Ms. Zandee is a Michigan attorney with a social work background and has served as Chief Policy Advisor for State Representative Brandt Iden, Chairman of the House Ways & Means Committee. Sam received her undergraduate degree from Hope College, and obtained her JD and MSW from the University at Buffalo. She has also worked in the family court system, for various legal aid clinics, a children's advocacy center, and with in house counsel for Buffalo Medical School.

In 2010, after 20 years as a State Capitol lobbyist, Mike Dugan established Capitol Consulting a full-service government relations firm. Capitol Consulting provides the experience, integrity, access and respect one achieves through years of successful representation of our clients' issues. Capitol Consulting is well respected with a proven network of legislative and state agency contacts to navigate the often-complex halls of state government. Capitol Consulting is founded on the simple principle that there is no substitute for hard work.

ACCESS. ACCOUNTABILITY. INTEGRITY.

In the midst of an always-challenging political landscape, a growing number of Alabama business, industrial and municipal clients rely on The Bloom Group to represent their interests in vital dealings with the state's legislative and regulatory communities.

Unlike other lobbying firms that come and go, for 30 years, The Bloom Group has been a fixture in Alabama politics. Through our proven track record of success in resolving legislative issues and effectively communicating client needs and positions, we have earned a reputation as one of Alabama's premier governmental relations consultants.

Our Mission | Governmental Relations That Works
For every client and in every situation, The Bloom Group operates in pursuit of these goals:

To consistently deliver to each of our clients the highest level of governmental relations services tailored to the client's specific individual needs and based on a firm understanding of their business.

To develop and value a personal and professional relationship "based upon mutual trust and respect with clients", legislators, members of the executive branch and others with whom we deal.

To always conduct our governmental relations affairs in an ethical and honest manner.

Ms. Farrah served six years in the Michigan House of Representatives before GCSI. While a member of the Legislature, she chaired the influential House Regulatory Reform Committee and was a member of the committees on labor, tax policy, insurance and local government. The former Southgate City Council president also worked 10 years for Wayne County in its Department of Environment. Barb earned a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Michigan-Dearborn.

Mr. Owen, formerly the Policy Advisor for Lieutenant Governor John Cherry in the Executive Office of Governor Jennifer Granholm. He was then appointed by Governor Granholm to serve as the Legislative Liaison in the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, and was reappointed by Governor Rick Snyder to serve in the same role. Gary is an expert on environmental and natural resources based initiatives. His relationships in these departments are fresh, and unparalleled amongst state lobbyists. Gary earned a bachelors degree in political science from the University of Michigan.

State and Local Lobbying:

Influencing the decisions of government officials for our clients is key to the work that we do. Whether we're standing beside our client, or advocating on their behalf, we remain focused on policies, legislation, or regulations that are integral to each organization's interest.

Because of the experience of our team, we approach each issue and challenge separately. We're empathetic, sensing where there is great need. We value the work that our clients do and understand our own roles in this process. We always strive to learn and know more about the issues that are important to our clients, recognize the challenges that they face, try to find common ground, manage expectations, are creative in our problem-solving, and put all of our skills and talents to work for our clients, working smarter to great success.

Having insight into operations at a local level is just as important when clients interact with their local or county government daily. In some cases, those interactions may be even more impactful to organizations who work with C & G Strategies.

Each of our team members boasts decades of experience in government and uses that background to great effect for clients. No matter the issue or interest, C & G can provide clients with information, a deep understanding of the process they're navigating, observations relevant to their work, and solutions that may be unconventional. At the heart of all of that work is the client goals.

Mr. Cole was an award-winning journalist with The Detroit News for seven years before joining GCSI. He worked five years in the newspaper's Lansing Bureau and two in its Washington, DC Bureau, covering the politics of the auto industry. A graduate of the prestigious University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism, Ken has been the recipient of several writing honors, including the Golden Quill Award from the Washington Automotive Press Association; Excellence in Journalism for Highway Safety Award from the National Safety Council; and the International Wheel Award from the Detroit Press Foundation. The former adjunct professor of journalism at Michigan State University also formerly worked for the Ypsilanti Press and the Jackson Citizen Patriot.

Mr. Profit had an award-winning 10-year career in the Michigan House of Representatives before joining GCSI. While a member of the Legislature, he chaired the influential House Tax Policy Committee, as well as the House Committee on Higher Education. The former legal advisor and Undersheriff to the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Department earned a bachelor's degree from Eastern Michigan University, where he also worked as an adjunct professor. Kirk is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, having earned his juris doctorate from the University of Detroit School of Law.

Mrs. Hune was previously the VP of Governmental Affairs for the Michigan Credit Union League (MCUL) & Affiliates, the trade organization representing 96% of Michigan's credit unions. Prior to joining the League in 2008, she had more than nine years of experience in the state Legislature as a staffer for two speakers of the house and two majority floor leaders. Marcia holds a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Michigan and a master's degree in public administration from Western Michigan University. She is a member of Pi Alpha Alpha, the Public Administration Honor Society through Western Michigan University, as well Phi Kappa Phi, an All Discipline Honor Society.

One of the premier lobbying firms in Annapolis, Manis Canning & Associates (MCA) has been representing the interests of its clients for almost 50 years, dating back to 1974. Our team collectively has more than 100 years of experience working with legislatures, executives, and regulators in local, state and federal governments.

We provide creative, proactive government affairs, public relations, business and trade association management strategies and programs to a diverse group of clients. We conduct ourselves in a bipartisan manner and pride ourselves in our ability to build and manage effective grassroots organizations and issue-based coalitions. We believe credibility is essential to maintaining our firm's good name and the good name of our clients, and preserving that commodity is of paramount importance.

Mr. Zaagman served as Director of Government Affairs for the Michigan Restaurant Association for four years before joining GCSI. He also worked for five years as a lobbyist for the Michigan Osteopathic Association. The Muskegon native is widely respected in Capitol circles for his expertise in and knowledge of transportation-related issues, election law, liquor control and tax policy. He earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Central Michigan University and a master's degree in public administration from Western Michigan University. Bill is a 1996 graduate of the Michigan Political Leadership Program.

Senior Vice President of Government Relations

In his 25 years as a lobbyist, Nello has developed significant experience in the legislative process. As a government affairs professional, his greatest accomplishments have included passing the Medical Cannabis law in Pennsylvania, working on funding for a new arena, passing City of Pittsburgh fiscal bailout, and ensuring provisions in the gaming law for a constant stream of funding for the Pittsburgh International Airport.

Nello focuses on working collaboratively with his clients and keeping them informed throughout the process. He prides himself on being honest with clients and ensuring that their expectations are realistic. He has successfully represented clients in the non-profit, government, development industry, and issue advocacy sectors.

Co-Founder/ Managing Partner

With more than 25 years of experience in government, public affairs, and strategic communications, David comes from The Caliguiri Group, a firm he founded in 2011. After successfully managing several political campaigns, David was also an integral part of Pittsburgh First's campaign for a Pennsylvania state gaming license.

Prior to launching his own firm, David was a lobbyist representing clients before local and state governments. He is an active member of the Pittsburgh community and sits on the boards of several nonprofit organizations serving the region.

Senior Policy Director

Involved in state government for over 20 years, Andrew brings a vast skill set to the table including government relations strategy development, research and analysis, lobbying, legislative drafting, beverage alcohol policy, economic modeling, transportation policy, gaming policy, and higher education policy.

Prior to joining Dentons Cohen & Grigsby and its successor firm C & G Strategies, Andrew served as research director for a political campaign, a legislative liaison for a state row office, executive deputy director of policy and planning within the state executive branch, executive director of the State Tax Equalization Board (STEB), and the founder and principal of Four Lights Research Solutions.

Senior Policy Director

With over a decade of experience in government relations, Don has honed his skills in legislative and regulatory tracking, research, firm communications, and lobbying. His clients have ranged from Fortune 500 companies to non-profit organizations.

His roles have provided him opportunities to spearhead grassroots campaigns, shape legislative agendas, direct political action committee initiatives, and lobby. He also previously served in lobbying and government relations roles in statewide associations.

Mr. Hawks has consistently been voted among the 5 best lobbyists in the state of Michigan by an independent political insider survey. His distinguished career has spanned over 26 years representing many of GCSI's prestigious clients. In addition, Mike was also recently voted among the top 5 public affairs professionals in the state. Mike received his bachelor's degree from Eastern Michigan University and possesses a master's degree from Michigan State University.

Before joining GCSI, Mr. DeVries served for 10 years as Chief of Staff to Senator Arlan Meekhof, the Republican Senate Majority Leader. During his time in the legislature, he managed many difficult legislative issues and became one of Lansing's leading experts on the legislative process. Bob has his bachelor's degree in political science from Grand Valley State University and his law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School.

Senior Vice President of Communications

Amie's 25 years of experience in communications and government includes 12 years in an executive leadership position reflecting significant responsibility for establishing and implementing goals, policies, procedures, strategic direction, and engagement initiatives. In her roles with local, county and state governments, she has navigated complex environments, developed and maintained strong bipartisan relationships, and interacted effectively with journalists in local, state, and national outlets.

Amie thrives on challenges and is skilled at handling media relations, crisis communications, message development, communications plans, coordinated media and public service campaigns, and public announcements. She is well known for her collaborative work with both internal and external stakeholders and has a proven ability to convey highly complex information in clear, compelling ways. Amie's experience in launching initiatives and creating procedural and organizational processes also serves clients well.

State and Local Lobbying:

Influencing the decisions of government officials for our clients is key to the work that we do. Whether we're standing beside our client, or advocating on their behalf, we remain focused on policies, legislation, or regulations that are integral to each organization's interest.

Because of the experience of our team, we approach each issue and challenge separately. We're empathetic, sensing where there is great need. We value the work that our clients do and understand our own roles in this process. We always strive to learn and know more about the issues that are important to our clients, recognize the challenges that they face, try to find common ground, manage expectations, are creative in our problem-solving, and put all of our skills and talents to work for our clients, working smarter to great success.

Having insight into operations at a local level is just as important when clients interact with their local or county government daily. In some cases, those interactions may be even more impactful to organizations who work with C & G Strategies.

Each of our team members boasts decades of experience in government and uses that background to great effect for clients. No matter the issue or interest, C & G can provide clients with information, a deep understanding of the process they're navigating, observations relevant to their work, and solutions that may be unconventional. At the heart of all of that work is the client goals.