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.

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.

WILLIAM J. MALITSKY began his government affairs career by working directly for two Democratic Speakers of the House of Representatives, learning the intricacies of the legislative process from inside this key leadership office. Following service on behalf of the Speaker, Mr. Malitsky entered the private sector and served as the Director of Government Relations for the Connecticut State Dental Society, one of Connecticut's largest health related associations, and thereafter became associated with a large Hartford lobbying group. During his extensive career as a lobbyist Mr. Malitsky established a strong reputation for being able to accomplish the legislative and administrative goals of his clients. Mr. Malitsky believes in a bipartisan, leave no stone unturned approach to advocacy in Hartford.

Mr. Malitsky has a wealth of experience within state government and brings these talents to the team at FOCUS Government Affairs. During his five years on the staff of the Speaker, Mr. Malitsky developed strong ties to both parties and learned how to navigate the legislative process in order to achieve the goals of adopting legislation. Mr. Malitsky served on the staff of Speaker Richard. J Balducci during the fiscal crisis of the early 90's providing him with a keen understanding of how government can best operate in challenging times.

Mr. Malitsky brings his drive for success and commitment to excellence to the forefront of any challenge. He has a great deal of experience and expertise in crisis management for the clients he represents. Mr. Malitsky has worked on a variety of complex issues such as: insurance, health care, environmental and tax issues, as well as, energy, pharmaceutical, business, education and construction and development issues. Knowledge of the people involved in decision making is a vital role in any lobbying activity. Mr. Malitsky is uniquely able to combine his knowledge of the people involved in State Government with his understanding of the legislative process and provide his clients with a seamless approach to achieving results. Mr. Malitsky is a frequent speaker before client groups, providing them insight into the lawmaking process and best preparing them to advocate for their positions.

20+ years

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

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

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

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

15-20 years

With twenty years of senior leadership experience in public policy and external affairs, Michael is a valued partner for business leaders navigating the intersection of the public and private sectors at the state level. Michael helps lead the state health care practice, while his passion for emerging technology has translated to a thriving practice in this space for Tremont Strategies.

Before his role as a founding partner at TSG, Michael served as Vice President for External Relations at an international medical services where he led government affairs, communications, business development and community relations.

Prior to that, Michael was Executive Vice President at a top healthcare public affairs firm, as well as Managing Partner at a multistate and federal government relations firm. Michael began his career in working in the Maine State Senate and later served as senior staff member for the Massachusetts Democratic Party.

Michael is on the Board of Directors of the Harvard Street Neighborhood Health Center and a Liaison Board Member for the Goldfarb Center for Public Affairs. Michael graduated with distinction with a degree in Government from Colby College.