James brings more than 35 years of juvenile justice experience and professional accomplishments to The Bloom Group, and he puts his detailed knowledge of interactions between government and the private sector to work for our clients. He was the CEO of the Alabama Department of Youth Services, and has worked as a consultant on criminal justice and business matters and as management professor at the University of Alabama graduate school.

Key Areas of Expertise
Organizational management
Governmental affairs
Health and human services
Criminal justice
Court testimony and legal proceedings
Education
Public utilities
Community relations

Key Issue Areas
State and federal funding
Licensure and regulation
Facilities planning
Health, mental health and services for youth and adolescents
Legislative affairs
Economic and business development

Professional & Community Affiliations
Advisory Board - Baptist Hospital, Montgomery
Governor's Juvenile Justice Advisory Board
Montgomery Rotary Club
Board of Directors of the Southeast YMCA
Alabama Health Insurance Plan Board
Board of Directors of the American Red Cross of Central Alabama
Senior Consultant with the American Corrections Association
Council of Juvenile Corrections Administrators
Past Vice Chair of the National Commission on Accreditation in Corrections
Past Chair of the Alabama Board of Social Work Examiners
Past President of the Alabama Conference on Social Work
Past Chair of the Alabama Conference AME Church Credit Union
Past member of the Montgomery Family Guidance Center Board
Past member of the Montgomery Group Homes for Children Board
Past member of the American Association of State Social Work Boards

Education
M.S.W., University of Alabama
B.S., Miles College

20+ years

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

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

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

Chair, Odenton Town Center Advisory Committee

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

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

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

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

15-20 years

President's Award for Exceptional Dedication as Lobbyist, Association of Surgical Technologists

Outstanding Service Award for Government Affairs, Manufactured Housing Communities of Washington

Coalition Leadership Recognition Award, Washington Business Properties Association for leadership in coordinating multi-industry coalitions and stakeholder advocacy efforts in defeating capital gains tax on real estate.

WA State Leadership Board Member and Legislative Advisor

More than fifteen years representing businesses and industry organizations before the Washington State Legislature and executive agencies, with strong bipartisan relationships across legislative leadership, both caucuses, and key agency personnel, and a track record advising industries and organizations representing thousands of businesses across WA

B.A. with Honors in Finance and Business Computer Information Systems, University of Washington Foster School of Business

B.S. with Honors in Environmental Health, University of Washington

Juris Doctor with Honors, Seattle University School of Law

Chester Baldwin has extensive professional experience working with members of the Washington State House and Senate, including leadership offices, members of both caucuses, and key committee staff, as well as executive agency personnel and local government officials. His work regularly involves direct engagement with legislators, legislative staff, and agency stakeholders on issues involving business regulation, taxation, real estate, health care, professional licensing, transportation, and nonprofit operations.

His experience includes meetings with lawmakers and staff, coordination with committee leadership, preparation and delivery of legislative testimony, bill drafting and analysis, and ongoing advocacy throughout the legislative process. He also works directly with executive agencies on rulemaking, policy implementation, and regulatory interpretation to help ensure that legislative outcomes are practical, effective, and aligned with client interests.

Through his representation of businesses, industry groups, and organizations composed of thousands of businesses across WA, Chester frequently coordinates advocacy involving multiple stakeholders, including trade associations, coalition partners, and business leaders, and translates those interests into clear, credible, and effective communication with policymakers.

Chester Baldwin is an attorney and registered lobbyist and the principal of Lobby Washington, LLC, an Olympia-based government relations firm representing businesses, industry groups, and organizations before the Washington State Legislature, the Governor's Office, and executive agencies. With more than fifteen years of experience in legislative and regulatory advocacy, Chester focuses on complex, high-stakes policy matters involving business regulation, taxation, real estate, health care, and professional licensing.

He has developed strong bipartisan working relationships with House and Senate leadership, members of both caucuses, and key agency personnel, enabling him to effectively advance client priorities in a dynamic political environment. His work includes legislative strategy, bill drafting and analysis, direct lobbying, testimony before legislative committees, and coordination with executive agencies on rulemaking and implementation.

Through Lobby Washington, Chester represents industries and organizations composed of thousands of businesses across WA, requiring coordinated advocacy strategies that align diverse stakeholder interests into effective legislative outcomes. Clients rely on him for clear strategic guidance, real-time legislative intelligence, and disciplined advocacy on matters with significant operational, financial, and legal implications.

Chester earned a Juris Doctorate from Seattle University School of Law and holds undergraduate degrees from the University of Washington in Finance, Business Computer Information Systems, and Environmental Health. Prior to practicing law and lobbying, he worked as a financial analyst and healthcare consultant, giving him a practical understanding of how public policy decisions affect business operations.

Lobby Washington provides high-touch, individualized government affairs services and works with a limited number of clients to ensure focused, strategic representation.

Guthrie brings decades of experience and a proven track record of lobbying for more than 30 local government entities in Jefferson County, including the county and its largest city, Birmingham, to The Bloom Group and its clients. Guthrie began his work with municipal government and governmental relations when he served as administrative assistant and lobbyist for Mayor Richard Arrington Jr. and the City of Birmingham from 1992 to 2000. Since then, he has worked as a contract lobbyist, advocating for his diverse group of clients including government entities like the Birmingham City Council and its President William Bell as well as multiple private sector clients. Thanks to his strong work ethic and networking abilities and longstanding working relationships with members of the Alabama Legislature, he's consistently been able to help his clients meet their goals.

Key Areas of Expertise
Served over thirty local government entities located in Jefferson County including Jefferson County and its largest city, Birmingham
Strong work ethic
Proven networking abilities
Good working relationships with legislative delegation

Key Professional Experience
Registered lobbyist in the State of Alabama since 1992.
2000-Present Contract Lobbyist with wide variety of clients including local government entities as well as private sector clients.
1992-2000 served as administrative assistant and lobbyist for Mayor Richard Arrington Jr. and City of Birmingham.


Key Issue Areas
Municipal Government
International delegation hosting

Education
Jacksonville State University

20+ years

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

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

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

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

0-5 years

An expert in legislative and regulatory affairs, Matthew is a seasoned government relations professional and strategic communications specialist who puts his expertise to use for a wide variety of sectors.

A U.S. Army veteran who served in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, Matthew has worked to improve benefits for first responders, including enacting new rules to help firefighters who get cancer on the job. He’s also worked to create innovative job training programs for developmentally disabled youth and adults.

Matthew was a key lobbyist for the Marijuana Policy Project to successfully legalize cannabis in Massachusetts and advises new cannabis companies on municipal licensing, compliance, business strategy and community engagement. Additionally, he has advised clients with municipal development projects as a consultant on construction, building trade and general union issues.

Prior to joining Tenax, Matthew worked as director of communications and intergovernmental relations for the Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services. In that role, he worked with every state agency and the Massachusetts legislature on veterans’ issues. He also worked on economic development issues, including helping launch a program with the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce to link veterans with employment opportunities and advocating for a veteran-owned business preference for state contracting. Prior to DVS, Matthew spent seven years working for state Senator Steven Tolman as his chief of staff and district director.

A graduate of the University of Connecticut with a degree in political science, Matthew is a 22-year member of the U.S. Army National Guard. He currently serves as a Chief Warrant Officer 3 and a Blackhawk helicopter instructor pilot. He also serves on the boards of Massachusetts Fallen Heroes and Alternative Treatment for Veterans, a nonprofit that advocates for cannabis therapy for vets.

He lives in Braintree with his wife and two children.

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.

Greg has been a force in public affairs and lobbying for the past 18 years, helping execute effective and successful government relations and public policy strategies for Fortune 500 companies, corporations, non-profits, labor organizations and trade associations.

A graduate of Oregon State University, Greg grew up in Natick and is well-known in Massachusetts and Washington, D.C. political circles, as he’s worked with many of Massachusetts’ top elected officials, including U.S. Rep. Stephen F. Lynch, U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton and former Lt. Gov. Tim Murray, among others.

Greg served as Chief Operating Officer of one of Boston’s most successful communications and public affairs firms before launching the public affairs division at Tenax in 2016 with his brother Pete.

Greg is an expert at public affairs, especially in highly-regulated industries. He’s worked effectively and successfully at the local, state and federal level, including representing interests in multiple states across the country for global corporations. He’s built coalitions to support strong public policies at every level of government, lobbied lawmakers locally and nationally, and created innovative strategies to overcome regulatory and legislative roadblocks for a variety of businesses and organizations.

His specialties include long- and short-term strategic planning; media and public affairs strategy; message development and discipline; earned media consulting; and managing grassroots, employee, stakeholder and customer communication mobilizations to impact public policy.

Whether it's fighting for free industry, creating protections for health care consumers, waging a local public affairs campaign, engaging elected officials to advance public policy or helping a business cut through legislative or regulatory red tape, Greg has the experience, relationships and knowledge to draft a strategic blueprint to get the job done.

John W. Floyd offers our clients a wealth of hands-on experience gained in more than 20 years of work in local and state government, including an extensive background in community relations. He previously served as Talladega County Juvenile Court Administrator and as Director of Regional and Community Services and Legislative Liaison for the Alabama Department of Youth Services. He also served as Executive Vice President of the Sylacauga Chamber of Commerce; as Secretary/Treasurer of the Sylacauga Industrial Development Board; as Council President; and later, as Mayor of the City of Sylacauga. He currently serves as Board Chairman of the Coosa Valley Baptist Medical Center.

Key Areas of Expertise
Local and state government management
Human services expertise
Knowledge of the legislative process
Economic development experience
Organizational management
Community and governmental relations
Grant writing experience

Key Issue Areas
Community relations
Government relations
Health care
Legislative affairs
Local government planning, evaluation and financing
State government planning, evaluation and financing
Economic development programs and evaluation
Existing business and industry
State, federal and foundation grants
Industrial development financing
Commercial development

Professional & Community Affiliations
Member, The Alabama Hospital Association
Member, The Independent Automobile Dealers Association of Alabama
Former governor's appointee to the Alabama Department of Youth Services Board
Former governor's appointee to the Region Four Law Enforcement Planning Agency Board
Former member of the Alabama League of Municipalities Utilities, Commerce and Transportation Committee
Former member of the Citizens Advisory Council for the Alabama Department of Human Resources

Education
B.S., Business and Economics, University of West Alabama
Certified Public Manager Program, Auburn University at Montgomery

20+ years

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

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

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

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

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

Co-Founder/Chief Financial Officer

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