I focus on 'how' to get from A to B, but I also, occasionally, help clients decide whether B is really where they want to go.
Appointed by Governor Lawrence Hogan, Jr. and President Mike Miller to the Maryland Climate Change Commission
AV Preeminent rating in Martindale-Hubbell
Named to The Best Lawyers in America since 1995
Named Baltimore's "Lawyer of the Year" in Environmental Law by Best Lawyers in America, 2019
Named Baltimore "Lawyer of the Year" in Litigation - Environmental by Best Lawyers in America, 2017
Named Baltimore "Lawyer of the Year" in Environmental Law by Best Lawyers in America, 2014 and 2016
Selected to Maryland Super Lawyers list for Environmental Law in 2007, 2008 and 2009 and since 2015, and for Energy & Natural Resources, Environmental Litigation and Government Relations, 2021
Recipient, Outstanding Professional Service Award, Fuel Fund of Maryland for the contribution of legal services, June 2011
Recipient, Award of Excellence as "Consultant of the Year," Home Builders Association of Maryland, Land Development Council, 2010
Recipient, Leadership in the Law Award in Environmental Law, The Daily Record, 2009
Named "Legal Elite," SmartCEO, November 2009
Listed to "Top Lawyers in Maryland," Baltimore Magazine
Michael is a Member in the firm's Energy and Environmental Team.
He was named Maryland "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers in America for Environmental Law and Environmental Litigation. In addition, for more than two decades, he has been named one of the Best Lawyers in America, according to a national poll of lawyers. He has also been named a Maryland Super Lawyer. Michael has the highest possible rating in Martindale-Hubbell (established by peer review) and was a founding member and the first elected chairman of the Environmental Section of the Maryland State Bar Association.
Prior to joining Gordon Feinblatt, Michael served as Principal Counsel to the Maryland Department of the Environment. In this role, he was the chief environmental attorney for the state and the principal advisor to the Attorney General on environmental issues. He also served as an Assistant Attorney General advising the state, at various times, on issues involving hazardous wastes, water pollution, solid wastes, radiation control and other environmental and regulatory issues.
In 2015, Michael was appointed by Governor Lawrence Hogan to represent business interests on the Maryland Climate Change Commission and then reappointed by Senate President Mike Miller in 2016. He co-chairs the Mitigation Work Group of the Commission, which is develops plans to meet Maryland's greenhouse gas targets. Michael was also recognized for his dedication to the practice of law and to his community with the 2009 Leadership in the Law award, presented by the Maryland Daily Record and received a Professional Service Award in 2011 for his pro bono work from the Maryland Fuel Fund.
Michael's practice covers environmental law, energy law and governmental relations.
Michael's environmental work has included defending companies from governmental and third-party environmental claims, providing advice on greenhouse gas regulations and legislation, negotiating remediation agreements (including brownfield applications) on contaminated properties, advising companies on climate change developments, and negotiating the terms of environmental permits. Projects on which Michael has worked include solar energy projects; residential and commercial developments; natural gas and petroleum pipeline projects; co-generation projects; hazardous waste incinerators; waste-to-energy plants; infectious waste incinerators; waterway construction permits for developers and municipal water supply facilities; wetlands permits for developers, energy companies and mining operations; critical area approvals for developers; water appropriation and water discharge permits; landfill and other solid waste permits; permits to construct and operate air emission sources (including Title V permits and CPCN permits for energy projects); and work on air and water discharge permits for industrial and energy clients.
Michael's energy work has included the permitting of new renewable energy projects in Maryland. He currently represents a number of coal, natural gas and solar generating stations stations, seeking or renewing environmental permits. He has also provided advice on rate proceedings for large energy customers and for energy producers. Michael was appointed by Governor Martin O'Malley to serve as one of the inaugural members on the Strategic Energy Investment Fund Advisory Board, which provides advice to the Maryland Energy Administration on the budgeting of funds from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative auctions.
Described by The Baltimore Sun as a "high-profile lobbyist representing builders and industrial interests," Michael's lobbying practice has included the representation of energy companies, energy customers, manufacturing interests and developers before the General Assembly. Michael has helped draft many of the most significant Maryland environmental and energy legislation, including the Maryland Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act (both the original Act in 2009 and the renewal in 2015), the Maryland Electricity Restructuring Act, the Maryland Brownfields Act and statutes reforming the process for issuing environmental permits in Maryland.
Since joining Gordon Feinblatt, Michael has provided advice to Talen Energy, Honeywell, BP, FMC, Lockheed Martin, Energy Answers, AES, Alcoa, Lafarge, Lennar Incorporated, Beazer Homes USA Inc., Pulte Homes, CalAtlantic, Ryland Homes, Toll Brothers, First Energy, the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development, Florida Rock, American Sugar (Domino), the National Aquarium, Select Energy, Trigen Energy Corporation, the Maryland Industrial Group, the Maryland Industrial Technology Alliance, the American Chemistry Council, the Maryland Chamber of Commerce, the Maryland Bankers Association, Amports and many others. Significant brownfield and remediation projects have included the redevelopment of Silver Spring (on behalf of Montgomery County), the remediation of a major asphalt refinery (on behalf of BP), the proposed Center for Marine Research (on behalf of the National Aquarium), the Carr-Lowery and Westport Power plants (Turner Development), Silo Point (Pulte), Deep Harbor (Beazer), a plant expansion for Domino Sugar, Dundalk Marine Terminal, Race Street and Swann Park (for Honeywell) and dozens more.
Because of his extensive legal background, Michael is a contributing author to the LexisNexis Practice Guide: Maryland Environmental Law.
(757) 333-7505
One Columbus Center, Suite 600-612, Virginia Beach, VA, 23462,
Subjects: Agencies/Regulations, Alcohol, Animals/Agriculture, Appropriations/Budgets, Business/Commerce, Children/Family/Women, City/County Government, Education, Energy/Utilities, Environment/Recycling, Finance/Banking, Food/Restaurants, Gaming, Health Care, Housing/Real Estate/Development/Construction, Manufacturing, Medicare/Medicaid, Non-Profit, Pharmaceuticals, Planning/Land Use/Zoning, Privacy/Internet, Professional/Vocational Licensing, Public Safety, Telecommunications, Tourism/Hospitality, Transportation/Vehicles
Principle Advantage is unlike many large legal practices with government relations divisions, we are a small government relations firm that provides big results for our clients. We understand that your focus needs to on be building and managing your organization, and you need a partner with the know-how to navigate the complex space of government and public relations. Principle Advantage has built a reputation with clients, colleagues, and elected officials in the business and government space. We match this reputation with solid messaging, legislative knowledge, and a vast network of relationships to deliver results for you.
11-15 years
In 2013, she was chosen to serve on Governor Terence R. McAuliffe's Technology Transition Team, and in 2017 was chosen to serve on Governor Ralph Northam's Commerce and Trade, Energy Workgroup. In 2018, she was a recipient of the Women in Business Award within the Hampton Roads region.
Principle Advantage has built a reputation with colleagues, elected officials, and agencies heads on both sides of the aisle in the business and the state and local government space. We have a vast database of relationships built in the state legislature, executive levels, state agency heads, local government and influencers throughout the state. merge In the high stakes, ever-changing government relations environment, we understand that relationships will get you in the right door, but you need a partner with you that is prepared with a persuasive message powered by facts and sound policy.
We match our reputation and relationships with solid messaging, legislative knowledge, and a vast network of relationships to deliver results for you.
Angie Bezik started her political and public relations career as the Legislative Director for a member of the Virginia House of Delegates. After seven years, she was recruited by a prominent Richmond-based lobbying firm to run its Hampton Roads office. Combining her desire to own her firm with what she saw as a need for more boutique firms in Richmond, Angie founded Principle Advantage Government Relations Group. Angie develops and implements successful strategies for legislation, budget items, and project coordination with an array of clients at the state and local level. She has successfully served clients within the alternative/renewable energy, health, technology, and transportation sectors. She also represents local government and quasi-governmental authorities. Additionally, she works with businesses and organizations to develop strategic plans to enhance their profiles, missions, and branding by making introductions to appropriate businesses, government officials and staff, community leaders, and organizations.Throughout her career, Angie has established solid relationships with local, state, and federal representatives, departments and agencies, and business leaders.
Jonas Jacobson developed a broad government relations practice after 15 years serving in key leadership roles in State and local government. Jonas has extensive experience working on public policy matters and has worked on complex initiatives involving environment, energy, transportation, infrastructure, development and public works matters. During his government tenure, he served under three Maryland Governors and was appointed to the Maryland Department of the Environment as Deputy Secretary. Jonas also served as Director of Environmental Protection for Baltimore County. His practice involves engagement with the leadership of state and local agencies and the Maryland General Assembly. Jonas received a Juris Doctor from the University of Baltimore School of Law and a Bachelor of Science from Towson University. Jonas is the President of the Howard County Conservancy and serves on the Board of the Towson University Alumni Association.
3) Allegis, Redwood, Maxim Public Affairs, LLC
6) AT&T
8) Beatty Development Group LLC
9) BSC America
11) Cisco
12) Concentra
14) Darden, Inc.
16) Envirotest Systems Holdings Corp.
17) Ernst & Young
21) Greenvest
26) International Sleep Products Association
27) Konterra Realty
28) LKQ Corporation
30) Nissan North America, Inc.
31) One South Street Baltimore, LLC
33) Preston Scheffenacker Properties
34) Procter & Gamble
35) Public Service Enterprise Group
38) Rock Creek Foundation, The
39) Scotts Miracle-Gro Company
40) Sheetz, Inc.
44) Sun Service LLC
46) US Wind, Inc.
47) W.R. Grace & Co.
48) Washington Gas
757-776-8566
One Columbus Center, Suite 600-612, Virginia Beach, VA, 23462,
Subjects: Agencies/Regulations, Alcohol, Animals/Agriculture, Appropriations/Budgets, Business/Commerce, Children/Family/Women, City/County Government, Education, Energy/Utilities, Environment/Recycling, Finance/Banking, Food/Restaurants, Gaming, Health Care, Housing/Real Estate/Development/Construction, Manufacturing, Media/Entertainment, Medicare/Medicaid, Non-Profit, Pharmaceuticals, Planning/Land Use/Zoning, Privacy/Internet, Professional/Vocational Licensing, Public Safety, Telecommunications, Tourism/Hospitality, Transportation/Vehicles
Principle Advantage is unlike many large legal practices with government relations divisions, we are a small government relations firm that provides big results for our clients. We understand that your focus needs to on be building and managing your organization, and you need a partner with the know-how to navigate the complex space of government and public relations. Principle Advantage has built a reputation with clients, colleagues, and elected officials in the business and government space. We match this reputation with solid messaging, legislative knowledge, and a vast network of relationships to deliver results for you.
0-5 years
Prior to Cindy's relocation away from the D.C. metro area and her focus on state policy, Cindy's work on the federal level garnered her with a Campaigns and Elections Magazine Rising Star Award.
Principle Advantage has built a reputation with colleagues, elected officials, and agencies heads on both sides of the aisle in the business and the state and local government space. We have a vast database of relationships built in the state legislature, executive levels, state agency heads, local government and influencers throughout the state. merge In the high stakes, ever-changing government relations environment, we understand that relationships will get you in the right door, but you need a partner with you that is prepared with a persuasive message powered by facts and sound policy.
We match our reputation and relationships with solid messaging, legislative knowledge, and a vast network of relationships to deliver results for you.
Cindy DiFranco is a skilled government relations pro with over ten years of experience in the Virginia General Assembly. Cindy brings a diverse field of expertise to Principle Advantage and is adept at engaging legislators, lobbyists and community stakeholders to advance legislative initiatives and issue advocacy campaigns. She has spearheaded policy and grassroots mobilization efforts across a broad range of topics including flooding, gaming, healthcare and transportation.
Prior to joining Principle Advantage, Cindy served as the Chief of Staff to a senior member of the House of Delegates. Cindy was also the Director of Political Services for a K Street public relations firm in Washington D.C. where she executed large scale voter contact programs for federal candidates and issue advocacy campaigns for Fortune 500 companies before relocating to the Hampton Roads region where she worked on numerous local government and state-level political campaigns.
Cindy is passionate about mentoring and supporting youth and has served on the Board of Champions for Children to Prevent Child Abuse in Hampton Roads.
Tim has spent twelve years building a record as one of the most effective advocates in Annapolis, representing a diverse group of clients at the state's legislative and executive branches, and county governments. Prior to engaging in government relations, Tim served as Chief of Staff to Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr., the longest serving State Senate President in United States history. Tim is a graduate of West Virginia University, and the West Virginia University College of Law, where he serves as a member of the Board of Visitors. Tim is a member of the Maryland State Bar Association. Tim lives in Baltimore County.
2) Allegis, Redwood, Maxim Public Affairs, LLC
6) Association of Dental Support Organizations
7) AT&T
11) Beatty Development Group LLC
13) BSC America
16) Chesapeake Beach
17) Cisco
18) City of Aberdeen
20) Columbia Care
21) Concentra
23) County Commissioners of Calvert County, Maryland
25) Darden, Inc.
26) Don Bosco Christo Rey High School and Corporate World Study Program
27) Dwyer Workforce Development Center Inc.
28) Election Systems & Software
29) Enterprise Commuity Development, Inc.
30) Envirotest Systems Holdings Corp.
31) Ernst & Young
33) FiscalNote
34) Flagger Force
35) GCOM
37) GetInsured
41) GR Patel & Associates, Inc.
43) Greenvest
51) International Sleep Products Association
52) Konterra Realty
53) Maryland Affordable Housing Coalition
54) Maryland Association of Boards of Education
55) Maryland Horse Breeders Association
60) Next One Up
61) Nissan North America, Inc.
63) One South Street Baltimore, LLC
65) Perry White Ross & Jacobson
67) Procter & Gamble
68) Public Service Enterprise Group
71) Recovery Centers of America
73) Scotts Miracle-Gro Company
74) SkyGenUSA
76) Sports Facilities Management, LLC
80) Sun Service LLC
81) TrueRoll
83) United Healthcare Services, Inc.
84) US Wind, Inc.
86) W.R. Grace & Co.
89) Washington Gas
410-382-2193
54 State Circle, Annapolis, MD, 21401,
Subjects: Agencies/Regulations, Alcohol, Appropriations/Budgets, Business/Commerce, Cannabis/Drug Legalization, City/County Government, Corrections/Criminal Justice, Energy/Utilities, Environment/Recycling, Food/Restaurants, Gaming, Health Care, Non-Profit, Planning/Land Use/Zoning, Public Safety, Public Sector, Retail, RFP/Procurement, Science/Technology, Telecommunications, Tobacco, Transportation/Vehicles
Links:LinkedIn
Registered lobbyist and practicing attorney with more than 16 years of combined private and public sector experience with a core focus on business and regulatory matters.
3) Allegis, Redwood, Maxim Public Affairs, LLC
6) Anne Arundel County Food Bank
7) Apexon
8) Association of Dental Support Organizations
9) AT&T
10) Branches LLC
12) Cisco
13) Concentra
16) Dynamic Pharmaceutical Consulting, LLC
17) Envirotest Systems Holdings Corp.
18) Ernst & Young
19) Gas Guide
23) Greenvest
28) International Sleep Products Association
30) Kilimanjaro Road Partners, LLC
31) Konterra Realty
32) Maryland State Licensed Beverage Association Prince George's Chapter
33) Miller Pipeline
35) Prince George's County Chamber of Commerce
36) Procter & Gamble
37) Public Service Enterprise Group
39) Rock Creek Foundation, The
40) Sheetz, Inc.
43) Sun Service LLC
45) US Wind, Inc.
46) Via Path (Global Tel Link GTL)
47) Voyatek (GCOM)
48) Washington Gas
11-15 years
1st Vice President, Maryland Government Relations Association
Former General Counsel, Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation
Former General Counsel, Greater Bowie Chamber of Commerce
Pounds is an accomplished attorney and lobbyist with sixteen years of legal experience and served as General Counsel for government, quasi-government entities, boards & commissions, and businesses. After seven years in Prince George's as a senior campaign and transition staff member, an associate county attorney, and then General Counsel to the Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation, Pounds served six years as a partner and senior counsel in two prominent Maryland law firms. He represents clients in municipal and cannabis law, alcoholic beverage licensing; land use and zoning; business transactions, and government relations. He is a graduate of Virginia Tech, and received his Juris Doctor, with honors, at the University of Baltimore School of Law. Pounds is active in his community and serves on several boards, including the Greater Bowie Chamber of Commerce and the Maryland Government Relations Association. He lives in Bowie with his wife and two children.
410-267-0410
191 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis, MD, 21401,
2) Advantage Behavioral Health Services LLC
3) Advantage Manhole and Concrete Services, Inc.
5) Benedictine School Foundation, The
6) Blind Industries & Services of Maryland
7) Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP
8) BWI Airport Fire Rescue Local 1742
9) BWI Airport Professional Firefighters
11) Choice Hotels International, Inc.
12) Commissioners of St. Mary's County
13) County Commissioners of Caroline County, Maryland
14) D.H. Porter Enterprises, LLC
16) Douglas Legum Development, Inc.
17) Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company
18) Global Consulting Services
19) Greater Baltimore Urban League
22) Insurance Alliance Group, LLC
23) Intralot USA
24) Joshco Group, LLC dba Veteran Benefits Guide
25) Kingdom Global Community Development Corporation
26) Licensed Beverage Distributors of Maryland, Inc.
27) LKQ Corporation
31) Maryland Same Day Messenger Courier Association
32) Maryland Self-Storage Association
33) Maryland Society of Eye Physicians & Surgeons
34) Maryland Underground Facilities Damage Prevention Authority
35) Maryland Wholesale Medical Cannabis Trade Association
36) Medical Management and Rehabilitation Services, Inc.
37) Medical Mutual Liability Insurance Society of Maryland
38) Mike Watson
39) Mitchell Park Companies LLC
40) Office of the County Executive for Howard County
41) One Call Concepts Locating Services, Inc.
43) Parsons Transportation Group Inc.
44) Pascal Crisis Stabilization Center
46) Platinum Emergency Services
48) Queen Anne's County Military Support Alliance (VAMSA)
49) Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture
55) TransCore
56) Washington County Commissioners
57) Washington Gas
202-624-6697
1000 Maine Ave SW, Washington D.C., DC, 20024,
757-754-5596
421 North Boundary Street, Williamsburg, VA, 23185,
202-853-2098
1000 Maine Avenue Southwest, Washington, DC, 20024,
410-977-3419
54 State Circle, Annapolis, MD, 21401,
3) Allegis, Redwood, Maxim Public Affairs, LLC
6) Anne Arundel County Food Bank
7) Apexon
8) AT&T
10) BSC America
12) Cisco
13) Concentra
15) Darden, Inc.
17) Envirotest Systems Holdings Corp.
21) Greenvest
26) International Sleep Products Association
27) Konterra Realty
28) LaTerra Homes
29) LKQ Corporation
30) Miller Pipeline
31) Nissan North America, Inc.
32) One South Street Baltimore, LLC
34) Procter & Gamble
35) Public Service Enterprise Group
38) Rock Creek Foundation, The
39) Scotts Miracle-Gro Company
40) Sheetz, Inc.
44) Sun Service LLC
46) Union Church
47) US Wind, Inc.
48) Washington Gas
202-624-6686
1000 Maine Avenue, S. W., #6028, Washington, DC, 20024,
443-624-6716
54 State Circle, Annapolis, MD, 21401,
3) Allegis, Redwood, Maxim Public Affairs, LLC
5) American Innovators Network (AIN)
6) American Rental Car Association (ARCA)
9) Association of Dental Support Organizations
10) AT&T
18) Chesapeake Beach
19) Cisco
20) City of Aberdeen
22) Columbia Care
23) Concentra
25) County Commissioners of Calvert County, Maryland
27) Darden, Inc.
28) Don Bosco Christo Rey High School and Corporate World Study Program
29) Dwyer Workforce Development Center Inc.
30) Election Systems & Software
31) Envirotest Systems Holdings Corp.
33) Flagger Force
35) Gilbane Development Company
37) GR Patel & Associates, Inc.
39) Greenvest
46) International Sleep Products Association
47) Konterra Realty
48) Maryland Affordable Housing Coalition
49) Maryland Association of Boards of Education
50) Maryland Horse Breeders Association
51) MCG Health
54) Miller Pipeline
56) Next One Up
57) Nissan North America, Inc.
58) One South Street Baltimore, LLC
61) Procter & Gamble
62) Public Service Enterprise Group
65) Recovery Centers of America
67) Scotts Miracle-Gro Company
68) SkyGenUSA
73) Sun Service LLC
75) TrueRoll
77) United Healthcare Services, Inc.
78) US Wind, Inc.
79) Via Path (Global Tel Link GTL)
80) Voyatek (GCOM)
82) Washington Gas
443-739-9346
54 State Circle, Annapolis, MD, 21401,
3) Allegis, Redwood, Maxim Public Affairs, LLC
5) American Innovators Network (AIN)
6) American Rental Car Association (ARCA)
9) Association of Dental Support Organizations
10) AT&T
16) BSC America
19) Chesapeake Beach
20) Cisco
21) City of Aberdeen
23) Columbia Care
24) Concentra
26) County Commissioners of Calvert County, Maryland
28) Darden, Inc.
30) Don Bosco Christo Rey High School and Corporate World Study Program
31) Dwyer Workforce Development Center Inc.
32) Election Systems & Software
33) Enterprise Commuity Development, Inc.
34) Envirotest Systems Holdings Corp.
36) Flagger Force
38) Gilbane Development Company
40) GR Patel & Associates, Inc.
42) Greenvest
49) International Sleep Products Association
50) Konterra Realty
51) Maryland Affordable Housing Coalition
52) Maryland Association of Boards of Education
53) Maryland Horse Breeders Association
54) MCG Health
57) Miller Pipeline
59) Next One Up
60) Nissan North America, Inc.
62) One South Street Baltimore, LLC
64) Perry White Ross & Jacobson
66) Procter & Gamble
67) Public Service Enterprise Group
70) Recovery Centers of America
72) Scotts Miracle-Gro Company
73) SkyGenUSA
78) Sun Service LLC
80) TrueRoll
82) United Healthcare Services, Inc.
83) US Wind, Inc.
84) Via Path (Global Tel Link GTL)
85) Voyatek (GCOM)
87) Washington Gas
434-806-1582
901 E. Cary Street, Suite 102, Richmond, VA, 23219,
410-280-5088
29 Francis Street, Annapolis, MD, 21401,
1) AAA Club Alliance/AAA Mid-Atlantic
3) Arc of Prince George's County, The
5) Brandywine Investment Properties, LLC
6) Charles County School Bus Contractors Association, Inc.
9) Clark Construction Group, LLC
10) College of Southern Maryland
11) Community First Development Corporation
12) Constellation
13) County Commissioners of Charles County, Maryland
14) D.R. Horton
15) Elion Acq, LLC
17) First Choice Masonry, Inc.
18) G P Fairway LLC
19) G.S. Proctor & Associates, Inc.
20) Generation Properties, LLC
21) Goodwill of Greater Washington
22) Greater Washington Board of Trade
24) Infra AI, Inc.
26) Junior Achievement of Greater Washington
27) Lanier Electronics Group, Inc.
28) Lincoln Avenue Capital Management, LLC
29) Manekin, LLC
31) Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission
32) Maryland Pharmacists Association
33) Melwood Horticultural Training Center, Inc.
36) My3Tech
37) Newton Development Company, LLC
38) Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance
40) Penn Place I Owner LLC and Penn Place II Owner LLC
43) Prince George's County Deputy Sheriff's Association
44) Prince George's County School Board
46) Prologis, Inc.
54) United Communities Against Poverty (UCAP)
55) United States Bomb Technician Association (USBTA)
56) Walton International Group (USA), Inc.
57) Washington Gas
58) Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission
59) Wills Group, The
804.771.5300
50 Pear Street, Richmond, VA, 23223,
2026246451
1000 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC, 20024,
202-624-6697
1000 Maine Avenue, SW, Washington, DC, 20024,