0-5 years

Melinda has significant experience and key relationships with the Idaho Transportation Department, the Idaho Department of Agriculture, the Department of Health & Welfare, the Division of Financial Management and with the Office of the Governor.

Melinda Merrill has more than 25 years of experience managing government relations and crises for clients throughout the Pacific Northwest and provides Eiguren Public Policy clients with media, reputational, and crisis communications counseling as well as advocacy in local, state, and federal government.

Prior to joining Eiguren Public Policy, Merrill was director of Public Affairs for Fred Meyer and QFC Stores - the two Northwest divisions of The Kroger Co. - for more than a decade, where she was media spokesperson and managed government affairs for the company's more than 200 stores in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington as well as at the federal level. She also developed strategy for and implemented Fred Meyer's and QFC's multi-million-dollar donations, sponsorship, community relations, and employee volunteer programs in the four states.

Merrill is adept at assisting clients in developing strategy for and achieving their goals at the local, state, and federal levels of government. She also has experience providing reputational management for clients facing issues including taxes and fees, labor relations issues, real estate siting and planning issues, product recalls and importation of goods.

Merrill also spent eight years in the Portland office of the international public relations and public affairs firm Hill & Knowlton. There she provided reputation, crisis management and government affairs counseling for clients including grocers, cell phone service providers, economic development organizations, convention and visitors bureaus, electric utilities, and the maritime industry.

Merrill earned her M.A. in Journalism and Mass Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations from Kent State University, and a B.A. in Journalism with a broadcast emphasis from the University of Montana. She currently serves on the board of the American Red Cross of Greater Idaho and is chair of the Philanthropy committee and also serves on the Legislative Committee of the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry. She has served on the Association of Washington Business Executive Committee; the board of Oregon Food Bank and as chair of its Advocacy Committee; and as president of the Board of the Oregon/SW Washington Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. She lives in Meridian, Idaho.

Lisa M. Fecke joined Gaffney, Bennett and Associates in 1994 after 13 years in the newspaper and public relations fields, and local and state politics. In the 1980s, she served as communications specialist for former New Haven Mayor Biagio DiLieto, and as communications director for the Senate Republican caucus at the state Capitol.

In addition to lobbying for Gaffney, Bennett and Associates on a variety of issues involving health care, energy, budget and taxes, business, arts and culture, and the environment, Lisa is principally responsible for the firm's client communications, one of the vital services Gaffney, Bennett and Associates offers its clients and one of the many features that sets it apart from other government relations firms.

Lisa volunteers for the New Haven chapter of Habitat for Humanity and Columbus House in New Haven.

6-10 years

She has been recognized by Capitol Inside in 2015 as a "Rising Star" in Texas politics and in 2016, was selected as the winner for Austin Under 40's government and public affairs industry category.

Prior to joining McGuireWoods Consulting in 2012, Holly served as chief of staff to Texas State Senator Mike Jackson and worked in the Texas Senate for over a decade building strong relationships with state legislators, capitol staff, executive branch and regulatory agencies.

Holly volunteers in various capacities around Central Texas. She is an active member of the MD Anderson Cancer Center's Advance Team and also founded Young Texans of Cancer's Austin Chapter. She received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Texas at Austin and is a Kappa Alpha Theta alumni and Texas Ex. She enjoys spending her free time with her son, Hunt, and golden retriever, Winnie.

0-5 years

A rising public affairs specialist, Kyle England brings a natural sense for governmental affairs to CLB Partners. Mr. England joined the firm as an Associate in January 2019, focusing on legislative analysis, bill tracking, drafting of position pieces and client management.

Prior to joining CLB Partners, Kyle gained valuable experience leading grassroots efforts, heading grassroots campaign operations for several local and county candidates. He also worked as an intern in New Jersey's 8th Legislative District office where he assisted with legislative research and constituent casework.

Mr. England holds a B.A. in Law and Justice Studies with a minor in Communications from Rowan University.

20+ years

Marc represents businesses and trade groups before US federal and state agencies, the US Congress, and foreign governments on a broad range of regulatory, administrative, and legislative matters. He also represents clients in maritime and commercial litigation and arbitration matters. Marc has published numerous articles on international trade, maritime, and environmental law, and has written and spoken at dozens of seminars and conferences focused on these topics.

Throughout his career, Marc has been active and held leadership roles in a variety of professional associations, including serving as chair of the Greater New Orleans Port Safety Council (2011, 2016, 2017, and 2018) and co-moderator and member of the Seminar Steering Committee for the Greater New Orleans Barge Fleeting Association, River and Marine Industry Seminar (2013 to present). In 2008, he was appointed by US Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez and the United States Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Susan Schwab to serve on the Industry Trade Advisory Committee 14, where he served until 2010.

Marc practiced law with Bracewell & Patterson in Washington, DC, from 1996 to 2002. Before that, he worked for the US House of Representatives Government Reform and Oversight Subcommittee on National Economic Growth, Natural Resources, and Regulatory Affairs. From 2002 to 2005, he was an adjunct professor at the Loyola University New Orleans College of Law.

Jenna Massoni serves as a senior associate supporting the firm's Annapolis, Maryland office. She assists a team of seven senior professionals with issue monitoring, policy research and analysis and legislative advocacy and outreach. She became a member of the Public Relations Society of America Inc. in 2021.

Prior to her current position, Jenna managed health care benefits for the students of Johns Hopkins University and was involved in planning the annual commencement ceremony.

Jenna graduated from Washington College in May 2015 with a B.S. in Business Management and received her M.A. in Contemporary Communications from Notre Dame of MD University in December 2019.

Former and longest serving Chairman of the RI Democratic Party in State's history ; over 30 years experience as practicing attorney and consulting at all levels of Federal, State and local government.

20+ years

City Council Member, Windsor Heights

Leadership Iowa

Licensed Foster Parent

As President and CEO of Advocacy Strategies, Threase is responsible for the firm's overall business operations and strategy for delivering results. She has been serving clients before the Iowa Legislature for nearly 30 years. This experience has provided her with intimate knowledge of the legislative process and long-standing solid relationships with policymakers, staff, and key opinion leaders across the state. This allows her to tailor a strategy to meet the individual needs of our clients that deliver the best value to you. Advocacy Strategies' clients realize results when working with our team whether with a controversial legislative issue, securing and maintaining state appropriations, or working to find compromise to move issues forward.

In addition to lobbying, Threase has spent more than two decades developing and implementing successful public affairs and grassroots campaigns of all sizes from national campaigns across the country to smaller campaigns in Iowa communities. Her wealth of expertise in this area affords Advocacy Strategies a strong network of relationships with legislative and community leaders and a unique skill set in developing successful and innovative strategies to achieve policy goals that few firms can offer.

Threase started her lobbying career at the University of Northern Iowa as a student, then went on to work in the Iowa Senate on education issues before her employment with the American Cancer Society. From there, she took the position of Director of the Tobacco Use Prevention and Control division within the Iowa Department of Public Health, giving her the opportunity to use her passion to protect families from the hardships of illness and death from tobacco use. With multiple successes in the non-profit sector, Pfizer recruited her to be part of the Worldwide Alliance Development team. She has been an independent government relations contractor for 20 years helping organizations of all types and sizes.

Threase earned a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Iowa State University but remains loyal to her undergraduate alma mater the University of Northern Iowa where she received her Bachelor's Degree in Communication Studies while serving as Student Body President. She also serves as an elected member of the Windsor Heights City Council and on many advisory committees and community organizations.

Threase and her husband, Rick live in Windsor Heights. They have four children and are avid cyclists and licensed foster parents.

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.

Jon Smalley has worked at MHSA since 1991, became a partner in the firm in 1995, and a co-owner of MHSA in 2001. Jon has spent his entire career working in "the process," specializing in appropriations, procurement and legislative matters.

Jon began his career working on political campaigns, worked for the Senate Majority Leader (1984); served as Chief of Staff to the Senate Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittees overseeing Medicaid, Mental Health and Human Services (1985-1990).

With expertise in the annual appropriations process, Jon has been instrumental in the successful implementation of many significant policy reforms, initiatives, and numerous landmark pieces of legislation, including: the implementation of managed care in Michigan; the re-write of the Mental Health Code; the Juvenile Justice Block Grant; establishment of charter schools; repeal of the residency requirements for police officers and firefighters; and Business Tax Reform. In addition, he was actively involved in two significant construction projects funded in part through state resources: Comerica Park and the Northwest Airlines World Gateway Center (Midfield Terminal).

Jon's many areas of expertise include: the full continuum of health care policy and funding (physical, long term care and behavioral); regulatory issues; education reform; employment issues; child welfare reform; local government issues; Information Technology solutions; tribal issues; gaming issues and procurement.

Jon is consistently ranked as a ‘Top Ten' lobbyist by Inside Michigan Politics, a trusted publication of political and policy issues in Michigan. This honor is voted on bi-annually by key members of the Governor's staff and policy makers within State departments and the Legislature.

Jon holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science and Public Administration from Central Michigan University. He has served as a board member at the Greater Lansing Amateur Hockey Association (GLAHA) and as a coach in youth hockey and baseball programs for over ten years. He is active and supportive of many local charities, including St. Vincent De Paul Home, Ele's Place, St. Mary's Hospice, the American Heart Association, the YMCA, Boy Scouts of America, the Boys and Girls Club of Lansing and Food shelters in Lansing and Detroit. Jon and his family are also active in their local parish.

A Lansing area native, Jon and his wife Cathy reside with their seven children in Williamston.

Holly Salmons Kirby is a principal with JohnsonPossKirby Government Relations. She has been working on the hill and in other functions of state politics since 2000. Kirby served as an intern for the Senate Transportation Committee during the 102nd General Assembly. There she worked on key pieces of legislation such as fiber optic right-of-way for the Intelligent Transportation System and primary restraint. Kirby attended the University of Tennessee at Martin and Western Kentucky University where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. After graduating from Western Kentucky, she served as one of the field coordinators for Andy Womack's gubernatorial campaign. In this capacity, she managed all volunteer efforts, coordinated supporter databases, and assisted the candidate at events across the state.

Holly began her lobbying career when she interned for the firm of Smith Johnson & Carr in 2002. She returned to the firm as an associate for Bo Johnson in 2003. In this capacity, she worked on many issues ranging from outdoor advertising and railroads to manufacturing and alcoholic beverages. In 2006, Kirby worked with key legislators and railroad representatives to pass legislation strengthening the railroad trespassing laws.

In 2007, Holly accepted the position of Senior Associate with the new firm, JohnsonPoss Government Relations. In this capacity she continued to focus on the wide range of business issues she had worked on previously while expanding her work scope to include a variety of education issues. In 2010, Holly accepted the offer to become a principal in the firm.

20+ years

We are available to discuss past achievements in many areas of government relations.

We work across branches and across all agencies of state government.

Ben Patterson grew up in Florence, Alabama. He is a graduate of the University of Alabama and earned his Ph.D. from the University of Alabama where he taught seminars in State and Local Government and American Politics until 1996.

Prior to joining Fine Geddie in 2004 he served as the Deputy Finance Director for the State of Alabama under two governors and helped guide both administrations' legislative efforts on fiscal issues. He also held the position of Chief Information Officer, overseeing the state's technology acquisitions in the late 1990s. During his tenures in state government, he gained a thorough understanding of government operations, procurement, information technology, state budgets and controls, and the complexities of Alabama's tax structure.

Ben Patterson also served as the Director of Government Relations for the Alabama Bankers Association from 2000 until 2003 where he was the principal advocate for the state banking industry. He began his lobbying career as a Manager of Legislative Affairs for the Business Council of Alabama in 1996.

Jeff Hamling joined Cornerstone in 2017, bringing a wealth of experience and relationships in Atlanta, Georgia. Jeff came to the firm after two years as a lobbyist in Dentons' Atlanta and Washington offices where he represented a number of corporate, governmental, and non-profit clients.

Prior to Dentons, Jeff worked at the Georgia Chamber of Commerce as vice president for state and federal affairs. Jeff joined the Chamber after serving then-Congressman Tom Price for over five years. Starting as a staff assistant, Jeff was quickly promoted to deputy chief of staff, overseeing the Atlanta office and various aspects of the federal legislative staff.

Jeff has also been recognized by prestigious organizations for professional accomplishments: profiled in Capitol Impact Magazine's People on the Move, "Rookie of the Year" award voted on by his peers in the Georgia lobbying community, and James Magazine's Georgia's Political Influencers in Washington, D.C.

James H. "Jay" Roberts is the most recent member of our team. Prior to joining GeorgiaLink, Mr. Roberts served in the Georgia State House of Representatives (2003-2015) while in the House, Jay was elected as both Vice-Chairman and Chairman of the House Majority Caucus by his peers. Former Gov. Sonny Perdue asked him to serve as his Administration Floor Leader in his second term. He served in that capacity for 2 years. Jay was named the Chairman of the House Transportation Committee by the Speaker of the House in 2010. He served as Chairman of the House Transportation Committee for 6 years. During his tenure in the House, Jay served on the Agriculture & Consumer Affairs, Ethics, Economic Development & Tourism, Ways & Means, Appropriations, Rules, Game & Fish and Transportation Committees. Jay has served several communities during his 13 years in the House. He served Irwin, Ben Hill, Tift, Turner, Coffee, Telfair, Wheeler, Wilcox and Jeff Davis counties. Governor Nathan Deal appointed Jay to the distinguish position of Director of Planning for the State of Georgia at the Georgia Department of Transportation. He was tasked with the planning of the State's Transportation projects including developing and implementing the STIP. Governor Kemp asked Jay to serve on his Transition Team. He was then asked by Governor Brian Kemp to continue to serve him as the Director of Planning. In September, 2019 Mr. Roberts joined GeorgiaLink Public Affairs Group. He and his wife Sarah have two children, and they reside in Irwin County.

0-5 years

A former high-level legislative staffer, Dallas is known at the state Capitol as a trusted advisor.

Dallas began his political career as senior legal counsel for the Office of the Connecticut Speaker of the House, where he represented the Speaker's office in high stakes legal matters, drafted and negotiated major legislation, and provided legal advice to members of the House majority. After leaving the legislature, Dallas joined the Insurance Association of Connecticut as Vice President.

Prior to his career in lobbying and politics, Dallas practiced law at Shipman & Goodwin, one of the top law firms in Connecticut. He also served in judicial clerkships for Connecticut Appellate Judge Lubbie Harper Jr. and Senior United States District Judge Ellen Bree Burns, the first female federal judge in Connecticut.

In addition to his lobbying practice with Roy & Leroy, Dallas is an attorney at the Law Office of Dallas Dodge PLLC. He currently serves as the Corporation Counsel for the Town of West Hartford, where he was previously an elected member of the Town Council.

Dallas received both his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Connecticut.

15-20 years

She was recognized in 2022 by the Central Pennsylvania Business Journal as one of the Power 30 lawyer lobbyists and in 2021 by City & State magazine as part of their Pennsylvania Power 100 list. She has also been selected by her peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America several times, was honored by Harrisburg Magazine as one of the 'Top Lawyers in Central Pennsylvania' and as one of Pennsylvania's 50 most politically influential personalities by PolitickerPA.com's Power List.

Laura would be happy to discuss specific professional relationships with prospective clients.

Laura continues her "pursuit of happiness" by opening Pursuit Advocacy in 2022, and is thrilled that she'll be joined by many of her long-term clients and additional new ones as well. Feel free to reach out to Laura by email at laura@pursuitadvocacy.com.

Laura worked in the PA General Assembly for over a dozen years in leadership staff positions and managed House floor activity. There she was the House Majority Leader's Chief of Staff and Deputy Counsel and Policy Counsel for the Speaker/Minority Leader. She also has been a lawyer lobbyist for many years, both as a partner at a national law firm and as counsel to former Governor Ridge's lobbying firm. She also has experience in the political arena as a political fundraiser for campaigns nationally and locally.

During law school, Laura was Executive Editor of the Administrative Law Journal. She also interned for a U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of New York, was a legal intern for the Federal Election Commission, and worked for a Tennesse Congressman. She attended Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government Program for Senior Executives in State and Local Governments.

Martin Hubert brings a wealth of state government experience to the clients of Cornerstone Government Affairs. From his early career as chief counsel to the Senate Natural Resources Committee to his gubernatorial appointment as a commissioner of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to his eight years as the deputy comptroller of Texas, Hubert has managed thousands of employees and millions of taxpayer dollars under both Democrat and Republican administrations.

Martin was the 2008 recipient of TSABAA's Administrator of the Year Award. Presented annually, this prestigious award was established to formally recognize state employees who have demonstrated outstanding leadership skills and who have made significant contributions to state agency business administration.

As the final general counsel to legendary Lt. Governor Bob Bullock, Martin learned the mastery of government relations from some of the most influential leaders in Texas history. His knowledge of agriculture stems from generations of the Hubert family's cow/calf and farming operations in South Texas and serving as the Texas Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture for eight years. Martin offers a unique combination of legal, natural resources, tax policy and state government procedural expertise.

Hubert is a graduate of the Georgetown University Law Center and St. Mary's School of Law. He was Brigade Executive Officer in the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M University, where he was a member of the Ross Volunteers Honor Guard and the Singing Cadets. He successfully completed Army Ranger School and served in the U.S. Army Reserves. He is a marathon runner and coaches his son's little league teams.

Hubert is a second tenor and helps raise money for Legal Aid through the Travis County Bar Association's "Bar and Grill" fundraisers. He and his wife Celeste live in a historic home in Austin, where they are involved with the Austin Symphony, St. Theresa's Catholic Church and School, and the happily busy lives of their children Belle and Patrick.

Rachel Cone joins Southern Strategy Group after more than a decade of service in the highest levels of local and state governments. Rachel served as the Interim Secretary for the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), where she successfully shepherded the department's policy agenda and $11 billion budget across the finish line of the 2017 legislative session.

During her time at FDOT she also served as the Assistant Secretary for Finance and Administration, overseeing the offices of work program and budget, finance, procurement, technology, human resources, performance management and other administrative functions. She managed three of the largest transportation work programs in state history and represented the department in front of the U.S. Department of Transportation, the U.S. Treasury, Fitch and Moody's rating agencies.

Rachel also directed changes to how the department finances the work program, and successfully advocated for statutory changes that resulted in a new financing vehicle for the department. This allows the department to fund additional, major transportation projects at a lower cost. She also oversaw the reorganization of the department's technology offices, which resulted in a culture shift for the department in how it prioritizes, spends and manages transportation-specific and traditional technologies.

In 2012, Governor Rick Scott appointed Rachel to serve as his Deputy Chief of Staff, where she was responsible for advising him on statewide issues, appointments to boards and commissions and providing guidance and direction to 14 state and quasi-governmental agencies on operational and management issues, including policy, budget, communication, legislative strategy and agency priorities. Those agencies were the Departments of Business and Professional Regulation, Citrus, Emergency Management, Economic Opportunity, Environmental Protection (and Water Management Districts) and Transportation. Also included under her purview were Florida Wildlife Commission, Space Florida, Visit Florida, Volunteer Florida and CareerSource Florida.

Rachel previously served as the External Affairs Director for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection where she directed planning and statewide communications strategies for the department, and coordinated communications efforts with Florida's five water management districts. This included topics such as renewed water management district oversight, various departmental restructuring, the health of Florida's springs, Governor Scott's Everglades Restoration Strategies plan and Florida's ongoing recovery after the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

Prior to her family's move to Tallahassee, Rachel served on the executive leadership team in the Mayor John Peyton administration in Jacksonville. Rachel began her career as a military reporter at the Florida Times-Union.

Rachel is a proud graduate of Auburn University. She and her family are active members of Trinity United Methodist Church, and Rachel serves as a member of the Board of Trustees at Holy Comforter Episcopal School in Tallahassee.

6-10 years

Current Mayor of Wethersfield, CT
Three term Town Councilman
Recipient of Hartford Business Journal's 40 Under 40
Former Board Member of the Glastonbury Sportsman's Assoc.
Current Board Member of the Pine Acres Swim & Tennis Club

Had worked on the "inside" of state government for over 20 years and developed relationships on both sides of the aisle, the Governor's Office and state agencies and Departments

Michael Rell is a government affairs professional with experience in the legislative process and public policy. With nearly a 25 year career in state legislative employment, Mike has amassed extensive experience working collaboratively with state and local elected officials, as well as state agency officials. Prior to joining International Government Strategies, Mike worked as a press secretary for the Senate Republican Caucus, a policy analyst and the Director of Outreach for the House Republican Caucus. Mike served as Vice Chairman of President George W. Bush's Connecticut campaign and has worked on a number of successful federal, statewide and local campaigns.

Mike is currently the Mayor of Wethersfield, CT and has volunteered on a number of boards and commissions, including an appointee of the House Minority Leader to Connecticut's Tobacco and Health Trust Fund Board. Mike served on the Executive Board of the Glastonbury Sportsman's Association, an organization dedicated to the conservation and preservation of our region's natural resources. Mike has extensive experience representing clients on a wide variety of issues including but not limited to: off tribal land casino expansion, labor law, tax credits and exemptions, economic development, bonding, loan securement, education, health care, and the environment.

20+ years

With decades worth of hands-on experience in Texas government and politics, Sabrina Brown offers valuable strategic counsel, as well as access to a vast network of key associates and decision-makers to a broad spectrum of clients.

Brown's extensive expertise in the state's legislative, regulatory, public affairs and appropriations arenas - combined with her strong bipartisan relationships - provides businesses and organizations with vital political and governmental guidance. Utilizing her many contacts within the Texas House and Senate, Executive Office and state agencies, Sabrina has effectively achieved the public policy goals of a wide variety of clients, from aeronautics giants to groundwater districts to Fortune 100 companies.

Prior to opening her own consulting firm, Sabrina was a highly successful lobbyist for an Austin-based law firm, and previously spent a half-dozen years at the Capitol working for the Texas House of Representatives. Her first-hand experience has given her a detailed familiarity with the legislative process and an in-depth understanding of state lawmakers' perspectives. With these insights, Sabrina creates effective messages and uses her firm's resources to efficiently communicate a client's position to busy legislators.

Brown earned her Masters in Public Affairs at the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas, and her bachelor's degree at Texas A&M University.

Brown currently serves on the boards of Dell Children's Medical Center Foundation, West Austin Youth Association, Beyond Batten Disease Foundation, Friends of the Governor's Mansion, Texas Conference for Women, and the Seton Development Board.

0-5 years

Sara joined McGuireWoods Consulting after six years with the SC Association of REALTORS as their director of political affairs. In that capacity, she managed the SC REALTORS Political Action Committee Board of Trustees, fundraising, finances, disbursements, ethics reporting, independent expenditure campaigns, and public policy campaigns.

Prior to that she served as executive assistant/scheduler to U.S. Congressman Tom Rice in Washington, DC. Her previous experience also includes campaign fundraising for multiple members of the South Carolina General Assembly and members of Congress.

Sara has a public relations degree from the University of South Carolina and is currently pursuing her Master's in business administration at the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina.

Ross Barnhardt's years of experience allow him to offer clients a superior understanding of State Government and help them navigate legislative and executive agency solutions to their particular goals. After graduating from North Carolina State University with a degree in political science, Ross spent several years working in the North Carolina Senate. Working for a Senior Appropriations Chairman, Ross has assisted businesses both big and small to secure State funding and desired legislative outcomes. Ross was a lead staffer in Senate leadership for the State Budget process, regulatory reform, economic development, tort reform, and agriculture policy.

Ross has helped clients meet their goals through lobbying for legislative action at the General Assembly, building legislative strategies and coalitions, and interacting with executive agencies. He has the skills and relationships to present his clients, their needs, and their messaging in front of the correct decision makers. Ross has represented clients involved in the areas of economic development, healthcare, technology, engineering, transportation, education, public safety, finance, local government, entertainment, agriculture, food and beverage, and broad industry associations.

When Ross is not at the legislature, he enjoys saltwater fishing, weight lifting, and home improvement projects.

Rick Allan joined the Pugliese Associates staff as a lobbyist in 2013 after serving as Secretary of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

His considerable experience with the private sector along with his broad knowledge of the environment enabled him to direct a state agency with a staff of 2,300 employees and an annual budget of $300 million. While with DCNR, Rick oversaw the Department's improvement of the review process for the development and oversight of the natural gas industry activities on PA State lands. This would result in lower costs and more timely permitting decisions for all types of development on state lands.

Rick has been providing reliable and successful lobbying service to clients in the private sector through his extensive knowledge of the state legislative, permitting, and financing process with a proven track record for over 26 years. Rick has worked closely with the business community, several non-profit environmental organizations and state agencies, developing public policy while serving on their advisory committees and boards for many years.

He has developed and maintained close relationships with members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, legislative leadership, and state agencies. Rick has developed experience in various sectors, ranging from petroleum, paper/forestry, education, landlord/tenant, engineering, coal, utilities, alternative energy an was instrumental in developing the Pennsylvania Recycling Law.

Prior to his public career, Rick was instrumental in rebuilding, modernizing and expanding his family's recycling operations in northeastern PA over a 20 year period. Rick graduated from Wilkes College with a bachelor's degree in environmental sciences & biology. Rick and his wife reside in Camp Hill.

11-15 years

James H. McFaddin comes to Southern Strategy Group from Health Management Associates (now Community Health Systems), a Fortune 500 hospital company with over 200 hospitals in 29 states, where he served as Director of Government Affairs. James was responsible for representing the company's interests in Washington, DC, state capitals including Tallahassee, and in front of state health care agencies and local governments.

Prior to joining Health Management Associates, James served as Chief of Staff for the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (Agency). As Chief of Staff, James was involved in the management and operations of the Agency including the Florida Medicaid Program, the regulation of Florida's health care facilities, and oversight of the Agency's $20 billion budget.

During this time, James was also appointed by the Governor to manage the state's federally-mandated health information exchange activities as Florida's Health Information Technology Coordinator.

Prior to being named Chief of Staff, James served as the Agency's Legislative Affairs Director.Before joining the Agency, James served as the Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs for the Executive Office of the Governor where he worked to develop and coordinate passage of the Governor's legislative and budget priorities.

James has also served as a Senior Analyst in the Florida Senate specializing in health care, criminal justice, and agricultural issues.

A native of South Carolina, James graduated from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, where he earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in Economics and Political Science.

DAVID G. COLLINS is the Director of Government Relations for Rath, Young and Pignatelli, P.C. and leads the firm's Government Relations Practice Group. Prior to RYP, David was the Director of Government Relations for Public Service Company of New Hampshire and in an earlier life, a Biologist for New Hampshire Fish & Game. A veteran lobbyist, well known and well respected, David has a wealth of front line lobbying and public affairs experience.

He has served as a trusted advisor to leaders of a wide variety of industries including electric utilities, insurance, telecommunications, oil and gas, financial service and health care companies. Among a few of his current clients, in addition to the New Hampshire Credit Union League, are Comcast, PSNH, Anthem, Dartmouth College, the American Petroleum Institute and American Express. David currently serves as the Vice Chairman of the New Hampshire Air Resources Council and on the Board of Directors of The Advocacy Group, a select group of nationally recognized public affairs professionals.

His public service has included serving as Trustee of the Manchester VNA, President of the Queen City Kiwanis, Chairman of the Bedford Conservation Commission and Director of the New Hampshire Wildlife Federation.

He is an avid golfer, a passionate fly tyer and an admittedly addicted fly fisherman. He resides in Bow with his wife Lucie and they have three grown children and two grandchildren.

Bernie Marczyk joined Cornerstone's Annapolis office in December 2018. Most recently, Bernie served as the director of government affairs for Anne Arundel County Executive Steve Schuh. In this role, he worked closely with the County Council and Maryland General Assembly to advance legislative initiatives and implement public policies for the County.

Prior to working for the County Executive, Bernie worked for Ducks Unlimited for seven years as a federal and state lobbyist and thenin managing the organization's conservation delivery in the Atlantic Region (Maryland to Maine). In this role he was responsible partnering with federal, state, and non-profit organizations on land acquisition and wetland restoration projects on private lands or public lands such as Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.

Bernie began his professional career working for then-Congressman Bob Ehrlich first as a legislative assistant on Capitol Hill and then as a policy advisor for Governor Ehrlich in Annapolis where he oversaw the legislative and policy efforts of the Departments of Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources, Planning, and Transportation. Bernie also worked on multiple statewide and local elections in Maryland.

A graduate of Princeton University, Bernie and his wife Keely live on Maryland's Eastern Shore with their nine-year-old daughter Leah, seven-year-old twins Claire and Tommy, and three-year-old daughter Stella. Bernie is an active volunteer at St. Christopher's Catholic Church and as a basketball, soccer, and softball coach.

20+ years

Rocco founded the firm of Pugliese Associates in 1980 working from a small office in Harrisburg with a single client. The firm now maintains offices in Harrisburg and Philadelphia with close to 50 clients including: non-profit organizations, universities, government authorities, venture capitalists, state and national corporations, and trade associations.

Rocco has more than 35 years of lobbying and state government experience. Starting his working years in the mid-70's employed in the State Senate; he was later hired as an aide to the House Transportation Committee. In his years of lobbying, Rocco has been active on a number of highly visible, diverse and complex issues. They include such topics as gaming, corporate initiatives and ventures, appropriations, tobacco settlement, economic development, workers' compensation, state procurement, along with a variety of other policy and legislative issues.

Rocco graduated from Gannon University in 1975 with a BA in Political Science, and he also holds a Masters degree in Public Administration from Penn State University.

Experience, Integrity, and Results- Rocco's motivation, commitment, leadership and direction are what make Pugliese Associates what it is today.

6-10 years

HEATHER SHOULDICE joined William Shouldice & Associates in 2005 and became President in 2009. Prior to joining the firm, Heather was a member of the House of Representatives in the Vermont General Assembly where she served on the House Ways & Means Committee. This assignment gave her the privilege of obtaining firsthand knowledge of Vermont's tax system. Heather's successes have been the direct result of developing relationships in a true tri-partisan manner, making lasting relationships. She is known as a consensus builder and has brought this valuable skill to the firm.

Through her expansive experience, Heather directs planning and implementation of custom designed legislative strategies for their clients. These strategies include issue research and monitoring, constituency management, briefings for various audiences including government decision-makers outside the Legislature, preparing expert testimony and ensuring the client is in the right place at the right time.

15-20 years

As Director of Housing and Rural Development, Whitley Sullivan is a lobbyist on the government affairs team at Pac/West Lobby Group specializing in housing, rural development, and campaign consulting. Whitley also supports clients through association management and helping communities advance and thrive through grant writing.

Whitley is a problem-solver. She believes that to navigate complex issues, we must first agree on the root issue(s). In every project, she uses her ability to knock down biases and build bridges so that the team can communicate efficiently and effectively. By spending most of her time in the rural Pacific Northwest, Whitley values the hardworking ethos of her community and strives to put just as much effort into the projects she's tasked with.

Whitley cares about rural lifestyles, communities, education, and healthcare. Our rural communities often lack the time, resources, and infrastructure to combat statewide issues such as housing and healthcare or have the funds to pick up the pieces after natural disasters. Whitley believes that through intense collaboration and proactive strategic planning, we can forge a flourishing future for our rural neighbors–without compromising what makes these communities valuable.

Joining the team in 2023, Whitley spent the past three years advocating for rural, Northeast Oregon values within the Oregon House of Representatives of House District 58's Chief of Staff. Whitley has bachelor's degrees in politics and philosophy from Willamette University.

11-15 years

Gabrielle Kees joined Cornerstone Government Affairs in 2009 with over 12 years of experience working in and around the Louisiana Legislature and Louisiana politics.

Gabrielle served as a senior lobbyist for the Louisiana Association for Justice for six years, leading legislative efforts to preserve and improve access to the civil justice system and the legal profession. She built dozens of strong relationships with legislators and their staff and in her spare time, worked on several campaigns for legislative candidates. Gabrielle continues to represent the association as outside counsel and leads the team for Cornerstone.

In addition to her work with LAJ, Gabrielle is an integral part of several other Cornerstone client teams including UnitedHealth, CenturyLink, and Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center.

Prior to joining the LAJ, Gabrielle spent six years as a staff attorney for various committees in the Louisiana House of Representatives. She began her career in the House as liaison to the Legislative Auditor's Office. She then staffed the House Committee on Agriculture, and eventually served as the attorney for the House Commerce Committee, where she specialized in drafting legislation on occupations and professions, banking and financial institutions, business associations, river navigation and piloting, and commerce in general.

Gabrielle received a BA in political science from Louisiana State University where she was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. She earned a Juris Doctor from Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law Center in 1996, and was admitted to the Louisiana Bar Association. After graduating she served as a law clerk for the 20th Judicial District Court.

6-10 years

James Sherwood is a senior vice president with McGuireWoods Consulting, and counsel with McGuireWoods LLP. Prior to joining the firm, he served as deputy legal counsel and ethics officer in the Illinois House of Representatives. James assists clients on a range of issues, including data privacy and security, worker classification and the gig economy, electrification of the transportation sector and the affordable housing crisis. He also counsels clients on various tax incentive programs. Most recently, he assisted an international data center client in obtaining a tax incentive for data centers located in Illinois.

As deputy legal counsel, James advised legislators on a variety of matters, including legislation that overhauled the state's energy policies, transitioned Illinois to a statewide 9-1-1 system and dealt with the increase in heroin and opiate abuse. In his role as ethics officer, James ensured members were apprised of their duties under Illinois ethics laws and regulations, and advised members to ensure compliance therewith.

James also serves as a board member on the Public Policy Committee for the Illinois Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association.

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.

Patty is a seasoned veteran who served as deputy secretary for legislative affairs for Governor's Rendell and Schweiker. She also served as a liaison between members of the state general assembly and the governor's office in negotiating legislation, capital budget projects and constituent issues. Patty consulted with state House and Senate leaders on legislative agendas, and coordinated the development and introduction of legislation for 15 departments and agencies of the executive branch, including the Liquor Control Board, the Department of Transportation, Turnpike Commission, the Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Public Welfare (now the Department of Human Services) and the Department of Labor & Industry. From 2001 to 2003, Patty served as acting secretary and deputy secretary for legislative affairs under Governor Mark Schweiker. During the Ridge administration, she served as both legislative director and assistant legislative director for the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue. Patty was also a senior lobbyist for another government relations firm, where she lobbied the Pennsylvania General Assembly and developed legislative/procurement strategies for clients in industries such as transportation, financial services, gaming, liquor and healthcare, as well as for municipal and county governments.

0-5 years

0-5 years

Arthur B. "Skin" Edge, IV is engaged in Governmental Relations and Consulting. Prior to joining GeorgiaLink, Mr. Edge served in the Georgia State Senate (1986-1996) and was Minority Leader of the Senate from 1992-1996. Mr. Edge served on the Appropriations, Special Judiciary (Chairman), Public Utilities and Health committees in the Senate. He also served on the Legislative Fiscal Affairs Committee and the Code Revisions Committee. Georgia Trend Magazine named Edge as one of "The 100 Most Influential People in Georgia." He was voted "The Top Registered Lobbyist in Georgia in 2018" in a poll of legislators, state officials and lobbyists. He was also named by Business to Business Magazine as one of "The Ten Most Influential People under the Gold Dome." He is a graduate of the University of Georgia (BBA 1977) and the University of Georgia School of Law (J.D. 1980). He was a participant in the Leadership Georgia Class of 1988. Skin and his wife, Bambi, have three children and six grandchildren. They reside in Newnan, Georgia.

20+ years

Accomplishing goals in Annapolis depends in large measure on mutual trust and mastery of the legislative process, two attributes that John F. Favazza, Esq., has honed through his experiences in Annapolis and applies now as a member of the MCA firm.

These traits coupled with his legal training and ability to deal effectively with complicated and sometimes controversial subject matter, give added strength to the Manis Canning team in work for their wide array of clients. He has a deep understanding of the nuances and subtleties of the legislative process and state government, and advises clients on strategies to accomplish their goals.

John spent 13 years working inside the legislative process in Annapolis. He served as Counsel to the House Economic Matters Committee for four years, and then spent nine years working for the Speaker of the House, the last six as Chief of Staff. Working with the Speaker and House leadership, John gained insight into the larger strategic decisions that underpin the legislative process in Maryland. He was involved in a broad array of substantive and policy issues, but with a focus on business, environmental, gaming and tax structure issues.

John holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in History from Towson University and Villanova University respectively and a law degree from the University of Maryland. A member of the Maryland Bar, John lives in Annapolis with his wife Erin, and their three children.

After a lengthy career as a policymaker in government and an administrative lawyer who litigated against government, Paul Bradshaw founded Southern Strategy Group in 1999. Paul's work often strayed from the arcana of policy to the less staid world of political campaigns. In the political realm, Paul worked on several successful statewide campaigns including Jeb Bush's first successful gubernatorial campaign. With a background in Florida government, Paul has dealt with a broad range of major public policy initiatives, including those directed at development, environmental protection, and public education.

Between 1986 and 1990, Paul served in the Martinez Administration as the chief cabinet aide to the Governor, the director of the state's growth management program, and as the director of the Office of Policy and Budget. In those roles Paul was instrumental in advancing Florida's environmental and growth management programs. In 1998, working with then-candidate Jeb Bush, Paul was instrumental in crafting the education plan that ultimately completely re-engineered the K-12 system in Florida. Paul frequently writes speeches for candidates and elected officials, and during the course of his career has authored inaugural addresses and State of the State speeches for three governors.

Paul's broad exposure to both the mechanics of government and bare-knuckled politics give him a rare ability to grasp the policy and political implications of lobbying issues.

20+ years

Cindy Bishop is the President of Checkmate Strategies, a lobbying and association management firm headquartered in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

She is a registered lobbyist and handles association management for several statewide organizations.

Cindy established Checkmate Strategies in 1995. She has worked on many high-profile legislative campaigns.

She is adept in all aspects of association management including board development, fiscal management, communications, membership recruitment and retention, public relations, grant administration and convention/meeting planning.

She is a member of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, the Louisiana Association of Non-Profit Organizations and the Louisiana Society of Association Executives

Adrian joined MHSA in 2002, and became a member of Muchmore Harrington Smalley & Associates, LLC in 2015. Prior to that, he served as the Assistant Vice President of Legislative Relations for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). Adrian collaborated with key stakeholders to improve Michigan's business climate with high profile legislation such as Next Energy and the establishment of the Broadband Authority. Adrian was also influential during the passage of legislation to create the Metropolitan Airport Authority Act, which was responsible for the building and modernization of the McNamara Terminal at Detroit Metropolitan Airport.

Respected as one of Lansing's top lobbyists, Adrian specializes in economic development, energy and technology, environmental, insurance, banking and tax policy issues. Recent accomplishments include the passage of legislation that gave Jackson National the ability to expand their business. Adrian secured state investment for the Farmers Insurance expansion and the JW Marriott Hotel, both in Grand Rapids. He has been instrumental in the last three business tax code rewrites and worked on legislation to standardize college entrance testing.

Prior to his work at the MEDC, Adrian was the Legislative Liaison for the Department of Management and Budget where he was responsible for securing funding to build the Hall of Justice, Constitution Hall and the Vietnam War Memorial. Adrian began his career working as a legislative aide for three state Senators, later serving as director of public affairs. Adrian also worked as the public events coordinator for the Senate Majority Leader.

Adrian holds a bachelor's degree in Communications and Sociology from Western Michigan University (WMU), where he graduated with honors. While at WMU, Adrian served on the Board to Review the President's Address on Racial and Ethnic Harmony.

Adrian and his wife Erin live in East Lansing with their four girls.