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

Power Ranking- Texas Lobby
Jan 2019: Capitol Inside
Capitol Inside is an ideal source of news and information about Texans who run government and what they are doing to lead. Capitol Inside is the go-to source of political news in Texas for people who want the real story and what it all means. We take our readers between the lines with coverage that's unique, entertaining and more analytical than any reporting you will find on the Texas political scene.

Energy Service Innovator
Nov 2018: D CEO Magazine
Honoring CEOs, CFOs, and Innovators who have made Texas a national and International center for energy activity. D CEO honors leaders in upstream, midstream, services, and finance sectors.

General Industry Service
2018: Oil & Gas Awards - 2018 Texas
Oil & Gas Awards focuses on publicizing the great gains being made by upstream, midstream and downstream companies in the key areas of corporate social responsibility, the environment, and health and safety.

Power Ranking- Texas Lobby
Jan 2017: Capitol Inside
Capitol Inside is an ideal source of news and information about Texans who run government and what they are doing to lead. Capitol Inside is the go-to source of political news in Texas for people who want the real story and what it all means. We take our readers between the lines with coverage that's unique, entertaining and more analytical than any reporting you will find on the Texas political scene.

Power Ranking- Texas Lobby
Jan 2015: Capitol Inside
Capitol Inside is an ideal source of news and information about Texans who run government and what they are doing to lead. Capitol Inside is the go-to source of political news in Texas for people who want the real story and what it all means. We take our readers between the lines with coverage that's unique, entertaining and more analytical than any reporting you will find on the Texas political scene.

2013- Who's Who in Energy
Dec 2013: Austin Business Journal
The annual list distinguishes key players across a spectrum of energy industries in several major journal markets across the country. The list includes local national leaders representing different facets of the energy industry, including exploration, production, regulation, distribution, engineering, finance, education, law, and more. Individuals are selected for inclusion through internal research, industry outreach, and an open-nomination process conducted by the business journals of their respective cities.

Rising Star- Texas Lobby
Jan 2013: Capitol Inside
Capitol Inside is an ideal source of news and information about Texans who run government and what they are doing to lead. Capitol Inside is the go-to source of political news in Texas for people who want the real story and what it all means. We take our readers between the lines with coverage that's unique, entertaining and more analytical than any reporting you will find on the Texas political scene.

In Texas, the oil and natural gas industry touches every part of the state and every legislative district. The industry anchors the Texas economy by creating high-paying jobs and by generating revenues unmatched by other industries in Texas. Given that Chris' primary focus is natural resources (oil and gas industry), he engages with almost every elected official in one way or another. From tax policy, to school funding, to general appropriations to environment policy, he engages with most elected officials, including statewide. In particular Chris focus on the following committees:
Texas Senate:
Lt Governor's office; Agriculture; Business & Commerce; Education; Finance; Natural Resources & Economic Development; State Affairs; Transportation; Water & Rural Affairs.
Texas House of Representatives:

Speakers office; Agriculture & Livestock; Appropriations; Business & Industry; Energy Resources; Environmental Regulation; Insurance; Land & Resource Management; Natural Resources; Pensions; Investments & Financial Services; Public Education; State Affairs; Transportation; Urban Affairs; Ways & Means.

For Texas State Agencies:
Texas Governor's office; Comptroller of Texas; Railroad Commission of Texas; Texas Commission on Environmental Quality; Texas General Land Office; Texas Department of Agriculture; Texas Attorney General; Texas Department of Transportation; Texas Parks and Wildlife (most Agencies)

Chris Hosek is a principal of Texas Star Alliance, specializing in direct lobbying and state agency relations. He has experience with a broad range of legislative issues and policy initiatives, including a specific expertise in the energy sector. Chris served as the chief of staff for five years to the Chair of the Railroad Commission of Texas. The Railroad Commission is the regulatory body that oversees Texas' energy industries including all levels of the oil and gas industry, pipeline safety, gas utility rates, and the permitting and reclamation of coal and uranium mines.

Prior to his work at the Railroad Commission, Chris served asthe legislative director in the Texas House of Representatives for the 78th and 77th sessions. He was the committee aide to the Appropriations Committee, responsible for drafting the state's two-year budget. He also served as acommittee aide for a member onthe House Energy Resources Committee, where he received his background in the energy field. Chris also served in various roles for elected officials where he managed and developed legislative issues. Other committee experience includes the Urban Affairs Committee and State Recreational Resource Committee.

Chris has met with numerous international trade delegations at the Railroad Commission. He also participated in several trade missions to Mexico, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Philippines, Singapore, and Myanmar. In 2008, the American Council of Young Political Leaders selected Chris as a delegate to participate in an overseas governmental exchange with Taiwan. In 2015, he was asked to lead the same organization to Indonesia, Malaysia, and Qatar.

In 2019, Chris was also named D CEO (Dallas) Magazine's "Innovator of the Year." In 2018, he wonTexas Oil and Gas Award for Service Excellence, the first energy lobbyist to win the award. In 2015, 2017, and 2019, Chris was ranked in the top "Power Ranking" by Capitol Inside, a Texas political publication. In 2013, he was recognized as a "Rising Star" on its 10th annual Texas Lobby Power Rankings.Also, in 2013, the Austin Business Journal named him "Who's Who in Energy."

In addition to serving the legislative needs of his clients, Chris' involvement with the community is robust.He was appointed to serve on the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission, a multi-state government entity that is viewed as the authority on domestic oil and gas issues. Chris has also served as an Urban Transportation Commissioner for the City of Austin.

In addition, he sits on the boards ofBallet Austin, the Austin World Affairs Council, and theLone Star Success Academy. This non-profit improves the lives of troubled, at-risk, and vulnerable Texas youth by offering an alternative education. Chris also serves as a Trustee for theAmerican Council for Young Political Leaders, a Washington D.C.-based organization that implements unique international exchange activities for political leaders worldwide. He is active in the Texas State Alumni Association and the Phi Delta Theta Alumni Association.

MEGHAN LOPER serves as Vice President and has been helping shape State policy for more than decade. She joined CSG with extensive government affairs experience advocating for private businesses and working with elected officials. Ms. Loper has a unique ability to identify policy opportunities, develop effective advocacy strategies and achieve success by utilizing her bipartisan network with key decision-makers.

Prior to joining CSG, Ms. Loper served as Public Policy Director for Majestic Realty Co., one of the nation's largest privately held, family-owned real estate development firms. With Majestic properties playing a critical role in the supply chain, Ms. Loper served on several regional goods movement committees and stakeholder agency advisory groups. She gained extensive experience on transportation issues by serving as the lead staffer for a member of the California Transportation Commission. Ms. Loper was also the Program Director for the Majestic Realty Foundation, collaborating with nonprofits on programs related to health, education, and violence prevention. She advised the Foundation's board of directors and regional planning teams. She developed the curriculum for its flagship program, the Los Angeles Youth Leadership Council.

Ms. Loper was selected for the prestigious Coro Fellows Program in Public Affairs in Los Angeles. Coro is a graduate-level leadership training program that provides experience in the public affairs arena.

Ms. Loper received her MBA from the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California. A two-time Trojan grad, she also graduated Cum Laude with departmental honors and holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Policy and Management from the University of Southern California. She serves on Leadership Council for the Sol Price School of Public Policy at USC."

6-10 years

Named a "30 Under 30 Rising Stars in Florida Politics" by Florida Politics in 2014

Strong relationships in the Florida Department of Education, as well as the chairs and staff of education policy and appropriations committees in both legislative chambers, and many other agencies and policy areas, including the Department of Children and Families, Department of Corrections, and more.

Sara has more than a decade of experience in education policy and government affairs, starting as a K-12 public school teacher. She thrives on helping clients achieve complex and challenging goals and has become a respected and trusted voice for education policy issues in Tallahassee.

Sara joined McGuireWoods Consulting in 2018 after six years of leading government affairs for nonprofits in Florida. Prior to MWC, Sara led external and legislative affairs for Step Up For Students, the largest K-12 scholarship funding organization in the nation. Before that, she was the Florida Legislative Affairs Director for the Foundation for Excellence in Education. In addition to education, Sara has experience in the areas of child welfare, criminal justice, juvenile justice, healthcare, insurance, and more.

In 2011, while still in the classroom, Sara was nominated for Orange County Public Schools Teacher of the Year award. By 2014, Sara was named one of "30 Under 30 Rising Stars" by Florida Politics, the state's predominant political news site.

Sara received her bachelor's degree in English Education from the University of North Florida in 2007 and her master's degree in Education Policy and Evaluation from Florida State University in 2014.

Sara is a member of Leadership Florida, the American Enterprise Institute's State Leadership Network, and co-founder of Lean In Tallahassee. In her spare time, she volunteers as a guardian ad litem in Florida's Second Judicial Circuit and fosters dogs through a local animal rescue organization. Sara lives in Tallahassee with her husband, daughter, and rescue dog.

20+ years

In 2017, Governor-elect Phil Murphy selected Eric to serve on the Human Services Committee for his transition team. During that same year, he was nominated by Kentucky State Senator Jimmy Higdon and commissioned by Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin to become a Kentucky Colonel.

In 2004, Eric was nominated by New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey to serve on the South Jersey Port Corporation's Board of Directors, which is responsible for the development of port facilities in South New Jersey. Eric was reappointed in 2008 by Governor Corzine and again in 2017 by Governor Chris Christie.

In 2018, Eric was appointed to the Advisory Board of the Burbank International Film Festival.

Eric is also a founding member of the Board of Directors for the NYC Fashion Manufactures Alliance of Design Educators and Save the Garment Center in New York City; a position he's held since 2008.

In 2007, Eric was selected by the American Council of Young Political Leaders, a bi-partisan not-for-profit international exchange organization, as a delegate to Vietnam for a two-week political exchange program. Eric joined six other young political leaders from the U.S. to study Vietnam's political system, engage in dialogue on international issues, and forge professional relationships. He's also participated in international trade missions, including trips to the Netherlands, China and the United Arab Emirates.

Eric was appointed in 2007 by New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine to serve as a member of the Economic Growth Council to assist with statewide economic development policies.

Eric is a former Committee Chairman for the Mercer County College Board of Trustees Advisory Committee and a former member of the Board of Trustees for the Arts & Business Partnership of Southern New Jersey. He's served on the boards of the Mercer County Workforce Investment Board, the Mercer County Economic Development Committee and Junior Achievement. Eric was appointed by Assembly Majority Leader Paul DiGaetano in 2002 to the New Jersey Council of Local Mandates and served as Vice Chairman until 2004.

Paula A. Clarke, Esq. served as Legal Counsel to the House Republican caucus prior to joining Gaffney, Bennett and Associates and the Law Offices of Jay F. Malcynsky, P.C. In 1999, in her capacity as Legal Counsel, Paula developed critical skills in the drafting and screening of proposed legislation. Given her extensive experience working at the State Capitol and with state agencies, Paula is primarily responsible for legislative and administrative lobbying, and provides service to our clients in the areas of law, economic development, and regulatory matters.

15-20 years

Mike was named 2021, 2020 and 2013 (27th, 26th and 19th editions) "Lawyer of the Year" by his peers (BestLawyers.com), for his work in Government Relations Practice, and has been listed in the same publication every year as a top Maine lawyer.

In 2020, Mike received the Katahdin Counsel Recognition Program's certificate of commendation for completion of over 50 hours of pro bono work.

At Maine Street Solutions, Mike and the team serve everyone from fortune 50 companies to the local statewide food bank. They believe in a multi-lateral strategic approach to problem solving wherein they leave egos aside and focus on achieving positive results for clients. Mike and the team do not believe in silos in government relations. They know that everyone on the team needs to have the right information so they can provide the right message to the right person at the right time. They also know that to broaden the impact of their client's message they need to use all the levers of communication: from direct advocacy to media relations, from grass roots influencing to social media, from legal advocacy to coalition building. Mike and the team know that this integrated, strategic approach brings the best chance of success for clients. AT MSS, Mike and the team are extremely competitive and want their clients to always win.
Mike and the team frequently work with clients on national strategies using Maine as a test-case to hone messages, tactics, and policy, and then help those clients develop a national strategic approach to implement their strategy. Through that work they have achieved great successes across the country, ranging from expanding access to prescription drugs and healthcare to creating best practices for good government initiatives.
If an issue touches the public, whether it be government or community relations, crisis communications or procurement, national or local issues, the MSS team has the relationships and skills to advance your interest.
Mike grew up in Bangor, graduated from Bowdoin College and the University of Maine School of Law, represented the West End of Portland in the Legislature and currently resides in Belgrade with his wife and daughter. When Mike is not on the phone with a client or lawmaker, he can be frequently found walking in the woods near his home with the family dog, Dory.

ANDREW H. DOERR is an accomplished government affairs professional, bringing 20 years of lobbying, legislative and political experience to Dykema's Lansing office. At Dykema, he focuses on issues related to: energy, insurance, procurement, regulated industries, corrections, education, local government, nonprofit representation, the Liquor Control Code, licensing, gaming, taxation, procurement and matters dealing with the Department of State among others. He is experienced in review, analysis and drafting of proposed legislation and has testified before numerous House and Senate Committees.

Prior to joining the firm Mr. Doerr served as Deputy Legislative Director and Legislative Liaison for Secretary of State Ruth Johnson. In this role he served as a conduit to Secretary Johnson to both the legislature and the Governor's administration. He was responsible for the Secretary's legislative agenda, including legislative drafting, moving bills through the legislative process, and implementation. Andrew also spent eight years serving as Senator Alan Sanborn's (R-Macomb) Chief of Staff. Focusing on public policy related to the Senators role as Chairman of the Economic Development and Regulatory Reform Committee along with office and personnel management. During his time with Senator Sanborn he also helped manage numerous political campaigns.

Mr. Doerr came to Dykema with years of direct lobbying experience, having served as the Legislative and Political Director for the Michigan Credit Union League (MCUL). While there he oversaw the MCUL's legislative team and worked to promote legislation that benefited credit unions and their industry at both the state and federal level. He was also responsible for PAC fundraising, Grassroots coordination and member advocacy efforts.

Stephen R. Kinney , a partner in the firm, joined Gaffney, Bennett and Associates in 1985. A longtime political advisor to Democratic U.S. Senator Christopher J. Dodd, Steve played a pivotal role in Dodd's last four successful re-election bids and in his presidential campaign. Previously, he served as a member of Dodd's staff and acted as a liaison to the Connecticut General Assembly.

On the state level, Steve first earned his political stripes under former Democratic House Speakers Ernest Abate and Irving Stolberg. During their leadership tenures, Steve was principally responsible for coordinating the movement of legislative business on the House floor.

Over the past 30-plus years, Steve's coalition building skills, his knowledge of the legislative process, and his political "sixth sense" have become invaluable assets to the firm. His extensive government relations and political experience are highly regarded by lawmakers and other key decision makers in both Hartford and Washington, D.C. His counsel and expertise are regularly sought on a wide variety of subjects, including: health care, human services, general law, telecommunications, state regulatory and municipal issues, and budget and tax matters.

JAMIE A. ZANIEWSKI is a Government Policy Advisor in Dykema's Lansing, Michigan office. Mrs. Zaniewski specializes in health care, insurance, nonprofits, licensing and regulated industries. Through her diverse experiences working in the non-profit sector, legislature and executive office, she brings a unique perspective to formulating solutions.

Prior to joining Dykema, Mrs. Zaniewski served as a senior strategy advisor for Governor Rick Snyder, advising him on health care, insurance and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services budget. Prior to being appointed to her role in the executive office, she served as a policy advisor to both senate majority leader Arlan Meekhof and senate majority leader Randy Richardville. During her tenure in the Senate Mrs. Zaniewski advised republican caucus members on matters related to insurance and regulatory reform. Her work included drafting, analyzing, and shepherding legislation. Mrs. Zaniewski also served as the Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) senate appropriations subcommittee advisor. In this role she oversaw the LARA budget through the appropriation process. Prior to coming to Lansing, Mrs. Zaniewski was the contract administrator at one of the state's largest health systems. In this role she negotiated hospital, transplant and home health insurance contracts.

Mrs. Zaniewski has a master of public policy degree from Pepperdine University and a bachelor of arts degree in political science from Western Michigan University.

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

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

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

TOM POUL is a Shareholder in Messerli Kramer's Government Relations group. He is an experienced and respected advocate, representing and advising clients on policy and political issues before the state legislature, executive branch, state agencies and local governments. Tom's extensive knowledge and understanding of government has been developed over the past 20 years by serving unique roles at the federal, state, and local levels of government. Tom's career began in Washington D.C., working with Congressman Bill Frenzel and then later, holding high-level positions with Minnesota's State Auditor Judy Dutcher and with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.