Through both her work in the public and private sector, Danna L. Kauffman provides her clients with a unique skill set that enables them to successfully navigate the legislative and executive branches of government. She has established a reputation as a problem solver and consensus builder who can handle complicated issues in a trusted and professional manner.
2) American Association of Dental Boards
3) Baltimore Gas and Electric Company
4) Behavioral Health System Baltimore
7) Community Behavioral Health Association of Maryland
8) County Commissioners of Caroline County, Maryland
9) Curaleaf
10) DaVita, Inc.
11) Greater Washington Society for Clinical Social Work, Inc.
12) HealthCare Access Maryland
13) Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
14) LifeSpan Network
15) Lilly USA, LLC
16) Maryland Academy of Family Physicians
17) Maryland and District of Columbia Society of Clinical Oncology, Inc.
18) Maryland Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians
19) Maryland Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics
20) Maryland Section of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
21) Maryland Society of Eye Physicians & Surgeons
22) Maryland State Licensed Beverage Association
24) Maryland-National Capital Homecare Association
25) MedChi, The Maryland State Medical Society
27) Mid-Atlantic Association of Community Health Centers
28) National Waste & Recycling Association
29) Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.
30) Patient First
15-20 years
Danna L. Kauffman, Esq. joined the firm in 2013 and became a partner in 2017. Throughout her career Danna has worked in various levels of State government and in the private sector. She has established a reputation as a problem solver and consensus builder who can handle complicated issues in a trusted and professional manner.
Beginning in 1997, Danna served as Counsel to the then House Environmental Matters Committee, working on complex health care issues, and then spent three years as a senior legislative advisor to Governor Glendening, where she worked on a wide range of issues in the areas of health, environment, civil rights and homeland security. Immediately prior to joining the Firm, Danna served as the Senior Vice President of Public Policy for LifeSpan Network, the leading senior care provider association in Maryland.
Raised in Howard County, Maryland, Danna holds an undergraduate degree in Economics from Towson University, where she graduated cum laude. In 1996, she graduated with honors from the University of Maryland School of Law, where she was an editor on the Maryland Law Review. Prior to entering State government service, Danna began her career as a litigation attorney at Smith, Somerville and Case, P.A. Danna resides in Annapolis with her husband and two children.
(860) 548-2681
100 Pearl St., PO Box 231277, Hartford, CT, 06123,
Nothing in government happens by accident. To deal with government successfully, creative and effective representation is needed. We are an aggressive lobbying group that anticipates problems and develops strategies to achieve our clients' objectives. Whether our representation is to pass legislation or stop legislation, prevent a crisis or respond to a crisis, we have the ability and experience to achieve our clients' goals and objectives. Our success is in our proven track record. We are a strong bipartisan team that is one of Connecticut's most highly respected government relations practice groups and are recognized for effective and articulate promotion of the interests of our clients.
Firm Specialties:
Unlike most Connecticut lobbying firms, we unite the legal, lobbying and public affairs disciplines through unique experience and intimate familiarity with the legislative and lawmaking process of the State of Connecticut. It is an asset that separates the Firm from its competitors. Few, if any, public affairs corporations offer our capability and professionalism.
We also provide legislative monitoring and personal tracking of legislative issues and proposals, and employ specially-trained staff for the purposes of following pending bills, legislative hearings, committee meetings, amendments and other items of interest.
FOCUS Government Affairs @ UKS is a full service government relations firm that draws upon the knowledge and experience of attorneys, former executive branch officials, and specialists whose collective expertise is made available to all our governmental affairs clients. This team-based approach ensures that the proper resources are determined and committed, so that our government affairs clients receive the most efficient, cost-effective professional services possible.
We provide a broad spectrum of legislative, regulatory, administrative and executive lobbying and consulting services to a wide range of clients. Because we have over 60 years of experience working with and within government, we are experts on the legislative process and can skillfully negotiate with staff and elected officials. In addition, our strong relationships with federal, state and local elected officials allow us to effectively assist our clients in their dealings with all levels of government.
FOCUS Government Affairs has strategic relationship with Connecticut-based law firm Updike, Kelly & Spellacy, PC that allow us to provide an additional level of service including legal advice, counsel, and legal assistance to corporate, institutional, municipal, and individual clients.
1) American International Group, Inc.
2) Associated Builders & Contractors, Inc.
3) AXS
5) Connecticut Association of Pawnbrokers
6) Connecticut Association of Realtors, Inc.
7) Connecticut Police & Fire Union
8) Connecticut State Firefighters Association
9) Connecticut State Society of Anesthesiologists
10) Connecticut Tourism Coalition
13) Cordata Healthcare Innovations Inc.
15) CT Attorneys Title Insurance Co.
16) Encompass Health
17) Fairfield County Medical Association
18) Hartford County Medical Association
19) Northwest CT Public Safety Communication Center, Inc.
21) The Personal Care Products Council
JAMES S. PAOLINO, ESQ. began his career working in municipal government before working for several years at the state level with both the Executive Branch and the Connecticut General Assembly. Attorney Paolino has worked as the Director of State Lobbying for the Connecticut Hospital Association, one of Connecticut's largest healthcare provider associations. As Director of State Lobbying, Attorney Paolino gained extensive experience in handling complex issues including Medicaid reimbursement, workforce and employment legislation, tax issues, patient safety programs, as well as a wide variety of other issues related to healthcare, technology, the environment, and business.
Attorney Paolino brings a great deal of knowledge and experience to the FOCUS Government Affairs team. Having worked at the municipal and state levels as well as the private sector, Attorney Paolino adds a deep level of understanding of government and the legislative process as well as commitment to achieving positive results for his clients. This background gives Attorney Paolino a wide range of personal contacts and relationships in both government and the private sector, which are then utilized to provide positive results for clients. Attorney Paolino combines his background and personal contacts with his legal skills to provide a comprehensive bipartisan approach to challenging issues for his clients.
Attorney Paolino is very active in his community where he currently serves as Chairman of his town's Sewer and Water Commission. He also serves as the Chief Financial Officer and on the Board of Directors of his local branch of the Lion's Club International. Attorney Paolino is also an adjunct professor, teaching Western Civilization, World Civilizations and U.S. History.
860-944-8297
One Goodwin Square, 225 Asylum Avenue, Hartford, CT, 06103,
WILLIAM J. MALITSKY began his government affairs career by working directly for two Democratic Speakers of the House of Representatives, learning the intricacies of the legislative process from inside this key leadership office. Following service on behalf of the Speaker, Mr. Malitsky entered the private sector and served as the Director of Government Relations for the Connecticut State Dental Society, one of Connecticut's largest health related associations, and thereafter became associated with a large Hartford lobbying group. During his extensive career as a lobbyist Mr. Malitsky established a strong reputation for being able to accomplish the legislative and administrative goals of his clients. Mr. Malitsky believes in a bipartisan, leave no stone unturned approach to advocacy in Hartford.
Mr. Malitsky has a wealth of experience within state government and brings these talents to the team at FOCUS Government Affairs. During his five years on the staff of the Speaker, Mr. Malitsky developed strong ties to both parties and learned how to navigate the legislative process in order to achieve the goals of adopting legislation. Mr. Malitsky served on the staff of Speaker Richard. J Balducci during the fiscal crisis of the early 90's providing him with a keen understanding of how government can best operate in challenging times.
Mr. Malitsky brings his drive for success and commitment to excellence to the forefront of any challenge. He has a great deal of experience and expertise in crisis management for the clients he represents. Mr. Malitsky has worked on a variety of complex issues such as: insurance, health care, environmental and tax issues, as well as, energy, pharmaceutical, business, education and construction and development issues. Knowledge of the people involved in decision making is a vital role in any lobbying activity. Mr. Malitsky is uniquely able to combine his knowledge of the people involved in State Government with his understanding of the legislative process and provide his clients with a seamless approach to achieving results. Mr. Malitsky is a frequent speaker before client groups, providing them insight into the lawmaking process and best preparing them to advocate for their positions.
1) Agency Insurance Company of Maryland, care of Bryson F. Popham, P.A.
3) American Association of Dental Boards
4) American Coatings Association
5) Anne Arundel County Licensed Beverage Association, Inc.
6) Baltimore Gas and Electric Company
7) Cloverleaf Standardbred Owners Association
8) County Commissioners of Caroline County, Maryland
9) Curaleaf
10) Diversified Healthcare Trust
11) Flock Group Inc. dba Flock Safety
12) Hughes Network Systems, LLC
13) Insurance Agents & Brokers of Maryland, Inc., care of Bryson F. Popham, P.A.
14) Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
15) KP IV Navy, LLC
16) Lilly USA, LLC
17) Maryland Academy of Family Physicians
18) Maryland AGC
19) Maryland and District of Columbia Society of Clinical Oncology, Inc.
20) Maryland Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians
21) Maryland Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics
22) Maryland Motor Truck Association
23) Maryland Section of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
24) Maryland Society of Eye Physicians & Surgeons
25) Maryland State Licensed Beverage Association
27) MD/DC Society for Respiratory Care, Inc.
28) MedChi, The Maryland State Medical Society
30) National Waste & Recycling Association
31) Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative
32) Office Properties Income Trust
33) Patient First
15-20 years
Steve Wise joined the Firm in 2002 and became a partner in 2008. Early in his career with the Firm he was recognized by the The Gazette as one of the "Rising Stars" of the State House lobbying corps, and he has consistently ranked among the top earning lobbyists in Annapolis since that time.
Steve represents a diverse group of clients before the General Assembly and State agencies, including trade associations and companies in the alcoholic beverage, insurance, gaming, health care, telecommunications and environmental industries.
Mr. Wise's legal practice focuses on administrative law and regulatory matters. He has appeared before the Liquor Boards in 16 of Maryland's 24 jurisdictions and before the Office of the Comptroller, representing alcoholic beverage licensees on licensing and enforcement matters. Steve also represents health care professionals in licensing and disciplinary proceedings before the Board of Physicians, insurance producers and premium finance companies before the Insurance Administration, and has represented maritime-related industries before the Department of Natural Resources. Steve has appeared in many of the State's Circuit Courts, and litigated cases both before the Court of Special Appeals and Court of Appeals.
Steve received his Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science in 1991 and his Masters degree in Public Administration in 1994, both from Florida State University. He graduated cum laude from the University Of Baltimore School Of Law in 2001, and he is admitted to the Maryland State Bar as well as the U.S. District Court for Maryland. Mr. Wise was born and raised on Maryland's Eastern Shore in Denton, and now resides in Annapolis with his wife Amy and twin sons.
Pamela Metz Kasemeyer is regarded by her colleagues as a substantive and tenacious advocate who represents her clients with integrity and honesty. Legislators and regulators know they can rely on the truth and accuracy of Ms. Kasemeyer's representation.
2) American Coatings Association
3) Baltimore Gas and Electric Company
4) Behavioral Health System Baltimore
7) DaVita, Inc.
8) Greater Washington Society for Clinical Social Work, Inc.
10) Hughes Network Systems, LLC
11) Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
12) LifeSpan Network
13) Lilly USA, LLC
15) Maryland Academy of Family Physicians
16) Maryland and District of Columbia Society of Clinical Oncology, Inc.
17) Maryland Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians
19) Maryland Motor Truck Association
20) Maryland Section of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
21) Maryland Society of Eye Physicians & Surgeons
22) Maryland State Licensed Beverage Association
24) Maryland-National Capital Homecare Association
25) MedChi, The Maryland State Medical Society
26) Mental Health Association of Maryland
28) Mid-Atlantic Association of Community Health Centers
29) National Waste & Recycling Association
30) Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative
31) Patient First
32) Players Philanthropy Fund d/b/a Alston for Athletes
20+ years
Pamela Metz Kasemeyer, the Firm's managing partner, has represented a variety of interests before the Maryland General Assembly and regulatory agencies for more than 30 years. An acknowledged authority on Maryland's environmental and health care laws, she includes amongst her clients dominant trade organizations and corporate interests in the solid waste, energy, transportation, and health care sectors.
Ms. Kasemeyer's background in environmental and health care policy is reflected in her law practice which includes legal counsel to her environmental clients on permitting and enforcement actions and representation of health professionals on licensure and disciplinary matters as well as contractual and practice management concerns.
Raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Ms. Kasemeyer is a 1980 graduate of Duke University with a B.A. in Public Policy Studies. She received a Masters degree in Health Services Administration from George Washington University in 1984. Before her graduation from the University of Maryland Law School in 1993, she was President of Professional Practice Consultants, a health care management consulting firm; served as the first Executive Director of the Maryland Association of Health Maintenance Organizations, and was the regional Corporate Development Director for a national solid waste management company. In 1996, she joined Jay Schwartz, forming Schwartz and Metz, P.A., a predecessor to the current firm.
(850) 681-0411
215 South Monroe Street, 301, Tallahassee, FL, 32301,
2) Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC
3) Calhoun County Board of County Commissioners
4) Cherry Bekaert Advisory, LLC
5) Columbia County Board of County Commissioners
6) Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.
7) Florida Rural Economic Development Association, Inc.
10) Northwest Registered Agent LLC
11) Samsara, Inc.
12) State Farm Florida Insurance Co.
13) State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
14) Suwannee County Board of County Commissioners
15) United Therapeutics Corporation
16) Universal City Development Partners, LTD. dba Universal Orlando
(603) 410-4320
ONE CAPITAL PLAZA, PO BOX 1500, ONE CAPITAL PLAZA, PO BOX 1500, CONCORD, NH, 03302,
3) Bedford Ambulatory Surgical Center
4) Boys and Girls Club of Greater Manchester
5) Boys and Girls Club of Greater Nashua
6) Boys and Girls Club of Greater Salem
7) Boys and Girls Clubs of Central New Hampshire
8) Casella Waste Services, Inc.
10) ConvenientMD
11) Cooperative Credit Union Association
13) Delaware North Companies, Inc.
14) DraftKings, Inc.
15) Elevance Health and its Affiliates dba Anthem, Inc
16) Enbridge
17) Fortinet, Inc.
18) Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce
19) Merck Sharpe Dohme & affil-Schering Corp & Merck S
20) New Hampshire Grocers Association
21) New Hampshire Off Highway Vehicle Association
22) New Hampshire Oncology Hematology PA
23) New Hampshire Wildlife Federation
26) Unite Us, Inc.
(603) 410-4325
ONE CAPITAL PLAZA, PO BOX 1500, ONE CAPITAL PLAZA, PO BOX 1500, CONCORD, NH, 03302,
3) Bedford Ambulatory Surgical Center
4) Boys and Girls Club of Greater Manchester
5) Boys and Girls club of Greater Nashua
6) Boys and Girls Club of Greater Salem
7) Boys and Girls Clubs of Central New Hampshire
8) Casella Waste Services, Inc.
10) ConvenientMD
11) Cooperative Credit Union Association
13) Delaware North Companies, Inc.
14) DraftKings, Inc.
15) Elevance Health and its Affiliates dba Anthem, Inc
16) Enbridge
18) Fortinet, Inc.
19) Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce
20) Merck Sharpe Dohme & affil-Schering Corp & Merck S
21) New Hampshire Grocers Association
22) New Hampshire Off Highway Vehicle Association
23) New Hampshire Oncology Hematology PA
26) Unite Us, Inc.
(850) 681-4238
215 South Monroe Street, 301, Tallahassee, Florida, 32301,
2) Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC
3) Calhoun County Board of County Commissioners
4) Chefs' Warehouse of Florida, LLC
5) Cherry Bekaert Advisory, LLC
6) Columbia County Board of County Commissioners
7) Comcast Cable Communications, LLC
8) Fantasy Sports Operator Coalition d/b/a Coalition for Fantasy Sports
9) Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.
10) Florida Public Transportation Association
13) Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida
14) Lift Technology
15) Northwest Registered Agent LLC
16) Samsara, Inc.
17) State Farm Florida Insurance Co.
18) State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
19) Suwannee County Board of County Commissioners
20) United Therapeutics Corporation
21) Universal City Development Partners, LTD dba Universal Orlando
757-627-1988
112 Granby Street, Suite 400, Norfolk, VA, 23510,
1) Alliance for Automotive Innovation
2) Asurion
5) Children's Health System, Inc
6) Consumer Data Industry Association
7) CP&O, LLC
8) CVS Health and All Affiliated Subsidiary Companies
9) DaVita Inc
11) Distilled Spirits Council of the United States
12) Eastern Virginia Medical School
13) Energy Transfer
16) Haleon
17) Hampton Roads Executive Roundtable
18) Hawthorne Aviation Services
19) Huntington Ingalls Industries
21) Rocket Lab
22) Southeastern Universities Research Association
23) StubHub
24) United Therapeutics Corporation
25) Virginia Beach Public Schools
26) Virginia Cable Telecommunications Association
27) Virginia Early Childhood Foundation
410-244-7000
20 West Street, Annapolis, MD, 21401,
(850) 681-0411
Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC, 215 S Monroe Street - Suite 301, Tallahassee, FL, 32301,
(603) 410-4330
ONE CAPITAL PLAZA, PO BOX 1500, ONE CAPITAL PLAZA, PO BOX 1500, CONCORD, NH, 03302,
3) Bedford Ambulatory Surgical Center
4) Boys and Girls Club of Greater Manchester
5) Boys and Girls Club of Greater Nashua
6) Boys and Girls Club of Greater Salem
7) Boys and Girls Clubs of Central New Hampshire
8) Casella Waste Services, Inc.
10) ConvenientMD
11) Cooperative Credit Union Association
13) Delaware North Companies, Inc.
14) DraftKings, Inc.
15) Elevance Health and its Affiliates dba Anthem, Inc
16) Enbridge
17) Fortinet, Inc.
18) Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce
19) Merck Sharpe Dohme & affil-Schering Corp & Merck S
20) New Hampshire Grocers Association
21) New Hampshire Off Highway Vehicle Association
22) New Hampshire Oncology Hematology PA
23) New Hampshire Wildlife Federation
26) Unite US, Inc.
(603) 410-4350
One Capital Plaza, PO Box 1500, One Capital Plaza, PO Box 1500, CONCORD, NH, 03302,
3) Bedford Ambulatory Surgical Center
4) Boys and Girls Club of Greater Manchester
5) Boys and Girls Club of Greater Nashua
6) Boys and Girls Club of Greater Salem
7) Boys and Girls Clubs of Central New Hampshire
8) Casella Waste Services, Inc.
10) ConvenientMD
11) Cooperative Credit Union Association
13) Delaware North Companies, Inc.
14) DraftKings, Inc.
15) Elevance Health and its Affiliates dba Anthem, Inc
16) Enbridge
18) Fortinet, Inc.
19) Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce
20) Merck Sharpe Dohme & affil-Schering Corp & Merck S
21) New Hampshire Grocers Association
22) New Hampshire Off Highway Vehicle Association
23) New Hampshire Oncology Hematology PA
26) Unite Us, Inc.
8046497945
12 S 3rd Street, Richmond, VA, 23219,
(850) 681-4237
215 South Monroe Street, Suite 301, Tallahassee, FL, 32301,
612-280-2249
525 Park St Ste 130, St Paul, MN, 55103,
612-280-2249
525 Park St Ste 130, St Paul, MN, 55103,
612-280-2249
525 Park St Ste 130, St Paul, MN, 55103,
612-280-2249
525 Park St Ste 130, St Paul, MN, 55103,
612-280-2249
525 Park St Ste 130, St Paul, MN, 55103,
651-228-9757
Ste 130, St Paul, MN, 55103,
651-228-9757
Ste 130, St Paul, MN, 55103,
651-228-9757
Ste 130, St Paul, MN, 55103,
651-228-9757
Ste 130, St Paul, MN, 55103,
651-228-9757
Ste 130, St Paul, MN, 55103,
410-244-7000
20 West Street, Annapolis, MD, 21401,
2) American Coatings Association
3) Baltimore Gas and Electric Company
4) Behavioral Health System Baltimore
7) Cloverleaf Standardbred Owners Association
8) County Commissioners of Caroline County, Maryland
9) DaVita, Inc.
10) Flock Group Inc. dba Flock Safety
11) Hughes Network Systems, LLC
12) Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
13) Lilly USA, LLC
16) Maryland Motor Truck Association
17) Maryland State Licensed Beverage Association
19) Maryland-National Capital Homecare Association
20) MedChi, The Maryland State Medical Society
22) National Waste & Recycling Association
23) Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.
24) Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative
27) TurnAround, Inc.
