 years

Pam is an energy lawyer and lobbyist who practices in the McNees Energy & Environmental Group. She has extensive experience in implementing electric supply competition in Pennsylvania and other states. Pam advises clients regarding commercial, legal, regulatory and legislative opportunities and risks in the electric and natural gas industries. She assists clients in analyzing and negotiating wholesale and retail natural gas and electricity contracts, as well as addressing other utility service requirements. Pam also represents and advises cable telephony providers, local exchange carriers and interexchange carriers, before various state and federal administrative agencies and courts.

0-5 years

Ryan's extensive experience in small business, political strategy, and service to his community allows him to impact government officials while growing our client's influence in the Capitol and beyond.

Smith grew up in Northeastern Pennsylvania, deeply influenced by his family's restaurant business, where he worked throughout high school and college. Soon after, he honorably served for six years as a Military Police Officer in the Army Reserves. During that time, he engaged in local, state, and federal political campaigns, paving the way for a meaningful career with the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

Ryan then became political director for Governor Josh Shapiro's successful Attorney General campaign. He later consulted on multiple statewide races before joining the Pennsylvania Democratic State Party as deputy executive director/political director, where he helped secure victories for Pennsylvania House, Senate, Gubernatorial, and U.S. Senate and Congressional campaigns.

Following successful campaign cycles, Ryan served as deputy campaign manager for Governor Shapiro's Attorney General reelection and Gubernatorial races. He then served the Shapiro Administration as special assistant to the PA Secretary of Agriculture, where he advised on policy, legislation, communications, and stakeholder relations. These experiences deepened his appreciation for rural and agricultural policy, specifically the importance of supporting small, diverse, and innovative businesses and the significance of increasing economic development in our rural, suburban, and urban communities.

Throughout his career, Ryan has built strong relationships with elected officials from both parties, business organizations, community leaders, and professional associations. His extensive network and insights reflect his unwavering commitment to public service and improving the lives within our commonwealth.

Ryan, his wife Stefanie, daughter Ava, and dogs Abbey and Leila live in Cumberland County. He enjoys golfing, skiing, and spending time with his family.

0-5 years

Ryan was named to City & State PA's "40 under 40" list in 2022. The list recognizes the most prominent leaders in Pennsylvania government, advocacy, labor, business, academia and media who are under the age of forty.

Ryan brings a diverse background in government and politics to DMGS. He is currently based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where he focuses on multi-state government affairs, business development, issue advocacy and grassroots consulting strategies. In his role with DMGS, Ryan has assisted clients in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Michigan, Oklahoma, Florida, Virginia, Tennessee, Los Angeles, Texas, and more. Ryan also assists clients with legislative tracking in all 50 states.

Prior to joining the Duane Morris team, Ryan served as the District Director for state Representative Sheryl Delozier in Cumberland County for three years. In this role, he was tasked with managing outreach in the district office and working hand-in-hand with local elected officials and other community stakeholders. He was also instrumental in conducting legislative research and working in a bipartisan manner with the Criminal Justice Reform Caucus. Ryan also served as an alternate member in place of Rep. Delozier on the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.

Previously, he served as the Deputy State Director and Regional Field Manager at the Republican Party of Pennsylvania where he specialized in grassroots organization and outreach.

Ryan is a former member of the East Stroudsburg School Board, having been the youngest elected official in Monroe County’s history at the time of his election in 2013.

Ryan is a 2014 graduate of East Stroudsburg University where he received a B.A. in Political Science with a minor in German. He currently resides in Harrisburg with his wife, Amanda.

Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Paul Costa brings extensive experience in local and state government to Maverick Strategies. He is the former State Representative for the 34th district situated in Allegheny County where he served from 1999 to 2018.

While serving as a legislator he sat on several committees including Appropriations, Liquor Control, Gaming, Policy, Rules, Tourism and Transportation. Costa also served on the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, Point Park University Board of Trustees, University of Pittsburgh Institute of Politics Board of Fellows and Eastern Area Adult Services.

In 2011 Costa was elected by his peers as Allegheny County Delegation Chair where he served until his appointment as Chairman of the Liquor Control Committee in 2013. While Chairman of the Liquor Control Committee he spearheaded several initiatives including but not limited to beer and wine modernization and consumer convenience. In addition, Costa sponsored several personal pieces of legislation such as the Film Tax Credit, 50/50 legislation which generates millions for non-profits, bills which advocate for the safety of animals, a bill which allowed for automatic granting of a CDL license upon returning home for qualified military personnel and sustainable transportation measures.

Prior to serving the 34th Legislative District, Costa spent more than 20 years working in the Allegheny County Prothonotary's office, ending as Deputy Prothonotary. Costa also served on the Wilkins Township board of commissioners for three years, serving one year as board president. Paul Costa graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Point Park University. Paul resides in Pittsburgh with his wife Kathleen. They have three children Michael, Maria, and Dante.

0-5 years

Mike is Managing Director of GSL Public Strategies Group as well as GSL Government Consulting's state and local government consulting practice. He works with public and private sector clients within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and across the country to structure, maintain and further organizational partnerships and continuous improvement in the markets they serve.

Mike has an extensive background in legislative leadership. He served as Chief of Staff to the Office of Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf, working with a wide range of public and private stakeholders and advising the Governor in strategic political, policy, legislative, communications and intergovernmental affairs. He has led various multi-billion dollar budget negotiations and key legislative reforms in areas that include pensions, criminal law, health care, education, election law and school safety, among others.

As an electoral strategist, Mike's experience includes serving two full terms as a State Representative in the New Hampshire House of Representatives as well as Executive Director of the New Hampshire Democratic Party. Mike was also Executive Director of the Service Employees International United (SEIU) Pennsylvania State Council, National Campaign Director of SEIU and a national political affairs manager for a "Big Five" technology company.

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.

20+ years

11-15 years

Charles Satish Smith brings with him over 20 years of experience in Economic Development, Agriculture, Energy and Natural Resource development and conservation. Leading projects across the globe, including Western Europe, the Middle East and West Africa. Smith's ability to communicate and effectively educate policymakers has been key to his success. Smith has successfully leveraged financing and gained approval for some the most innovative and revolutionary agricultural and economic development projects in the Western Hemisphere.

15-20 years

Recognized by the Central Penn Business Journal, Forty Under 40

Recognized by Susquehanna Style, Women in Leadership

Pennsylvania Association for Government Relations
Women in Pennsylvania Government Relations
Anne B. Anstine Excellence in Public Service Series, Class of 2008
Past Chair, Board of Directors, American Red Cross, Central PA Chapter
Leadership Harrisburg Area Executive Program, Class of 2016
Founder and Former Co-Chair, Dickinson College Alumni Association for Central Pennsylvania
Board member, Keystone Human Services Partnership Board
Board member, D.R.E.A.M. Partnership,
Associate Board member, Members 1st FCU

Angela Leopold is a Senior Partner of Novak Strategic Advisors. A savvy businesswoman and an accomplished community leader, Angela knows people and gets results. At NSA, Angela directs top to bottom grassroots campaigns, earned and social media strategies, and coalition building activities. For the past 15 years, she has worked on state and national issues such as healthcare, taxation, and energy. Angela co-leads the Issue Advocacy division at Novak and oversees several of Novak’s government affairs clients as well.

Early in her career as a political fundraiser, Angela developed creative, direct approaches to navigating grassroots campaigns that included issue-based forums, consensus building, and reputation management. Today, she utilizes this experience and continues to cultivate her well-established relationships and strong, broad-based coalition networks. Angela has successfully managed several local races drawing on her impressive organizational skills and ability to mobilize grassroots armies at the local level. From circulating petitions to building relationships with local business and community leaders, Angela leveraged her connections in creative ways, which ultimately led her candidates to victory in these local elections.

Angela is the past board chair of the Central PA Chapter of the American Red Cross, and in 2016 graduated from the Leadership Harrisburg Area Executive program. When Angela is not pulling it all together at work, she is pulling together ways to support nonprofits, including the Midwest Food Bank, D.R.E.A.M. Partnership, and Keystone Human Services (Partnership Board). In 2021, Angela was recognized as a 40 Under 40 Leader by the Central Penn Business Journal as well as Women in Business 2021 issue in Susquehanna Style.

Angela is a graduate of Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. Angela lives in Mechanicsburg with her husband, Joe, and son, Mark.

STEPHEN M. DEFRANK is a senior advisor in Buchanan's state government relations group. He joins Buchanan after spending 23 years of his career in Pennsylvania state government. His most recent position was chief of staff for Senator Lisa M. Boscola.

Steve brings process and policy expertise to our Pennsylvania Government Relations Practice, having worked in state government for more than 20 years. He has served in several roles in his over two decades with the Senate of Pennsylvania, including chief of staff, committee executive director, and policy director. Steve called on his strengths differently in each of those roles: as a chief of staff for Sen. Lisa Boscola, he used his organizational skills and ability to multitask to advance the senator's legislative agenda in Harrisburg and manage constituent outreach and communications in her district office. As Executive Director for the Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee, Steve grasped new concepts quickly and effectively, and developed an area of expertise in issues affecting the energy and utility sectors. As Policy Director, he worked as a jack of all trades to advance a caucus-wide agenda that included initiatives related to legalized gaming, community and economic development, workforce development, education initiatives and government reform.

0-5 years

2019 30 Under 30 by AgGrad

With a focus on rural affairs, I work with numerous members of the legislature. I also engage regularly with the Department of Agriculture, Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and Department of Education.

Chief Operating Officer Caleb Wright's roots in Pennsylvania's agricultural community are deep, and accolades earned during his young career have marked him as a voice of rural Pennsylvania's new generation. Raised on a Huntingdon County farm that has borne his family's name for over a century, Caleb grew up as the grandson of the region's renowned veterinarian, Doc Kyper, with a family legacy of serving the rural community. Prior to joining Versant Strategies, he served as a PA State FFA Officer, was a National FFA Officer Candidate, and taught high school agriculture.

Caleb is a graduate of Penn State with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Extension Education. He was named as the College of Agricultural Science's inaugural Emerging Leader Candidate, working one-on-one with the College's Dean. Caleb investigated recruitment and retention of students in Agricultural Education as a Penn State research project. A skilled speaker, his energized commitment to rural education also earned him the Youth Agricultural Award presented by the Penn State Agriculture Council. Wright was elected to Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences Alumni Society Board and also serves on the Board of the PA FFA Foundation.

Along with managing day-to-day operations of the firm, Caleb actively lobbies and assists with organizational management.

15-20 years

Consistently listed among the "Best Lobbyists in Pennsylvania" and "Most Powerful in Philadelphia Politics" by City & State PA, PoliticsPA, and Philadelphia Magazine.

As the Founder of PSG, John draws on more than 25 years experience in the Greater Philadelphia public policy arena to get great results for his clients. Prior to launching PSG in January 2019, he was Vice President for City Relations at Wojdak Government Relations, one of Pennsylvania's premier lobbying firms. John oversaw all issues in Philadelphia's City Hall and successfully represented large corporations, developers, regional associations, universities, and non-profits for fourteen years.

Before Wojdak, John served as a legislative assistant and drafted and analyzed municipal and state legislation over six years for then-Councilman Jim Kenney and the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Appropriations Committee. In the 1990s, John worked on various city and state political campaigns, and spent three years as the Research Director for the Committee of Seventy, Philadelphia's "government watchdog" organization.

John holds a Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree in Government Administration from the University of Pennsylvania, where for thirteen years he was an instructor on urban politics and municipal government at Penn's Fels Institute of Government. He lives in the East Falls neighborhood of Philadelphia, where he serves on the executive board of the East Falls Development Corporation. He swears he is much better at lobbying than he is at dyeing his youngest daughter's hair (although he is getting pretty good at that too).

Stephen is a Government Relations Specialist at K. Callahan & Associates, where he supports the firm's lobbying and advocacy efforts through legislative tracking, policy research, and stakeholder engagement. With a strong background in political campaigns and government affairs, Stephen brings valuable experience in strategy, communications, and legislative analysis.

Before joining K. Callahan & Associates, Stephen worked in several positions at a government and public affairs firm. He has worked in various roles, focusing on campaign strategy and support, research and analytic support, and political communications. He assisted firm partners and senior consultants with developing and executing political campaigns at the state level in Virginia and Pennsylvania, helping candidates and initiatives maximize their outreach and impact. He also served as the firm's head photographer and production assistant, producing television commercials for notable campaigns, including Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and Pennsylvania State Senator Frank Farry.

With a diverse background spanning campaign strategy, public policy, and strategic communications, Stephen is committed to helping clients navigate the legislative landscape and achieve their advocacy goals.

0-5 years

Nick has served in key leadership positions both within Pennsylvania's Office of Administration (O.A.) and Governor's Office under both Governor Corbett and Governor Wolf. He brings a bipartisan approach to assisting GSL clients. While in O.A., Nick served as the Director of the Bureau of State Employment overseeing 32,000 non-civil service jobs and the application, interview and selection process associated with them. Nick built relationships with key stakeholders in the hiring process, including Deputies for Administration, labor unions and human resources personnel. Additionally, he was influential in proposing and implementing various executive orders, HR initiatives, management directives and policies throughout the enterprise


After transferring to the Governor's Office under Governor Wolf, Nick served as the Director of Administration and as a Deputy Chief of Staff before being named the Governor's Executive Deputy Chief of Staff. In these various roles, he oversaw personnel, procurement and the Governor's Office of Performance Through Excellence. He participated in legislative negotiations and played a key role in the Governor's final budget. Through his administration and procurement background, Nick has extensive experience working with all state agencies and delivery centers and specifically served as a liaison for the Office of Inspector General, Office of Administration, Department of General Services and the Department of Agriculture.

11-15 years

Ron's governmental service ranges from City Council to the Chairman of the House Liquor Committee. His ability to navigate the many layers of government and work across the aisle in a bipartisan manner is second to none.

Ron has a close relationship with the current members of the PA House of Representatives and staff.

Ron's extensive experience in state and local government will help Versant's clients set strategies to achieve their legislative and regulatory goals. Ron served in the PA House of Representatives for over 20 years and was an active member of the House Consumer Affairs and Rules Committees. Ultimately, he was named Secretary of the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee and became Chairman of the House Liquor Committee. Prior to his election to represent the 162nd House District, Ron served as Mayor of Sharon Hill, Pennsylvania. More recently, he worked in governmental affairs serving a myriad of interests in the State Capitol.

0-5 years

McNees Strategic Solutions Group (MSSG)
International Association of Gaming AdvisorsPA Association of Government RelationsPA Esports Coalition, Chairman of the Board of Directors
Member, Susquehanna Township Planning Commission
Vice Chair, Susquehanna Township Recreation Advisory Committee

Bill is a seasoned government relations and political affairs professional, with significant experience influencing public policy at the state and local level. Prior to joining Mid-Atlantic Strategic Solutions, Bill was a key staff person within the Pennsylvania legislature. He is the former Leadership Executive Director of the Office of the Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus Secretary, serving as a reliable member of the House Democratic Caucus leadership staff team. Before working in the leadership ranks, Bill served as the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania House Gaming Oversight Committee, where he gained significant experience in gaming policy, which he continued to influence up until he left the House in 2017. Bill also served as the Deputy Communications Director for the House Majority Leader from 2008 to 2010. Before arriving in Pennsylvania and working for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Bill
served as the Assistant Director of the West Virginia Legislative Reference and Information Center, a nonpartisan, apolitical office of the West Virginia Legislature.As president of Mid-Atlantic Strategic Solutions, Bill utilizes his government affairs experience, and vast understanding of the legislative and political processes, to advocate for issues important to clients. And through his wide range of contacts, Bill engages elected officials, stakeholders and grassroots partners to deliver effective results for clients.A native of Long Island, New York, Bill is a graduate of the University of Charleston in Charleston, West Virginia. He currently lives in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Mid Atlantic Strategic Solutions is a member of the McNees Strategic Solutions Group.

Kyle brings to GSL Public Affairs and Communications more than two decades of experience in state government. A native of northeast Pennsylvania, Kyle came to Harrisburg more than 20 years ago and began his career in the Pennsylvania State Senate.

Kyle quickly worked his way up the ranks, serving in various roles and most recently as the Chief of Staff for Senator John Yudichak.

As Chief of Staff, Kyle was responsible for the day-to-day operations of both the Harrisburg Office and the District Offices. Kyle developed, implemented and promoted the Senator's legislative proposals and public policy agenda. He also identified and helped secure funding sources, such as RACP, LSA, PennDOT/DCED Multimodal and other CFA grant programs for economic development and infrastructure projects in the Senator's district.

In 2016, Kyle made the transition from chief of staff in the Senate to a career in lobbying. Widely regarded as one who could always work in a bipartisan manner within the halls of the Capitol, Kyle has been able to utilize those relationships to achieve numerous successes for his clients. Over the last few years, Kyle has worked with his clients to accomplish many legislative victories, such as the expansion of tax credit programs, implementing the first e-Scooter pilot program in Pennsylvania, amending state licensure laws and securing state appropriations.

Throughout Kyle's entire professional career, he has maintained an outstanding reputation amongst his peers. Kyle continues to use his experiences and longtime connections to collaboratively work with his clients and stakeholders to achieve policy and legislative goals.

15-20 years

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

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

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

6-10 years

Kathy's service as a senior adviser to Governor Tom Corbett for four years and the late Mayor Stephen R Reed of the City of Harrisburg provided her leadership experience and insight into how state and local governments operate from the inside. In those roles, she had real experiences in government and established and fostered relationships throughout all three branches of government. These experiences and relationships help her serve clients efficiently and effectively.

During the Pennsylvania COVID-19 business shutdown, Kathy helped clients in diverse business industries tell their story to Governor Wolf's Administration and obtain approval and a waiver to continue to operate. She worked with her team as if every client's business needs were a "911" call for help. Her round-the-clock work and counsel helped clients and their employees operate quickly, in a safe manner and in cooperation with law enforcement.

Clients have succeeded with their legislative lobbying goals as Kathy and her team supported them with needs to amend, pass or oppose legislation that would impact the client's business goals. Kathy's efforts and guidance support clients' business timeline and budgets.

Kathy lobbied with a team to successfully oppose any nuclear bailout legislation.

Kathy assists clients who need quick access to an agency decisionmaker for time sensitive issues. a Kathy assists clients with obtaining grant funds to support client projects.

Kathy is a licensed attorney in NY, NJ and PA, and she has more than a decade in Pennsylvania state and local politics with the unique experience as a senior staffer in the Office of the Governor. Kathy served as former Gov. Tom Corbett's Deputy Chief of Staff from 2011 to 2015. In that role, she was a trusted advisor to the governor and his cabinet and staff. She served as the governor's liaison to numerous state agencies and helped coordinate and manage policy, legislative and press initiatives. Kathy also worked on the governor's behalf with contacts in local and federal governments. While with the governor's office, Kathy represented the governor with numerous state and regional boards and commissions, including the Pennsylvania and New Jersey bi-state transportation authorities, the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Authority and the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority (PCCA). Further, she served with the governor as vice chair of Team Pennsylvania, a nonprofit that connects business and industry leaders and facilitates partnerships to support economic development and prosperity in the commonwealth.

Prior to joining Saxton & Stump, Kathy was an attorney for a Harrisburg-based law firm where she represented clients as an attorney and a lobbyist in diverse subject areas including energy and environmental, oil and natural gas and food and beverage on matters involving public finance, state and local tax, employment and corporate governance. Before joining the governor's office, she was a partner at Rhoads & Sinon LLP for 10 years where she focused her practice in litigation and labor and employment. She also previously served in leadership roles for the City of Harrisburg's Mayor Stephen R. Reed as deputy solicitor and director of human resources for approximately four years.

11-15 years

20+ years

Wanner Associates staff has worked with our clients to pass many pieces of legislation and initiatitives. Please contact us for more information.

Wanner Associates has developed many contacts over the past 30 years with over 80 years of combined political experience in Pennsylvania. We have deep relationships with the leadership of the State House, Senate, Administration, State Agencies, PA Congressional Delegation, County and Municipal Governments.

Wanner Associates is a Pennsylvania-based bipartisan government relations firm that has extensive experience on all levels of government with a reputation for employing creative strategies to achieve results. Our talented and hardworking professionals are adept at everything from policymaking, to political maneuvering, community outreach, to integrated communications. What sets us apart is our team of dynamic government affairs specialists --diligent, dedicated and determined.

0-5 years

Jason brings a unique mix of experience at the highest levels including public, private, and political. Jason comes to Ridge Policy from the Scott Wagner for Governor Campaign where Jason served as the Campaign Manager. Scott Wagner was the Republican nominee for Governor of Pennsylvania, not only securing the endorsement of the Republican Party of Pennsylvania but also defeating a well-funded primary opponent in a hotly contested primary campaign.

Prior to that role, Jason has twice served in the role of Chief of Staff to two Republican Pennsylvania State Senators, John H. Eichelberger, Jr. and Scott Wagner. In that role, Jason oversaw all office operations and staff, advised the Senators on policy, and worked with other offices and leadership to help to advance the goals of the Senators.

Jason's private sector experience includes serving as the Vice President of Tyrone-based data security firm Reclamere. Jason oversaw the entire operation of the company, was responsible for management of all personnel, worked directly with the three owners of the company to develop the company's strategic plan, and was the responsible staff-level person for executing that plan.

Over his many years of public service, Krystjan has worked with both leaders in state government and private business to successfully negotiate over $100 billion in bi-partisan state budgets, deliver once-in-a-lifetime changes to Pennsylvania's tax code, significantly enhance funding and educational opportunities for children, expand healthcare access and coverage for all Pennsylvanians and help foster some of the largest economic investments in the history of the Commonwealth.

Callahan was previously a partner at a Harrisburg based government affairs firm. At the beginning of his career he served as the Executive Director to the House Republican Whip and as the Executive Director of the House Republican Policy Committee. Callahan has also worked on the Commerce Committee in the House Republican Research Department and staffed several caucus task forces.

Callahan currently serves on various boards including serving on the Counsel of Trustees at his alma mater Lock Haven University, now Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania.

A native of Wellsboro, Callahan and his family currently reside in Mechanicsburg, PA.