0-5 years

In the NH Senate, engaged in policy negotiations with the Legislature, Governor, and Administrative Departments

Worked with Senate majority leadership to set and refine a legislative agenda

Served on several influential Senate committees including Health and Humans Services, Ways and
Means, Transportation, and Education.

Played an integral role in passing numerous bipartisan bills related to health, education, and transportation.

As a leader in healthcare, influenced statewide legislative and policy development.

Policy Advisor at Preti Strategies

Healthcare Consultant, CompassWise Consulting

Accreditation and Medicare Site Visitor, CHAP

President and CEO, Home Health and Hospice Care, Merrimack NH


Education:
Boston University, BS MS

11-15 years

I am selected as a top administrative law attorney in Concord NH by Super Lawyers with a Rising Stars designation for 2017-2021.

I have extensive experience before the NH Banking Department.

I am an appointed member of the NH Supreme Court's Access to Justice Commission.

I am a lawyer/lobbyist and current president of Gallagher, Callahan & Gartrell, P.C.. My experiences as an advocate span all levels of NH state government, ranging from the State House halls to the courts.

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.

0-5 years

Interceded on behalf of a client with a state agency to resolve compliance matters, working directly with the agency commissioner. In the next budget, successfully appealed the agency's insufficient 5% proposed daily rate increase for the provided services, which resulted in an increase of 37%.

Blocked a state agency's efforts to prevent a client's association members from continuing to conduct business in New Hampshire.

Opened up new opportunities for a renewable energy client by shepherding a bill we created for them through the legislative process to the governor's desk for signature.

As Senate president, I guided policy discussions and negotiations on all major policy issues, including renewable energy, insurance, business regulation and retirement system reform.

Led Senate efforts on budgets for four fiscal years, one of which erased a projected $800 million budget deficit without raising taxes or fees.

Led the Senate Republican Caucus to create policy agendas and then developed effective strategy and tactics that resulted in successful implementation of that agenda, even with a governor of the opposing party.

Senior Policy Advisor at Preti Strategies

Legislative:
President, NH State Senate
Minority Leader, NH State Senate
State Senator - Committee Assignments Included: Commerce; Education (Chair); Energy and Natural Resources; Finance; Health and Human Services; Internal Affairs
Clerk, House Election Law Committee

Business:
Executive Director, HealthTrust (health insurance and public employee benefits risk pool, covering over 70,000 lives)
President and co-Founder, Achieve! Technology (an Inc. 500 company developing regulatory compliance software)


Education:
UMass-Lowell, BS Computer Science

The TAG network consists of the top lobbying firms across the US, public affairs specialists in various countries and specialty services.

US Members:
50-States
DC Council
US Congress

International:
Profile Consulting (Aust) Pty Ltd (Australia)
Tactix (Canada)
Monarch Global Strategies (Mexico, Central & South America)
Kesarev (Russia, CIS, Central Asia, Central & Eastern Europe, Turkey & Israel)
Instinctif Partners (United Kingdom & the European Union)

Specialty members:
Five Corners Strategies (Grassroots Advocacy & Public Affairs)
FOCUS, a Leonine Business (50-State Legislative & Regulatory Tracking & Analysis)
Select Litigation (Jury Selection)
Bullpen, LLC (Market Entry Strategy)
The Virtuous Cycle Collaboratory (Social Enterprise Business Development)
Law Offices of Mitchell D. Gravo, Inc. (Specialty Member)

6-10 years

Built a proven record of winning tough floor fights in New Hampshire's 400-member House of Representatives on a myriad of issues.

I've stopped harmful committee recommendations, overturned committee votes, adopted emergency floor amendments, used creative solutions to stop legislation from advancing, and scripted floor fights and debates for members.

Passed the region's most aggressive biodiesel production credit into law and guided the state's largest biodiesel producer through the entirety of the process from drafting to rulemaking. I then advocated for loosening of regulations on the use of biodiesel by large energy consumers and the state government to further increase the client's potential revenues.

As a freshman lobbyist, I was named "Rookie of the Year" by my colleagues.

I worked with a coalition of healthcare providers and lobbyists to stop a workers' compensation fee schedule. Our efforts successfully overturned the House Labor committee's recommendation on the House floor to pass the coalition's desired floor amendment which was signed into law. The client's amendment has since lowered worker's compensation costs by ~10% and did so without a fee schedule.

I have guided clients through successful issue advocacy campaigns during the First in the Nation primary. Deliverables involved getting Presidential candidates on the record, one-on-one meetings with candidates or senior level staff, grassroots organizing, event planning, press opportunities, and earned media for the client.

Served as the State Director to the New Hampshire Energy Forum where I provided grass tops lobbying and communications consulting to one of the nation's largest energy trade associations; I was instrumental in successfully changing Federal laws and Executive guidelines surrounding ozone and air quality regulations, energy exports, and energy infrastructure.

Provided strategic communications consulting for state legislators and stakeholders to lobby New Hampshire's Federal delegation to change mandates in the Affordable Care Act on behalf of a coalition of insurance providers. Our coalition was victorious in these efforts.

I've worked as a political & fundraising consultant to numerous State Senators, Executive Councilors, State Representatives, and County officials.

Work Experience:
Government and Public Affairs Advisor, Preti Strategies, Concord, NH, December 2019 to Present
Government Relations Advisor, Dennehy & Bouley, Concord, NH, December 2014 to November 2019
New Hampshire Field Organizer, Republican National Committee, 2014
Bill Status Aide, New Hampshire State Senate Clerk's Office, 2013

Political Experience:
Republican Political & Fundraising Consultant for State Senators, Executive Councilors, State Representatives and County officials, 2014- Present
Vice Chairman- Region 2, New Hampshire Republican State Committee, 2017-2018
Voting Member, New Hampshire Republican State Committee, 2014-Current

Education:
University of New Hampshire, BA, Political Science

Jim Monahan has a strong and established public affairs practice that focuses on representing businesses, trade associations and non-profit organizations before state and national governmental agencies. This work includes an emphasis on policy development, legislative advocacy and effective communications.

Jim's professional focus includes energy, transportation and environmental issues. He does work in the healthcare field, with an emphasis on Medicaid policy. In addition, Jim oversees the Dupont Group public relations division White Birch Communications Group.

Jim was elected as Merrimack County Treasurer in the Fall of 2008 and served one term. Currently, he serves on the Concord Zoning Board of Adjustment. Jim is well known for providing news media analysis on topics of politics and public policy. Formerly, Jim was a member of the Independent System Operator (ISO) New England Board Advisory Committee, and a contributing editor to the political website Primary Diner.

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.

11-15 years

Granite United Way, Advocate of the Year (2021)
NH Pediatric Society, Citizen of the Year (2019)
Every Child Matters, Step Up for Kids (2016)
Early Learning NH, Early Learning Champion (2009)
Disability Rights Center, Legislator of the Year (2006)
Pineconia Grange, Legislator of the Year (2004, 2007

Commission on Juvenile Justice Reform (2019)
Child Hunger Commission (2019)
Child Fatality Review Commission (2015-2018)
Child Lead Poisoning and Screening Commission (2015)
Long term Care Committee, Chair (2007-2010)
NH State Representative (2002-2010)

John is a linear thinker and natural problem solver. He understands the rules of politics and works with his clients to build strategies utilizing these rules. His strong relationships with legislators on both sides of the aisle puts him and Karner Blue Strategies in the perfect place to help their clients. If there is something, he does not know he works tirelessly until he figures it out. His goals are to be accurate and truthful.

John's strength's working with legislators lie in his ability to reach across the aisle. Serving in the NH House in 2002, he learned quickly how to work with legislators of both parties. With his strong focus on child advocacy he was quick to realize that children cannot wait two years for another election to have their needs and concerns met. Our job as advocates is to communicate ideas in a manner that both parties can understand and embrace. Karner Blue Strategies specializes in non-profit and budgetary advocacy, particularly relating to children, seniors and otherly abled individuals.

20+ years

Presented and moderated panels at the New Hampshire Business and Industry Association's annual energy symposiums.

Presented at Northeast Energy and Commerce Association's "Hot Topics in 2024 New England Public Policy Webinar."

Recipient of the New Hampshire Business and Industry Association's 2005 "Above and Beyond" award.

I appear before the New Hampshire Legislature, state agencies (e.g., the Department of Energy, Department of Health and Human Services, and the Department of Insurance) and boards (e.g., Prescription Drug Affordability Board) for public hearings, work sessions, testimony, and presentations.

I am a government and regulatory affairs professional with 24 years of experience representing clients before the New Hampshire General Court and Executive Branch agencies. I work collaboratively with clients and colleagues to develop, implement, and adapt strategies for communicating, negotiating, and promoting public policies that advance client goals.

I maintain positive working relationships and open dialogues with state officials, stakeholders, and client team members as I advocate for client positions. I am a trusted and respected source of information and appear before the New Hampshire Legislature, state agencies, and boards for public hearings, work sessions, testimony, and presentations. I have worked on public policy issues and legislative and regulatory matters related to energy, environment, health care, elder law, transportation, business strategies, and economic and market analyses.

Prior to working in the government relations field, I was an energy policy analyst in the New Hampshire Governor's Office of Energy and Community Services, where I helped advocate for the Governor's preferred policies on electric industry restructuring.

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.

20+ years

I continue to be selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America for Concord, NH for Administrative/Regulatory Law, Insurance Law, Energy Law, Government Relations, Banking and Finance Law, and Financial Services Regulation Law. I was recognized by Best Lawyers as Concord's "Lawyer of the Year" in Government Relations in the 2022, 2018, 2016, and 2013 editions, in addition to being named by Best Lawyers as Concord's "Lawyer of the Year" in Insurance Law in the 2020 and 2017 editions.

I appear before various executive and administrative agencies and boards including the Insurance Department, Public Utilities Commission and Health-related Boards. I also have extensive experience representing clients before various other state agencies and the New Hampshire Legislature.

I am the former legal counsel to the NH State Senate. My practice focuses primarily on regulated industries. I have extensive experience representing clients before the NH Legislature and various executive and administrative agencies and boards, including the Insurance Department, the Public Utilities Commission, and health-related boards. I regularly advise insurers, financial institutions, and other businesses on insurance and general business law issues. I also have extensive experience representing national and international companies planning, sitting, permitting, and constructing large energy generation and transmission infrastructure projects.

20+ years

I serve as the firm's Director of Government Affairs and am a well-known lobbyist and executive agency specialist. I have more than 40 years of NH State House experience. I develop and manage the implementation of legislative strategies for clients from a wide range of industries. I am a recognized specialist on the state budget, contracting, and purchasing issues. I also represent a wide variety of clients in government and business matters, with a particular concentration and expertise in legislative and administrative issues affecting clients. I bring to my representation of clients a unique blend of legislative acumen and practical understanding of the details of their business, as well as industry-wide issues.

6-10 years

Kate has a strong background in public policy and brings over fifteen years of government experience to the Dupont Group. She has served on the staffs of US Congressman Charles F. Bass, US Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart, US Senator John E. Sununu and US Senator Kelly A. Ayotte. Kate also served as the Political Director for the New Hampshire Republican State Party's House PAC in 2010. She has also spent time in the private sector, focusing on the communications and marketing fields and aiding candidates in message development, presentation and design. Kate's professional focus includes communications, energy and health care. Additionally, she works with the Dupont Group public relations division White Birch Communications Group where she manages the firm's public policy conferences. Kate is currently an adjunct faculty member at New England College Graduate Programs and Granite State College.

Kate hold a Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint Anselm College and a Master of Science in Political Science with a concentration in Professional Politics from Suffolk University. Kate serves as the co-chair of the New Hampshire State Society Annual Golf Tournament, which benefits the group's Education Stipend Fund, providing stipends to NH College students pursuing internships in Washington DC. Kate also serves as Secretary on the Manchester Development Corporation Board, which is a 501 (C)(4) non-profit development corporation that supports the economic development initiatives of the City under the direction of the Board of Mayor & Aldermen and is a member of the Board of Speedway Children's Charities. She also serves as the Executive Director for the NH Association of Counties and is a member of the board of the National Council of County Association Executives.

Susan Paschell has worked in the legislative arena for over thirty-five years. Before joining the Dupont Group in 2007, she was legislative specialist for the Concord NH and Augusta, Maine law offices of Gallagher Callahan and Gartrell, after having served as senior researcher for the policy committees of the NH House of Representatives. She has lobbied for numerous business and non-profit clients, including healthcare, behavioral health, social and juvenile justice, transportation, and energy interests.

Susan is a member and officer of the Board of Directors of Red River Theatres, Concord's independent arts cinema, from 2004 to the present. She was a member of the Community Colleges of NH Foundation Board from 2011 until 2016. A former teacher, she has also served on the board of directors of Merrimack Valley Day Care Centers; and she was the Town of Bow's representative to the Upper Merrimack River Local Advisory Committee for nine years. Susan is a graduate of Goddard College and Harvard University's Graduate School of Education.

Marc Goldberg joined Cornerstone in July 2023, expanding the firm's public affairs presence to New Hampshire and bringing 17 years of media and strategic communications experience to the Public Affairs team.

Previously, Marc served as chief of staff for the office of Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH) since 2016. In this role, he managed a team of nearly 50 staffers across the Senator's D.C. office, five state offices and subcommittee office through the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. Before that, he also served as Sen. Hassan's campaign manager as well as her communications director when she was New Hampshire's governor. Other communications roles include press secretary for former Maryland Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown and communications director for former Rep. Suzanne Kosmas (D-FL).

Marc has also served as the independent expenditure director for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. In this role he focused on running paid-media efforts across the committee's targeted states and building teams of TV, digital and polling consultants for each state.

Marc holds a bachelor's degree in political science with a concentration of American politics and a minor in psychology from the University of Pennsylvania.

20+ years

Forty Under 40 (2004) Recognition by statewide newspaper of those under 40 making an impact in NH.

President's Award - NH Dental Society (2011)

Extra Mile Award (2014) NH Manufactured & Modular Housing Association

6-10 years

Worked with legislators to pass and hold votes on the 2018 Budget out of the House. Only two House Democrats voted against the final budget.

Worked with labor leaders and community partners on the committee vote and floor fight to kill so called right to work in 2014 and 2016.

Worked with the Speaker's Leadership team to shape the Agenda for House Democrats.

Served as point staff person for the Speaker during budget negotiations with the Governor and his staff.

Scripted floor speeches and scripted questions for committee members during key hearings.

Created the New Hampshire Campaign for Voting Rights which continues to be the leading voice on voting rights issues in the state.

Government Affairs Advisor, Preti Strategies.

Communications and Policy Director, NH Speaker of the House.

Political and Field Director, America Votes New Hampshire.

Education: B.A. Political Science, Emmanuel College. Boston, MA May 2008.

0-5 years

I continue to be selected by my peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America for Concord, NH in the fields of Commercial Transactions/UCC Law, Real Estate Law, and Securities Regulation. I am also named by Best Lawyers as Concord's 2023 "Lawyer of the Year" in Commercial Transactions/UCC Law. I am recognized as a top-rated business and corporate lawyer and litigation attorney in Concord, NH, by Super Lawyers with a Rising Stars designation for 2016-2021.

In 2020, I received the New Hampshire Bar Foundation's Robert Kirby Award. The Kirby Award is presented annually to an attorney 35 years old or younger who demonstrates the traits of civility, courtesy, perspective, and excellent advocacy. Bob Kirby, for whom the award is named, was an attorney with Gallagher, Callahan & Gartrell, P.C., and is remembered as a young lawyer "of great skill, civility and good humor" when he died at age 35. I am the 24th recipient of the award, and the first person from the firm to receive it.

I am serving my second, three-year term on the New Hampshire Professional Conduct Committee, to which I was appointed by the New Hampshire Supreme Court. I am presently the Vice Chair.

I have also served on multiple nonprofit boards. I am the Immediate Past President of the New Hampshire Women's Bar Association, where I have served on the Board for the past eight years. I served for four years as Community Outreach Chair of the Webster-Batchelder American Inn of Court, three years as Trustee of the New Hampshire Supreme Court Society, and three years as Director of Red River Theatres. I am an alumna of the Junior Service League of Concord and served six years on the Northern New England (ME, NH, and VT) regional board of the American Red Cross. In 2019, the NH/VT division of the American Red Cross awarded me "Board Member of the Year."

I am a business lawyer and lobbyist who helps businesses expand, transition ownership, negotiate commercial financing, form, wind-up, or sell. My practice also involves real estate, including condominium and timeshare developments, corporate compliance, securities, regulatory matters, land use, and commercial litigation. I advise my clients on transactional matters, how to avoid litigation, and what to do and expect if litigation occurs.

20+ years

Prior to a 15 plus year stint at a Concord based law firm, I served as an assistant to former Manchester Mayor Raymond Wieczorek, where the duties included constituent services and policy planning.

I earned a Bachelor's Degree in Politics from St. Anselm College, and a Master's Degree in Public Administration from the University of New Hampshire. Prior community involvement includes participation on board of directors for the American Red Cross of New Hampshire, the Manchester Development Corporation, the City of Manchester's Conduct Board, Moore Center Services, and coaching various youth sports.

20+ years

Listed as one of New Hampshire's top twenty most effective lobbyists by Business New Hampshire magazine. Recognized in the Union Leader, New Hampshire's only state-wide newspaper in 40 Under Forty, described as "40 up and coming people, all under the age of 40, who are making a difference in our state."

Curtis served as Senior Legislative Assistant to the New Hampshire House Majority Leader and as Legislative Assistant to the Senate Majority Leader prior to his lobbying career. He established and maintained a practice in government relations representing four professional/trade associations and a pari-mutuel facility, and served as Executive Director of the New Hampshire High Technology Council before joining a larger firm for 18 years where he eventually become a partner. He was listed as one of New Hampshire's top twenty most effective lobbyists in 1996 at the age of 33, by Business New Hampshire magazine. In 2003, Curtis was recognized in the Union Leader, New Hampshire's only state-wide newspaper, as one of that year's 40 Under Forty, described as "40 up and coming people, all under the age of 40, who are making a difference in our state." Curtis has been closely involved in New Hampshire state politics for over 30 years, including being chosen as a Delegate to the 2008 Republican National Convention. In the past, he has served in senior campaign staff positions for two Presidential Primary campaigns, two New Hampshire Congressional campaigns and a governor's race, and has been an advisor to several successful state Senate campaigns. He has also been an analyst on the New Hampshire Primary for CBS radio network and a number of radio talk shows across the country. Curtis also appeared as a regular pundit on the political website Primary Diner. One of his articles, NH Primary for Dummies, was featured on ABCNews.com. Curtis has coached youth baseball and softball, and served as New Hampshire District Two Commissioner for Babe Ruth Softball and has been a Director, many years as President, of the Concord Baseball Association, Inc., a charitable non-profit corporation. In that capacity, he led the effort to bring a team in the New England Collegiate Baseball League, the Concord Quarry Dogs, to Concord and was involved in two Babe Ruth League baseball World Series hosted in Concord. He was also a founding member of the Concord CrimeLine.

Mike Vlacich brings over 25 years of experience in public policy, administration and government at every level to open Cornerstone's Concord, New Hampshire office.

He joins the firm following his time at the United States Small Business Administration (SBA), where he was appointed by President Biden to the role of regional administrator. He was responsible for overseeing SBA programs, offices and operations in the SBA's New England region which serves Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.

Prior to this role, Mike held several positions in the Office of Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) with the latest being senior advisor. He provided support to the Senator, Chief of Staff, Legislative Director, State Director, scheduling department and Communications Director on policy, communications and other strategic imperatives. He also held key roles in Sen. Maggie Hassan's office (D-NH) and Gov. John Lynch's office as director of the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development.

Along with his government involvement, Mike was president and CEO of a higher education trade association, the New Hampshire College and University Council, a member of the University System of NH Board of Trustees, UNH Alumni Association Board, the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority, NH EPSCoR Statewide Committee, New Hampshire Small Business Development Council Advisory Committee, New Hampshire Workforce Opportunity Council and the Governor's Save Our Shipyard Commission.

He has received the New Hampshire Business Review Business Excellence Award. He also earned the New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development Award for Excellence, the Business and Industry Association of New Hampshire's Above and Beyond Award and was ranked on the Business NH Influencer Index.

Mike received his bachelor's in political science from the University of New Hampshire.

0-5 years

Brendan began working at The Dupont Group in 2022 and has been working in New Hampshire politics for several years. He has a wide range of experiences on two Congressional Campaigns, including Steve Negron's 2018 run as a field staffer, and George Hansel's 2022 run as a deputy campaign manager. In the 2020-2021 academic year, he served as the Executive Director of the New Hampshire Federation of College Republicans, leading the organization's first digital campaign for down-ballot races.

In addition to his work here in the Granite State, Brendan has experience with advocacy at the national level. In 2021, he was an intern for the American Conservation Coalition, where he made contributions to The Natural Solutions Report, and assisted in the development of several courses in ACC's Market Environmentalism Academy.

Brendan earned his BA in Politics from Saint Anselm College in May 2021, and in May 2025, earned his Masters' in Public Administration from the UNH Carsey School of Public Polic

15-20 years

For many years I have been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers for my work in real estate law and land use and zoning law and litigation. I was also among the New Hampshire Union Leader's 2012 "40 Under 40" class and among NH Business Review's New Hampshire 200 which spotlights the 200 most influential business leaders in the Granite State's private sector.

I am a commissioner and past-chairman of the board of commissioners of the Concord Housing and Redevelopment Authority. I also sit on the Executive Committee of the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce, am a current Director, and have served as Chairman of its Government Affairs Committee. I was a member of Concord 2020, a community advisory group dedicated to improving the workability and livability of the City of Concord, NH.

Through the firm, I am a past chairman and former member of the National Association of Home Builders. I served on the National Association of Home Builders Legal Action Committee.

I represent business, construction, land use development, and environmental clients on a variety of legislative, regulatory, and litigation matters. I represented the New Hampshire Home Builders Association on the question of residential fire sprinkler legislation, crafting amendments to New Hampshire's residential construction and fire safety codes, and in negotiating amendments to the State Comprehensive Shoreland Protection Act. I also managed the negotiation and closing of several commercial asset sales and purchases while leading the processing of various state and municipal development, environmental, and excavation permit applications.

15-20 years

Beth has relationships with department heads at several state agencies in NH

Beth began her career in government relations in 1997. She represents clients in law enforcement, pharmacy and funeral services, as well as a number of professional associations.

Beth is currently a member of the legislative committee of the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce and is an active volunteer with the Christ the King Food Pantry and other organizations in Concord.

She is a graduate of Plymouth State University, where she previously served on the Board of Directors of the school's Alumni Association.

Thomas Prasol serves as the Managing Director for Demers, Blaisdell & Prasol Inc. He has been providing strategy, lobbying, and association management for clients since 2011. He brings a myriad of experience in State and Federal government beginning his professional career as a Project Assistant to U.S. Senator Judd Gregg and as Policy and Field Coordinator for several State and Federal campaigns. In 2008 he transitioned to the position of Project Director for Senator Gregg where he handled federal appropriations in the areas of first responders. Upon Senator Gregg's retirement, he moved to the New Hampshire State Senate where he was a Legislative Aide to the Senate Education Committee. With his experience in federal and state government, Mr. Prasol brings another dimension to the firm in areas of strategy, management of special projects, and government affairs implementation. He continues to bring his experience and knowledge to assist State and Federal campaigns with strategy and policy research. In addition to his work for Demers, Blaisdell & Prasol, he serves on the Town Planning Board and has previously served as Chair of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board in his local community He received his Bachelor's degree in Politics from Saint Anselm College where he served as an Ambassador to the New Hampshire Institute of Politics, and his Master's degree in Criminal Justice from Boston University. He currently resides in Hooksett, NH with his fiance' Maria and two dogs Zeus and Tyson.

Kirsten Koch joined Cornerstone's Concord team in October 2024, serving as Vice President to assist with executing strategic client initiatives and helping them cultivate strong relationships throughout the state.

Kirsten came to the firm following her time at the Business & Industry Association of New Hampshire (BIA) most recently serving as Vice President of Public Policy. In this role, Kirsten advised the public policy team, driving proactive advocacy efforts and overseeing the policy development process among BIA members. She regularly testified before the state legislature representing the business community on a variety of energy and environmental issues. Kirsten successfully advocated changes to make New Hampshire a more competitive state for doing business, including spearheading key policy initiatives to streamline permitting processes and drive the development of local energy sources. She also directed BIA's largest coalition of businesses while producing educational conferences for the organization.

Before her time at BIA, Kirsten worked as a Legislative Aide for the New Hampshire State Senate, gaining an in-depth understanding of the legislative process and building strong relationships with legislators and state agencies. She served as the aide to the Health and Human Services Committee and the Transportation Committee. Additionally, Kirsten served as Strategic Initiatives Director for the New Hampshire Republican State Committee, leading grassroots initiatives and managing statewide coalitions for federal, state and local elections.

Kirsten is proud to be a lifelong Granite Stater. She holds a bachelor's degree in political science with a law minor from Plymouth State University, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude.

Maura Weston brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in political and legislative advocacy to our Concord office.

Maura previously served as President and Founder of MM Weston & Associates. With extensive experience representing a wide range of clients before the New Hampshire legislature and regulatory agencies, she specializes in crafting and executing both short- and long-term legislative strategies, drafting testimony and working closely with policymakers to advance client interests. After founding her own government relations practice, Maura successfully represented clients in key sectors such as telecommunications, healthcare, energy and contract procurement.

Her notable achievements include advocating for the deregulation of VoIP services, reforming wireless facility siting processes and advancing net energy metering laws to expand renewable energy markets. Maura has also played a pivotal role in creating new healthcare legislation for collaborative practice agreements and helped invalidate restrictive covenants in physician employment contracts.

Prior to founding MM Weston & Associates in 2006, Maura was a Partner at Rath, Young, and Pignatelli, where she honed her expertise in government relations. Earlier in her career, she worked as an Associate Attorney and Law Clerk at the same firm.

Maura holds a Juris Doctor from the University of New Hampshire School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of New Hampshire. In addition, she is an active member of the American Bar Association and New Hampshire Bar Association and became the sole New Hampshire member of the National League of Women Lobbyists.

20+ years

I hold a Ph.D. in Economics from Johns Hopkins University.

I served on the commission established to achieve long-term viability of the New Hampshire Retirement System, and was appointed by two Governors to serve as the Chairperson of the Board of the New Hampshire Retirement System, an office I held for five years. I am a former member of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston's New England Public Policy Center Advisory Board, and the Josiah Bartlett Center for Public Policy. I have also served on a number of legislatively-established study commissions, including electric utility property taxes and education funding.

I have a PhD in Economics and have been an economist at Gallagher, Callahan & Gartrell, in Concord, New Hampshire for more than 25 years.

I regularly testify before the New Hampshire Legislature on behalf of a range of business and non-profit clients. I work on matters before regulatory agencies and have appeared as an expert witness regarding fiscal and economic impacts of energy infrastructure projects. I have also authored studies and provided strategic advice on the effects of a statewide property tax, various business tax proposals, and public investments and infrastructure.

15-20 years

For the past 15 years, Karen has advocated for clients in the health care industry, Medicaid managed care, outdoor recreation and housing before the New Hampshire legislature, executive branch, and state agencies.

For the past four years, Karen has also served as executive director for the N.H. Manufactured Housing Association. Karen lobbies for and guides the association's mission, handles communication and membership issues, and coordinates the Manufactured Housing Community Action Program. Due to its success the program was recently codified in state law.

20+ years

James M. Demers is the founder of The Demers Group and Demers, Blaisdell Inc., he presently serves as President & CEO of Demers, Blaisdell & Prasol Inc. Mr. Demers is a former member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives and former congressional candidate. He has over 40 years of experience in the legislative, regulatory and political fields. He has been a political commentator for numerous media outlets including ABC News, CNN, MSNBC, Fox News as well as NH news stations WMUR-TV, WBIN-TV and New England Cable News. He has been actively involved in advising presidential campaigns, serving as co-chairman of President Barack Obama's NH campaign in 2008. He presently serves on the advisory board of the NH Institute of Politics at St. Anselm College, chairman of the NH International Trade Advisory Commission and he is a "political insider" for Politico and the National Journal. He was nominated by President Obama and confirmed by the US Senate to serve on the Board of Directors of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, which is the country's development financial institution. He has been recognized by numerous state and national publications as one of New Hampshire's "most influential" and "most powerful" people. He is a graduate of the University of Miami (FL) and he holds an MBA from Southern New Hampshire University. He served three terms in the NH House where he served as the Assistant Minority Whip. He has also served as President and Executive Director of the New England-New York-New Jersey Financial Services Association and the National Card Coalition after doing corporate government affairs work for two national financial services companies. He is a resident of Concord, NH.

6-10 years

Mr. Cuzzi launched Prospect Hill Strategies in 2012. Today, David brings over two decades of experience to benefit some of New Hampshire's largest and smallest companies. The results achieved in both New Hampshire and Washington, DC for a diverse client roster demonstrate the Firm's ability to provide full service public affairs and government relations solutions to organizations with varying needs across a range of industries.

David previously worked for BAE Systems' Electronic Systems sector and its legacy businesses in Nashua, NH, in the roles of Manager, Business Development and Director, Government Relations. As a Business Development Manager, he led the strategy, resource planning, and execution of efforts to maintain core business and capture new business for a product line with annual sales of $240 million, including one of the company's most important programs. As Government Relations Director, David was responsible for advocacy at the federal, state and local levels for the Nashua, NH-based sector, which then employed 9,000 people at 16 sites across 7 states, with annual sales of $3.5 billion.

Prior to joining BAE Systems, David served as a top aide to then-U.S. Senator John E. Sununu (R-NH) on Capitol Hill, advising the Senator on National Security, Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Veterans' matters, and all issues pertinent to the Senator's service on the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee. Mr. Cuzzi played a critical role in reversing the Department of Defense's recommendation to close the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in the 2005, and was a key negotiator in the drafting and passage of legislation reauthorizing the USA PATRIOT ACT in 2006 and 2007, and reforming the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States in 2007.

Mr. Cuzzi also served in New Hampshire and Washington, DC as an aide for two members of the U.S. House of Representatives, handling a wide portfolio of issues, including all committee work for a member of the Appropriations Committee. His other career assignments include posts with Podesta Associates in Washington, DC, Putnam Investments in Andover, MA, Bob Dole's 1996 New Hampshire Presidential Primary campaign, and the National Restaurant Association in Washington, DC.

David was born and raised in Waltham, MA. He is a graduate of St. Anselm College, and lives in Bedford, NH with his wife, Christina, and their twin boys. An avid sports fan and golfer, Mr. Cuzzi is active in business and civic organizations. He is honored to serve on the following Boards of Directors: Elliot Health System, McAuliffe-Sheppard Discovery Center, NH Scholars, NH Research and Industry Council, Rivier University President's Circle, and the New Hampshire Advisory Committee of the U.S. Global Leadership Council. David is Chair of the New Hampshire State Society's annual Educational Opportunity Fund golf tournament, and was an appointed member of the of the NH Telecommunications Planning and Development Advisory Committee, and Board Vice-Chair of the Manchester Community Health Center.