BOB GEDDIE grew up in Elmore County and attended public schools in Robinson Springs and Wetumpka. After graduating from Marion Military Institute (A.A.) and Auburn University (BA), he joined the Washington staff of the late U.S. Senator John Sparkman as Sparksman's legislative assistant. He later coordinated Sparkman's Alabama offices. Geddie served for four years as Legislative Liaison and as Executive Assistant to Governor Fob James. He was the Governor's representative to the National Governor's Association, Interstate Mining Compact and the Tennessee-Tombigbee Commission. Prior to forming Fine Geddie & Associates in 1985, he was Director of State Governmental Affairs for Alabama Power Company.

11-15 years

2019 - Arizona Capitol Times Breakdown Breakout Award Recipient
2019 - Arizona Capitol Times Best Lobbyist under 40 Nominee
2020 - Arizona Capitol Times Best Lobbyist under 40 Nominee

Shaun Rieve knows the world of lobbying and government ... from the inside out.

A veteran of both the Ducey and Brewer administrations, Shaun's is a familiar face at the State Capitol. Prior to joining Veridus in 2016, he was Director of Government and Legislative Affairs for the Arizona Commerce Authority, where he was tasked with overseeing the ACA's day-to-day legislative operations at the State Capitol and in Washington, D.C. Earlier, Shaun was a senior member of Attorney General Mark Brnovich's team, and instrumental in helping advance its legislative agenda.

Under Gov. Brewer, Shaun played a key role in developing and executing policy as her Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs. Additionally, Shaun has been a legislative liaison for both the Arizona departments of Gaming and Housing.

Shaun was raised in Lake Havasu City. He attended Arizona State University, graduating with honors in 2009 with a bachelor's in Political Science, a minor in Global Studies and certificates in Civic Education and International Relations. Shaun is fluent in French and enjoys playing soccer, softball, golf and cheering for the Diamondbacks, Cardinals and ASU football. He lives in Ahwatukee with his wife, Emily. They welcomed their first child, Rae in May of 2018.

20+ years

Nicholas G. Manis, the son of MCA co-founder George Manis and managing partner of the firm, has presided over legislative and special event successes on behalf of clients such as the Motion Picture Association of America, the Baltimore Ravens, the Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants and Pfizer.

Nick has been an accomplished lobbyist and legislative analyst for more than 25 years and has played an instrumental role in forging innovative and economically enhancing business partnerships among clients. He is proud to see MCA continuously ranked as one of the top lobbying firms in Maryland and the growth the firm has experienced during his time here. He has represented clients in matters related to sports entertainment, taxes, professional licensing, gaming, transportation, insurance, franchises, business regulation, information technology, environmental regulation, mergers and acquisitions, pharmaceuticals and healthcare.

In 1989, Nick's business bent led him to co-found Manis & Wright Realty, a premier residential and commercial realty firm that grew from modest beginnings to a successful 40 associates company that merged with the largest real estate company in Maryland.

Nick graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park in 1980. He was the captain of the varsity lacrosse team during his time at College Park.

A native of Annapolis, Nick is involved in many local business and community organizations including the Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce, the University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center Board of Advisors, Annapolis Youth Lacrosse Association, and the Maryland Chamber of Commerce. He was presented the Louis L. Goldstein Award in 1998 in recognition of his efforts on behalf of the Maryland Alcohol Beverage Industry. He is married with two children.

20+ years

Recognized as Best lobbyist by my peers and by various publications.

Board of the AZ Chamber of Commerce
Board of Teach For America

Wendy Briggs is a lobbying powerhouse with a reputation for taking on the toughest legislative issues and an unmatched record of success. She is widely recognized as one of Arizona's most accomplished lobbyists and has been named the top female lobbyist in the state. Wendy's success is based on a relentless pursuit of her client's objectives. Many of the nation's largest corporations and local associations have turned to Wendy for her ability to take command of the most complex issues, legal expertise, and attention to detail.

In addition to lobbying, Wendy has been involved in regulatory, legal, and campaign activities. She has represented clients on a variety of regulatory matters before many state agencies including the Departments of Insurance, Health Services, Liquor, and Revenue. She has taken the lead on legislative testimony regarding constitutional and legal matters and counseled issue and candidate campaigns on campaign finance laws.

Wendy is a proud Wildcat, having earned both her undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Arizona. After law school, Wendy spent a few years practicing law before discovering her passion for lobbying and the legislative process.

Outside of the office, Wendy is busy with community service and family activities. She serves on the Board of Teach For America and the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Wendy and her husband, Mark, can often be found watching their boys Marshall and Landon playing soccer or baseball.

20+ years

2005: "Forty Under Forty," Phoenix Business Journal
2004: "Valley Influential" in the Young Guns category, Phoenix Business Journal

Veridus is a bipartisan firm with a deep bench of government relations and public affairs professionals with diverse backgrounds and relationships. Our team is fortunate to have strong relationships throughout the executive and legislative branches of state government and local government.

Jay Kaprosy is a seasoned lobbyist and public affairs expert with more than 20 years of lobbying experience at the Arizona State Capitol. Jay also leads the Veridus team in running statewide ballot campaigns, issue and public affairs efforts, and independent expenditure campaigns. In his work with clients, Jay has excelled at developing comprehensive strategies that advance defined objectives and protect the client's brand. He has a genuine passion for the legislative process and enduring relationships with elected officials, policy makers, and other stakeholders.

Before joining Veridus, Jay had built a strong career in government relations and public affairs. He worked for two years at Steptoe & Johnson LLP, where he joined with Wendy Briggs and Jeff Sandquist. Prior to that Jay was the Vice President of Public Affairs and chief lobbyist for the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce (GPCC), Jay represented member businesses on a diverse array of business issues and managed the Chamber's extensive political and election-related activities. Stints as the legislative liaison for Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Lisa Graham Keegan and the Arizona Department of Education gave Jay invaluable firsthand experience in school finance, curriculum, teacher development, charter schools, and student assessment.

Jay graduated from the University of Arizona with a bachelor's degree in political science and a minor in business and earned his Master's in Public Administration from Arizona State University.

An accomplished gearhead, Jay's current projects include a 1937 Cadillac LaSalle hot rod and a 1963 International Scout. He and his wife have two children. In his spare time, Jay spends time with his family traveling, hiking, and visiting museums.

20+ years

A long-time trusted advisor to Maryland policymakers, Joseph C. Bryce, Esq., is regarded as one of Maryland's top governmental program architects and advocates. He brings his reputation for creative and insightful problem solving and ability to manage large, complex projects and issues to MCA.

Joe has the ability to handle controversial issues in a professional manner. This skill, combined with his detailed and extensive knowledge of all levels of government, has proven invaluable to our clients.

For nearly twenty years, Joe distinguished himself working at the highest levels of government. He worked with two Maryland Governors, the Maryland Senate President, and the Chancellor of the University System of Maryland. In all of these positions, Joe provided senior policy and budget advice, and implemented legislative agendas in areas such as health, K-12 and higher education, environment, gaming, tax policy, energy, and social and criminal justice.
Joe served as Governor Martin O'Malley's Senior Policy and Legislative Advisor (2007-2012); the University System of Maryland's Associate Vice Chancellor for Government Relations (2002 to 2007); Chief Legislative Officer for Governor Parris N. Glendening (1997 to 2002); and Chief of Staff to Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr. (1994 to 1997).

Joe graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park in 1989. In 1993, he graduated first in his class from Georgetown Law School. He is the recipient of numerous professional and academic recognitions and honors and currently serves on the Board of the Maryland Stadium Authority as an appointee of Governor Larry Hogan. Joe and his wife, Kristin Jones Bryce, have two adult children (Joey and Madison) and reside in Odenton.

11-15 years

2019: On the Move: Jason Barraza promoted to Veridus director

2018: Recognized by AzBusiness Magazine (March/April 2018) as an Influential Minority Business Leader

2016: HNBA Top Lawyers Under 40 Award

As a bipartisan firm, Jason has had extensive dealings with the State's electeds on both sides of the aisle. Additionally, thanks to the diverse nature of Jason's clientele, Jason has appeared before most committees, and has worked with agency heads in the Departments of Education, Health, Agriculture, Real Estate, Administration, and AHCCCS to name a few.

Prior to joining Veridus, Jason spent multiple stints assisting the coordinated campaign of the Arizona Democratic Party during the 2002, 2006 and 2008 campaign cycles. Jason also worked security, logistics and similar roles as part of each Democratic National Convention between 2000 and 2012, and also the 2016 DNC in Philadelphia, PA. He graduated with a bachelor's from the University of Southern California (2001), and a law degree from the James E. Rogers College of Law at the University of Arizona (2006).

In his service to the community, Jason was appointed by Governor Doug Ducey to the Maricopa County Trial Court Appointments Commission in 2017, and finished his service in 2020. He is also currently a member of the City of Phoenix's North Mountain Village Planning Committee, and is currently a member of the Board of Directors of Leading for Change, a non-partisan, political leadership training organization, having previously served as the Board Chairman. In 2017 Jason was the President of Los Abogados, the Arizona Hispanic Bar Association.

Jason and his wife, Leila, have two children. In his free time, he's an avid fan of the USC Trojans and also loves to read, golf, hike, and take on home improvement projects.

20+ years

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

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

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

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

0-5 years

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

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

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

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

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

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

20+ years

Leadership Maryland Board and is a member of the class of 2019

University of Maryland Baltimore County School of Public Policy External Advisory Board

Maryland Economic Development Association Board and Co-Chair of the Public Policy Awareness Committee

Chair, Odenton Town Center Advisory Committee

With more than 20 years of government relations, management, and administration expertise, Andrea E. Mansfield brings her ability to successfully execute advocacy efforts and programs to Manis Canning. Her broad experience and involvement with the Maryland Legislature on policy, fiscal and budget matters; and her ability to work with diverse groups and build consensus on complex issues is an asset to the firm.

Andrea has extensive experience at the state and local level, having led and coordinated policy efforts for the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) and implemented the legislative agendas of state agencies. As MACo's Legislative Director she advised, crafted, and implemented the common agendas and legislative goals of Maryland's 23 counties and Baltimore City.

In state government, she worked within three Administrations in positions of increasing responsibility, serving as legislative liaison to the Legislature for the Department of Budget and Management, and the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR); and Special Assistant, Director of Financial Aid, and Assistant Secretary of Finance Policy with the Maryland Higher Education Commission.

She has a Master of Policy Sciences from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and a Bachelor of Arts in Government and Politics from the University of Maryland, College Park.

20+ years

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

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

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

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

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