20+ years

Idaho Business Review Lifetime Achievement Award
Best Lawyers in the United States
Idaho Business Review Idaho ICON Award

Extensive and successful relationships with Idaho Governors, Attorneys General, the Idaho Legislature and the Idaho Federal Congressional Delegation

My decades of experience have earned me a reputation as a premier advocate before federal, state and local decision-makers. As the Founder of Eiguren Public Policy Firm, I have an unsurpassed record of successful public issues management, lobbying, regulatory coordination and public policy law outcomes.

I regularly represent clients as a lawyer and lobbyist before departments and agencies of the state and federal governments. I have drafted and lobbied for new legislation, organizing large coalitions supporting passage, and have regularly testified before legislative and administrative committees. I have served as liaison between state and international governments to work out trade and cultural agreements.

I interact often with senior officials in Idaho and the federal government, including the Governor, Legislature, Attorney General, and the Idaho Congressional Delegation. I have also argued several major cases before the Idaho Supreme Court.

Additionally, I have decades of experience as both a Chairman and Director or Member of many public profit and non-profit corporations, including my current role as a Member of the American Red Cross National Philanthropic Board, Chairman of the American Red Cross of Idaho Board of Directors and Chairman of the Advisory Board of Directors of Tolsma USA. I am a former Director of Idaho Independent Bank, Avista Corporation, and Chairman of the Board of the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce, the Idaho State Capitol Commission, and the St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center Foundation.

Before entering law practice in 1984, I served in various capacities in several local state and federal agencies, including Deputy Attorney General of Idaho, Special Assistant to the Administrator of a large federal agency, Deputy Secretary of State of Idaho, and Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in Boise, Idaho.

Among other honors, I am the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Leaders in Law Program of the Idaho Business Review, and am listed in Best Lawyers in America.

I graduated from the Executive Management Program of the Dartmouth School of Business Administration and attended Georgetown University College of Law and the University of Idaho College of Law, where I received my Juris Doctorate.

0-5 years

Melinda has significant experience and key relationships with the Idaho Transportation Department, the Idaho Department of Agriculture, the Department of Health & Welfare, the Division of Financial Management and with the Office of the Governor.

Melinda Merrill has more than 25 years of experience managing government relations and crises for clients throughout the Pacific Northwest and provides Eiguren Public Policy clients with media, reputational, and crisis communications counseling as well as advocacy in local, state, and federal government.

Prior to joining Eiguren Public Policy, Merrill was director of Public Affairs for Fred Meyer and QFC Stores - the two Northwest divisions of The Kroger Co. - for more than a decade, where she was media spokesperson and managed government affairs for the company's more than 200 stores in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington as well as at the federal level. She also developed strategy for and implemented Fred Meyer's and QFC's multi-million-dollar donations, sponsorship, community relations, and employee volunteer programs in the four states.

Merrill is adept at assisting clients in developing strategy for and achieving their goals at the local, state, and federal levels of government. She also has experience providing reputational management for clients facing issues including taxes and fees, labor relations issues, real estate siting and planning issues, product recalls and importation of goods.

Merrill also spent eight years in the Portland office of the international public relations and public affairs firm Hill & Knowlton. There she provided reputation, crisis management and government affairs counseling for clients including grocers, cell phone service providers, economic development organizations, convention and visitors bureaus, electric utilities, and the maritime industry.

Merrill earned her M.A. in Journalism and Mass Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations from Kent State University, and a B.A. in Journalism with a broadcast emphasis from the University of Montana. She currently serves on the board of the American Red Cross of Greater Idaho and is chair of the Philanthropy committee and also serves on the Legislative Committee of the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry. She has served on the Association of Washington Business Executive Committee; the board of Oregon Food Bank and as chair of its Advocacy Committee; and as president of the Board of the Oregon/SW Washington Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. She lives in Meridian, Idaho.

Helped lead $1.7B agency including management, budget, technology, procurement and legislative affairs at MBTA

Led multiple technology upgrades at MBTA that resulted in a significant leap forward innovation at the agency, also became very proficient in state procurement processes and rules

Helped develop and coordinate strategy to consolidate functions of six transportation departments as Legislative Director at MassDOT

Routinely worked with staff and vendors on hundreds of millions of dollars in road and bridge projects annually

Responsible for writing and tracking all legislation and budget matters for Asst. Minority Leader

Policy Advisor at Preti Strategies

Chief of Staff, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority

Legislative Director, MassDOT

Chief of Staff, Massachusetts Highway Department

Chief of Staff and Legislative Director, Assistant Minority Leader, Massachusetts Senate


Education:

University of Massachusetts

Mandy Drendel joined the Cornerstone Illinois team as a vice president in January 2021. She is an attorney and registered lobbyist with experience advocating on behalf of clients before the Illinois General Assembly and Executive Branch. As a contract lobbyist, Mandy's worked on behalf of industries including telecommunications, energy, gaming, healthcare, insurance, education and cannabis.

Prior to joining Cornerstone, she served as senior legal counsel in the Illinois Senate President's office where she worked on telecommunications, insurance, tax, and pension issues. During her tenure, Mandy helped lead major legislative initiatives including a telecommunications rewrite, small cell wireless deployment, major insurance legislations, revenue packages, property tax relief and pension reform.

Before that, Mandy served on the Senate Democratic legal team, and acted as the caucus's key regulatory and administrative rule specialist where she staffed the General Assembly's administrative rulemaking committee. This experience provided her direct access and insight into the regulatory arm of Illinois state government.

Mandy received a Juris Doctorate from the Loyola University Chicago School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.

11-15 years

Gabrielle Kees joined Cornerstone Government Affairs in 2009 with over 12 years of experience working in and around the Louisiana Legislature and Louisiana politics.

Gabrielle served as a senior lobbyist for the Louisiana Association for Justice for six years, leading legislative efforts to preserve and improve access to the civil justice system and the legal profession. She built dozens of strong relationships with legislators and their staff and in her spare time, worked on several campaigns for legislative candidates. Gabrielle continues to represent the association as outside counsel and leads the team for Cornerstone.

In addition to her work with LAJ, Gabrielle is an integral part of several other Cornerstone client teams including UnitedHealth, CenturyLink, and Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center.

Prior to joining the LAJ, Gabrielle spent six years as a staff attorney for various committees in the Louisiana House of Representatives. She began her career in the House as liaison to the Legislative Auditor's Office. She then staffed the House Committee on Agriculture, and eventually served as the attorney for the House Commerce Committee, where she specialized in drafting legislation on occupations and professions, banking and financial institutions, business associations, river navigation and piloting, and commerce in general.

Gabrielle received a BA in political science from Louisiana State University where she was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. She earned a Juris Doctor from Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law Center in 1996, and was admitted to the Louisiana Bar Association. After graduating she served as a law clerk for the 20th Judicial District Court.

Rachel Farmer has 20 years of experience in government affairs activities including, policy development, executive branch engagement, drafting legislation, grassroots activities and political campaign strategies. She has extensive knowledge of health care related issues, state budget and capital outlay processes and economic development business incentives. She joined Cornerstone's in October 2022 and serves as a principal in the Baton Rouge office.

Rachel came to Cornerstone from UnitedHealth Group, where she served as vice president of external affairs and managed the development and implementation of political strategy, relationship development, public policy engagement and overall business advancement initiatives with key state and local policy makers. Additionally, she was responsible for directing all executive and legislative lobbying activities for three state territory, including establishing and overseeing all PAC and corporate political contributions and managing government affairs consultants in each state.

Prior to that, she was a legislative and congressional liaison to Secretary Stephen Moret with the Louisiana Department of Economic Development (LED). She reported directly to the Secretary and served as the primary contact for all legislative communication on behalf of LED, assisting the Secretary in the development of strategies and legislative initiatives to further enhance Louisiana's business development efforts.

Rachel also served as the director of governmental relations with Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), where she led legislative and political activities for ABC Louisiana, provided lobbying services and actively tracked legislation and regulation issues of importance to ABC. She has experience working with the Louisiana Division of Administration and the House of Representatives serving as a confidential assistant and legislative analyst, respectively.

Rachel holds a Bachelor of Science with a major in business administration and a minor in political science from Louisiana State University.

20+ years

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

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

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

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

20+ years

Louisiana Political Museum Hall of Fame Inductee (2016)

Lafayette General Hospital Foundation Board of Directors (present)

Moncus - Lafayette Central Park - Board of Directors (present)

232 Help- Board of Directors, Executive Committee (present)

Hillard University Art Museum - Hillard Society - Chairman (present)

Community Foundation of Acadiana - CFA - Board of Directors (present)

Opus Christi Magum - Catholic Charities - Co-Chair (present)

One Acadiana - Chamber of Commerce - Board of Directors (present)

Swamp Base - Boy Scouts - Capital Campaign - Co-Chair (present)

Evangeline Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, Advisory Board (present)

ICON Awards/ABC Fund - Advisory Board (present)

Order of Malta (Catholic Society) (present)

Louisiana Governor's Mansion Preservation Foundation (present)

Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities- Board of Directors (present)

National Association of State Lobbyists (NASL) Past President, President Emeritus (present)

ICON/Arts/Buisness/Culture: Patron Award (2019)

Lafayette Civic Cup 86th Recipient (2018)

National Outstanding Eagle Scout Award - NESA (2017)

Louisiana Association of Museums Outstanding Foundation Support Award (2017)

Louisiana Political Museum Hall of Fame Inductee (2016)

University of Louisiana at Lafayette Spring Gala "Alumni Honoree" (2014)

Lafayette Public Library - Major Donor Award (2009)

Bishops Charity Ball - King Louis XIII (2000)

Monsignor Alexander O. Sigur Award Recipient (Diocese of Lafayette) (1999)

Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem (Catholic Order) - Knight Grand Cross

Order of Malta (Catholic order)

Louisiana Statehood Bicentennial Commission (past)

Odgen Museum- Board of Directors (past)

Louisiana Commemorative Coin Advisory Commission (past)

Louisiana Association of Business and Industry Trade and Tourism Council (past)

Evangeline Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, Vice President of Finance (past)

Our Lady of Lords Hospital- Board of Directors (past)

St. Thomas More High School Foundation Board (past)

Bishop's Charity Ball, Fundraising Chairman (Diocese of Lafayette) (past)

St. Thomas More School Board (3-year term) (past)

Our Lady of Fatima School Board (past)

Boy Scouts of America/Evangeline Council Board of Directors (past)

Bishop Charity Ball Executive Committee (Diocese of Lafayette) (past)

Louisiana Lobbying Commission (Registration and Reporting) (past)

Our Lady of Fatima School Foundation, Board of Directors (past)

Old State Capitol Foundation, Board of Directors, Advisory Board (past)

Krewe of Gabriel, Lafayette, Louisiana (present)

Krewe of Bonaporte, Lafayette, Louisiana (present)

Krewe of Rio, Lafayette, Louisiana (present)

Louisiana Historical Society, Board of Directors (past)

Chairman of the University of Southwestern Louisiana Alumni Association's Legislative Relations (past)

Louisiana Insurance Lawsuit Reporting Commission (past)

Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee (State Police, Department of Public Safety) (past)

Louisiana Association of Business & Industry (LABI); Steering Committee of the Liability Reform Task Force; Steering Committee of the Unemployment Compensation Task Force; Steering Committee of the Worker's Compensation Task Force (past)

Lafayette Chamber of Commerce (Executive Committee; Board of Directors [1988-1990]; Past Chairman of the Oil & Gas Division/Long-Range Planning; Lafayette Leadership Board of Directors) (past)

Fine Arts Foundation, Board of Directors (past)

Commerce & Energy Bank of Lafayette, Louisiana, Advisory Board of Directors (past)

Louisiana Society of Association Executives, Board of Directors (past)

United Cerebral Palsy of Louisiana, First Vice-President (past)

Chamber of Commerce, Vice President of State/National Affairs (past)

Krewe of Louisiana, Washington, D.C. (1981-Present)

Association of Louisiana Lobbyists (Member; President [1985-88]; Past President [1989]; Board of Directors [1990]) (past)

Randy K. Haynie is the owner and president of Haynie & Associates, a government relations firm established in 1980 with offices in Baton Rouge and Lafayette, Louisiana. His son, Ryan K. Haynie, is his partner in the Baton Rouge-based firm of Haynie & Associates. From these bases of operation, he has been lobbying the Louisiana legislature for thirty-seven years and has served under the last seven Louisiana Governors.

Randy Haynie first acquired his taste for politics upon being elected SGA President of the College of Sciences at the University of Southwestern Louisiana. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, chemistry and mathematics, he became a Sergeant-at-Arms for the Louisiana Senate and then the personal aide of former Senator Edgar "Sonny" Mouton. He worked extensively in Mouton's gubernatorial campaign and with this experience under his belt; he opened the consulting firm of Haynie & Associates. The knowledge of the oil industry he picked up while working as a roughneck during the summer months while a student at USL helped him acquire one of his first clients, The Louisiana Oilfield Contractors Association, which he still represents today. It was not long before he began representing a wide variety of clients.

Presently, he represents national corporations such as JP Morgan/Chase, GE (General Electric) GM (General Motors), Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, Caesar's Entertainment Inc., Enterprise Rental Cars Inc., New Orleans Saints, National Football League, and Johnson Controls.

Ryan Haynie is President of Louisiana Governmental Studies, which has published a Louisiana Legislative Directory yearly since 1984. The firm has also published eight four-year editions of the Grass-Roots Guide to the Louisiana Legislature.

Randy Haynie is just as involved in civic and professional organizations as he is in his businesses, an important lesson he learned as he achieved the rank of "Eagle" from the Boy Scouts of America. He is the past National President of the National Association of State Lobbyists. Furthermore, he currently serves on various boards throughout Louisiana, including the La. Endowment for the Humanities, the Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum in Lafayette, and the Community Foundation of Acadiana. In addition, he has served on the Bishop's Charity Ball Executive Committee for the Diocese of Lafayette since 1996 and was selected the 13th Annual Bishop's Charity Ball King Louis XIII in 2000 and was inducted into the Louisiana Political Hall of Fame in 2016. Randy is an active member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre and was also accepted to the class of 2009 for the Order of Malta. In 2018, Randy was awarded the Lafayette Civic Cup, its 86th recipient since 1933.

On the personal side, he is an avid collector of objects associated with Louisiana and has an extensive collection of Louisiana obsolete currency, including state, parish, municipal, merchant and bank notes which date back to the 1800s. He also collects lottery tickets issued by the first Louisiana Lottery Company as well as photos of Louisiana governors and memorabilia related to their terms of office. He has several early maps of Louisiana and owns original paintings by well-known Louisiana and Southern artists. Randy Haynie showcases his Louisiana collection at Long-View, his Baton Rouge office that was once the home of one of Louisiana's most colorful governors, Earl K. Long.

Charlene Puchalla serves as an Assistant Vice President in Cornerstone's Atlanta, GA office, assisting the firm's government relations team with client service activities including conducting research and providing updates on state legislative matters and diverse regulatory issues.

Charlene joins Cornerstone following her time at Wellstar Health System, where she held multiple positions, most recently serving as a Government Relations Specialist. In this role, she developed and managed relationships with elected officials and key staff in Georgia at the local, state and federal levels, while assisting in developing and recommending legislative priorities and goals. Charlene gained invaluable experience summarizing and interpreting the impact of legislation and preparing legislative summaries, regular communications and presentations. She also served as a Legal Assistant of Government Relations at Wellstar.

Prior to Wellstar, Charlene served as a scheduler and field representative for Representative Tom Price (R-GA) for more than seven years. She began her career as a legislative and research aid in the Pennsylvania State Senate.

Charlene earned her bachelor's with a concentration in public administration from Shippensburg University.

CHRISTOPHER DURYEA serves as Managing Partner of Statewide Public Affairs. Certainly New York has experienced an unprecedented level of political upheaval over the past several years. As a result, partnering with government has become more challenging. In founding Statewide Public Affairs, Mr. Duryea's vision is to manage a dynamic, experienced and trusted team who excels for our client's government affairs needs within the context of today's challenging environment.

With over two decades of experience working in and around New York politics, Mr. Duryea has well-recognized expertise in assisting clients navigate the complexities of New York state and local government. As Managing Partner, Mr. Duryea is responsible for the continued success of Statewide's clients.

Most recently, Mr. Duryea was a Partner at Marsh, Duryea & Associates where he represented numerous clients and developed a particular expertise on corporate, taxation, economic development, telecommunications and energy matters. Mr. Duryea also previously served as Vice President of the Cable Telecommunications Association of New York, charged with overseeing day-to-day operations and leading government affairs efforts. Here he developed a keen understanding of telecommunications policy issues and trade association management skills.

Mr. Duryea first began building his vast understanding of New York politics as Office Manager for the Onondaga County Democratic Committee, where he worked on numerous Central New York political campaigns. Subsequently he became an expert on the inner workings of Albany, serving as Legislative Director for the Chairman of the New York State Assembly Corporations, Authorities & Commissions and Environmental Conservation Committees.

In May 2012, City & State News named Mr. Duryea as one of "Albany's Rising Stars" noting, "Duryea is a key player." Mr. Duryea is a veteran of the U.S. Navy's submarine service and has a Masters in Political Science from the Rockefeller College at SUNY Albany and a BA in Political Science from SUNY Albany.

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.

Jordan Gleason has over 10 years of experience in effective advocacy, coalition building and providing strategic solutions for legislative and regulatory issues. He has a deep understanding of policy at the state level in Louisiana and the federal level in Washington, D.C. Throughout his career, he has built relationships with local, state and federal lawmakers and is familiar with the workings of the regulatory bodies, especially in Louisiana and within the oil and gas industry.

Jordan came to Cornerstone from Adams and Reese LLP, where he served as a Government Affairs Advisor. Prior to that, he was the Government Affairs and Communications Director for the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association (LOGA), where he was responsible for facilitating communication between industry associations to unite on issues important to their respective members. While there he was responsible for planning political fundraisers, industry events and media outreach relating to LOGA's membership and to further a better understanding of the oil and gas industry in the state.

Prior to his work with LOGA, Jordan served as Press Secretary and Legislative Assistant for former Rep. Charles Boustany (R-LA). He was the official spokesperson for the office, liaising with the media and public outlets and advising the Congressman on local political issues including coastal restoration, defense and transportation.

Jordan began his political career as Press Assistant in Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal's administration, eventually becoming the Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs. He received his bachelor's degree from Louisiana State University.

11-15 years

CHARLENE RIDEOUT provides government relations and lobbying services to clients of Kearney Donovan & McGee, P.C. Formerly, Ms. Rideout served as Intergovernmental Affairs Manager for the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA). In that capacity, she was responsible for implementing legislative and regulatory strategies as well as promoting and advocating MWRA's legislative agenda. Prior to working at MWRA, Ms. Rideout was legislative director for the Massachusetts State Senate Assistant Majority Leader and Senate Chair of the Banks and Banking Committee.

15-20 years

20+ years

Recently helped a client make a change in state law that cleared up a logistic regulatory burden that will bring back more than $500,000 to the State of Indiana.

19th Star State Solutions is also affiliated with Dentons Law Firm and a proud member of Dentons 50. As part of the Dentons 50 team. Dentons 50 is a full-service, 50-state public policy and advocacy network with unrivaled reach and depth in state capitols across the nation for clients in all industry sectors. Dentons 50 is a comprehensive, centralized resource for groups and businesses with complex, multistate policy matters.

John Willey is principal of 19th Star State Solutions, LLC, a full-service governmental affairs firm. John assists clients in their legislative, regulatory and executive branch lobbying needs. Mr. Willey has over 25 years' experience in lobbying, state and federal relations, crisis management, grassroots advocacy, campaign/political strategy and development of political action committees.
Prior to forming 19th Star State Solutions, he worked for Anthem, Inc. for over 18 years, managing public affairs for the State of Indiana as well as interests at the local, federal and regulatory level. In addition to his work on the lobbying side, he was also tasked with designing and implementing simultaneous PAC and Grassroots programs for associates in all Anthem states (which, at that time, included Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Maine, Colorado, and Nevada). Under his leadership, Grassroots Membership rose from just fewer than 300 to nearly 1,400, and Anthem's Political Action Committee tripled its PAC receipts as well as its membership to over 700 participants.
Before joining Anthem, John spent over two years as Executive Director of the Indiana Republican Party, running the day to day operations of a 10-person state party staff and managing the political budget for the 1996 elections.
Prior to his work at the state party, he spent over two years at the Indiana House of Representatives' Republican Caucus, serving as a Legislative Assistant and managing the caseloads of 5 State Representatives.
John has consulted on numerous state and federal political campaigns over the years and served as the Hancock County Republican Party Chairman for eight years. In the summer of 2002, John worked for Conservative David Willetts, MP (Member of Parliament) in the British House of Commons, assisting with the day to day duties of his office.
John has served on the Board of Directors of the Public Affairs Council in Washington D.C., the Indiana Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society and the American Lung Association. John a past Chairman of the Board of the Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention (CHIP), and
John also serves on the Indiana Chamber of Commerce's Health Care Subcommittee and is a former member of its Indiana Business for Responsive Government Committee. He is a member of the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce's Political Action Committee, and a past Legislative Chair and former Vice President of the Indiana Association of Health Plans and is a member of the Government Affairs Society of Indiana.
John is a graduate of the 33rd class of the Stanley K. Lacy Executive Leadership Series, and is also a graduate of the Public Affairs Council's 3 year Public Affairs Institute program.

MICHELLE MCGEE focuses her practice on government affairs representation before government bodies at the local, state and federal levels. She has extensive experience representing clients' interests before both the Massachusetts and Connecticut legislative and executive branches of government. Formerly, Michelle worked at New England Electric System (now National Grid) where she developed and implemented comprehensive legislative and external strategies to achieve New England Electric's public policy initiatives in both Massachusetts and Connecticut. Prior to establishing Kearney, Donovan & McGee, LLC, Ms. McGee was a member of the government affairs practice group at Choate, Hall & Stewart.

6-10 years

Recognized by the Arizona Capitol Times as one of the top lobbyists in the state under the age of 40 (2017)

Recognized by the Arizona Capitol Times as a "Breakdown Breakout" winner, given to the sharpest political and industry minds in Arizona under 40 (2019)

With nearly a decade of government relations experience at the state and local level, Lauren's specialty practice areas include policy issues in the healthcare, real estate and tech sectors. Prior to entering into the policy realm, Lauren worked in marketing and public relations, executing local and national media campaigns for clients ranging from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies. Her background also includes having developed and implemented grassroots campaigns surrounding legislation for one of Arizona's largest nonprofit organizations. A graduate of the University of Arizona with an academic focus in journalism and political communication, Lauren has extensive experience working with local and national news outlets. Recognized by the Arizona Capitol Times as one of the top lobbyists in the state under the age of 40, Lauren represents the firm's interests before the Arizona State Legislature, the Office of the Governor, state agencies and various municipalities.

Education: B.S., University of Arizona

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.

6-10 years

Dianne began her career at the Massachusetts State House alongside freshman State Representative Marty Walsh, now former Secretary of the US Department of Labor. From there, she led public policy and intergovernmental relations for Massachusetts public safety and public health agencies. In those roles, she secured major funding for operations and capital improvements, and policies to improve services to the Commonwealth's most vulnerable residents. Shortly after Walsh became Mayor in 2014, she helped him build out Boston's first-ever Economic Development cabinet.Her experience includes public policy, legislative, and regulatory work for legislative, executive, and independent state agencies, municipal government, political campaigns, and private consulting. Dianne specializes in public safety, construction trades issues, the cannabis industry, and public health.

Sandi Jones joined MHSA in 1996 and became a member in 2003. She adds over 20 years of governmental and community relations experience to the MHSA team and is considered one of Lansing's top ten lobbyists and one of the most powerful female lobbyists in Michigan.

Specializing in appropriations, judiciary, mental health, long term care, law enforcement, criminal justice, and education issues, Sandi enjoys influencing change in the legislative and regulatory processes.

Sandi holds a bachelor's degree in Communications with a minor in Marketing and a Master's in Public Administration, both from Western Michigan University (WMU). She holds the distinction of being the first female to have served as the president of the student body at WMU. Sandi is a member of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, Pi Alpha Alpha National Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration, the Michigan Political History Society, the American Society for Public Administrators and is a founding member of In Forum and The White House Project.

In addition to her education-related organizations and associations, Sandi is a member of the March of Dimes Board of Directors, the Michigan Society of Association Executives, the Michigan Fraternal Order of Police, and the Children's Trust Fund. She is currently Chair of the Public Affairs Committee for the Michigan Chapter of the March of Dimes. She has helped build homes for Habitat for Humanity and facilitates mock law-making sessions with the Michigan Youth Leadership Forum, a program to introduce high school students with disabilities to state government. She also sits on the Board of Directors of Montessori Children's House of Lansing and volunteers for various other youth initiatives, including her favorite, Impact Lansing.

Sandi and her husband John reside in Mason with their five children.

20+ years

In 2020, named by the Hartford Business Journal as one of the top 50 most influential people in Hartford.

In 2017 she was honored as "Practitioner of the Year" by the Greater CT Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).

In 2005, recognized by the Hartford Business Journal as one of eight top woman business owners.

Developed and implemented several Connecticut market entry initiatives for a global banking interest, outpatient medical and behavior health facilities and a renewable energy company.

Led several multi-organizational coalitions to pass landmark legislation on scholarship funding, tort reform, energy deregulation, managed care regulation and tax initiative opposition.

Drives business strategy and best practices for two separate and widely respected companies.

Appointed by the Mayor of Hartford to Chair the Hartford Parking Authority.

Prior to starting Sullivan & LeShane, Inc. (S&L) in 1983 and Sullivan & LeShane Public Relations in 1988, served as Director of External and Public Affairs for a highly respected statewide medical and vocational rehabilitation organization.

Member and Secretary of the University of Saint Joseph Board of Trustees and chairs the Academic Women's Leadership. Vice Chair of the Washington-based Public Affairs Council, a professional association of corporate/national organizations.

Holds a Master's Degree in Healthcare Finance from the Rensselaer Lally School of Business and a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Leadership and Community Development from Springfield College. Participated in select executive level programs at Stanford University and McGill University. In addition, participated in the Yale School of Management leadership program.

Sydney Ridley brings years of legislative and political experience to Southern Strategy Group's Tampa Bay office. Sydney spent the past four years as the Chief Legislative Aide to House Majority Leader Dana Young, where she directed all priority policy and budget initiatives. Sydney's time as staff was at the highest level of the Florida House of Representatives, and she brings unmatched relationships with legislative staff, agency heads, and elected officials.

A political pro in Tampa Bay with extensive campaign management experience, Sydney guided Senator Dana Young to successive electoral victories in the Florida House and spearheaded her subsequent election to the Florida Senate. Sydney's political expertise, particularly in the Tampa Bay area, serves as a great strategic asset to our clients. In addition to her work with Senator Young, Sydney has served as both a political director and a field director on various Congressional and State Senate campaigns.

Born and raised in Tampa, Sydney is a third-generation Floridian, a graduate of the University of Virginia, a Florida Gator at heart, and a lover of history, golf, music, and football.

15-20 years

Successfully secured recent state approval of the largest public and private partnership for a 45 block redevelopment in Detroit, including a world class event center and mixed use development, valued at $650 million;

Helped design and execute a successful strategy to expand early childhood funding, including $65 million in additional funding opportunities for 14,000 preschoolers to attend Great Start Readiness Program (GRSP);

Successfully achieved approval of KENO for the Michigan State Lottery, which has generated hundreds of millions of dollars into the school aid fund;

Recently negotiated an economic development package with the MEDC to allow for a $100 million expansion, creating 1,000 new jobs for a Mid-Michigan based client;

Played an instrumental role in reshaping debate and the political environment on behalf of a major business organization by helping pass key policy initiatives which include: major business tax restructuring and incorporating fiscal discipline and performance metrics;

Obtained Legislative authority for the start up of the Biosciences Research & Commercialization Center at Western Michigan University including $10 million in state start up funds, creating over 33 life science companies, 240 high tech jobs and leveraged an additional $160 million in private sector investment;
Helped negotiate an incentive package, on behalf of a large international IT company, with the State of Michigan to bring a unique global software development center to the campus of Michigan State University, creating over 500 jobs to date;

Effectively secured hundreds of millions of dollars in capital outlay projects for our university and community college clients;

Assisted several clients in successfully navigating through the procurement process in areas such as Michigan State Lottery, Department of Corrections, IT, and Real Estate, resulting in several hundred million dollars in opportunities;

Negotiated a comprehensive economic development package for an international client, including infrastructure dollars for $84.4 million in investment in 1,600 new jobs in West Michigan;
Facilitated the donation of a retired 747 Jetliner from a major airline to a university client's aviation and engineering programs for the training of future pilots and engineers;

Secured $100 million in state funding for the construction of the McNamara Terminal at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport;

Passed legislation that raised the cap that a Michigan based beer manufacturer could produce each year, allowing it to continue to grow and invest in southwest Michigan while hiring dozens of new employees.

Bret Marr joined MHSA in 2003, and became a member of Muchmore Harrington Smalley & Associates, LLC in 2015. Prior to that, he successfully served as Director of Legislative Affairs for former Governor John Engler. Bret served as the primary contact between the Michigan Legislature and Governor Engler on legislative and appropriations issues. Bret coordinated Michigan's electric restructuring plan in the Legislature as well as the rewrite of Michigan's Telecommunications Act. He also shepherded numerous changes to Michigan's tax structure, including a rewrite of the Brownfield program and streamlining of the tax reverted property process.

Consistently voted one of Lansing's top lobbyists, Bret's focus is now on hospitality, healthcare, transportation and general business issues. He also manages several appropriations issues for MHSA's clients. In recent years, he has successfully secured funding for the Detroit Super Bowl XL Host Committee, state approval of a new events center in the City of Detroit and directed the efforts of a coalition moving Michigan's school start date to after Labor Day.

Prior to serving Governor Engler, Bret was Director of Government Affairs for the Michigan Restaurant Association (MRA). He served as the MRA's Lansing and Washington, D.C. lobbyist and coordinated a strong grass roots program. Bret began his career in the Michigan Senate as Communications Director for the Chair of the Education Committee. While a Senate staff member, he served as policy advisor to the Appropriations Committee and advisor to the Economic Development and Financial Services Committees.

Bret graduated with a bachelor of science in Public Affairs Management from Michigan State University and received his Master's of Public Administration, also from MSU, where he graduated with honors. He served on the Michigan Travel Commission and is a member of the Michigan Political History Society. He also coaches youth soccer and hockey.

Bret is married to Jenna and resides in Okemos with their three children.

JOHN Y. BROWN III was elected as Kentucky's Secretary of State at the age of 32, the second youngest in the nation, and re-elected without opposition, serving from 1996-2004. His accomplishments as secretary of state include becoming a national voice for election reform, creating nationally recognized e-government services as well as programs to promote entrepreneurism and small business development, all while saving Kentucky taxpayers nearly a million dollars through efficient management measures. Before entering politics, John headed up franchising for Roaster's Inc., developing fast food venues in 37 states and several foreign countries. John served as vice-president of ResCare, working in government relations and public affairs for the Louisville based human services company with over 40,000 employees in over 40 states and several foreign countries. He served several years as an adjunct professor of business law at Bellarmine University. In 2007, John ran unsuccessfully as the lieutenant governor running mate on a ticket with gubernatorial candidate Jody Richards (Kentucky's Speaker of the House) in a seven slate Democratic primary. John graduated magna cum laude from Bellarmine University, earned a law degree (with distinction) from University of Kentucky, and then went back to Bellarmine University for his M.B.A.

6-10 years

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
Massachusetts State Senate, Legislative Aide
Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, Legislative Director
Sullivan & McLaughlin Companies, Project Manager

EDUCATION
Middlebury College, B.A. 1992

Prior to joining Jones Walker, Paul worked for Congressman Bob Livingston for more than 20 years, serving as legislative director and associate appropriations committee staffer. In this capacity, Paul was a primary advisor on all federal appropriations and related congressional authorization committees as well as federal agency and executive branch policy matters. Through this involvement, Paul has developed a vast network of contacts in the federal, congressional, and private sectors. He also has acquired extensive experience in the development and implementation of the 12 annual appropriations measures, related authorization bills, and federal agency and executive branch programmatic, jurisdictional, and policy issues.

Paul is a founding partner of the Livingston Group, which has had a strategic alliance with Jones Walker since 1999. Drawing on his knowledge and experience, he has helped a variety of clients attain policy, regulatory, and legislative goals with key members of various congressional committees, the White House, and executive branch agencies.

Paul has advocated issues, prepared appropriations and authorization bills, and developed report language for clients in a variety of industries, including financial services, national security, information technology, education, corps of engineers, transportation and infrastructure, maritime, energy, social services, and other sectors.

Since early 1999, Paul has provided ongoing volunteer services and support to the National World War II Museum in New Orleans.

20+ years

In 2017, Governor-elect Phil Murphy selected Eric to serve on the Human Services Committee for his transition team. During that same year, he was nominated by Kentucky State Senator Jimmy Higdon and commissioned by Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin to become a Kentucky Colonel.

In 2004, Eric was nominated by New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey to serve on the South Jersey Port Corporation's Board of Directors, which is responsible for the development of port facilities in South New Jersey. Eric was reappointed in 2008 by Governor Corzine and again in 2017 by Governor Chris Christie.

In 2018, Eric was appointed to the Advisory Board of the Burbank International Film Festival.

Eric is also a founding member of the Board of Directors for the NYC Fashion Manufactures Alliance of Design Educators and Save the Garment Center in New York City; a position he's held since 2008.

In 2007, Eric was selected by the American Council of Young Political Leaders, a bi-partisan not-for-profit international exchange organization, as a delegate to Vietnam for a two-week political exchange program. Eric joined six other young political leaders from the U.S. to study Vietnam's political system, engage in dialogue on international issues, and forge professional relationships. He's also participated in international trade missions, including trips to the Netherlands, China and the United Arab Emirates.

Eric was appointed in 2007 by New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine to serve as a member of the Economic Growth Council to assist with statewide economic development policies.

Eric is a former Committee Chairman for the Mercer County College Board of Trustees Advisory Committee and a former member of the Board of Trustees for the Arts & Business Partnership of Southern New Jersey. He's served on the boards of the Mercer County Workforce Investment Board, the Mercer County Economic Development Committee and Junior Achievement. Eric was appointed by Assembly Majority Leader Paul DiGaetano in 2002 to the New Jersey Council of Local Mandates and served as Vice Chairman until 2004.

B.S., Cum Laude,
Texas Tech University
Major: Agricultural & Applied Economics

Drew DeBerry has more than 20 years of experience at the highest levels of public policy development and implementation. He has dedicated his years of service to developing a wealth of knowledge and relationships that complement the growing range of clients at Axis Strategic Partners.

DeBerry served on Governor Greg Abbott's senior staff for the first three years of his term as governor, most recently serving as Director of Budget and Policy and as Policy Director prior to that. In those roles, DeBerry worked closely with executive agency commissioners, directors, and staff as well as legislative offices on all aspects of the state budget and programs throughout state government.

Prior to working for Governor Abbott, DeBerry was the Deputy Commissioner of the Texas Department of Agriculture under then-Commissioner Todd Staples. This position followed several years in Washington, D.C. serving under President George W. Bush as the White House Liaison and Deputy Chief of Staff at USDA. He began his career working in the legislative arena as a staff member in the Texas State Senate.

Throughout his extensive public service career, DeBerry has also worked on state and national political campaigns to develop grassroots coalitions and help to direct overall campaign strategy.

A graduate of Texas Tech University, Drew and his wife, Kara, have four outstanding and talented children.

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

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

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