DAVID A. SMITH is a partner in the Princeton Public Affairs Group, is a veteran of the public affairs arena and has successfully managed public affairs campaigns impacting auto insurance, life insurance, tort reform and environmental legislative initiatives. Mr. Smith received national acclaim when he was honored with a ""Pollie Award"" by the American Association of Political Consultants and named to their United States ""Public Affairs Team of the Year." Mr. Smith was also named one of the most influential players in New Jersey's Healthcare arena by the Annual HealthSense Listing. Since 2005, Mr. Smith has been a Commissioner on the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission (nominated by the Governor for two separate four year terms and confirmed by the NJ Senate) and currently serves as an Officer on the Commission (Secretary). Mr. Smith serves on the National Board of Directors of the Public Affairs Council, and was one of the few contract lobbyists in the Country to be appointed to a National Task Force charged with creating ethical standard for lobbyists throughout the United States. Mr. Smith is a founder and member of the Board of Directors of ProtectingAmerica.org, an advocacy organization Co-chaired by James Lee Witt, former Cabinet member under President Clinton and Admiral James Loy, Deputy Director of Homeland Security under President Bush. Mr. Smith also serves as an Officer (1st Vice President) of the New Jersey Hall of Fame Foundation Board of Directors and also serves on the Executive Committee (Secretary) of The Advocacy Group (TAG). Finally, Mr. Smith serves on the Board of Directors as an officer (Treasurer) of the State Capitol Insurance Company RRG, the first professional liability company for lobbyists headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Mr. Smith has appeared on television and radio stations representing clients' interests, authored dozens of articles on politics/policy issues in New Jersey and is a frequent guest speaker/lecturer at national and state conferences, legislative hearings, meetings and seminars. He has been a consultant to statewide and legislative political campaigns and is a member of the Executive Finance Committee of the Assembly Democratic Leadership Committee as well as the New Jersey State Democratic Committee. Prior to joining the firm in 1995, Mr. Smith served as Director of Policy and Planning for the New Jersey General Assembly Democratic Office. In that capacity, Mr. Smith supervised the partisan staff of all Assembly Committees and Task Forces while serving as senior staff aide to the insurance and commerce legislative committees. He was a Director with the New Jersey Dental Association from 1985 to 1990 and served on several national and state health care and insurance advisory committees.

Mr. Smith was awarded a Master of Science in Financial Services (MSFS) Degree from the Richard D. Irwin Graduate School of The American College. He is a Graduate Fellow of the Public Affairs Institute, a three year educational program of the Public Affairs Council located in Washington, DC. Mr. Smith also graduated with a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Political Science from Gettysburg College.

20+ years

As the founding principal of The Bloom Group, Hal Bloom brings our clients more than 25 years of experience in politics, with an in-depth understanding of the legislative process as well as the inner workings of state agencies. His leadership and the qualified team he's assembled ensure that clients always get professional services that yield real results. A seasoned and respected veteran in his field, Hal was chosen as one of the top lobbyists by The Montgomery Advertiser (1999).

Key Areas of Expertise
Insider knowledge of the legislative process
Political coalition building
Public and governmental finance
Strategizing for and managing political campaigns

Key Professional Experience
Key legislative strategist, executive assistant and chief of staff to a two-term Speaker of the House
Senior governmental affairs officer, public finance officer and investment banker supervisor for major statewide bank
Investment banker for top Southeast investment firm

Key Issue Areas
Environmental, particularly solid waste disposal and clean water
Municipal bond issues
Government funding
Banking, investments and finance
Commercial leasing
Industrial relations and labor
Prevailing wage
State budget and taxation - business and municipal
Federal grants

Professional & Community Affiliations/Honors
Member, Alabama Alliance of Business and Industry
Legislative Liaison, League of Municipalities Committee on State and Federal Legislation
Chairman of Advisory Board, Baptist Medical Center-East
Former Board Member, Alabama Industry and Manufacturers Association
Former Board Member, Alabama-Guatemala Partners of the Americas
Consultant, State Tax Reform Study Commission
Who's Who in the South and Southwest
Who's Who in Executives and Professionals
Strathmore's Who's Who
Paul Harris Fellow, Rotary International
Past President, Montgomery Rotary Club
Member, President's Cabinet, The University of Alabama
Member, Board of Visitors, The University of Alabama Honors College
Chairman, Board of Directors, The University of West Alabama Foundation
Alumni Achievement Award, University of West Alabama
Member, The Society of the Golden Key, University of West Alabama
Member, Board of Trustees, University of West Alabama

Education
B.S., Business and Commerce, University of West Alabama
Registered Representative, NASD/New York Stock Exchange
Graduate, Chamber of Commerce Executive Institute, University of Georgia

20+ years

Dominic has served in various capacities in the executive branch of NJ State government along with appointed positions to various Boards and Commissions. He left state service in 2012 after a career that spanned over 28 years across the Departments of Treasury, Corrections and Human Services. From 1998 to 2012 he was with the Department of Human Services serving as Special Assistant to the Commissioner. In 2002 he began work at the Department's Division of Medical Assistance & Health Services (Medicaid) where he managed Government Affairs, Medicaid recoveries, Public Records.

In January 2012 Dominic joined Xerox State Healthcare as Vice President for Government Healthcare Solutions (GHS) for NJ, PA, CT, DE and RI. He was responsible for the expansion of existing business and identifying new state government business opportunities; screening Requests for Proposals (RFP); leading bid proposal teams; identifying strategic partners; and winning new business. During his tenure at Xerox, Dominic closed deals totaling $134M including $30M in new business and grew the NJ GHS account from $32M to $49M.

In May 2015 Dominic joined Phoenix Ventures LLC as Director of Business Development where he was responsible for developing strategic business relationships for potential partnerships, navigating complex government sales cycles, identifying opportunities and driving growth for companies transitioning into or expanding in the public sector. His primary focus was on government healthcare including Medicaid & Medicare, healthcare analytics, and information technology.

Dominic was the longest serving Chairman of a NJ County Board of Elections, serving on the Mercer County Board from 1994 to 2012. He was appointed and re-appointed to the Board by six Governors of both parties. He also served as Chairman of the Mercer County Board of Social Services, President of the Trenton City Ward Commission and is active in various community organizations.

20+ years

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

0-5 years

ASSOCIATIONS & MEMBERSHIPS
Maryland Government Relations Association; Keep Punching Haymakers Inaugural Class 2019-2020; Maryland March for Life, Vice President; Prince George's County Healthcare Alliance, Secretary; National Trauma Education & Policy, Board Member

AWARDS
The Daily Record's 2020 Leading Women; 2019 & 2020 Public Policy Fellow, Society of San Sebastian

AV-rated, Martindale-Hubbell
Fellow, America Bar Foundation
Fellow, Tennessee Bar Foundation
Fellow, Napier-Looby Bar Foundation
Fellow, Nashville Bar Foundation
Appointed by Gov. Lee to the Board of Directors, TPAC Management Corporation, 2019- Present
Appointed by Gov. Haslam to the Board of Directors, TPAC Management Corporation, 2013-2019
R.B.J. Campbelle Award, the University of Tennessee College of Law, 2012
"Nashville's Top 101 Lawyers", Nashville Post Magazine, 2011
Best Lawyers in America
    Energy Law, 2011-2022
    Government Relations, 2016-2022
    Administrative/Regulatory Law, 2022
    Communications Law, 2020-2022
    Lawyer of the Year, Energy Law (Nashville, TN), 2018, 2020, 2022
Mid-South Super Lawyers , Civil Litigation Defense, 2013-2014
J.C. Napier Trailblazer Award, Napier-Looby Bar Foundation, 2010
"In Charge," Legal Category, Nashville Post, 2010
Best of the Bar, Nashville Business Journal, 2003, 2009, 2020
Commissioner, Tennessee Public Utility Commission (Formerly Tennessee Regulatory Authority), 1996-2002
Deputy Legal Counsel to Tennessee Governor Don Sundquist, 1995-1996
Dr. Calvin Calhoun Distinguished Member of the Year Award, 100 Black Men of Middle Tennessee, 2006, 2014 & 2015.
Special Appointment by Gov. Haslam, Tennessee Supreme Court, 2013

Melvin was one of the first practitioners before the Tennessee Public Utility Commission to obtain approval of capital recovery riders under Tennessee's newly passed legislative initiative authorizing alternative regulatory mechanisms for public utilities.

Served a special appointment by Governor Bill Haslam to the Tennessee Supreme Court to hear a case from which four Supreme Court Justices recused themselves (Hooker et al v. Lt. Governor Ramsey et al.).

Successfully litigated on behalf of Tennessee's only publicly held water provider, a regional financial institution, a global wireless communications company, the nation's largest three-service utility, a national automotive finance company, and a coalition of Tennessee telephone cooperatives.

Successfully litigated on behalf of a coalition of over 200 retail fuel providers in an alternative fuel anti-competition case.

Commissioner, Tennessee Public Utility Commission (Formerly Tennessee Regulatory Authority), 1996-2002.

Deputy Legal Counsel to Tennessee Governor Don Sundquist, 1995-1996.

Evelyn (Evie) Zois Sweeney joined MHSA in 2011. Evie previously lobbied on behalf of a multitude of corporate, non-profit and municipal clients at Dykema Gossett, PLLC. She has extensive experience with state procurement, local government and the appropriations process, specifically higher education, capital outlay, corrections and general government.

Prior to joining Dykema, Evie served as a legislative assistant to the Senate Appropriations Chair and Clerk for the Senate Appropriations Committee and Joint Capital Outlay Subcommittee. In addition to shepherding legislative agendas through the process, she was responsible for monitoring several departmental budgets, including corrections, community health and general government.

Evie is a 2004 graduate fellow of Michigan State University's Michigan Political Leadership Program, a multi-partisan leadership training program. Evie also serves as co-chair of the gift acquisition committee for the Children's Trust Fund, is involved with Habitat for Humanity and serves on the Michigan Political Leadership Program's Finance Committee. Evie also had the privilege of working on Governor Rick Snyder's 2011 Inaugural Executive Committee.

Evie graduated from Michigan State University's James Madison College with honors and earned a bachelor of arts degree. She was a double major in International Relations and Sociology. Evie also served as a research assistant at St. Peter's College, University of Oxford, Oxford England.

Evie and her husband Matt reside in DeWitt with their daughter and son.

11-15 years

Member of the Delaware Bar Association
Member of the Maryland Bar Association

REBECCA BYRD knows government, policy and politics with the inside knowledge that comes from broad experience with all three branches of government, and she combines it with the perspective of a lawyer. She can draft legislation. She can lobby for it. She can decipher federal and state regulations.

There was a method to Rebecca's decision not to specialize in just anything. With the breadth of her background, she is ready for everything. Rebecca is a third-generation practitioner. Her grandmother was an aide to Gov. Sherman W. Tribbitt, her father is Bob Byrd, and here she is to carry on the family tradition. Rebecca was the deputy legal counsel to Governor Ruth Ann Minner and a deputy attorney general in the state Justice Department under Attorney General Beau Biden. She also clerked on the Delaware Supreme Court for Justices Carolyn Berger, Jack Jacobs and Henry duPont Ridgely and served as a liaison for the court to the General Assembly.

She is the author of articles on Delaware's Coastal Zone Act (Delaware Chamber of Commerce, 2016) and a co-author of "50 State Survey: The Law of Eminent Domain"" (American Bar Association, 2012). Rebecca is a member of the Delaware State Bar Association and the American Bar Association, where she is a member of the Business Law Section and its Government Affairs Committee. She is a graduate of the George Washington University and the Catholic University of America School of Law.

CHARLENE RIDEOUT provides government relations and lobbying services to clients of Kearney Donovan & McGee, P.C. Formerly, Ms. Rideout served as Intergovernmental Affairs Manager for the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA). In that capacity, she was responsible for implementing legislative and regulatory strategies as well as promoting and advocating MWRA's legislative agenda. Prior to working at MWRA, Ms. Rideout was legislative director for the Massachusetts State Senate Assistant Majority Leader and Senate Chair of the Banks and Banking Committee.

11-15 years

Arkansas College Media Award winner for photo and print
Arkansas Business 30 under 30
National Junior Chamber President's Medal of Honor winner and Ambassador to Japan
Arkansas Junior Chamber Star Award

Our representation for energy and insurance clients keeps us close to the Insurance and Commerce Committees. Our pharmaceutical and other health related clients keep us close to the Public Health Committees. However, we regularly have bills in other committees and can successfully lobby the entire house and senate.

We have relationships all over our state government. If we don't know someone already we will find an introduction. We specialize in cultivating long term relationships with people and always remain loyal to our friends and those that help us.

My father returned home to Harrison, Arkansas after playing for the Denver Broncos for a few years and began working as a sales rep for Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Over the next decade he worked his way up to VP of marketing. In 1986 I was 8 years old and he was asked to be something called a "lobbyist". I immediately was in love. I knew at eight years old that I wanted to be a lobbyist when I grew up. Believe it or not I planned my life accordingly.

In the early 90's the newspapers had painted a target on all of the lobbyists in Arkansas. Dad had a heated exchange with a legislator and an editorialist took some liberties with article. I knew then that I wanted to join the media before lobbying in order to avoid anything like that. In high school, I managed the local GNC, volunteered for every campaign that I could and took summer work at the capitol as a driver and staffer for our Treasurer and Attorney General. I took some journalism courses and immediately got a job as a reporter when I started college.

After college I was an inaugural staff member for Governor Mike Beebe. After serving as a policy adviser I left to join my father's firm, Phillips Management and Consulting Service. After having a very successful run under a Democratic administration, we had a very smooth transition into the next Republican administration with myself serving on incoming Governor Asa Hutchinson's transition team in the areas of the Department of Human Services and the Department of Information Systems.
We love our job. Neither my father nor myself plan to retire. We want to lobby as long as we can.

In 2009 I started a company called LobbyUp. I was disappointed with the only bill tracking service available in Arkansas so I built my own. We now have over 50,000 users in 14 states and we'll continue to add states until we are in all 50 and congress. We have a free mobile app for android and ios.

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.

Prior to joining Jones Walker, Paul worked for Congressman Bob Livingston for more than 20 years, serving as legislative director and associate appropriations committee staffer. In this capacity, Paul was a primary advisor on all federal appropriations and related congressional authorization committees as well as federal agency and executive branch policy matters. Through this involvement, Paul has developed a vast network of contacts in the federal, congressional, and private sectors. He also has acquired extensive experience in the development and implementation of the 12 annual appropriations measures, related authorization bills, and federal agency and executive branch programmatic, jurisdictional, and policy issues.

Paul is a founding partner of the Livingston Group, which has had a strategic alliance with Jones Walker since 1999. Drawing on his knowledge and experience, he has helped a variety of clients attain policy, regulatory, and legislative goals with key members of various congressional committees, the White House, and executive branch agencies.

Paul has advocated issues, prepared appropriations and authorization bills, and developed report language for clients in a variety of industries, including financial services, national security, information technology, education, corps of engineers, transportation and infrastructure, maritime, energy, social services, and other sectors.

Since early 1999, Paul has provided ongoing volunteer services and support to the National World War II Museum in New Orleans.

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.

20+ years

Successfully worked with two municipalities regarding approval to locate two major warehouse centers in those districts.

Work with state economic development agency and key legislators for passage of legislation to provide financial assistance for small businesses in CT.

Ongoing work with major state hospital system on all pertinent issues, including state and federal funding, healthcare, etc.

Successfully assisted in merger of large pharmacy retailer and insurance.

Brenda Sisco is a principal of RSG. For more than 15 years, Ms. Sisco held several key positions in two gubernatorial administrations prior to joining RSG. Under Governor M. Jodi Rell, Ms. Sisco served as Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management ("OPM"), Commissioner of the Department of Administrative Services ("DAS") and Legislative Director for the Governor. Ms. Sisco also served as Legislative Director for Governor John G. Rowland. After leaving state service, Ms. Sisco was Director of Outreach and Government Relations for the Connecticut Council on Education Reform, a coalition of business leaders, working on the landmark education legislation in 2012.

As Secretary of OPM, Ms. Sisco oversaw the administration of centralized budgeting and planning for the State of Connecticut. Leading eight Division Directors and approximately 130 employees, Ms. Sisco reported directly to the Governor, providing guidance and analysis, preparation of the state budget and advice on the fiscal and administrative impact on public policies and policy initiatives. Additionally, Ms. Sisco reviewed all state agency requests for bonding to fund capital projects, advising the Governor on which projects that should proceed. Ms. Sisco was also responsible for the distribution and oversight of project funds.

As Commissioner of DAS, Ms. Sisco led more than 300 employees and managed a $40-million-dollar budget. Her role was to deliver programs, services, specialized support and sound business solutions to state agencies, municipalities, vendors, colleges and universities, non-profit organizations and the public at large. This included procurement of contracts on behalf of state agencies for goods and services, personnel recruitment, workforce planning, fleet operations, state workers compensation, collection of debts due the state, surplus property distribution and printing, mail and courier services.

As Legislative Director, Ms. Sisco was the lead representative for the Governor with the Connecticut General Assembly on budget and tax proposals, economic development, human services, education, public health, environment and bonding proposals. In addition to oversight and approval of all legislative proposals by state agencies, Ms. Sisco assisted in the development of policy initiatives and the passage of the biennial state budget. Ms. Sisco also served on the Board of Trustee of the University of Connecticut on behalf of the Governor and as the liaison between the Governor's Office and the New England Governors' Conference ("NEGC"). Among the more notable projects, Ms. Sisco worked on the restructuring of the electric industry, passage of UConn 2000, creation and funding of $1 billion Adriaen's Landing development project and the takeover of the Hartford School System.

Ms. Sisco received her B.S. in Psychology from Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, Connecticut.

HEATH CLARKSTON has more than two decades working for a variety of clients as a registered lobbyist in Missouri with state government relations and public relations experience. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration and Political Science in 1997 from Missouri State University in Springfield. He began his career as a legislative intern for the Taxpayers Research Institute, a division of Associated Industries of Missouri. After joining Gallagher Consultants Inc. in 2006, Heath quickly earned a reputation as a tenacious, hard-working voice in the Missouri State Capitol for his clients. An active member in many civic and professional organizations, Heath is the benchmark of hard work in the State Capitol.

6-10 years

Joshua Borill, the founder of State Capitol Solutions, LLC (DBA "State GR") started working in the Louisiana Legislature in 2004. As a senate staffer for former State Senator Mike Michot, he gained the understanding of the legislative process and built strong relationships with legislative staff, current and former legislators as well as executive state department staffers. Josh served as director of state affairs for six years at a Louisiana government affairs firm. He has over 18 years of government and political experience and possesses extensive knowledge in the hallways of the State Capitol. Some of Josh's clients include Chevron, Port Fourchon, Acadian Ambulance, CAJUNDOME, LA1 Coalition and Lafayette Consolidated Government. Josh serves on several boards for various community non-profits, including LSUE Foundation Board and the Chitimacha Louisiana Open. Josh is a graduate of the Acadia Parish Chamber of Commerce Leadership Excel and was honored as one of Acadiana's "Top 20 Under 40" in 2013. In 2009, Josh was a candidate for Man of the Year for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in Lafayette Parish. Josh is an avid golfer and a member of the Lafayette Area Football Officials Association (LAFOA) and the Mississippi Association of Community & Junior Colleges (MACJC) as a football official. A native of Crowley, Louisiana, and graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Josh currently resides in Broussard with his wife Tonya Peterson Borill and their three children Reese, Rhyan and Hayes.

20+ years

Best Lawyers in America, Government Relations Law, 2009 to present Great Plains Super Lawyer, Government Relations Law, 2009 to present America's Top 100 Attorneys
U.S. News & World Report Best Law Firms in Nebraska

Fellow Mueller Robak LLC partner, Kim M. Robak, is a former Lieutenant Governor of Nebraska.

William J. Mueller is senior partner and co-founder of Mueller Robak LLC. Mr. Mueller has succeeded in combining a strong legal and political background to be-come one of the state's leading lobbyists. He advises clients on a broad range of legislative and government relations matters. Mr. Mueller is a graduate of the University of Nebraska College of Law and began lobbying in 1984. He will be President of the Nebraska State Bar Association in 2021. He is one of three firm members who were elected President of the student body of the University of Nebraska while in college. Mueller has been selected by his peers for inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America and a Great Plains Super Lawyer in Government Relations Law since 2009. He has been selected for Lifetime Membership in America's Top 100 Attorneys. In 2013, 2016, 2019 and 2021, Mueller was selected as the Best Lawyers Lawyer of the Year in Government Relations practice. His is a Fellow of the Nebraska State Bar Foundation and is a Patron Fellow of the American Bar Foundation. Mr. Mueller is a past President of the University of Nebraska Alumni Association. Mueller is the President of the Board of Directors of the United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County. He and his spouse, fellow Mueller Robak partner, Kim M. Robak, chaired the campaign of the United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County in 2015. Mueller, an Ogallala, Nebraska native, and Kim M. Robak, a Columbus, Nebraska native, have two daughters, Katherine and Claire. Katherine is an honors graduate of Vanderbilt University and resides in New York City where she works for a financial services firm in their global payments area. Claire M. Mueller, MD is a graduate of Pomona College in Claremont, California, and graduated with High Honors from Emory University School of Medicine. Dr. Mueller is in her second year of medical residency in ophthalmology at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, Oregon.

Ms. Ito has been the recipient of numerous professional recognitions. In 2008, she was a recipient of the Pacific Business News Forty under 40 award. In 2011, Ms. Ito received the Stars of Hope award from the Hata Foundation and the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii. She also received in 2011 the Hawaii Justice Foundation Spirit of Pro Bono Award, as well as the Hawaii State Bar Association's Ki'e ki'e award, for her pro bono work with the Hawaii Access to Justice Commission and the Hawaii Consortium of Legal Service Providers to obtain much needed additional funding for indigent legal services in Hawaii.

20+ years

Martindale-Hubbell
    AV -Preeminent Peer Review Rated
Best Lawyers in America
    Insurance Law, 2007-2022
    Government Relations Practice, 2015-2022
    Lawyer of the Year, Insurance Law (Nashville), 2018
    Lawyer of the Year, Government Relations Practice (Nashville), 2020, 2022
Nashville 101 Top Lawyers, Nashville Post Magazine, 2011
In Charge list, Government/Politics, Nashville Post, 2010
150 Best Lawyers, Business Tennessee, 2009
Best of Bar, Nashville Business Journal
Trustee, Harpeth Hall School
Former Board of Directors, Women's Fund of Nashville, Community Foundation of Middle of Tennessee
Former Board Member, Book 'Em
Former Alumnae Board Member, Harpeth Hall School
Former Board Member, Jade's Fund, Vanderbilt Children's Hospital
Tennessee Lobbyist Association
Former Member, Board of Directors

0-5 years

Natasha Mehu is a highly accomplished government relations specialist with over a decade of diverse experience in local, state, and federal affairs. With a successful transition from the public sector to the private sector, she is currently serving as a lobbyist at Manis Canning & Associates, where she advocates and educates on behalf of clients' interests to Maryland's state and local governments.

Natasha provides strategic advice, issue analysis, and guidance to clients on complex government matters, and excels in connecting clients with influential government leaders and staff. She is skilled in legislative advocacy and diligently tracks bills, proposed amendments, and regulatory matters to keep clients informed and well-prepared. Natasha's ability to build coalitions and mobilize allies has been instrumental in developing legislative support for clients.

Prior to her current role, Natasha held a senior leadership position as the Director of the Mayor's Office of Government Relations for the City of Baltimore. In this capacity, she formulated policy positions, set strategies, and advocated for the city's local, state, and federal legislative and fiscal priorities. Natasha fostered constructive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, serving as a liaison to city, state, and federal offices.

Natasha's extensive experience in government affairs is further exemplified by her tenure at the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo). As the Legislative Director, she led and coordinated advocacy efforts on behalf of MACo's member counties and Baltimore City in front of the Maryland General Assembly. She successfully managed a team of policy advocates, oversaw the legislative policy fellow intern program, and served as a liaison to various affiliate organizations. Natasha's expertise spanned multiple policy areas, including business affairs, health and human services, housing and community development, government liability and courts, and public safety and corrections.

In her earlier career, Natasha served as a Project Manager at the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, where she managed nonprofit grantee housing counseling agencies and legal services providers. She excelled in legislative liaison roles and provided technical assistance and training to ensure compliance with regulatory and statutory requirements.
Natasha's commitment to public health and equity is evident through her work as a Research Assistant at the University of Maryland School of Law and as a Student Attorney at the Drug Policy and Public Health Strategies Clinic. Natasha holds a J.D. from the University of Maryland School of Law, with a Certificate in Health Law. During her time in law school, she actively participated in the Student Health Law Organization (SHLO) and the Black Law Students Association (BLSA). She also competed as a member of the BLSA Thurgood Marshall National Trial Team.

Natasha earned her B.A. in Communication, with a minor in Philosophy, from the University of Maryland, College Park, where she received the University Honors Citation and was a member of the Lambda Pi Eta Communication Honor Society. Natasha is a member of the Maryland State Bar Association (MSBA) and holds bar membership in the state of Maryland. She also serves as a Board Member of the Maryland Government Relations Association (MGRA), a Board Member of Chase Brexton Health Care, and a member of the National Black Professional Lobbyist Association (NBPLA).

20+ years

Honorary Member, Pioneer Lawmakers Association, Class of 2017

Throughout my career, my focus has been to work with elected officials of both parties to help my clients achieve their goals. In addition, I have worked with most state executive branch agencies and elected officials.

I am an educated, motivated and experienced professional with over 25 years of public affairs and government relations expertise.

Currently, I serve as President of Triplett Enterprises, representing the interests of clients at the Iowa Legislature and executive branch, as well as overseeing the strategy, development, and implementation of state government relations and public affairs programs.Previously, I have held both executive- and managerial-level positions within three trade associations and represented Iowa's business community, banks, and savings and loan associations on a variety of issues including health care, environment, energy, economic development, commerce, transportation, electronic transactions, mortgage lending, ag finance, bankruptcy and bank holding company structure.

Competencies: Public Policy and Government Affairs, Business Strategy, Advocacy, Leadership, Trade Associations, Transportation
Policy, and Relationship Building.