11-15 years

Melissa Gombosky is the principal lobbyist and owner of Gombosky Public Affairs. Melissa's bipartisan approach to advocacy before the Washington State Legislature and Office of the Governor has resulted in public policy improvements for her clients. In the 2020 legislative session Melissa lobbied on behalf of Microsoft to pass the first facial recognition policy in the United States. Her clients include Inland Empire Paper Company; Personal Care Products Council, The Washington State Dental Association, Association of American Publishers, Spokane, Central Valley, Evergreen, and Vancouver Public Schools, and Safelite Auto. Prior to her lobbying work, Melissa worked for the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America. She is a graduate of Whitworth University and former English teacher. She participated in the Governor appointed Rwanda delegation as part of the Woman in Democracy program. She also serves on the boards of the Boys and Girls Club and Olympia Education Foundation in Thurston County. Melissa and her husband live in Olympia and have two college age sons. She recently completed her Master Scuba Diver certification and is now working toward her first professional scuba credential.

20+ years

TOM MCBRIDE has advocated for groups and organizations that depend on fair and reasonable treatment under the law for more than 20 years. He has developed a reputation as an effective lobbyist, founded on high ethical standards, aggressive advocacy and personal authenticity.

Tom began his career as a private practice attorney representing commercial and financial interests, with a focus on commercial litigation and bankruptcy law. He went on to serve as government affairs director for fiscal and transportation issues on behalf of the Association of Washington Business, Washington state's chamber of commerce. He then directed the government relations program for the West division of the McDonald's Corporation.

Tom also has firsthand experience working within Washington state government. As director of intergovernmental affairs for the Washington State Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development, he oversaw regulatory and legislative interests in energy, economic development, housing, international trade and growth management.

In 2008, he founded McBride Public Affairs, to advocate for clients on legislative and regulatory matters in Washington state.

A 1994 graduate of Gonzaga University School of Law, Tom holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science from Whitman College. He and his family make their home in Olympia.

20+ years

Successfully passed wide range of policy legislation including legislation in the policy areas listed above;

Successfully secured funding in the Capital, Transportation, and Operating budgets for a variety of clients and projects;

Effectively prevented passage or amended legislation determined to be detrimental to all clients;

Coordinated broad grassroots outreach and engagement efforts designed to develop and strengthen relationships with legislators across the political spectrum; and

Created and successfully deployed campaign resources and independent expenditures to support targeted legislative races.

With over 24 years of experience, Vicki is a seasoned strategist whose work has shaped public policy at the state legislative, executive, and agency levels. Her ability to navigate complex regulatory frameworks and her deep understanding of the political process have delivered exceptional results for her clients. Vicki's expertise extends beyond Olympia, offering valuable insights into public affairs strategies that amplify client success.

6-10 years

Troy's tactical approach to advocacy - for even the most unique public policy challenges facing Northwest industries - has been shaped over nearly three decades of policy experience in the Pacific Northwest. He specializes in providing strategic lobbying and consulting services, helping his diverse clients navigate Olympia politics and achieve their legislative, regulatory and state funding goals.

Prior to taking ownership of The Nichols Group Government Relations, Troy's broad experience gave him a unique perspective that can only come from first-hand experience over 25 years in campaigns, grassroots organization, trade association management, and serving as legislative staff:

• As caucus staff liaison for the Washington House Capital Budget Committee, Troy helped to negotiate and pass several multi-billion dollar capital budgets during his tenure


• As executive officer for a five-county trade association, Troy helped stop the association's decade-long decline in membership, balanced its annual budget for two years in a row, revamped several programs and racked up an impressive string of local policy and electoral victories; and


• As Chief of Staff to the Oregon House Majority Leader and the Speaker of the Oregon House, Troy served as strategic counsel to state leaders on the most important and sensitive issues facing the state.

0-5 years

Patrick is a seasoned political professional with nearly two decades of experience in Washington State, Oregon, and Washington D.C., advising both Democrats and Republicans. From private and public sector lobbying to overseeing operations for a large state agency, Patrick's resume showcases an impressive depth in all things politics and government.

Before joining The Nichols Group, Patrick most recently served as Deputy Director of the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA). For nearly a decade, Patrick rose through the ranks at WSDA holding key policy positions where he fostered deep relationships with legislators, government officials, and other stakeholders, culminating in being appointed Deputy Director in 2017.

• Patrick led a state agency with approximately 1000 employees and a biennial budget of over $382 million. He supported the state's $11 billion agricultural industry by leading WSDA's Executive Team, covering food safety, disease prevention, pesticide management and commodity inspection. Notably, Patrick represented WSDA on the Forest Practices Board, where he worked to build bridges with the forest industry and the environmental community. Patrick also served as WSDA's first Tribal Liaison to the Governor's Office.


• Patrick enjoys a bi-partisan record of legislative accomplishment in both Washington and Oregon, first serving as staff for Oregon State House Representative Deborah Boone (D-Cannon Beach), and later spending two sessions as the Policy Advisor for the Washington House Republicans, focusing on agriculture, energy, and the environment.


• His role at The Nichols Group is a return to private sector advocacy. During his career in Oregon, Patrick represented a diverse range of clients spanning the health care, education, and renewable energy sectors as a contract lobbyist in Salem, and also served as the Director of Government Relations for the Oregon Association of Nurseries.

Mark Streuli is a lobbyist with over 25 years of experience in government affairs. He's always been enthusiastic about making a difference and that led to a 17-year career with the Washington State Senate helping legislators with multiple policy issues. Mark followed that up with several leadership positions in state government, including the legislative liaison and deputy director of agriculture. In 2018 Mark opened Streuli Public Affairs, where he now serves a broad array of clients through his enthusiastic advocacy on their behalf.

Over the years, Mark has built a broad network of contacts at all levels of government and is known for creating strong and effective coalitions to achieve legislative objectives. He's successfully worked numerous bills and budget requests. In addition, Marks' work in state government has helped hone his expertise in guiding clients through regulatory challenges and the rule making process. Mark places a strong emphasis on client communication. He works hard to build rapport and makes sure the client always has the latest information. In addition, Mark is adept at making sure clients have the tools necessary to communicate effectively with their constituencies. Client success is what drives Mark at Streuli Public Affairs. Over the years, his extensive legislative expertise and network of relationships across all levels of government, has allowed him to deliver professional representation and desirable outcomes.

0-5 years

Before beginning her lobbying career, Nora worked as the top aide to the former Speaker of the House Frank Chopp and several other House Democratic Leadership team members, including Representative Christine Kilduff, currently the Speaker's Attorney, and former Democratic Caucus Chair Eric Pettigrew. A graduate of the University of Washington and Washington State University, Nora has served for 17 years in the U.S. Army and is a Civil Affairs officer and Jumpmaster in the U.S. Army Reserve. She is based in and lives with her family in Olympia, WA.

20+ years

Established the first scholarship program for accounting students in Washington State using CPA licensing fee dollars

Passed a law that allows physicians to apologize to patients and their family members and the apology is not admissible in court as part of a malpractice suit

Created a law that recognized oral chemotherapy treatment on parity with traditional chemotherapy treatments for insurance coverage purposes

Passed the first law in the nation to recognize youth concussions in sports that "when in doubt, the student athlete sits it out"

Worked to secure the first law in the nation to establish direct primary care

Created one of the most liberal laws in the country for the use of Segways

Passed the first LIFT program in the state that allowed for St. Anthony's hospital to be built

Repeatedly defeated tax proposal that would impact the movement of cargo through our deep water ports

Passed the first law in our state to allow a Public Utility District to offer retail telecommunication services

Passed one of the first laws in the country to allow patients to take their vision care prescriptions with them to another provider

Passed a law that amended the dental practice act to protect the use of Dental Support Organizations by dentists in WA state.

Worked to secure a budget proviso that directed the Health Care Authority to go out for an RFP for managed dental care moving the state away from fee-for-service

Secured funding in the Capital Budget for the Port of Tacoma and the Seaport Alliance for clean air and remedial action grants

Lisa Thatcher is a lobbying firm committed to communication, information exchange, integrity, and a lobbying style that does not emphasize entertainment of elected officials.

First: COMMUNICATION! I pride myself on effective and timely communication. I am always accessible and responsive to my clients, elected officials and others.

Second: INFORMATION EXCHANGE! I focus on accurate information and the appropriate exchange of the necessary form and manner of information. I keep my clients up-to-date on the happenings of state government in general and their issues specifically.

Third: INTEGRITY! My success is based on my reputation. My word is trusted and respected. Since I am the face for my clients' issues in the political arena, it is essential that I am trusted and highly regarded in the lobby and governmental affairs business.

Fourth: STRAIGHT FORWARD! I am not a deep pocket entertainer. While I often meet an elected official over coffee and may take a legislator to an occasional lunch or dinner, I do not emphasize entertainment. I value the working relationships I have with legislators, agency heads, and staff, but my interactions are professional and information based.

15-20 years

Elected four times as State Representative from the 3rd Legislative District (Spokane).

Work History

2006 - present

Contract lobbyist currently retained by Anheuser Busch-In Bev Companies, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, Enterprise Holdings Inc., Graduation Alliance, MultiCare Health System, Tesla, Ticketmaster, and the Washington Health Care Association.

Past clients include the Puget Sound Regional Council, Inland Northwest Health Services, Community Health Systems, the Institute for Systems Medicine, Eastern Washington University, Associated Industries of Spokane, WA., HMS Inc., Amgen, Shire U.S. Inc., the Kalispel Tribal Economic Authority, Port Madison Enterprises, McLane Co., The Alliance for Solar Choice, Joe King and Associates, and the Energy Freedom Coalition of America.

2003-2006

Director of Government Relations for Eastern Washington University. Responsible for overseeing the University’s engagement with federal, state and local government entities along with various stakeholder groups within higher education and the Spokane community.

1996-2003

Washington State House of Representatives, State Representative from the 3rd Legislative District (Spokane). Served as the Chair of the House Finance Committee, Floor Leader, and as a member of the Appropriations Committee, Higher Education Committee, Trade and Economic Development Committee, and Children and Family Services Committee.

Education

BA, Eastern Washington University, 1994
AA, Spokane Falls Community College, 1991

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)