0-5 years

At our legislature and dozens of boards and commissions across the state, decisions that impact our quality of life happen at warp speed. Top Drawer's effective relationship building and intensive bill and regulation monitoring give our clients the edge they need to impact everything from professional licensing to environmental permitting. Our advocacy has made the difference for clients on controversial issues that tend to divide policy makers, because we find ways to bring people together. From department rate setting to legislative education on pension sustainability, to healthcare policy, to labor and employment issues, we've found ways to make the impossible happen for our clients because of our credibility with decision makers at all levels of government.

Over a decade of advocacy, Top Drawer has brokered hundreds of millions in investments for Louisianans. Our work to secure a steady investment in the historic Morgnaza to the Gulf flood protection system will ensure that the Louisiana way of life is a reality for generations to come. Repeated against-all-odds work to invest in K-12 education after a decade of devastating spending freezes has produced important results for school districts across the state. Our commitment to state investments in smart partnerships with business and industry have borne fruit for organizations like the Port of South Louisiana - the largest tonnage port in the Western Hemisphere - completing capital projects years ahead of schedule to keep our goods and services moving. We're especially proud of our work to fund worthy non-governmental organizations that serve our children and communities, like our three-year successful effort to fund an emergency project for Girl Scouts Louisiana East and protect the camp experience for more than 14,000 young women in Lousiana.

Newly admitted attorney Will DuBos worked in the Louisiana Senate for a total of six years over the course of fifteen ordinary and extraordinary legislative sessions. He held a variety of posts with the Senate, including page to Senator Edwin Murray (D), Staff Aide to Senator Danny Martiny (R), interoffice courier for the Senate Chief of Staff, and finally Aide to Senate President John Alario (R) for the last five years of his tenure.
His policy background spans issues from criminal justice and law enforcement to voting rights and gaming regulation. Navigating courts and agency level hearings is second nature for Will, and his bi-partisan relationships make the difference. His time in the senate developed his understanding for procedure and how to use it for maximum advantage.

Will is an avid outdoorsman and often finds a way to take work into the field, whether that's on a fishing trip or a duck hunt. As a native-New Orleanian, Will's passion for Louisiana culture shines in his work. He is the legacy of the journalist who calls the "Da Winnaz and Da Loozas" of Louisiana politics, Clancy DuBos, and the business chops behind the success of The Gambit, Margo DuBos. The consummate Tigers fan is a graduate of Louisiana State University (B.A. History) and LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center (J.D./DCL).

A native of Louisiana, Brad Mittendorf is also a founding member of Southern Strategy Group (Louisiana). Leveraging expertise in energy and telecommunications policy, Brad represents clients before the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC). In addition, he coordinates issues management and media relations services for SSG clients.

The former campaign manager of Republican Jimmy Field's successful bid for public service commissioner, Brad also served as Commissioner Field's executive assistant. During his 7-year tenure with the LPSC, Brad advised on energy, telecommunications and transportation policies. In addition to serving as the commissioner's representative at regulatory hearings and workshops, Brad was also principal liaison to other elected officials and agencies.

In addition to his work in the political and regulatory arenas, Brad founded In Focus, LL -- a private research company. As president, Brad directed focus group research to test issues for a variety of political candidates and organizations and for law firms seeking to evaluate trial and mediation strategies.

Brad is a Phi Beta Kappa and summa cum laude graduate of Louisiana State University and served as co-editor of the Oxford Book of the American South (1997).

20+ years

0-5 years

Boys and Girls Club of Louisiana - Board Member

Gretna Economic Development Association - Past President

Gretna Heritage Festival - Past Board Member

Westbank Coastal Conservation Association - Board Member

Westbank Ducks Unlimited Chapter - Board Member

Bachelors Club of New Orleans - Member

Senator Danny Martiny Campaign - Campaign Management Team

Elton Lagasse for Parish President - Campaign Manager

Mark Morgan for School Board - Campaign Manager

Sheriff Joseph Lopinto - Westbank Campaign ManagerLouisiana

Video Gaming Association - Associate Member

Senator David Heitmeier - Former Intern

Senate President John Alario - Former Aide

Jefferson Parish Council - Former Intern

Loyola University Institute of Politics - Graduate

Association of Louisiana Lobbyists - Member

Ryan Templet is a lobbyist with Advanced Strategies inc., a government relations firm founded by veteran lobbyist Alton Ashy in 1992. Advanced Strategies has offices in Baton Rouge and New Orleans and for nearly thirty years has represented dozens of clients on high profile issues at the local, state and executive level with impeccable results. Advances Strategies has provided winning strategies to clients in a broad range of industries including gaming, health care, utilities, technology and more.

Ryan first acquired his taste for politics at a young age volunteering for local elections in Gretna, LA where he grew up. In high school, Ryan began working at the Louisiana State Capitol as an intern, where he made in roads with a number of Legislators and shortly thereafter began interning in the Louisiana Senate. In College, Ryan worked as the Legislative Aide for Senate President John Alario, where he worked for five years. Under President Alario, the longest serving member of the Louisiana Legislature, Ryan learned the details of the Legislative process, the Senate and House rules, the art of compromise, the importance of building coalitions, and the value in working with individuals of competing interests and different views to successfully pass a Legislative agenda.

Ryan has worked extensively in a number of Legislative, local, and Parish-wide elections giving him an in depth knowledge of how to identify winning candidates, and a knowledge of grassroots advocacy which he utilized to services clients as a lobbyist. Having extensive knowledge of the Legislature after working for both the Louisiana House and Senate, Ryan joined Alton Ashy at Advanced Strategies inc., where he has helped Alton to grow his client base and further the success that ASI has seen in developing and implementing effective legislative government relations strategies. Presently, Ryan works with Alton to represent a broad range of clients such as the Louisiana Video Poker industry, the Louisiana Video Gaming Association (LVGA), Jacobs Entertainment, the Interventional Pain Therapists Association of Louisiana, Our Lady of the Lake Hospital System, Waste Management (WM), Entergy Louisiana, Baron and Bud Law Firm, Copart inc, DRC, Callan Marine, SAS Institute, Drizly, HNTB Corporation, Louisiana Coalition for Access to Autism Services, Louisiana Association of Applied Behavior Analysts, AETNA inc, the National Football League Players Association, and more.

Alton Ashy is the President of Advanced Strategies. As the firm's president, Alton brings a wealth of knowledge, a strong work ethic and sharp business insight to his projects. Ryan and Alton specialize in helping their clients manage high profile State Legislative and Executive level issues. Ryan and Alton are an extremely effective team for their clients. Priorities for Ryan and Alton in assisting all clients include constant communication, working with Legislators on both sides of the aisle, educating Legislators on both sides of an issue, working with other lobbyists on both sides of an issue, and finding the best solution to an issue. Ryan and Alton provide each client with the respect that they deserve and treat every client as a part of their own family. Their experience in a broad range of industries and willingness to make themselves available as needed to clients make them a perfect match for anyone seeking representation in Louisiana.

20+ years

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
PORTS ASSOCIATION OF LOUISIANA: Baton Rouge, LA
Executive Director
October 2018 - present
Assumes a primary role in the day-to-day operations, planning and programming and use of association resources in governmental relations and association management for the Ports Association of Louisiana (PAL). Primary legislative and media contact for PAL and will work to form and implement a Political Action Committee for PAL. Provides an interface with other maritime organizations, government entities, elected officials and the general public as required to share information and ideas, pursue common goals and develop solutions to problems as well as explore future opportunities which benefits PAL.

ON TRACK WITH MARUSAK: Baton Rouge, LA
Owner. Owns and operates Louisiana's statewide email news clipping service, subscribed to by lobbyists, members of the business community, government, civic and statewide good government organizations.
January 2004 - present

LOUISIANA STATE MEDICAL SOCIETY: Baton Rouge, LA
Vice President of Governmental Affairs
Executive Director - LAMPAC - Political Action Committee of LSMS
2010, 2011 Louisiana Legislative Sessions, August 2011 - September 2018
Was in charge of all legislative activities and media point of contact. Presented written, oral and PowerPoint legislative updates to membership around the state. Primary contact on all legislative issues including, but not limited to, workers' compensation, insurance, scope of practice, funding, Medicaid and medical malpractice. Worked with physician leadership on fundraising for LAMPAC and made recommendations to LAMPAC board on contributions.

CONSULTANT: Baton Rouge, LA
Lobbyist and Public Relations Consultant - Driving Louisiana Forward
In primary role, served as communications and legislative affairs director for Driving Louisiana Forward. In that role, served as the spokesperson for the DLF campaign, giving presentations to legislative, civic, business and media groups across the state. Garnered grassroots, media and legislative support, crossing political, geographic and racial lines. Generated paid and free media opportunities.

Also lobbied on a number of other issues for a variety of clients, including the telecommunications, health care, insurance and tort reform industries.
January 2007 - August 2011

Consultant
Consultant for several state agencies to assist in building their legislative affairs departments.
2008-09

SECRETARY OF STATE'S OFFICE: Baton Rouge, LA
Confidential Assistant/Press Secretary. Responsible for all media and legislative communications for the office which oversees the state's elections, commercial division, archives, and the Secretary of State's Museum Program. Served as spokesperson for the office and the Secretary of State. Represented the Secretary of State at legislative and political functions.
January 2005 - December 2006

LOUISIANA RIVER PILOTS ASSOCIATION: Baton Rouge, LA
Executive Director. Responsible for coordination of lobbying activities and public relations for the association - which consists of all four trade associations. Also charged with traveling the state educating the public and elected officials on the industry. Represented association at various political and community functions, served as spokesperson for the group and coordinated LRPA conventions.
January 2004 - December 2004

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Legislative Affairs Director. Governor's primary liaison with the Louisiana Legislature. Responsible for grassroots, legislative and internal communications. Charged with traveling the state, speaking to various civic and business groups to garner support for Governor M.J. "Mike' Foster, Jr.'s initiatives. Also represents the Governor at various functions throughout the state.
August 2002 - January 2004


OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Communications Director. Responsible for grassroots, legislative and internal communication. Majority of time spent traveling the state, speaking to various civic and business groups to garner support for Governor M.J. "Mike' Foster, Jr.'s initiatives. Responsible for coordinating and creating policy messages and Governor Foster's columns and speeches for all audiences. Also represented the Governor at various functions throughout the state.
October 2000 - August 2002

MONROE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: Monroe, Louisiana
Government & Infrastructure Vice President. Served as head of the Chamber's overall government relations and transportation and infrastructure efforts, which was under contract as the lobbying arm for the city and parish governments. Spent significant time in the state legislature and working with the Chamber's Washington, D.C. consulting firm. Coordinated the Chamber's Washington, D.C. lobbying trips and interfaced daily with the Louisiana legislative delegation, state agencies, Monroe City Council, Ouachita Parish Police Jury and Ouachita Council of Governments. Responsible for tracking and cataloging all state and federal legislative action and transportation and infrastructure funding opportunities while preparing regional legislative proposals and lobbying materials and testifying before legislative committees as necessary.
December 1999 - October 2000

MONROE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: Monroe, Louisiana
Communications Director. Created and implemented publicity campaigns for all Chamber programs and events. Maintained beneficial working relationship with elected officials. Responsible for tracking and cataloging all state and federal legislative action and transportation and infrastructure funding opportunities while preparing regional legislative proposals and lobbying materials and testifying before legislative committees as necessary. Charged with editing, writing and designing all Chamber publications, including award-winning brochures, Annual Membership Directory and Buyer's Guide, Annual Report to the Community, quarterly magazines, promotional posters, weekly Chamber updates, direct mail-outs, advertisements and news releases. Served as media spokesman for the organization, which includes 1,100 member businesses and serves some 150,000 in the Monroe-metropolitan area.
February 1998 - December 1999; acting until July 2000

CENTURYTEL: Monroe, Louisiana
Communications Specialist. Writer and editor for a variety of company publications. Coordinated employee involvement in special fundraising projects and company involvement in community's Adopt-a-School program. Provided writing and editing for company's financial, employee and marketing communication.
April 1997 - February 1998

NORTHEAST LOUISIANA UNIVERSITY
SPORTS INFORMATION OFFICE: Monroe, Louisiana
Assistant Sports Information Director. Responsibilities included writing game advances, game-day stories and feature articles and writing, designing and editing media guides and game programs. Responsible for coordinating all players' and coaches' interviews, running Statman and Automated Scorebook statistics program for basketball, football and softball.
September 1995 - April 1997

EDUCATION:
NORTHEAST LOUISIANA UNIVERSITY: Monroe, Louisiana
Master of Arts, August 1996
Major: Mass Communication with an emphasis in public relations

NORTHEAST LOUISIANA UNIVERSITY: Monroe, Louisiana
Bachelor of Arts, May 1994
Major: Criminal Justice
Minors: Journalism, Psychology, Sociology

NATCHITOCHES CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL: Natchitoches, Louisiana
Graduated: May 1990

20+ years

Louisiana Political Museum Hall of Fame Inductee (2016)

Lafayette General Hospital Foundation Board of Directors (present)

Moncus - Lafayette Central Park - Board of Directors (present)

232 Help- Board of Directors, Executive Committee (present)

Hillard University Art Museum - Hillard Society - Chairman (present)

Community Foundation of Acadiana - CFA - Board of Directors (present)

Opus Christi Magum - Catholic Charities - Co-Chair (present)

One Acadiana - Chamber of Commerce - Board of Directors (present)

Swamp Base - Boy Scouts - Capital Campaign - Co-Chair (present)

Evangeline Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, Advisory Board (present)

ICON Awards/ABC Fund - Advisory Board (present)

Order of Malta (Catholic Society) (present)

Louisiana Governor's Mansion Preservation Foundation (present)

Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities- Board of Directors (present)

National Association of State Lobbyists (NASL) Past President, President Emeritus (present)

ICON/Arts/Buisness/Culture: Patron Award (2019)

Lafayette Civic Cup 86th Recipient (2018)

National Outstanding Eagle Scout Award - NESA (2017)

Louisiana Association of Museums Outstanding Foundation Support Award (2017)

Louisiana Political Museum Hall of Fame Inductee (2016)

University of Louisiana at Lafayette Spring Gala "Alumni Honoree" (2014)

Lafayette Public Library - Major Donor Award (2009)

Bishops Charity Ball - King Louis XIII (2000)

Monsignor Alexander O. Sigur Award Recipient (Diocese of Lafayette) (1999)

Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem (Catholic Order) - Knight Grand Cross

Order of Malta (Catholic order)

Louisiana Statehood Bicentennial Commission (past)

Odgen Museum- Board of Directors (past)

Louisiana Commemorative Coin Advisory Commission (past)

Louisiana Association of Business and Industry Trade and Tourism Council (past)

Evangeline Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, Vice President of Finance (past)

Our Lady of Lords Hospital- Board of Directors (past)

St. Thomas More High School Foundation Board (past)

Bishop's Charity Ball, Fundraising Chairman (Diocese of Lafayette) (past)

St. Thomas More School Board (3-year term) (past)

Our Lady of Fatima School Board (past)

Boy Scouts of America/Evangeline Council Board of Directors (past)

Bishop Charity Ball Executive Committee (Diocese of Lafayette) (past)

Louisiana Lobbying Commission (Registration and Reporting) (past)

Our Lady of Fatima School Foundation, Board of Directors (past)

Old State Capitol Foundation, Board of Directors, Advisory Board (past)

Krewe of Gabriel, Lafayette, Louisiana (present)

Krewe of Bonaporte, Lafayette, Louisiana (present)

Krewe of Rio, Lafayette, Louisiana (present)

Louisiana Historical Society, Board of Directors (past)

Chairman of the University of Southwestern Louisiana Alumni Association's Legislative Relations (past)

Louisiana Insurance Lawsuit Reporting Commission (past)

Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee (State Police, Department of Public Safety) (past)

Louisiana Association of Business & Industry (LABI); Steering Committee of the Liability Reform Task Force; Steering Committee of the Unemployment Compensation Task Force; Steering Committee of the Worker's Compensation Task Force (past)

Lafayette Chamber of Commerce (Executive Committee; Board of Directors [1988-1990]; Past Chairman of the Oil & Gas Division/Long-Range Planning; Lafayette Leadership Board of Directors) (past)

Fine Arts Foundation, Board of Directors (past)

Commerce & Energy Bank of Lafayette, Louisiana, Advisory Board of Directors (past)

Louisiana Society of Association Executives, Board of Directors (past)

United Cerebral Palsy of Louisiana, First Vice-President (past)

Chamber of Commerce, Vice President of State/National Affairs (past)

Krewe of Louisiana, Washington, D.C. (1981-Present)

Association of Louisiana Lobbyists (Member; President [1985-88]; Past President [1989]; Board of Directors [1990]) (past)

Randy K. Haynie is the owner and president of Haynie & Associates, a government relations firm established in 1980 with offices in Baton Rouge and Lafayette, Louisiana. His son, Ryan K. Haynie, is his partner in the Baton Rouge-based firm of Haynie & Associates. From these bases of operation, he has been lobbying the Louisiana legislature for thirty-seven years and has served under the last seven Louisiana Governors.

Randy Haynie first acquired his taste for politics upon being elected SGA President of the College of Sciences at the University of Southwestern Louisiana. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, chemistry and mathematics, he became a Sergeant-at-Arms for the Louisiana Senate and then the personal aide of former Senator Edgar "Sonny" Mouton. He worked extensively in Mouton's gubernatorial campaign and with this experience under his belt; he opened the consulting firm of Haynie & Associates. The knowledge of the oil industry he picked up while working as a roughneck during the summer months while a student at USL helped him acquire one of his first clients, The Louisiana Oilfield Contractors Association, which he still represents today. It was not long before he began representing a wide variety of clients.

Presently, he represents national corporations such as JP Morgan/Chase, GE (General Electric) GM (General Motors), Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, Caesar's Entertainment Inc., Enterprise Rental Cars Inc., New Orleans Saints, National Football League, and Johnson Controls.

Ryan Haynie is President of Louisiana Governmental Studies, which has published a Louisiana Legislative Directory yearly since 1984. The firm has also published eight four-year editions of the Grass-Roots Guide to the Louisiana Legislature.

Randy Haynie is just as involved in civic and professional organizations as he is in his businesses, an important lesson he learned as he achieved the rank of "Eagle" from the Boy Scouts of America. He is the past National President of the National Association of State Lobbyists. Furthermore, he currently serves on various boards throughout Louisiana, including the La. Endowment for the Humanities, the Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum in Lafayette, and the Community Foundation of Acadiana. In addition, he has served on the Bishop's Charity Ball Executive Committee for the Diocese of Lafayette since 1996 and was selected the 13th Annual Bishop's Charity Ball King Louis XIII in 2000 and was inducted into the Louisiana Political Hall of Fame in 2016. Randy is an active member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre and was also accepted to the class of 2009 for the Order of Malta. In 2018, Randy was awarded the Lafayette Civic Cup, its 86th recipient since 1933.

On the personal side, he is an avid collector of objects associated with Louisiana and has an extensive collection of Louisiana obsolete currency, including state, parish, municipal, merchant and bank notes which date back to the 1800s. He also collects lottery tickets issued by the first Louisiana Lottery Company as well as photos of Louisiana governors and memorabilia related to their terms of office. He has several early maps of Louisiana and owns original paintings by well-known Louisiana and Southern artists. Randy Haynie showcases his Louisiana collection at Long-View, his Baton Rouge office that was once the home of one of Louisiana's most colorful governors, Earl K. Long.

Paul W. Rainwater most recently held the title as Governor Jindal's Chief of Staff. He resigned in February of 2014 to pursue a career in the private sector and shortly thereafter joined Cornerstone Government Affairs.

Prior to his latest position, Paul held the title of Commissioner of Administration. Before that, he served as Governor Jindal's deputy chief of staff. Prior to that, he served as executive director of the Louisiana Recovery Authority (LRA). Previously, Paul served as legislative director and chief of operations for U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu. From June 2006 to January 2007, he served as director of hazard mitigation and intergovernmental affairs at the LRA, where he managed program policies, served as team leader and coordinated with state and federal agencies to set mitigation priorities. From July 2000 to June 2006, Paul served as the chief administrative officer for the City of Lake Charles.

Paul also formerly served as manager of governmental affairs for Conoco, Inc., Gulf Coast Business Unit in Baton Rouge from 1998 to July 2000; as manager of public affairs for ARCO Chemical in Lake Charles from 1995 to May 1998; and as administrative aide to the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury in Lake Charles from 1988 to 1996.

In addition to his public service duties, Paul also serves as a colonel with the Louisiana Army National Guard in the Joint Director of Military Support for Disaster Response Unit. He previously served as a lieutenant colonel in the Congressional Liaison Office of the Louisiana Army National Guard and as a lieutenant colonel in the United States Army Reserves' 336th Finance Command. For his military service, Paul has been awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Commendation Medal and the Combat Action Badge.

Paul earned a bachelor's degree in government from McNeese State University in Lake Charles, a master's degree in international relations from Salve Regina University in Rhode Island, and is certified as a local government manager by Louisiana State University.

15-20 years

Alisha M. Duhon has spent the last twenty-five years gaining experience in local and state government, association management, and private firms in the oil and gas, engineering, legal, and tourism industries. Ethics compliance and reporting is another area where Alisha has provided many services to clients and companies in Louisiana.

Growing up in the 'most Cajun place on Earth' (Vermilion Parish) taught Alisha that hospitality to all and hard work will always be the best route. Politics and service was a frequent family topic at Alisha's childhood dinner tables which inspired her interests which led her to government relations consulting. Through service, hard work, hospitality and our love of culture and politics; Alisha aims for clients to feel that inclusive sense to be part of our Pivotal family.

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.

20+ years

Dr. Pierre is the 2018 recipient of the coveted Virginia K. Shehee "Most Influential Woman" Award. She is an alumna of the 2003 CABL Leadership Louisiana Class, Dr. Pierre and has served in multiple capacities of leadership such as overseeing, directing and participating in lobbying efforts at the federal, state and local levels to support and successfully pass legislative priorities. She has worked on transition teams for past Governors and was the 2008 Chairman of the Board for the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce and the 2006 Chairman of the Board for the Independence Bowl.

I have 20+ years of experience with all branches of government from the Governor to school board members and everything in between.

Serving in a unique and valuable capacity for the Southern Strategy Group team, Dr. Markey Pierre successfully bridges the gap between north and south Louisiana by securing grassroots and political momentum for client initiatives. Markey is the President and managing partner for Southern Strategy Group of North Louisiana and works closely with the partners of the Baton Rouge team. Throughout her extensive career, she has been a strategist and fundraiser for a broad spectrum of highly visible campaigns across north and south Louisiana.

Prior to establishing SSG of North Louisiana, Dr. Pierre served as the Director of Government and Community/Media Affairs for a Louisiana gaming venue routinely representing them before local government, the Legislature and regulatory agencies. In that role, she cemented her reputation as a powerful force and effective advocate. Emerging as a top Louisiana consultant, her savvy in local politics translates to a dynamic, nuanced understanding of local and state government operations.

Dr. Pierre is the 2018 recipient of the coveted Virginia K. Shehee "Most Influential Woman" Award. She is an alumna of the 2003 CABL Leadership Louisiana Class, Dr. Pierre and has served in multiple capacities of leadership such as overseeing, directing and participating in lobbying efforts at the federal, state and local levels to support and successfully pass legislative priorities. She has worked on transition teams for past Governors and was the 2008 Chairman of the Board for the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce and the 2006 Chairman of the Board for the Independence Bowl.

A native of Princeton, LA, Dr. Pierre received her B.S. in Business Administration from Louisiana Tech University, her Masters in Business Administration from Nova Southeastern in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and her Doctorate in Business Administration from Walden University. Markey is a member of Union Mission Baptist Church #1 and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

She has received numerous awards and accolades bestowed on her by the community but beyond all of her honors and accomplishments what she says really matters most is in all that you have done, were you able to help someone in the process, did you make a difference. Dr. Pierre funds two annual college scholarships. One in her grandmother's name, The Essie Mae Winfield "Pursuit of Excellence" scholarship award and one in the name of her deceased husband, Louis Pierre's Kappa Alpha Psi annual scholarship award. These scholarships allow students from traditionally underserved populations to attend college and pursue their dreams. She is also actively engaged in her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and currently serves as the Louisiana Political Coordinator and a member of the Corporate Development team at the regional level. She states that her involvement in various community and professional organizations has afforded her the unique opportunity to grasp an in-depth perspective on the diversity of needs in the Shreveport/Bossier community. Her profession as an executive, legislative and local lobbyist has allowed her to experience the complexities of difficult issues in her effort to address the needs of her community both social and economic. Nevertheless, it is her personal and professional experiences that warrant her drive and tenacity for improving the quality of life for all in our community, as well as in our state and nation.

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.

20+ years

20+ years

Kevin E. Cunningham is a partner with Southern Strategy Group-Louisiana one of the preeminent Governmental Relations firms operating in the state.

He joined the firm 2009 and represents a varied client base before the legislature, federal and state agencies, local government etc. Having developed an expertise in property and casualty insurance law, Kevin was recently selected by the State Commissioner of Insurance to serve on the High Auto Insurance Rates Task Force, which is developing legislative and regulatory solutions to combat this growing problem. In addition, he serves as an active member of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry's Civil Justice Reform Advisory Council, to which he is also a past Chairman.

Prior to joining SSG, Kevin was a partner with Roedel Parsons Koch Blache Balhoff & McCollister, where he served on the firm's Executive Management Committee. From 1996 to 2001 he served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Governor Mike Foster, where he oversaw the $14 million dollar Urban and Rural Grant Program. In addition to other duties, he also chaired both the Transportation Infrastructure Model for Economic Development (TIMED) Task Force, which resulted in much needed infrastructure development and the Louisiana Task Force for the Reduction of Automobile Insurance Rates, which brought about significant insurance rate and civil justice reforms.

An avid tennis player, Kevin is the past President of the Greater Baton Rouge Community Tennis Association, where he oversaw the return of a challenger series tennis tournament to the City and a resumption of a grade school -- Introduction to Tennis -- program. During his tenure he also increased participation in the world-class Cajun Classic Wheelchair Tennis Tournament, which attracts top professional and amateur wheelchair players from throughout the world. Recently he was asked to serve on the Board of Directors for Metro YMCA. Other past civic involvement includes the Council for Judicial Excellence and a member of Kiwanis International.

The son of retired army officer and an educator who also served as an administrator with the State Department of Education, Kevin was born in Wurzburg Germany and graduated high school in Seoul Korea. He received his Juris Doctorate from Southern University Law Center in 1985, where he was a member of the Southern University Moot Court Board (1984-1985) and Law Review candidate. While at Southern he was honored with the American Jurisprudence 2nd Award for Outstanding Achievement in the field of Corporations. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems from Old Dominion University in Norfolk VA, in 1982. Kevin is married to Helena R. Cunningham, also an attorney, CPA and affordable housing developer. They have two children, Kevin Jr., an attorney working in Baton Rouge and Sydne, a second-year law student at Tulane University School of Law in New Orleans

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

Ronnie L. Johnson is Of Counsel to the firm. Prior to joining the firm, he served as Deputy Commissioner of Insurance, Office of Property and Casualty, for Louisiana. He also represented the Commissioner of Insurance as Chairman of the Louisiana Insurance Rating Commission, liaison to the Louisiana Insurance Guaranty Association, liaison to the Louisiana Life and Health Guaranty Association, member of the NAIC Surplus Lines Task Force, member of the NAIC International Insurers Department Plan of Operation Review Group, served as Chairman of the Louisiana Property Insurance Task Force, and was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Property Insurance Association of Louisiana.

Ronnie L. Johnson maintains an insurance regulatory, governmental relations, health care and general litigation practice which involves representing businesses that have issues with government or wish to transact business with government. Mr. Johnson's insurance regulatory practice spans all fifty states and the District of Columbia. He represents insurance companies with licensing, market conduct, solvency and reinsurance matters and represents insurance producers in licensing and market conduct matters.

Mr. Johnson previously served as Deputy Commissioner of Insurance, Office of Property and Casualty, for Louisiana. He also represented the Commissioner of Insurance as Chairman of the Louisiana Insurance Rating Commission, liaison to the Louisiana Insurance Guaranty Association, liaison to the Louisiana Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association, member of the NAIC Surplus Lines Task Force, member of the NAIC International Insurers Department Plan of Operation Review Group, served as Chairman of the Louisiana Property Insurance Task force, and was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Property Insurance Association of Louisiana.

A founding member of Southern Strategy Group (Louisiana), Liz Mangham serves as its managing partner. She primarily represents clients before the legislative and executive branches of state government, focusing on issues related to commerce and industry, civil law, criminal justice, education, health care and transportation.

With keen political skills acquired from managing numerous elections, Liz applies winning campaign strategies to complex lobbying battles. She combines essential grassroots and coalition- based support with the media to deliver comprehensive, effective strategies.

A graduate of Brenau Women's College, Liz has been recognized as one of the top 100 "Louisiana Influencers" and a "National Rising Star" by Campaigns & Elections' Politics magazine and an "Up and Comer in Louisiana Politics" by the Times of Acadiana. Her consulting work has earned award-winning recognition for various political and public policy firms.

6-10 years

Awarded "Forty under 40" from the Baton Rouge business Report in 2014

Association of Louisiana Lobbyists - President 2015-2016, Board Member 2013 - present

National Association of State Lobbyists - Secretary 2017-2018, Board Member 2015 -present

Active in young professional organizations in Baton Rouge and Louisiana (on service committee of Forum 35)

State Commissioner, Volunteer Louisiana Commission 2014 - present

Philanthropic and social involvements with wide range of organizations

Ryan K. Haynie is a partner with the Baton Rouge-based Haynie and Associates, a government relations and lobbying firm founded 39 years ago by his father and namesake. High-profile clients have become a hallmark of the firm and its reputation in state and national circles is secure, due in no small part to an established record of credibility and unfailing integrity. Ryan marks the next generation of leadership at Haynie and Associates. He was raised from inside the family business while simultaneously developing relationships with key Capitol staffers, lawmakers and the right mix of business leaders, influencers and decision-makers. In a short period of time, Ryan has proven himself to be an invaluable asset to the success of Haynie and Associates and its clients - and is regarded as one of the most effective lobbyists in the Louisiana Capitol.

Ryan has also started to leave his own impression within the firm's storied offices at Longview, the historic former home of Mrs. Earl K. Long. From Ted Dunham Drive along the Capitol Lake, he has facilitated and planned charitable events and political fundraisers, continuing and furthering Longview's famous open door policy. Ryan is likewise bringing the firm's communications arm into a new era. As president and co-owner of Louisiana Governmental Studies, Ryan publishes and markets the Grass Roots Guide to the Louisiana Legislature , which was created more than two decades ago and remains the foremost trusted name in Louisiana Legislative resources. In 2010 Ryan developed and launched an iPhone application and currently operated a mobile website (www.mobilelgs.com) that allows users to access a digital database of the most current legislative and executive branch resources. Future products promise to be just as exciting as Ryan continues to develop a full service client management system ripe with tools for client communication, lobbying, data analytics and advocacy.

Finding ways to leverage technology has become a niche role for Ryan at Haynie and Associates. He has transformed client and lawmaker communications with up-to-date and real-time policy research and media services. Ryan is also bridging generational gaps nationally. In 2009, he formed Young Professional State Lobbyists, an organization of hand-selected lobbyists age 40 or younger from every U.S. state. In 2010 Ryan was selected to serve as president of YPSL as well as Host Committee & Website Committee chairman. The mission of YPSL is to change the public perception of its trade and prompt discussions between up-and-coming lobbying professionals from across the United States. Building off of this alliance, Ryan is already an active board member of the Association of Louisiana Lobbyists, and a member in good standings with the American League of Lobbyists, and the National Association of State Lobbyists.

Ryan's other political experience includes internships in the offices of Congressmen Charles Boustany and Rodney Alexander. Ryan is an active member of The Mystick Krewe of Louisianians (Washington Mardi Gras), Krewe of RIO, Krewe of Bonaparte, the Krewe of Endymion and the Krewe of Bacchus. Ryan is a member of the Young Professional Organizations Forum 35 in Baton Rouge and 705 in Lafayette as well as a member and lobbyist for Blueprint Louisiana comprised of many of Louisiana's most prominent business leaders. Outside of politics and carnival time, Ryan is an avid hunter and sportsman and is one of only a handful of members of the historic Winn Hawkins Oak Grove Hunting Club in southern Cameron Parish. Furthermore, Ryan participates in the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, the Baton Rouge Chamber, the Lafayette Chamber and also serves as Vice President of Capitol View Development, operates Louisiana Trading Company LLC, and co-chairs the Haynie Family Foundation.

Born April 4, 1985, in Lafayette, Ryan attended St. Thomas More High School and went to work for Haynie and Associates upon graduating in 2003. Four years later, Ryan graduated from LSU's College of Arts and Sciences with a Bachelor Degree in Political Science. While an undergraduate, he presided over the Alpha Gamma Chapter of Kappa Alpha Fraternity and served on the Inner Fraternity Council. Ryan married Alana Robert in August of 2012 and they reside in Baton Rouge with their 4 year-old daughter.

Serving as president of Southern Strategy Group (Louisiana), Rodney Braxton brings the highest levels of public service to the firm. He is experienced in policy development, governmental affairs, legislative relations, budgetary issues, capital improvement projects and enjoys a reputation for "persuasive negotiation skills." As assistant chief of staff to former Governor Murphy J. "Mike" Foster, Rodney supervised transportation, insurance, and labor issues. He also served as associate commissioner of governmental relations for the Louisiana Board of Regents, the state's top higher education board.

Rodney was undersecretary of the Louisiana Department of Labor, the first executive director of the Louisiana Commission on Human Rights and, in 1994, named one of thirty Leaders of the Future by Ebony magazine. An active member of many community and civic organizations, he has served on the boards of Young Leaders Academy, Of Moving Colors Productions and Serve! Baton Rouge.

A native of Louisiana and practicing attorney since 1992, Rodney holds a B.S. in finance from the University of New Orleans and his J.D. from Tulane University Law School where he received a Merit Scholarship and was a quarterfinalist in the 1992 Frederick Douglas Moot Court Competition.

6-10 years

At our legislature and dozens of boards and commissions across the state, decisions that impact our quality of life happen at warp speed. Top Drawer's effective relationship building and intensive bill and regulation monitoring give our clients the edge they need to impact everything from professional licensing to environmental permitting. Our advocacy has made the difference for clients on controversial issues that tend to divide policy makers, because we find ways to bring people together. From department rate setting to legislative education on pension sustainability, to healthcare policy, to labor and employment issues, we've found ways to make the impossible happen for our clients because of our credibility with decision makers at all levels of government.

Over a decade of advocacy, Top Drawer has brokered hundreds of millions in investments for Louisianans. Our work to secure a steady investment in the historic Morgnaza to the Gulf flood protection system will ensure that the Louisiana way of life is a reality for generations to come. Repeated against-all-odds work to invest in K-12 education after a decade of devastating spending freezes has produced important results for school districts across the state. Our commitment to state investments in smart partnerships with business and industry have borne fruit for organizations like the Port of South Louisiana - the largest tonnage port in the Western Hemisphere - completing capital projects years ahead of schedule to keep our goods and services moving. We're especially proud of our work to fund worthy non-governmental organizations that serve our children and communities, like our three-year successful effort to fund an emergency project for Girl Scouts Louisiana East and protect the camp experience for more than 14,000 young women in Lousiana.

Mary-Patricia Wray, founder of Top Drawer Strategies, is a graduate of The Ohio State University (B.A.) and Loyola University New Orleans College of Law (J.D.). Before moving to Louisiana from Ohio in 2008, she worked for Ohio Governor Ted Strickland and Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray, later head of the Consumer Affairs Protection Agency. After focusing on constitutional law and administrative procedures in law school, MP, as she is affectionately known, put her knowledge to good use at the Louisiana Capitol. In 2012, she began representing clients focused on improving their communities by investing in public education and increasing access to high quality healthcare. She also works on policy issues surrounding criminal justice reform, healthcare delivery systems, economic development, multimodal transportation, coastal transportation, affordable energy, finance and tax issues, non-profit advocacy and local and municipal government. MP is an adjunct professor of law at Tulane Law School in New Orleans where she teaches Legislative and Administrative Advocacy focusing on legislative drafting and agency rule making.

MP was among the first true believers in the candidacy of John Bel Edwards for Governor, and served as one of the only staffers in the early years of his campaign, securing victory for the only Democratic statewide elected official in Louisiana and the only Democratic governor in the Deep South. Her award winning advocacy contributed to another upset victory, 2018's "Yes on 2" ballot initiative to erase one of Louisiana's last remaining Jim Crow era laws and require the use of unanimous juries.

Mary-Patricia serves her community through volunteer leadership in Girl Scouts Louisiana East as a lifetime member of Girl Scouts USA, having earned her Gold Award, the highest award in Girl Scouting as a member of Buckeye Trails Girl Scout Council Troop #1567. She is a member of the BREC Foundation Board, chairing its public relations committee and focusing on work to reinvest in the life and health of the greater Baton Rouge community. She is involved in the Tulane and Loyola University communities, working to promote public interest as the highest good in every curriculum. She is the proud mother of Henry Lee Wray and resides in Baton Rouge with her husband, Ira.

Marjorie affiliated with Jones Walker after serving as Secretary of the Louisiana Mineral and Energy Board and Assistant Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, Office of Mineral Resources, where she oversaw the granting and administering of mineral leases, storage agreements, and alternative energy agreements on state-owned land and water bottoms. While serving as Secretary of the Louisiana Mineral and Energy Board, Marjorie undertook a comprehensive revision of Louisiana's statutory scheme relating to leases for underground storage.

In addition to her upstream oil and gas practice, Marjorie routinely serves as project counsel for large energy infrastructure projects, including pipelines, LNG and liquefaction facilities, crude oil and hydrocarbon liquids export facilities, hydrocarbon storage facilities (salt dome and depleted reservoir storage), solution-mining facilities, petrochemical and chemical plants and refineries and commercial saltwater disposal facilities. Marjorie also represents a number of energy service companies and renewable energy companies.

Marjorie understands that successfully and efficiently navigating regulatory and land use issues can dramatically increase the odds of success of a project and works tirelessly to help ensure that clients' projects proceed through the regulatory process in a timely and efficient manner.

Marjorie also has extensive experience in the construction and engineering arena with respect to contractor and engineering licensing, having assisted a number of clients in acquiring contractor and engineering licenses throughout the United States when numerous licenses are needed in short periods of time in connection with transactions or projects.

After clerking with the Honorable Frank J. Polozola in the US District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana, Marjorie was in the private practice of law from 1992 to 2006, during which time she concentrated on civil litigation, including environmental and toxic tort litigation. Previously, she served as campaign manager to her father, W. Fox McKeithen, during his initial campaign for the office of Louisiana Secretary of State.

Marjorie is currently an appointed member of the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission and serves on the Board of the Louisiana Oil & Gas Association.

15-20 years

Our firm has deep relationships with all decision makers in the State, especially with leadership in both chambers.

Drawing on more than 20 years of experience with Louisiana state government, Christopher "Chris"?Coulon advises national and regional clients who operate in a wide range of industries on matters at the state and local level.

Chris lobbies for bills that enhance his clients' businesses and against those that place burdens upon them, knowing that it takes a lot more effort to get legislation enacted than it does to kill a bill. Like many states, Louisiana has out-dated laws and regulations on the books, and Chris works with policymakers to modernize the statutory and regulatory frameworks "" understanding, for example, that they want government to adopt policies that keep pace with technological advancements in their industries while also protecting privacy in our data-driven global economy.

Chris earned his bachelor's degree in Public Administration from Louisiana State University. While pursuing his degree, he worked in many capacities in the State Legislature including a page, a Sergeant at Arms and finally as executive assistant to Speaker of the House John Alario. Prior to joining Pivotal, Chris worked in government relations with a New Orleans based law firm and with CLECO Electric Company.

Randal Johnson joined Southern Strategy Group (Louisiana) after serving as Deputy Commissioner of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry (LDAF) for fourteen years and brings applied experience in the legislative process to the SSG team. While at LDAF, Randal initiated and handled the department's legislative package for more than twenty sessions. Prior to joining the LDAF, he supervised multi-jurisdictional drug enforcement units and served as chief of the special investigative divisions for the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Department. There, Randal drafted and presented legislation on behalf of law enforcement and parochial governments.

Adept at issues and crisis management, Randal supervised the Department of Agriculture's emergency preparation activities related to animal and plant health and weather-borne disasters. In the aftermath of the devastating 2005 hurricanes, Randal personally supervised the successful acquisition and delivery of fuel for the evacuation, rescue, and recovery efforts across the state.

With political activities ranging across both party and geographical lines, Randal, who holds a B.S. in business administration, has consulted and worked in various local, state, and federal campaigns in his native state of Louisiana. He was recognized as one of the top 100 "Louisiana Influencers" by Campaigns & Elections' Politics magazine. Randal has also coordinated successful statewide get- out-the-vote efforts for elected offices ranging from Police Juror to President of the United States. In addition, he graduated from regional and national law enforcement academies administered by the Department of Justice.

6-10 years

Before joining Adams and Reese, MaryBeth was the Public Policy Manager for Alzheimer's Association. She gained experience drafting, lobbying, and passing legislation on federal, state, and regulatory levels; recruiting, training, and mobilizing advocates; supporting alliances with similar organizations; and cultivating relationships with key legislative members. MaryBeth was recognized by the Louisiana State Legislature for her advocacy work with the Alzheimer's Association.

MaryBeth represented the Alzheimer's Association in a variety of forms including testimony at committee meetings, public hearings, and media appearances. This experience leads to MaryBeth working closely with clients on researching, planning, and executing government relations strategies at the local and state levels in Louisiana, developing relationships at multiple levels of government, including municipal agencies, city councils, state agencies, stakeholders, and improving clients' community relations messaging for key government relations initiatives.

MaryBeth is a former Governmental Affairs Associate for The Louisiana State Medical Society, where among her accomplishments she recruited more than 250 contributors to the Louisiana Medical Political Action Committee (LAMPAC).

MaryBeth earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Information Sciences from The University of Alabama. There, she served as Student Government Director of Lobbying Affairs, leading a team of 40 student lobbyists, advocating for higher education funding, and conducting voter registration drives. Through her work, she received recognition for "Most Outstanding Member of the External Affairs Chamber." MaryBeth was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority.

While in college, MaryBeth interned as a research assistant with The Department of Defense's Tuscaloosa office, assisting a professor contracted with Lockheed Martin and gathering data for a cross-national media monitoring project.

In the community, MaryBeth is a board member of the BREC Foundation. The mission of the BREC Foundation is to raise funds for parks and recreation to benefit the health, welfare, and culture in East Baton Rouge Parish.

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.

Nial Patel joined Cornerstone Government Affairs in 2011 after more than seven years of service to Governor Bobby Jindal, dating back to his first run for governor in 2003. As one of the longest serving senior staff members for the Governor, Nial worked as the director of scheduling. Additionally, when Governor Jindal was elected to Congress, Nial served as his executive assistant. During his tenure with Jindal, Nial's duties varied from campaigning to research and outreach, working with elected politicians, stakeholders, and government officials from Washington, D.C. and across the state of Louisiana.

Nial holds a Masters in Economics from the Ourso College of Business at Louisiana State University (LSU), and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Economics from LSU, where he also minored Political Science and Business Administration.

Originally from New Orleans, Nial attended Holy Cross High School and the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts. In 2014, he was recognized as one of the top forty under 40 leaders in the community, and is alum of the Baton Rouge Leadership and Louisiana Leadership programs. Nial serves on the Southeast Super Region Committee, Greater New Orleans Inc.'s Next Gen Council, New Schools for Baton Rouge Board, Teach for America Board, and is Chairman of Louisiana Association of Business and Industry's Emerging Leaders Council. He has helped raised money for the American Cancer Society, Republican Governor's Association, and several elected officials. Nial currently resides in Baton Rouge.

Ainsworth's practice focuses on Government Relations & Legislative Advocacy. He assists companies and employers across Louisiana and the U.S. by developing and communicating legislative priorities and regulatory policies that promote increased economic employment and business growth. His areas of focus include agriculture, energy, insurance, e-commerce/internet, financial institutions, manufacturing, and other industries.

20+ years

Current member of the Dean's Advisory Council for the La State University School of Veterinary Medicine

Member of Council for a Better Louisiana (CABL) - A Non-Paritsan Policy Group

Sigma Nu Alumni Association

Former Member-Governor's DWI Task Force

Eric M. Sunstrom has had a distinguished career communicating complex issues to public officials; first as an in-house government affairs executive and most recently as the head of a successful lobbying firm. Eric's career began in local lobbying as the first ever director of governmental affairs for the St. Tammany Home Builders Association. From there he was hired as the Louisiana Restaurant Association's VP of government affairs.

His experience in the halls of the legislature made for an easy transition to contract lobbying and public relations. Eric launched The Chesapeake Group in 2004 bringing his expertise to a wider range of clients, designing and implementing programs to promote legislative and regulatory initiatives on their behalf. Since that time he has advocated issues from industry-supported fee increases, tax cuts and pro-business legislation. Currently, Eric serves as President of The Chesapeake Group, coordinating the legislative agenda for a number of clients. Mr. Sunstrom was recently appointed to the LSU School of Vetinary Medicine Dean's Advisory Council. He is a former member of the Governor's DWI Task Force, and the Hunting and Fishing Advisory Education Council.

Eric is a native of Baltimore, Md and attended Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, La where he received a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science. He resides in Baton Rouge with his wife Meg and their Doberman, Copper.

Stephen Ledet joined Cornerstone Government Affairs' Baton Rouge, Louisiana office in July 2018. Stephen has nearly 20 years' experience working in government affairs in Baton Rouge.

Stephen previously served as the director of public affairs for Entergy Louisiana, where he led and implemented their legislative strategy. Much of his time at Entergy was spent relationship building with legislators, leadership, and their staff. Stephen was also involved in the management of Entergy's political action committee (PAC) contributions and recruiting PAC membership.

Prior to his five years at Entergy, Stephen spent nearly 12 years on staff with the Louisiana Association for Justice, where he managed the Association's contract lobbyists and lobbying team. Stephen advised the Association's executive director and committee on legislative strategies and directed its legislative fundraising efforts.

Stephen serves on the board for the Salvation Army and is a member of the St. Aloysius Church Men's Club.

Stephen received his B.B.A in marketing from Mississippi State University. He resides in Baton Rouge with his wife Mackenzie, and their twins, Henry and Willis.