20+ years

Prior to joining JohnsonPossKirby in 2017, Luke served Capitol Hill in the Tennessee General Assembly, the Department of Finance and Administration, and the Office of Governor Bill Haslam.

Luke began working in politics in 2009 for Representative Pat Marsh and then joined Governor Haslam's office in February of 2011. During his tenure there, Luke helped shepherd the Governor's signature legislation through the legislative process. These initiatives include teacher tenure reform, tort reform, the TEAM Act, the Prescription Safety Act, and TN Promise to name a few. In 2015, Luke left the Governor's office to join Commissioner Larry Martin and the Department of Finance and Administration.In his role as Legislative Liaison, Luke was responsible for communicating with the legislature on behalf of Commissioner Martin and the divisions within the department. Luke worked with the Commissioner, Strategy Technology Solutions (STS), Benefits Administration, and the Division of Budget to achieve the department's goals and facilitate a strong working relationship between the department and General Assembly.

In addition to his work with the F&A divisions, Luke played a role in preparing the Governor's Budget and advocating for its approval in the General Assembly. These budgets included the largest tax cut in state history, two debt free budgets, and significant investments in recruiting jobs.Luke and his wife, Katie, live in Franklin with their two daughters, Ryall and Mackie.

JOHN Y. BROWN III was elected as Kentucky's Secretary of State at the age of 32, the second youngest in the nation, and re-elected without opposition, serving from 1996-2004. His accomplishments as secretary of state include becoming a national voice for election reform, creating nationally recognized e-government services as well as programs to promote entrepreneurism and small business development, all while saving Kentucky taxpayers nearly a million dollars through efficient management measures. Before entering politics, John headed up franchising for Roaster's Inc., developing fast food venues in 37 states and several foreign countries. John served as vice-president of ResCare, working in government relations and public affairs for the Louisville based human services company with over 40,000 employees in over 40 states and several foreign countries. He served several years as an adjunct professor of business law at Bellarmine University. In 2007, John ran unsuccessfully as the lieutenant governor running mate on a ticket with gubernatorial candidate Jody Richards (Kentucky's Speaker of the House) in a seven slate Democratic primary. John graduated magna cum laude from Bellarmine University, earned a law degree (with distinction) from University of Kentucky, and then went back to Bellarmine University for his M.B.A.

15-20 years

Jimmy has been a government relations specialist with the Law Office of Philip A. Reale since 2004. A fixture at the State Capitol since 1992, when he was elected as the youngest member to the 71st West Virginia Legislature at the age of 25.

Jimmy's political prowess is unmatched in West Virginia. He routinely fields calls from candidates seeking his advice and expertise regarding messaging, voting trends and issues of importance to the general public. Jimmy's keen strategic thinking is also of great value at the state capitol, as he is able to create messaging that resonates with members. Jimmy counts several legislative leaders as his close personal friends and clients benefit from his relationships with legislators and executive agency staff alike, as well as his knowledge of the legislative process.

However, Jimmy's greatest gift is friendly demeanor. Though certainly skilled at fervently debating on a client's behalf, Jimmy is sincerely kind to everyone he encounters. His high profile stable of friends and his genuine likeability make him a powerful ally at the statehouse.

Before joining the Law Office of Philip A. Reale, Jimmy served as the Executive Director of the Gilmer County Economic Development Association (GCEDA) for ten years and was responsible for a large number of development projects including the location of a $130 million dollar medium-security Federal Correctional Institution in Gilmer County, employing nearly four hundred people. In order for the prison project to be completed, Jimmy led community efforts to secure grant funding from the federal and state government to provide the necessary infrastructure to the proposed location.

Jimmy lives in Weston with his wife Ronne Dee and their three children.

Katie has been working on Capitol Hill and in other functions of state politics since 2007. Katie has worked in the office of United States Senator Lamar Alexander, as well as the Office of Governor Bill Haslam.

During her tenure in Governor Haslam's office, Katie was instrumental in the governor's Drive to 55 Initiative, helping shepherd key legislation such as the Tennessee Promise and the FOCUS Act.

While working as Director of Legislation, Katie advised the governor, his senior staff, and twenty-three state agencies on political strategy and legislative affairs.

Prior to joining the JohnsonPossKirby team, Katie worked as Senior Advisor of Government Affairs and Economic Development at Bradley Arant Boult Cummings, LLP.

Katie graduated from the University of Tennessee at Martin in 2008. She continues to serve her alma mater as a member of the Advisory Board.

Katie lives in Franklin with her husband, Luke, and daughters Ryall and Mackie.

6-10 years

Jennie served as the primary staff member for the House Education Committee.

Jennie Previously served as:
Senior Director of Government Relations and Policy, University of Memphis, 2018-2019. Built and maintained relationships, studied policy initiatives, and advocated for funding before state, local, and Federal officials. Successful in securing capital funding for the Lambuth Campus, a first for the University. Organized the inaugural University of Memphis Legislative Retreat, bringing a record 40 legislators from across Tennessee to the University of Memphis Campus.

Director of Government Relations, State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE), 2014-2018. Represented Tennessee's leading education policy and advocacy organization before the Tennessee General Assembly. Successfully designed and executed a statewide roadshow for a Governor's cabinet member to interact with business and community stakeholders.

Legislative Staffer, Tennessee General Assembly, 2011-2014. Worked for the Tennessee General Assembly in several roles including Research Analyst for the House Education Committee. Developed strong working relationships with key education and business community stakeholders. Maintained a deep understanding of education-related legislation to serve as the primary policy advisor to the committee.

Fundraiser and Campaign Coordinator, Congressman Bill Cassidy, 2010-2011.

15-20 years

6-10 years

Joining the Law Office of Philip A. Reale in June 2017, Philip A. Reale, II, is the most recent addition to the firm. A 2010 graduate of the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill School of Law, Philip is an experienced litigator and general practice attorney who has represented clients across a broad spectrum of practice areas. He now focuses his practice on helping clients who are injured due to the negligence of others, as well as clients who have been wrongfully terminated or discriminated against in the workplace. Additionally, whether negotiating lease agreements, or litigating quiet title actions, Philip helps clients concerning a variety of oil and gas matters.

Prior to his transition to the Law Office of Philip A. Reale, Philip was an attorney at a the largest litigation firm in West Virginia, primarily engaged in defense litigation, representing employers in claims filed by employees for workplace injuries and wrongful discharge. His work has also included defense of newspapers in defamation actions, oil and natural gas contract matters, defense of automobile makers in products liability actions, prosecution of automobile accident cases, business formations and other various matters. His experience as a defense litigator provides him a unique perspective in assisting clients as he has the ability to evaluate cases from every angle to produce positive outcomes.

Philip also has a stellar record before the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals, having successfully represented multiple clients before West Virginia's highest court. In addition to his law degree, Philip also holds an M.B.A. from East Carolina University ('07).

In addition to being an accomplished attorney, Philip is one of the top amateur golfers in West Virginia, and competes regularly throughout the U.S. in top amateur golf tournaments.

In his spare time, Philip enjoys West Virginia Mountaineer athletics and spending time with his wife, Abby, and their daughter Eddison.

11-15 years

15-20 years

11-15 years

6-10 years

20+ years

With more than 20 years of experience shaping public policy and ensuring its enactment and implementation, Mack represents clients in critical issues ranging from zoning and permitting to tax incentives and environmental regulations. He has served two Tennessee governors, and throughout this career has demonstrated keen insight into the political process, developing long-term relationships with members of both parties.

Ellen Valentino joined Cornerstone's Maryland team in December 2019. She brings to Cornerstone more than 30 years of lobbying expertise in Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia. Ellen represents diverse business interests from small businesses to the energy sector to beverage companies. She focuses her work on protecting client interests through practical policy change, coalition-building, issue positioning and political strategy.

Prior to joining Cornerstone, Ellen founded and operated her own legislative and association management consulting firm, Valentino-Benitez & Associates (VBA, Inc.), for more than 28 years. As president of the firm, Ellen advocated for clients and built trusted relationships and coalitions to represent their interests in matters before the District of Columbia City Council, the Maryland and Delaware legislatures, and local governments.

In addition to representing various clients, Ellen currently serves as the executive vice president for the Maryland-Delaware-District of Columbia Beverage Association and the Mid-Atlantic Petroleum Distributors Association.

Ellen began her professional career as an executive in grassroots lobbying management with the Greater Washington/Maryland Service Station and the Automotive Repair Association. In 1991, she established her own legislative and association management consulting firm.

A life-long Maryland resident, Ellen is a graduate of Catholic University. She is married to Robert Benitez and they have two daughters.

20+ years

The firm's namesake, Phil Reale is an attorney and government relations consultant who has more than 40 years of experience representing clients in the courtroom and all levels of government. Phil has vast experience in a myriad of public policy areas ranging from oil and gas matters, healthcare policy, gaming and lottery laws in multiple jurisdictions around the U. S., economic development, alcohol policy, and e-government.

Phil is a 1977 graduate of the West Virginia University College of Law. He has been an active member of the Independent Oil and Gas Association of West Virginia, including one term as president of the organization and at all times an effective coordinator of public policy and legislative affairs for the industry in West Virginia. He served on the Board of Directors of Alliance Petroleum Corporation, an exploration and production company with operations in Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. He also served as the Independent Oil and Gas Association representative to Governor Tomblin's Natural Gas Vehicle Task Force. He is often found on the editorial pages of state newspapers offering comments on various issues confronting state government.

He rose to prominence in statewide political circles when in 1988, he chaired the transition team for incoming West Virginia Governor, Gaston Caperton and ultimately served as his Chief of Staff. This role led him into a career of helping guide clients through legislative and government processes. He has served the state in a variety of capacities including that of its representative to the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission for which he served as its Vice Chairman. Additionally, he Co-Chaired the Higher Education Advocacy Team and championed a higher education reform effort, served two terms as Chairman of the State College System of West Virginia Board of Directors, served on the West Virginia Judicial Investigation Commission, the West Virginia Educational Broadcasting Authority, the West Virginia Prepaid College Tuition Trust Fund Board of Directors and has held leadership positions in various political and civic organizations. He is the recipient of two Distinguished West Virginian Awards of Public Service.

Phil has routinely left his mark on statewide political campaigns over his many years of involvement in West Virginia politics and is often consulted by candidates seeking assistance with political strategies.

In addition to being a past Chairman of Special Olympics of West Virginia, Phil maintains an active role in the stewardship of several charitable organizations. Phil is the current Chairman of the West Virginia Golf Hall of Fame, a member of the West Virginia Golf Association Executive Committee and currently serves the organization as its vice-president and chair of its Long Term Planning Committee, and serves on the Leadership Council of the West Virginia University Cancer Institute.

In his spare time, Phil enjoys playing golf and supporting West Virginia Mountaineer athletics.

6-10 years

WV Kids Count Board of Directors, WV Community Action Partnership Board of Directors, 15+ years of non-profit work, 10+ years of legislative experience.

I served as a budget and policy analyst for the Speaker and Majority Leader of the West Virginia House of Delegates, and the House Finance Committee. I also served as a research analyst for several joint legislative committees, including the Joint Committee on Government and Finance. I served as a policy/budget advisor to the House of Delegates Minority Office. I provided advice, account management analysis and development of public policy relating to the state budget, public education, education and the arts, health, human services, energy, commerce, tourism, and other policy issues. I gave guidance and oversight on legislative rules, and proposed legislation for consistency with the legislative budget and proposed policies. I served on the House of Delegates Redistricting Committee, House of Delegates/Senate Budget Conference Committee. In addition, I served as director of legislative services for the Department of Health and Human Resources and as senior policy analyst in the Office of the Governor.

Melanie has 15 + years of working in Executive/Leadership capacities with nonprofits and government relations industry. Ares of specialties include Politics, Policy Analysis and Development, Legislative Bill Tracking and Rule Making Process, Government Budgeting, Direct Lobbying, Event Planning, Nonprofit Management, Negotiations, Association Management, and Government Procurement.

Melanie is a strong professional with a Master of Arts (M.A.) from Marshall University and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from Fairmont State University

20+ years

Understanding how government functions has always interested Kelley Abell. Over the course of her career, she has met and worked with industry leaders and government officials in the Executive and Legislative branches of federal, state and local governments. She has a keenly honed understanding and appreciation of the role of government in economic development, business and public affairs.

During her 25-year career, she has successfully led projects to increase provider rates, leverage federal funding, fund new projects and change the U.S. Tax Code. She has also worked collaboratively with industries on regulatory reform.

She has served on a number of boards including The Morton Center and The Healing Place, which are focused on recovery from addiction. She was the first female and first non-physician Board Chairman of The Healing Place, serving as Chairman during the expansion of the women’s campus. In addition, she has held several leadership roles with state and national associations on behalf of clients.

Kelley attended the American University in Washington, DC and the University of Louisville, graduating with a degree in Communications and a minor in Economics. She and her husband, David L. Huber, share two daughters, two sons-in-law, three grandchildren and one demanding black Lab, Nora Lea.

20+ years

I have obtained major regulatory incentives for trucking, rental car (Enterprise, National and Alamo) and smokeless and cigar industries. I also created a major tourism development zone for Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee, as well as being involved in tax incentives for tourism development projects in downtown Memphis, Tennessee.

20+ years

Chad D. Robinson owner of the government relations and consulting firm, Robinson Capitol Consulting, Inc (RCC). Mr. Robinson has worked within the government relations capacity since 1999, and actively been involved in more than 25 Legislative Sessions.

Chad graduated from Shepherd College in Shepherdstown WV in 1996 with a degree in Political Science and Economics. He earned his Master's Degree from West Virginia University in 1999 with a Masters of Legal Studies.

RCC represents state and local associations and businesses in West Virginia.

Association management is one of Mr. Robinson's passions, providing leadership, legislative expertise, and helping to reach professional goals within the Association. This passion assures members are protected and succeed in professional goals and strategic growth.

Playing a key role in successful legislation, Mr. Robinson has directed lobbying efforts for the Associations and the clients he represents for 19 years. His presence at the State Capitol during the Legislative Sessions and Interim meetings has developed relationships with Legislators and staff members which successfully benefit those he represents.

Chad's experience also includes WV Senate Senior Legislative Analyst and WV Attorney General Consumer Protection agent. These positions provided him knowledge regarding professional legislation, and working with WV consumers, community organizations, businesses and local government regarding Consumer Protection.

Chad is active in his local community where he resides with his wife and 2 children and serves as Charleston WV city councilman. Chad accepts challenges head with professionalism, knowledge and expertise.

"Challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful." -Joshua J. Martin

11-15 years

Kimberly V. Kent joined Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A., in December 2011, as a lobbyist and consultant, to form Copper Dome Strategies, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the law firm. She will be based in the firm's Greenville office when the South Carolina General Assembly is not in session and in the Columbia office during the session.

Ms. Kent has spent her professional career working in and around South Carolina government. Prior to joining Copper Dome Strategies, LLC, she spent four years with another private consulting group representing a variety of clients, including small businesses, Fortune 500 companies, nonprofit organizations, professional trade associations and specific issue coalitions, on matters before federal, state, and local governments.

Ms. Kent began her legislative and legal career working as the vice president for governmental relations for the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance (SCMA). In this role, she represented the interests of many of South Carolina's largest companies on issues related to economic development, environment, taxes, labor and employment and healthcare, before state agencies, the governor's Office and the S.C. General Assembly.

Following this position, Ms. Kent served as the governmental affairs director and assistant general counsel for the South Carolina Department of Commerce. While at the state's leading industrial recruiting agency, she was the primary liaison for the agency between the executive branch and the S.C. General Assembly on all state funding matters relating to commerce, statutory changes relating to tax incentives and for any and all legislative changes needed by the agency to assist companies interested in expanding or locating new economic development projects in South Carolina.

In 2005, Ms. Kent joined the South Carolina Medical Association as the chief policy officer of the statewide trade association that serves more than 6,000 physicians. During her tenure, Ms. Kent served as the association's general counsel, directed all legislative initiatives before the S.C. General Assembly and the executive branch and managed the recruitment and renewal of physician memberships. She was responsible for all membership publications as well as all communications to members, the public, and the S.C. General Assembly.

Combined with her legal training, Ms. Kent's wide range of experience working in the private sector, professional trade associations and state government, gives her a unique ability to represent a variety of clients.

11-15 years

A native of Buckhannon, West Virginia, Frank Hartman received his B.A. in American Studies (an American Literature and American History combined program) at The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington. Upon graduation, he was selected as a Teach for America corps member and served a full two year term as a fourth grade teacher in Baldwin, Louisiana.Accepted at the West Virginia University College of Law, Frank deferred his enrollment to become the statewide field coordinator for the 1996 Joe Manchin for Governor Campaign.After graduating from WVU, he clerked for the Honorable Thomas H. Keadle, Chief Judge of the 26th Judicial Circuit, and then established a family law firm in his home town of Buckhannon. While at Hartman & Hartman, he managed an extensive civil and criminal caseload. Five years into practicing law, Frankreceived a gubernatorial appointment to the West Virginia Insurance Commission as the Consumer Advocate. There he was responsible for the prosecution of consumer complaints in administrative hearings and for monitoring hospital rate filings and certificate of need applications.Hartman served as Consumer Advocate until joining the Charleston law firm of Lewis, Glasser, Casey & Rollins, where he had the opportunity to work with some of the most experienced lawyers in the valley. At Lewis Glasser, Frank litigated real estate, tort, contract, and election law in state court and was a registered lobbyist for business and civil rights interests in West Virginia. Frank is also the founding member of Hartman Law & Government Affairs, PLLC, focusing on litigation, administrative and election law, and criminal defense. A graduate of the 2009 class of Leadership West Virginia, he is a former member of the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce Government Relations Committee and former chairman of the Upshur County Democratic Party and current member of the West Virginia Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights.

11-15 years

PRSA WV Chapter Practitioner of the Year - 2022

State Journal Generation Next 40 Under 40 - 2021

WV Executive Magazine Young Gun - 2018

PRSA WV Chapter Young Professional of the Year - 2012

Leadership West Virginia Class of 2013

Leadership Kanawha Valley Class of 2015

Coffman has won multiple PRSA WV Crystal Awards for public affairs, community relations, branding, reputation risk management, and media relations.

Coffman Collaborative is a full-service firm providing you the most advance knowledge of the legislative process during and outside session. We provide comprehensive monthly reports, real-time updates, support message development, organize bill tracking, establish legislative relationships and more. Our firm focuses on industrial clients in the economic development, technology, manufacturing and energy sectors. We understand the technical nature of these business and communicate effectively to policymakers.

We are, at the core, is a communications firm. We tailor your strategy to meet your outcomes. We dedicate time in researching who you are and your goals to be obtained. Our approach is to never give you a cookie-cutter plan. We focus on governmental affairs, public affairs, issue management, polling development, crisis communications, media relations, corporate responsibility plans, community relations, external/internal stakeholder engagement and much more.

Rachel Coffman is the President and Founder of Coffman Collaborative LLC. With over 12 years of experience in public relations and public policy strategic execution, Rachel has proven to set expectations and deliver results. She serves the needs of the firm's clients ranging from multi-national companies, trade associations, and nonprofits. Coffman serves as the co-chair for the WV Manufacturers Association governmental affairs committee and is a member of the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce's governmental relations, economic development and environmental committees.

Coffman received her M.B.A. from University of Charleston in 2011 and was a magna cum laude graduate of Marshall University's W. Page Pitt School of Journalism and Mass Communications concentrating in public relations (2008). In 2019, Coffman completed a graduate certificate in Business, International Relations and the Political Economy from the London School of Economics. Coffman has completed her certifications from the Public Relations Society of America in crisis communications and reputation risk management. Also, she holds the following FEMA Emergency Management Institute certifications:
- IS-29.a: Public Information Officer Awareness
- IS-42: Social Media in Emergency Management
- IS-100.b: Introduction to Incident Command System (ICS)

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.

Nathan Poss has over 20 years of experience in both the public and private sector. His focus is to provide clients with a comprehensive range of services, including: legislative drafting and tracking, policy development, governmental lobbying (at all levels), strategy development, and business procurement.



Prior to forming JohnsonPossKirby Government Relations in 2007, Nathan served as a principal at Smith Johnson & Carr, focusing on lobbying efforts for the firm's business clients and taking the lead on procurement strategies.



Before entering into the lobbying world, Nathan served seven years on Capitol Hill as a legislative assistant to then Speaker Pro Tempore of the Senate, State Senator Bob Rochelle. During his tenure with the state, he played an important part in writing and developing legislation, organizing political strategies, building coalitions, and monitoring legislation for committees. Poss has also been actively involved in numerous successful political campaigns.



Poss has built a reputation of hard work and respect among those on Capitol Hill. Working with major players in the state's business community, he has served as a key strategist on major environmental and tax issues. Nathan has garnered a reputation for producing tangible results through well-executed and intricate lobbying efforts designed to achieve long lasting success for his clients.

In addition to his lobbying successes, Nathan has extensive experience with the procurement process in Tennessee. Recently recognized by the TN Report for being known as an "expert in the state's purchasing practices," Nathan has cultivated the necessary connections with top-level decision makers throughout all areas of state government. Throughout his practice he has developed a strong grasp of the state's purchasing processes, and has successfully secured multi-million dollar purchases for numerous clients.

Nathan is a graduate of Cumberland University with a B.A. in Social Science. A native Tennessean, Nathan grew up in Lebanon and currently lives in Green Hills with his wife Molly.

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

Mark Ruge is a lawyer in the Public Policy and Law practice group at the global law firm K&L Gates, one of the largest policy groups in the United States. He focuses his practice on the federal government, representing clients on policy matters before Congress, administrative issues before the federal agencies/departments, and, occasionally, regulatory disputes in the federal courts. He is involved in a broad range of maritime issues and issues related to the Great Lakes states. Most recently, he was named "2018 Great Lakes Marine Man of the Year" and inducted into the Great Lakes Hall of Fame, the first attorney ever chosen.

A veteran of more than a decade as a staffer on Capitol Hill, Mr. Ruge serves as counsel to the American Maritime Partnership, the largest coalition in the history of the U.S. maritime industry, and represents numerous other transportation clients on federal policy issues. In addition, he represents and has represented a broad range of other companies, associations and other entities on federal legislative tax, healthcare, commerce, appropriations and other issues. He is counsel to several major business organizations throughout the Midwest.

Mr. Ruge also counsels clients on issues before the federal agencies and departments. He has successfully helped litigate cases under the Administrative Procedure Act, which mandates rational decision-making by federal agencies. Mr. Ruge has participated successfully in numerous agency administrative appeals and rulemakings.

Before joining the firm, he worked on Congressional staffs, including positions as chief of staff to Rep. Bob Davis (R-MI) and as deputy staff director (minority) of the House Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee, where he specialized in Michigan and Great Lakes issues. Mr. Ruge is a graduate of Georgetown University Law Center and Northern Michigan University. In 2008, Mr. Ruge received an Executive Certificate in Leadership and Management from the University of Notre Dame's Mendoza College of Business.

He served as the Parish Council president at St. Luke Catholic Church in McLean (VA) for nearly 20 years; chairman of the Board of Directors of the Father McKenna Center; co-chairman and founder of the Food From the Bar legal community food drive that has raised more than 3 million meals for the Capital Area Food Bank; the national board chairman for the Ignatian Volunteer Corps; and as the Fathers' Club president at Gonzaga College High School. He received the St. Aloysius Medal from Gonzaga in 2015.

Mr. Ruge is a part owner of the Green Bay Packers.

11-15 years

Chairman, WV Utilities, Telecommunications and Energy Coalition Leadership West Virginia Class of 2012
Purple Ribbon Award, WV Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Member of West Virginia Chamber of Commerce
Member, WV Utilities, Telecommunications & Energy Coalition
Member West Virginia Press Association
Member WV Business & Industry Council
Member Gas & Oil Assoc. of West Virginia

Scott Cosco was Manager of Governmental and External Affairs for Frontier Communications, a publicly held telecommunications company. He worked with public officials on telecommunications and broadband matters.

Prior to working for Frontier, Scott served in several capacities for Governor Joe Manchin, now a member of the United States Senate. As Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for Governor Manchin, Scott researched prospective state board and commission members on behalf of the Governor and followed through with more than 2,000 appointments. He also was Governor Manchin's state representative for the National Governors Association and Southern Governors Association.

Scott also worked for Senator Manchin when he was West Virginia Secretary of State, helping register 41,000 high school seniors to vote. Before entering government service, Scott was Director of Marketing and Creative Services for six of his 10 years at WOWK-TV in the Charleston/Huntington market.

Scott earned his bachelor's degree in communications from Marshall University.

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.

15-20 years

Trammel began his time in Tennessee State politics as a key legislative liaison for the Department of Finance and Administration under Governor Haslam. During this time, he worked on the state's budget process, information systems and insurance plans and served as a vital link to the General Assembly on several topline legislative priorities.

Trammel transitioned to the private sector after the Haslam Administration to serve as a senior government relations advisor at Butler Snow. There he leveraged strategic procurement to create open channels of communication with top decision-makers and lobbied a variety of issues including health care, insurance and telecommunications.

Trammel is an alumna of the University of Tennessee–Knoxville, where he graduated magna cum laude and received his law degree from the University of Memphis. He has been listed among Ones to Watch in government relations practice by Best Lawyers in America®.

Originally from Brentwood, Trammel lives in Franklin. Outside the office, you can catch him at one of his kids' sporting events or out on the golf course.

Energy Bar Association, Member
Vermont Law Review, Member
U.S. Trade Representative, Kentucky Point of Contact, 2006 --Present

Kentucky Office of Energy Policy, Frankfort, KY, Executive Director, 2005
Kentucky Public Service Commission, Frankfort, KY, General Counsel/Policy Advisor, 2004 - 2005
US House of Representatives, Committee on Energy and Commerce, Washington, D.C., Majority Counsel, 1999 - 2004
United States Department of Justice, Environment & Natural Resources Division, Washington, D.C., Law Clerk, 1999
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, Rome, Italy, Visiting Scholar, 1998

6-10 years

As a seasoned and respected government relations professional, Garrett has built a reputation for hard work and tireless advocacy for his clients. Having previously worked in both the Legislative and Executive branches of Tennessee state government, as well as the private sector in Nashville, his work experience affords him a unique perspective.

Garrett started his legislative career as a Policy and Research Analyst for former House Majority Leader Gerald McCormick where he forged deep and long-lasting relationships with legislators and legislative staff.
Garrett later transitioned to Governor Bill Haslam's office where he became his Deputy Director for Legislation and managed a network of agency and department liaisons. Prior to creating his
own firm, Garrett spent four years at The Ingram Group where he provided strategic counsel and government relations expertise to a wide collection of clients at the state and local levels.

In the summer of 2022, Garrett created his own government relations practice, Johnson Capitol Solutions LLC, where he leverages his vast experience and insight into Tennessee state government to help clients take advantage of opportunities and solve problems in any given arena.