20+ years

A New Hampshire native, Henry began his government affairs career with a small lobbying firm after graduating as a political science major from the University of New Hampshire in 1986.

He next moved to the Business & Industry Association of New Hampshire, representing the interests of its more than 400 member-businesses and staffing its highly respected environmental affairs and energy and regulated utilities committees. He transitioned back to private practice in 1999, eventually becoming a partner in Sheehan Phinney Capitol Group.

Henry is a highly respected and well-liked lobbyist with three-and-a-half decades of experience. He currently represents clients in the lodging and restaurant industry, healthcare providers, solid waste management industry, life insurers, automobile part vendors and nonprofit organizations.

Henry is chairman of the board of directors for Crotched Mountain Foundation and the Capital Regional Development Council. He is a past chairman of the board of the Concord Family YMCA.

6-10 years

I have been recognized by the Nashville Post list of In-Charge: Government & Politics for 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022

Our firm was recognized nationally by the Public Relations Society of America for our comprehensive public affairs campaign to bring Major League Soccer to Nashville

Mark Cate is the Founder and President of Stones River Group, a Nashville-based public affairs firm serving both Tennessee, regional and national clients. He formerly served as Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam's chief of staff, where he was his top advisor, strategist and negotiator.

During his tenure with the Haslam Administration, Mark led several legislative policy initiatives, including K-12 education reform, workers' compensation reform, civil service reform, an alternative approach to Medicaid expansion, and postsecondary education reform, including the nationally-acclaimed Tennessee Promise program.

Prior to serving in state government, Mark successfully managed Governor Haslam's first gubernatorial campaign in 2010, which led to a record-setting general election victory. He previously worked as an executive in real estate management and development and served for 16 years as a higher education leader. Over the course of his career, Mark has served as a chief development officer, chief planning officer, chief marketing officer, and as a chief financial officer - working on budgets ranging from $10 million to $30 billion.

Mark grew up in Maryville, TN and currently lives in Brentwood with his wife Cathy who serves as the Executive Director of Leadership Tennessee. He and Cathy have two daughters, Bailey who is a recent graduate at Rhodes College and currently serves as a fellow at the Crop Trust in Bonn, Germany; and Abbie who is rising junior at George Washington University.

Cate received a B.S from Carson-Newman College, an M.S from the University of Tennessee, and Harvard University's Institute for Educational Management certificate program. He's served on a wide variety of non-profit boards and was an elected member of the Maryville Board of Education.

20+ years

The Best Lawyers in America, Administrative/Regulatory Law, Government Regulations Practice (2007-2019)

Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rated

Methodist University- Economics and Business Alumni Award (2003)

B. DAVIS HORNE, JR. manages the Government Relations practice at Smith Anderson and leads a team of professionals in the firm's Corporate Relocation and Expansion practice. Dave has spent nearly 30 years representing private interests - including many non-profit associations, medical groups and businesses - before the North Carolina General Assembly and other state and federal government entities. He has been rated in the top twenty of more than 700 lobbyists registered in the State by an independent survey of his peers, the press, and legislators conducted by the North Carolina Center for Public Policy Research Inc for more than a decade.

Dave also advises clients expanding in or relocating to North Carolina about state and local economic development incentives. He has represented clients in many of the state's largest economic development projects.

After receiving his BA with honors from Methodist University, Dave spent several years in business, returning to law school and receiving a J.D. from Campbell University with distinction. His law practice experience includes serving as Associate General Counsel and State Legislative Director for the North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation and its affiliated entities, which include the largest domestic property and casualty insurer in North Carolina. He also served as Director of Government Affairs for the North Carolina Bar Association for five years.

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.

TRACY WINSTON is a Government Policy Advisor in Dykema's Lansing, Michigan office. Tracy has extensive experience in matters related to healthcare, insurance, automotive, no-fault, appropriations, and marihuana policy. Combining her unique experience between state legislatures, former legal practice, and municipal policy, Tracy brings a vast knowledge in tackling policy on all levels of government.

Prior to joining Dykema, Tracy supported the Democrat Caucus for the Michigan House of Representatives as a policy expert covering health care, human services, insurance, auto-no fault, behavioral health integration, and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Budget. Simultaneously, Tracy chaired the Lansing Marihuana Commission; the appeals body for local marihuana disputes. Tracy served as the policy lead on controversial issues such as Medicaid work requirements, no-fault reform, and the House C.A.R.E.S. task force. Previously, Tracy served the State of Texas of House of Representatives as a Committee Director and advised on issues related to veteran affairs. Prior to her legislative work, Tracy worked in private practice with a focus on family law, estate planning and business formations.

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.

20+ years

Alton Ashy established Advanced Strategies nearly two decades ago. As the firm's president, Alton brings a wealth of knowledge, a strong work ethic and sharp business insight to his projects. He began his professional career as a legislative staffer working for both the Louisiana Senate and House of Representatives and quickly transitioned into governmental relations representing clients including Louisiana State University. Alton's ability to quickly assess an issue and develop a winning legislative strategy has helped Advanced Strategies achieve great success for its clients over the years.

MIKE TOMAN is responsible for the firm's day-to-day business operations. He is known for keen attention to detail and a grasp of such varied fields as health care, organizational budgeting, and procurement processes. Mike has been with The Success Group since 2000. Prior to joining The Success Group, he spent five years lobbying as a senior policy analyst with the County Commissioners Association of Ohio, worked for the Ohio Legislative Budget Office, and worked for the Ohio Supreme Court. Mike served as President of the Ohio Lobbying Association (OLA) and was a member of the OLA Board of Trustees for seven years. Currently, Mike serves on the Board of Trustees for The Advocacy Group (TAG) and on The Ohio State University's President's Advisory Board. Mike sits on select alumni committees at the John Glenn College of Public Affairs' Alumni Advisory Committee. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Criminal Justice at Eastern Michigan University and a Master of Public Administration at The Ohio State's John Glenn College.

20+ years

Selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America, Government Relations, 2011-2025

Member, Virginia Code Commission

Commissioner (Virginia), Uniform Law Commission

In addition to being an attorney with McGuireWoods LLP, Chris is an executive vice president in McGuireWoods Consulting. His government affairs practice consists of representing clients before the Virginia legislature, executive branch and state and local agencies.
Chris' legal practice involves advising companies on political law compliance activities, including lobbying, gift restrictions involving public officials, campaign finance, and government ethics laws. He also holds the CIPP/US credential as a Certified Information Privacy Professional from the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP).

With more than 25 years of experience in Virginia government and politics, Chris has developed a deep knowledge of Virginia state and local government and the legislative and regulatory process. Drawing on his experience as a lobbyist and as the former chief counsel to a Virginia attorney general, Chris assists clients in developing and implementing legislative and regulatory strategies to meet their business and public policy objectives.

Chris brings a unique perspective to his political law practice because of his government relations experience. Understanding the political process and the practice of government relations is essential to advising a client on how to comply with the myriad of federal, state and local rules governing lobbying, ethics, conflicts of interest, ethics in public procurement and campaign finance, while still achieving the client's business and public policy objectives.

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.

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.

6-10 years

The Daily Record's Top 100 Women 2021
The Daily's Record's 2017 VIP List (Very Important Professional)
2017 Maryland Rising Star - Legislative & Governmental Affairs
2016 Maryland Rising Star - Legislative & Governmental Affairs
2015 Maryland Rising Star - Legislative & Governmental Affairs
2014 Maryland Rising Star

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.

20+ years

RWL successfully worked with the Legislature and the Public Service Commission to gain approval for the largest-to-date offshore wind project in the United States.

Lead lobbyist in gaining necessary approvals for Dominion's LNG export facility in Calvert County

Represented as co-lead lobbyist for Washington Redskins in their successful move to Prince George's County

Co-lead lobbyist on successful effort for first Maryland P3 project, (Baltimore Seagirt Marine Terminal facility)

Recipient of Maryland Government Relations Association's Outstanding Colleague Award (2019)

Appointed by Governor Glendening to Celebration 2000, and was the Governor's appointee to the Commission on Lobbyists Ethics

Chief of Staff, Parris N. Glendening, County Executive of Prince George's County, Maryland (1988-1990)

People's Zoning Counsel for Prince George's County, Maryland (1985-1988)

Attorney to the Prince George's County Personnel Board (1982-1985)

First Vice Chair, Prince George's County Democratic Central Committee (1986)

Maryland state joint task force on lobbying ethics (1994)

Transition Committee of Attorney General Brian Frosh (2012)

Vice Chair, Anne Arundel County Development Corporation Board of Directors (appointed by Anne Arundel County Executive Steve Schuh and reappointed by County Executive Steuart Pittman (2016-Present)

Joel D. Rozner rejoined the firm as a Partner in 1998. Previously a partner in the firm from 1991 to 1994, Mr. Rozner focuses his expertise on government relations in Annapolis and Prince George's County and is the former chair of the firm's extensive Government Relations and Lobbying practice.

Mr. Rozner was elected three times to the Prince George's Democratic Central Committee. He served seven years as People's Zoning Counsel for Prince George's County and also as Chief of Staff for then County Executive Parris N. Glendening who was later elected Governor. Mr. Rozner was the Governor's appointee to the Commission on Lobbyist Ethics.

In his practice, Mr. Rozner has represented a wide range of clients including the Washington Redskins in their successful move to Prince George's County and also was the lead lobbyist in gaining necessary approvals for Dominion's LNG export facility in Southern Maryland, which to date is the state's largest capital project. Having participated in and managed numerous political campaigns, he is also primarily responsible for development of the firm's legislative strategy.

20+ years

Todd has been with the firm since 1989. From 1987-1989, Todd served as a judicial law clerk for the North Dakota Supreme Court. From 1985-1987, he served as a student researcher at the University of North Dakota Central Legal Research and from 1984-1985, Todd was a law clerk with Bohlman Law Office in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

Todd graduated with distinction from the University of North Dakota School of Law in 1987. Prior to attending law school, he received a Bachelor of Science from North Dakota State University. Todd graduated from Fargo North High School in 1979.

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.

6-10 years

Stephen Susano is the Co-Founder and COO of Stones River Group, a Nashville-based public affairs firm serving both Tennessee, regional and national clients. He provides clients with strategic counsel on business opportunities and project management, regulatory matters, procurement, economic development, third-party engagement, and market positioning. Stephen leverages his lengthy private-sector experience and deep network of relationships with business leaders and key policymakers in state and local government across Tennessee to deliver solutions for clients in multiple industries.

Prior to Stones River Group, Stephen served as Executive Director of the Tennessee Business Partnership (TBP), an advocacy organization supported by many of the state's leading enterprises. He spearheaded its efforts to advance pro-business policies, including education and judicial reforms, to encourage job growth and economic development. In 2014, Stephen led the statewide "Vote Yes on 2" campaign in support of the Judicial Selection Amendment to the Tennessee constitution. Stephen built a broad coalition of business groups, trade associations, legal advocates and community leaders in favor of the amendment. This coalition's successful mobilization helped ensure the amendment was approved with overwhelming support, carrying 94 out of 95 counties in Tennessee

Prior to working in the public affairs space, Stephen had an extensive career in the financial services industry. He served in operating and business development roles for several investment advisers and asset management firms. He has consulted with and raised capital for both U.S. and foreign-based investment firms, and has negotiated distribution and trading agreements with multiple financial services companies. Through his work, Stephen navigated complex regulatory regimes in domestic and offshore jurisdictions

Stephen grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee and currently lives in Brentwood with his wife, Ana. He and Ana have four children. Stephen serves on the board of the Nashville Downtown Partnership.

Tony Niknejad is a distinguished policy strategist and government relations expert, skilled in the areas of legislative advocacy, fiscal management, and strategic planning. Tony assists clients with navigating the Tennessee political landscape, orchestrating policy and legislative initiatives, and steering comprehensive advocacy and public engagement campaigns. From 2019 to 2023, he was the Policy Director for Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, serving as a key advisor and leader for the Governor's Cabinet and leading many of the Administration's major policy reforms. As policy director, Tony also played a critical role in Governor Lee's successful 2018 campaign and post-election transition. Tony spearheaded key policy initiatives across a wide span, specializing in education, workforce, tax and healthcare policy.

• He was a driving force behind multiple Administration legislative initiatives, including the Education Savings Account Act of 2019, the Literacy Success Act of 2021, the Tennessee Strong Families Initiative, and the Tennessee Works Tax Act of 2023.


• Tony also led federal and multi-state relations through the COVID pandemic, coordinating the Financial Stimulus Accountability Group, which managed the allocation of over $6 billion in federal funds received through the CARES and American Rescue Plan Acts.


• Prior to his work with Governor Lee, Tony served as state director for a school choice advocacy organization, overseeing Tennessee PAC activities and lobbying efforts from 2013 to 2017.


• Before that, he served as a legislative staffer in the Tennessee State Senate during the 107th General Assembly.


• Tony is a member of the State Bar of Tennessee and graduated from Vanderbilt University Law School in 2011. He received his bachelor's degree from the University of Georgia, where he double-majored in Economics and Philosophy. He was selected for the Harvard Business School Young American Leaders program, Nashville Class of 2019.

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.

0-5 years

GC Advisors has represented a diverse portfolio of national companies, Arkansas businesses, healthcare organizations, utilities, technology companies, professional and trade associations, nonprofits, and other organizations before Arkansas state and local government. The firm's professionals bring experience from state government, legislative and regulatory affairs, law, public policy, and political and public-affairs work.

Christian previously served in government relations and policy roles in the administrations of Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson and Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. GC Advisors regularly represents clients before the Arkansas General Assembly, constitutional offices, state agencies and regulatory bodies, and local governments throughout Arkansas. The firm's work encompasses legislative and regulatory affairs, government relations, public policy, procurement and funding matters, and stakeholder engagement.

Christian Gonzalez is Managing Partner of GC Advisors, an Arkansas-based government relations and public affairs firm serving businesses, associations, healthcare organizations, nonprofits, and other organizations with interests before state and local government. Before entering the private sector, Christian served in government relations and policy roles in the administrations of Governor Asa Hutchinson and Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. His public-sector experience provided firsthand knowledge of Arkansas's legislative and executive branches and the state policymaking process. Today, Christian leads a team of government relations professionals with experience across a wide range of policy areas and regulated industries. GC Advisors advises clients on matters before the Arkansas General Assembly, constitutional offices, state agencies and regulatory bodies, and local governments. The firm's practice includes healthcare, education, energy and utilities, telecommunications, technology, public safety, financial services, insurance, housing and real estate, agriculture, gaming, infrastructure, professional associations, and other regulated industries. GC Advisors is headquartered in Little Rock and serves clients throughout Arkansas.

Juris Doctorate and Master's in Business Administration from the University of Memphis.

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Tennessee Department of Children's Services, Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference

Zoe Sams is a Principal at Stones River Group, where she serves as a trusted advisor on government relations, public policy strategy, and legislative advocacy. Zoe brings more than a decade of experience working across Tennessee state government, with deep expertise in legislative strategy, policy development, and coalition building. In her role at SRG, she helps clients understand and influence the public policy process, navigate complex political and regulatory landscapes, and advance strategic objectives before the General Assembly and state agencies.

Before joining Stones River Group, Zoe built a distinguished career in public service and government affairs:
* Deputy Director, Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference, where she led legislative agenda development, managed agency budgeting, and coordinated with coalition partners to secure legislative outcomes.
* Director of Legislation, Tennessee Department of Children's Services, advancing policy priorities and legislative engagement for a major state agency.
* Assistant General Counsel and Legislative Liaison, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, serving as the primary legislative contact and policy strategist for the agency
* Assistant District Attorney, where she prosecuted human trafficking cases and crimes against children and other vulnerable victims, grounding her advocacy in both legal acuity and deep personal commitment to public service.

She is known for her strong professional relationships with state officials and stakeholders across Tennessee and for translating complex policy and political dynamics into practical strategies that drive client success. Outside her professional work, Zoe serves on the board of Tennessee Voices for Victims, reflecting her ongoing commitment to public safety and community impact.

0-5 years

Chris Gobble is a respected government affairs specialist with deep issue expertise and a broad base of policymaker and stakeholder relationships. He leverages his insights into the state General Assembly, Tennessee executive branch, and local governments to help SRG clients navigate complex political challenges and effectively advance meaningful policy solutions.

Prior to joining SRG, Chris served as senior director of public policy for the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, where he helped drive policy changes and facilitate government affairs efforts for 2,000 businesses representing over 180,000 employees. He also regularly and effectively collaborated with local, state, and federal elected officials to advance Chattanooga's status as a leader in education, workforce, and economic development.

Prior to Gobble's tenure in Chattanooga, he was the legislative and policy director for the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. In this role, Gobble worked closely with Governor Bill Haslam's office and the state legislature to develop and implement a variety of public policy initiatives.

Originally from Bradley County, Chris earned a B.A. in Political Science and Communications from Lipscomb University. He and his wife Sarah live in Nashville.

20+ years

Former staff counsel to Maryland Senate Budget and Taxation Committee handling matters related to state & local taxes, retirement, and agency budgets

Experienced lobbyist on health care delivery systems, health insurance, and health occupations, including managed care, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, dental plans, and pharmaceuticals

Team leader on multi-firm effort to preserve the Preakness Stakes in Maryland and to enact a statutory framework for a nearly $400 million capital redevelopment effort for Maryland's racetracks

Counsel for automotive industries including new automobile dealers and rental car agencies

Lead lobbyist on legislation to authorize transportation network companies

Experienced gaming lobbyist representing lottery, casino, racetrack, and sports wagering interests

Procurement counsel assisting entities on RFPs, bids and other offers of goods, services, and construction to state & local governments

Counsels clients on state and local ethics laws, gift laws, campaign contribution compliance, election laws, and lobbying rules

Fiscal Analyst, Department of Fiscal Services (1988)
Committee Staff, Maryland Senate Budget & Taxation Committee (1989 - 1990)

Michael V. Johansen is the Administrative Partner at Rifkin Weiner Livingston LLC and the Chair of the firm's Administrative Law and Regulatory Compliance practice. Mike has nearly 30 years of experience in lobbying and legal matters before the General Assembly, executive agencies, and local/municipal governments in the state of Maryland. As a registered lobbyist, he has represented clients in the areas of healthcare, healthcare financing, health reform, health certificate of need (CON), casino gaming, lottery, horse racing, transportation, motor vehicles, rental cars, insurance, state and local taxes, franchises, business regulation, IT - information technology, environmental regulation, procurement, state contracting, bid protests, and acquisition of public funds for private programs and projects. Mike also advises clients on state and local ethics laws, gift laws, campaign contribution compliance, election laws and lobbying rules.

Prior to joining the firm, Mike was legislative staff to the Maryland General Assembly, the Senate Budget & Taxation Committee, and the Department of Fiscal Services. He is a member of the board of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation - Maryland Chapter and a board member of the Indian Creek School.