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.

15-20 years

20+ years

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

Secured the initial state funding needed for UConn to build Gampel Pavilion.

Led the government relations team for several industry mergers requiring approvals from the Office of the Attorney General, State Legislature and other regulatory bodies.

Point person working with the City of Stamford, resulting in $240 million in infrastructure funds.

Sought after political strategist with close ties to every major statewide and local political leader in the state.

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

A veteran political strategist, played key roles in the presidential campaigns of Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan and former Senator Robert Dole, as well the campaigns of former Congresswoman Nancy Johnson, Senator Joseph Lieberman and several Connecticut governors. Most recently served as a senior adviser for two U.S. Senate campaigns and trusted thought leader for two Connecticut Governors.

Graduate of Fairfield University with a BS in Sociology.

Began lobbying career with the Hartford Chamber of Commerce, and then with Connecticut's largest beverage trade association. In 1983, joined his partner Paddi LeShane in founding S&L and, five years later, they founded Sullivan & LeShane Public Relations, Inc. (SLPR)

20+ years

Martindale-Hubbell
    AV -Preeminent Peer Review Rated
Best Lawyers in America
    Insurance Law, 2007-2022
    Government Relations Practice, 2015-2022
    Lawyer of the Year, Insurance Law (Nashville), 2018
    Lawyer of the Year, Government Relations Practice (Nashville), 2020, 2022
Nashville 101 Top Lawyers, Nashville Post Magazine, 2011
In Charge list, Government/Politics, Nashville Post, 2010
150 Best Lawyers, Business Tennessee, 2009
Best of Bar, Nashville Business Journal
Trustee, Harpeth Hall School
Former Board of Directors, Women's Fund of Nashville, Community Foundation of Middle of Tennessee
Former Board Member, Book 'Em
Former Alumnae Board Member, Harpeth Hall School
Former Board Member, Jade's Fund, Vanderbilt Children's Hospital
Tennessee Lobbyist Association
Former Member, Board of Directors

15-20 years

Drew Duncan was born and raised in Parker, South Dakota. Drew graduated from Parker High School in 1994. In 1999 Drew graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. In 2002 Drew received his law degree from the University of South Dakota School of Law. During his time at USD, he served as the Student Board Association Vice-President his second year, and the Student Board Association President his third year. Drew was also a member of USD's Trial Team in 2002.

Following law school, Drew clerked for the Fifth Circuit Judge of the South Dakota Unified Judicial System in Aberdeen, South Dakota. Following his clerkship, he joined Zimmer, Duncan & Cole, LLP in 2003 and helped form The Duncan Law Firm, LLP in late 2017.

Drew has focused his practice on governmental affairs. Drew's practice also includes regulatory work with the State of South Dakota, criminal law, business services and family law.

Drew and his wife, Carrie, have two children, Olivia and Bennett. Drew is an avid golfer and outdoorsman and prides himself in being an active member of the community. He has served on the Board of Directors of the ParMar Valley Country Club, the Board of Directors of the Young Lawyers' Section of the South Dakota State Bar Association, the Executive Board of the South Dakota Republican Party, the Board of Directors of the South Dakota Arthritis Advisory Board, and the South Dakota Board of Elections.

Drew's representative clients include Eli Lilly Corporation, Heartland Consumers Power District, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, Neighborhood Dental, the City of Parker, the South Dakota Collectors' Association, the South Dakota Insurance Alliance and Verizon Wireless.

20+ years

20+ years

Dennis combines his corporate and public service experience to serve clients across a broad range of industries.Dennis has previously held the position of senate sergeant-at-arms for the Mississippi State Senate and served as a staff attorney in the Senate Legislative Services office. He has also served as senior attorney for the Mississippi Public Service Commission and as a regional public affairs manager for International Paper. Additionally, he is the author of the Mississippi Chapter, Lobbying, PACs and Campaign Finance: 50 State Handbook.In addition to holding memberships and leadership positions in a number of professional organizations, Dennis is an adjunct professor of law at Mississippi College School of Law teaching the course, "Legislation."

20+ years

Dell Sales & Government Affairs Award
American Academy of Ophthalmology Public Service Award

BICKFORD PACIFIC GROUP (BPG) has over 25 years experience specializing in all aspects of government, legislative, state administration and local assembly/city council. BPG has been recognized as one of Alaska's top 10 lobbyists with a client list that includes Fortune Top 500 companies. BPG clients benefit from our trusted bipartisan relationships that have resulted in successful outcomes.

Whether you are seeking to enact or defeat legislation on a state or local level, BPG has a proven success record.

Firm Specialties:
Lobbying local & state
Digital/social media advocacy
Grassroots/grasstops
Strategist specialist
Communications/public relations
Crisis management

FRANK BICKFORD, before becoming a lobbyist was a staffer in the early 80's for then U.S. Senator Frank Murkowski, Former State Senator Fritz Pettyjohn and managed Congressman Don Young's campaign in 1984. Frank has been a state lobbyist since the year 2000, with a host of clients and excellent reputation among Democrat, Republican and Independent elected officials.

6-10 years

Jeff Fitzgerald is a partner with Paladin Consulting Group. Mr. Fitzgerald has very strong relationships and connections in the current political climate and is well positioned to help navigate the policy and political goals of our clients. Mr. Fitzgerald comes to Paladin after serving twelve years in the Wisconsin State Legislature. During the most recent session, Mr. Fitzgerald served as Speaker -- "the body's highest post. He has also served as Majority Leader and Assistant Majority Leader during his time in office. Through the leadership of Mr. Fitzgerald, the Assembly Republicans retook control of the Assembly in 2010 after losing the majority two years earlier. As a result of his years in the legislature, Mr. Fitzgerald has a thorough understanding of legislative strategy and procedure. He is very well positioned to help a client navigate government in the most efficient and effective way. Mr. Fitzgerald was
also a candidate for the United States Senate in 2012, giving him a statewide profile and relationships with numerous companies and communities throughout Wisconsin.

KIM GOMES became a lobbyist in her own unique way. She did not get here through politics or law or a cause. Her earliest interests had nothing to do with lobbying. She was a gymnast and a competitor in ballroom dancing. That led to a degree from the University of Delaware in fitness management, and that led to a position at the University of Delaware as the coordinator in charge of the fitness class program on the campus. From there, it was on to work at an insurance office and brokerage firm, except Kim was looking for a new direction, and she thought lobbying would be fun.

Of course she did. She had a taste for the unexpected. She had the slow heartbeat that comes from winning competitiveness. She had a practical foundation of business, organizational and management experience.

Kim added in an academic component by earning a Masters in Public Administration from the University of Delaware. One of the faculty members was Ed Freel, formerly the Delaware secretary of state, and he connected her with Bob Byrd. It clicked, and Kim joined the firm.

Kim's background has been a fine fit, even her ballroom dancing. She paired with Tom Cook, who was the Delaware secretary of finance, for a charity "Dancing with the Stars" event, where they were judged the best dancers. See? Kim was right all along that lobbying could be fun.

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

Tanner Polce served as both the Chief of Staff (2023-2024) and Chief Advancement Officer (2020-2023) at the Brandywine Valley SPCA, the first tristate animal welfare organization in the nation. During his tenure, Tanner was responsible for revenue and fund development, external affairs, and strategies that support the organization's $20+ million in annual revenues. Tanner was also instrumental in the acquisitions strategies that brought the Human Society of Harrisburg Area (PA), the Animal Adoption Center (NJ), and most recently the Humane Society of Washington, DC into the BVSPCA management portfolio.

Prior, Tanner served years in numerous roles for the State of Delaware and as a Councilmember in the City of Dover. Tanner was senior staff in the Office of the Lt. Governor from 2016-2020. Prior to the role of Policy Director for the Office, he served as Legislative Aide to Senator David Sokola and then-Senator Hall-Long. In 2017, Tanner was elected to Dover City Council and served a term before electing to not seek re-election. His deep understanding of relationship management, policy and strategy has been instrumental in his past roles and in ensuring strategic growth, greater connections and key objectives are met.

Tanner holds a B.A. in Political Science and a Master of Business Administration. Tanner and his wife, Shelby, live in Felton with their four dogs- Brutus, Allen, Marty and Charlotte. In their spare time, they are often planning their next travel adventure, watching their favorite soccer teams, or pitching in amongst a number of community service projects.

FRANCIS X. MCMAHON, ESQ., the founder and president of Advocacy Solutions, has deep expertise in ally development, grassroots and grasstops coalition building, strategic communications management, and online advocacy for clients in a wide range of industries including healthcare, telecommunications, energy, and transportation.

Over the course of his career, Frank has been a key staff member and advisor on many winning political and issue campaigns. He served as Special Counsel and Deputy Chief of Staff to Rhode Island Governor Bruce Sundlun and has led campaigns for Honda Motor Corporation, Verizon, and National Grid.

An avid Friar basketball fan, Frank is a graduate of Providence College, Suffolk University Law School, and a member of the Rhode Island State and Federal Bar Association.

20+ years

Mayor, City of Portland (2005-2006)

Portland City Council (2002-2008)

Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority, Board member (2021 - present). (confirmable position)

Portland Regional Chamber, Chair (2012-14), Trustee (2008-16; 2019- present)

Portland Community Chamber of Commerce, President (2019-21), Trustee (2016-present)

Maine State Chamber of Commerce, Trustee (2009 - present)

Federal Communications Bar Association, New England Steering Committee (2011 - present)

Portland Charter Commission, Vice-Chair (2009-2010)

Cumberland County Budget Advisory Committee, Chair (2005)

U.S. Conference of Mayors, Community and Faith-Based Initiatives Task Force, Vice Chair (2006)

Greater Portland Transit District, Trustee (2002-2005)

Project Green Schools, Advisory Trustee (2017-present)

Portland Trails, President (1997-1998), Advisory Trustee (2002 - present)

Mayor's Healthy Portland Task Force (2006-2008)

Portland School Department, Budget and Revenue Task Force, Chair (2013-4)

AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell

Recognized in Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business under Energy & Natural Resources Law

Listed in The Best Lawyers in America for Administrative/Regulatory Law, Government Relations Practice, Energy Regulatory Law in Portland, Maine

Selected by peers for inclusion in New England Super Lawyers under Utilities, Banking and Government Relations

Recognized by Best Lawyers as the 2020 Portland, Maine Energy Law Lawyer of the Year

Neal W. Allen Award for Leadership in the Public Sector (2009)

Ruth M. Shaper Memorial Award, Maine Public Health Association (2008)

Public Service for the Environment Award, Sierra Club, ME Chapter (2006)

As a registered lobbyist for more than 25 years, Jim has developed strong relationships with key legislative leaders, committee members, and state agency officials on both sides of the aisle and across a wide range of policy areas.

As a former municipal official of Maine's largest city, including service on the Legislative Policy Committee of the Maine Municipal Association, Jim has developed an extensive network of municipal officials throughout the State of Maine.

Jim has represented several large statewide trade associations with members throughout the state which allowed him to develop strong relationships over many years with members of the state's banking industry, the water utility industry, the wastewater and sewer district community, county commissioners, and attorneys.

Jim for many years has been an active board member of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce whose board is comprised of business leaders from many of Maine's largest companies.

Jim has in recent years served as board chair of the Portland Regional Chamber and the Portland Community Chamber, which positions are highly visible within the business and government communities in the Portland area.

As a practicing public utilities lawyer, Jim has appeared before the Maine Public Utilities Commission and its staff since the early 1990s. In this role, he has also worked closely the Governor's Energy Office, the Office of Public Advocate, the Maine Department of Transportation, and staff from the Governor's Office across multiple administrations.

As a regulatory lawyer who practice includes representing local government agencies and attorneys, Jim has developed long-standing relationships within many state agencies, including Maine's Judicial Branch, professional licensing agencies, the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, the Maine Department of Administrative and Financial Services, the Bureau of Financial Institutions, the Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection, the Department of Economic and Community Development, the Maine Bond Bank, the Finance Authority of Maine, the University of Maine System, and the Maine Community College System.

Jim has also developed long-standing relationships with the members of Maine's Congressional delegations and their staff.

Jim joined Verrill in 1991 has been a partner since 1999. He currently chairs Verrill's Energy, Telecommunications, and Natural Resources practice group, and he is a founding Director of Maine Street Solutions, Verrill's government relations affiliate. Jim focuses his legal and government relations practice on the following areas:

Energy
Telecommunications
Water and Wastewater Systems
Municipal Law
Procurement
Transportation
Substance Use Disorder Treatment

Jim's unique background as a regulatory lawyer, former Mayor, and trained mediator allows him to provide clients not only with insightful legal advice, but also with creative solutions involving public relations, facilitation, and outreach to key government, business, and community leaders. His experience in public service and leadership positions on multiple business and nonprofit boards gives him a deep understanding of government and a broad range of connections within Maine's business and political community. Applying these skills across a wide range of regulated industries, Jim has helped craft or modify laws and regulations; represented clients in adjudicatory proceedings before government agencies and the courts; assisted clients in complex business transactions; facilitated thousands of board, committee, and stakeholder group meetings; served as a public speaker or moderator at numerous conferences, seminars, trade association meetings, and televised news programs; and provided a wide range of legal and public policy advice.

Jim is a graduate of Columbia University School of Law (J.D.), Princeton University, Princeton School of Public and International Affairs, and the University of Southern Maine (Certificate Program in Mediation).

20+ years

Bruce is the founder of Sheehan Phinney Capitol Group. Having worked the halls and hearing rooms of the State House for more than 40 years, he is one of the most experienced lobbyists in Concord and has developed deep relationships with key policy makers.

Bruce began his work in state government in 1980 as a college intern and later served as a legislative assistant to the New Hampshire House Majority Leader. He began his lobbying career as the Legislative Counsel to the Business & Industry Association of New Hampshire, the state's leading business advocacy organization.

Bruce has represented clients in a wide variety of policy issues during his career including taxation, environmental regulation, electric utility restructuring and health policy.

He has also been involved in political campaigns for the past 40 years and is a sought-after advisor to candidates during each election cycle.

15-20 years

20+ years

ROBERT BYRD. When the confusion, the divide and the intricacies are at their worst, if anyone can be counted upon to pick his way through, it is Bob. One of Bob's most memorable legislative achievements was the legalization of slot machines at the state's racetracks.

Bob can provide expert advice on legislation, government contracts, regulatory review, local government matters and congressional action and see it through by getting to the right people at the right time with the right touch. Bob has the background to work with everyone, from his days as a state representative with a blue-collar constituency to his time as the vice president and chief lobbyist of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce.

His leadership talents were recognized by his fellow legislators, who elected him the majority whip in the Delaware House of Representatives, and by Governor Ruth Ann Minner, who appointed him as the chair of the Delaware Economic & Financial Advisory Council, the panel responsible for the revenue projections that have kept the state's multi-billion-dollar budget balanced year after year. Bob's list of clients in Delaware in unequaled. It includes Aetna, Anheuser-Busch, Dover Downs Hotel & Casino, the Maritime Exchange for the Delaware River & Bay, and the Medical Society of Delaware.

11-15 years

15-20 years

Because of our bipartisan makeup, we have strong relationships with legislative leaders and members in both houses and on both sides of the isle. We also have extensive relationships with the Governor's Administration.

BRYAN BROOKS is a partner with Paladin Consulting Group. With over 20 years of experience in political and policy arena in Wisconsin, Mr. Brooks is well equipped to help a wide variety of clients succeed. Mr. Brooks has strong expertise in strategic consulting, lobbying, procurement, political positioning, grassroots, grass tops, and public relations strategy

Prior to Paladin Consulting Group, Mr. Brooks was the President / Owner of Brooks Consulting LLC, a government and business consulting firm. Mr. Brooks also spent several years at Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek Government Affairs, a subsidiary of Whtye Hirschboeck Dudek SC law firm in Wisconsin. At both Brooks Consulting and WHDGA, Mr. Brooks worked with clients at the local, state, and federal levels in all areas of consulting.

Before beginning his career in government relations, Mr. Brooks served as a Chief of Staff, Research Assistant and Legislative Assistant in the Wisconsin State Legislature. As chief of staff, he was intimately involved in the strategy of all areas of the legislative process. Mr. Brooks has a detailed understanding of the legislative process and procedure as well as a strong familiarity with numerous issues in both houses of the Legislature and in various departments and agencies.

Mr. Brooks has also served as a political strategist on numerous state and national campaigns. Mr. Brooks has close relationships with the Governor's office and his Administration, Attorney General Josh Kaul and his office, and numerous members of the Legislature and their staff.

11-15 years

Past president of Association of Connecticut Lobbyists

Featured presenter at the CT Lobbying Conference on "Lobbying the Executive Branch" the past four years.

2019 Hartford Business Journal Forty Under 40

Over ten years of municipal land use experience on Planning and Zoning/Zoning Board of Appeals

Served as point person for the CT Conference of Municipalities on Energy, Labor and Zoning topics.

13 years of experience in contract lobbying; three years of experience in state and municipal government.

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.

15-20 years

Julie received the WESTMARC President's Award for exemplary work in economic development and was inducted as an Honorary Bobcat at The University of Arizona. She has received Special Congressional Recognition from Congressman Ruben Gallego for her work on his Women's Advisory Commission and was selected by the Maricopa Community College Foundation Board of Directors to serve as Vice Chair.

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 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.

6-10 years

Simon joined Sheehan Phinney Capitol Group in 2015 after serving for 10 years as a staff member for two New Hampshire U.S. Senators, John E. Sununu and Kelly Ayotte.

During Simon's tenure as a senate staffer, he worked on many in-state issues, which led to him developing meaningful relationships throughout the state and in state government that now provide our clients with a deep network to address concerns.

Since joining the firm, Simon has been involved in many key legislative issues at the State House. With his experience in public service, commitment to his clients, and the respect he has built on both sides of the aisle, Simon has become a go-to advocate who has served Capitol Group's clients well.

Simon was raised in a political family. His grandfather, Meldrim Thomson Jr., served three terms as governor of New Hampshire in the 1970s and his mother served three terms as a state representative.

As a third generation participant in New Hampshire's political process, Simon has developed his own network of elected officials and state agency staff members, which gives him insight on the innerworkings of the State House and throughout state government.

Simon, his wife Liz, and their two sons live in Merrimack, N.H. where he has served as a member of the town's Conservation Commission. He currently serves on the board of directors of the Greater Nashua YMCA and was recently installed as an incorporator with Franklin Savings Bank.

20+ years

20+ years

6-10 years

Jennie served as the primary staff member for the House Education Committee.

Jennie Previously served as:
Senior Director of Government Relations and Policy, University of Memphis, 2018-2019. Built and maintained relationships, studied policy initiatives, and advocated for funding before state, local, and Federal officials. Successful in securing capital funding for the Lambuth Campus, a first for the University. Organized the inaugural University of Memphis Legislative Retreat, bringing a record 40 legislators from across Tennessee to the University of Memphis Campus.

Director of Government Relations, State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE), 2014-2018. Represented Tennessee's leading education policy and advocacy organization before the Tennessee General Assembly. Successfully designed and executed a statewide roadshow for a Governor's cabinet member to interact with business and community stakeholders.

Legislative Staffer, Tennessee General Assembly, 2011-2014. Worked for the Tennessee General Assembly in several roles including Research Analyst for the House Education Committee. Developed strong working relationships with key education and business community stakeholders. Maintained a deep understanding of education-related legislation to serve as the primary policy advisor to the committee.

Fundraiser and Campaign Coordinator, Congressman Bill Cassidy, 2010-2011.

AV-rated, Martindale-Hubbell
Fellow, America Bar Foundation
Fellow, Tennessee Bar Foundation
Fellow, Napier-Looby Bar Foundation
Fellow, Nashville Bar Foundation
Appointed by Gov. Lee to the Board of Directors, TPAC Management Corporation, 2019- Present
Appointed by Gov. Haslam to the Board of Directors, TPAC Management Corporation, 2013-2019
R.B.J. Campbelle Award, the University of Tennessee College of Law, 2012
"Nashville's Top 101 Lawyers", Nashville Post Magazine, 2011
Best Lawyers in America
    Energy Law, 2011-2022
    Government Relations, 2016-2022
    Administrative/Regulatory Law, 2022
    Communications Law, 2020-2022
    Lawyer of the Year, Energy Law (Nashville, TN), 2018, 2020, 2022
Mid-South Super Lawyers , Civil Litigation Defense, 2013-2014
J.C. Napier Trailblazer Award, Napier-Looby Bar Foundation, 2010
"In Charge," Legal Category, Nashville Post, 2010
Best of the Bar, Nashville Business Journal, 2003, 2009, 2020
Commissioner, Tennessee Public Utility Commission (Formerly Tennessee Regulatory Authority), 1996-2002
Deputy Legal Counsel to Tennessee Governor Don Sundquist, 1995-1996
Dr. Calvin Calhoun Distinguished Member of the Year Award, 100 Black Men of Middle Tennessee, 2006, 2014 & 2015.
Special Appointment by Gov. Haslam, Tennessee Supreme Court, 2013

Melvin was one of the first practitioners before the Tennessee Public Utility Commission to obtain approval of capital recovery riders under Tennessee's newly passed legislative initiative authorizing alternative regulatory mechanisms for public utilities.

Served a special appointment by Governor Bill Haslam to the Tennessee Supreme Court to hear a case from which four Supreme Court Justices recused themselves (Hooker et al v. Lt. Governor Ramsey et al.).

Successfully litigated on behalf of Tennessee's only publicly held water provider, a regional financial institution, a global wireless communications company, the nation's largest three-service utility, a national automotive finance company, and a coalition of Tennessee telephone cooperatives.

Successfully litigated on behalf of a coalition of over 200 retail fuel providers in an alternative fuel anti-competition case.

Commissioner, Tennessee Public Utility Commission (Formerly Tennessee Regulatory Authority), 1996-2002.

Deputy Legal Counsel to Tennessee Governor Don Sundquist, 1995-1996.

11-15 years

Member of the Delaware Bar Association
Member of the Maryland Bar Association

REBECCA BYRD knows government, policy and politics with the inside knowledge that comes from broad experience with all three branches of government, and she combines it with the perspective of a lawyer. She can draft legislation. She can lobby for it. She can decipher federal and state regulations.

There was a method to Rebecca's decision not to specialize in just anything. With the breadth of her background, she is ready for everything. Rebecca is a third-generation practitioner. Her grandmother was an aide to Gov. Sherman W. Tribbitt, her father is Bob Byrd, and here she is to carry on the family tradition. Rebecca was the deputy legal counsel to Governor Ruth Ann Minner and a deputy attorney general in the state Justice Department under Attorney General Beau Biden. She also clerked on the Delaware Supreme Court for Justices Carolyn Berger, Jack Jacobs and Henry duPont Ridgely and served as a liaison for the court to the General Assembly.

She is the author of articles on Delaware's Coastal Zone Act (Delaware Chamber of Commerce, 2016) and a co-author of "50 State Survey: The Law of Eminent Domain"" (American Bar Association, 2012). Rebecca is a member of the Delaware State Bar Association and the American Bar Association, where she is a member of the Business Law Section and its Government Affairs Committee. She is a graduate of the George Washington University and the Catholic University of America School of Law.