6-10 years

Justen Rainey is a full time lobbyist and political strategist for Public Affairs Counsel. Prior to joining Public Affairs Counsel in 2012, Justen served as the Legislative Director for Oregon House of Representatives Co-Speaker Bruce Hanna. Justen held a similar legislative position with the Oregon Senate Republican office. Rainey began his professional career in 2001, where he spent 7 years as an aide to U.S. Congressman Greg Walden in his Washington D.C. office and Bend office.

6-10 years

Stephen Susano is the Co-Founder and COO of Stones River Group, a Nashville-based public affairs firm serving both Tennessee, regional and national clients. He provides clients with strategic counsel on business opportunities and project management, regulatory matters, procurement, economic development, third-party engagement, and market positioning. Stephen leverages his lengthy private-sector experience and deep network of relationships with business leaders and key policymakers in state and local government across Tennessee to deliver solutions for clients in multiple industries.

Prior to Stones River Group, Stephen served as Executive Director of the Tennessee Business Partnership (TBP), an advocacy organization supported by many of the state's leading enterprises. He spearheaded its efforts to advance pro-business policies, including education and judicial reforms, to encourage job growth and economic development. In 2014, Stephen led the statewide "Vote Yes on 2" campaign in support of the Judicial Selection Amendment to the Tennessee constitution. Stephen built a broad coalition of business groups, trade associations, legal advocates and community leaders in favor of the amendment. This coalition's successful mobilization helped ensure the amendment was approved with overwhelming support, carrying 94 out of 95 counties in Tennessee

Prior to working in the public affairs space, Stephen had an extensive career in the financial services industry. He served in operating and business development roles for several investment advisers and asset management firms. He has consulted with and raised capital for both U.S. and foreign-based investment firms, and has negotiated distribution and trading agreements with multiple financial services companies. Through his work, Stephen navigated complex regulatory regimes in domestic and offshore jurisdictions

Stephen grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee and currently lives in Brentwood with his wife, Ana. He and Ana have four children. Stephen serves on the board of the Nashville Downtown Partnership.

Marc represents businesses and trade groups before US federal and state agencies, the US Congress, and foreign governments on a broad range of regulatory, administrative, and legislative matters. He also represents clients in maritime and commercial litigation and arbitration matters. Marc has published numerous articles on international trade, maritime, and environmental law, and has written and spoken at dozens of seminars and conferences focused on these topics.

Throughout his career, Marc has been active and held leadership roles in a variety of professional associations, including serving as chair of the Greater New Orleans Port Safety Council (2011, 2016, 2017, and 2018) and co-moderator and member of the Seminar Steering Committee for the Greater New Orleans Barge Fleeting Association, River and Marine Industry Seminar (2013 to present). In 2008, he was appointed by US Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez and the United States Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Susan Schwab to serve on the Industry Trade Advisory Committee 14, where he served until 2010.

Marc practiced law with Bracewell & Patterson in Washington, DC, from 1996 to 2002. Before that, he worked for the US House of Representatives Government Reform and Oversight Subcommittee on National Economic Growth, Natural Resources, and Regulatory Affairs. From 2002 to 2005, he was an adjunct professor at the Loyola University New Orleans College of Law.

0-5 years

Chris Gobble is a respected government affairs specialist with deep issue expertise and a broad base of policymaker and stakeholder relationships. He leverages his insights into the state General Assembly, Tennessee executive branch, and local governments to help SRG clients navigate complex political challenges and effectively advance meaningful policy solutions.

Prior to joining SRG, Chris served as senior director of public policy for the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, where he helped drive policy changes and facilitate government affairs efforts for 2,000 businesses representing over 180,000 employees. He also regularly and effectively collaborated with local, state, and federal elected officials to advance Chattanooga's status as a leader in education, workforce, and economic development.

Prior to Gobble's tenure in Chattanooga, he was the legislative and policy director for the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. In this role, Gobble worked closely with Governor Bill Haslam's office and the state legislature to develop and implement a variety of public policy initiatives.

Originally from Bradley County, Chris earned a B.A. in Political Science and Communications from Lipscomb University. He and his wife Sarah live in Nashville.

Jim has extensive experience helping businesses and trade associations achieve their strategic objectives. Prior to joining Jones Walker, Jim was president and CEO of the Offshore Marine Service Association (OMSA), representing the owners and operators of US-flagged vessels that supply, support, and construct the subsea infrastructure necessary for offshore energy development. Under his leadership, the trade association confronted the challenges posed by the moratorium on drilling activity imposed following the Deepwater Horizon disaster.

Before his tenure at OMSA, Jim was vice president of government affairs for American Commercial Lines, Inc. (ACL), where he advanced ACL's legislative and regulatory affairs programs to improve the nation's waterways transportation infrastructure. He also worked to implement positive changes on inland waterway tax policy and the US Coast Guard's regulation of the inland barge industry.

Jim also has experience in railroads and highway infrastructure development. As resident vice president for CSX Transportation, he represented CSX in government and community forums in Kentucky. In the public sector, Jim served in senior leadership positions in Kentucky's Transportation Cabinet and Kentucky's Department of Public Protection.

Jim began his career as a commissioned Coast Guard officer. At sea, he served as a deck watch officer and department head with responsibilities for vessel operations, navigation, and maritime law enforcement. Later he was named congressional fellow to the Coast Guard and Navigation Subcommittee in the House of Representatives. Following his Coast Guard service, Jim joined the subcommittee's professional staff, advancing legislation supporting the US Coast Guard and improving the safety and efficiency of regulatory programs affecting the offshore maritime industry, fishing industry, and inland barge industry.

Rick Allan joined the Pugliese Associates staff as a lobbyist in 2013 after serving as Secretary of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

His considerable experience with the private sector along with his broad knowledge of the environment enabled him to direct a state agency with a staff of 2,300 employees and an annual budget of $300 million. While with DCNR, Rick oversaw the Department's improvement of the review process for the development and oversight of the natural gas industry activities on PA State lands. This would result in lower costs and more timely permitting decisions for all types of development on state lands.

Rick has been providing reliable and successful lobbying service to clients in the private sector through his extensive knowledge of the state legislative, permitting, and financing process with a proven track record for over 26 years. Rick has worked closely with the business community, several non-profit environmental organizations and state agencies, developing public policy while serving on their advisory committees and boards for many years.

He has developed and maintained close relationships with members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, legislative leadership, and state agencies. Rick has developed experience in various sectors, ranging from petroleum, paper/forestry, education, landlord/tenant, engineering, coal, utilities, alternative energy an was instrumental in developing the Pennsylvania Recycling Law.

Prior to his public career, Rick was instrumental in rebuilding, modernizing and expanding his family's recycling operations in northeastern PA over a 20 year period. Rick graduated from Wilkes College with a bachelor's degree in environmental sciences & biology. Rick and his wife reside in Camp Hill.

20+ years

11-15 years

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.

15-20 years

State Government Affairs Council

With nearly two decades of governmental experience, as both a public employee and as a private consultant, Tim Shea has developed a keen understanding of how the government works and how to achieve results for clients within the governmental arena. Serving as Director of Brown Rudnick's Government Relations Practice in the Hartford Office, Tim directs the firm's local and state activities at both the legislative and executive branch levels, servicing a full slate of government relations clients.

Tim's clients include energy and technology companies, health care institutions, biopharmaceutical companies, large multi-national corporations and non-profit entities.

Before joining Brown Rudnick, Tim spent seven years at Capitol City Economic Development Authority (CCEDA), the quasi-public authority formed to direct and manage state-supported economic development in and around Hartford, Connecticut's Capital City.

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

Rocco founded the firm of Pugliese Associates in 1980 working from a small office in Harrisburg with a single client. The firm now maintains offices in Harrisburg and Philadelphia with close to 50 clients including: non-profit organizations, universities, government authorities, venture capitalists, state and national corporations, and trade associations.

Rocco has more than 35 years of lobbying and state government experience. Starting his working years in the mid-70's employed in the State Senate; he was later hired as an aide to the House Transportation Committee. In his years of lobbying, Rocco has been active on a number of highly visible, diverse and complex issues. They include such topics as gaming, corporate initiatives and ventures, appropriations, tobacco settlement, economic development, workers' compensation, state procurement, along with a variety of other policy and legislative issues.

Rocco graduated from Gannon University in 1975 with a BA in Political Science, and he also holds a Masters degree in Public Administration from Penn State University.

Experience, Integrity, and Results- Rocco's motivation, commitment, leadership and direction are what make Pugliese Associates what it is today.

20+ years

JANE WITTMEYER is a proven leader with over 25 years of experience in public policy including federal government positions, federal and state legislative work, federal and state government and public relations experience at national, regional and state levels. Jane excels at idea generation, strategic planning, implementation and follow-through. With excellent managerial and organizational skills, her goal-oriented, high-energy approach achieves positive outcomes. Experienced in negotiating resolutions to highly sensitive issues, Jane's ability to work with individuals, groups and grassroots organizations builds consensus and finds solutions. Additionally, her political and non-profit experience in fundraising can be utilized to achieve your goals.

6-10 years

Brian serves as a senior vice president for McGuireWoods Consulting's state government affairs group in Columbia, South Carolina. Brian represents clients before the state legislature, local governments and executive branch agencies.

Representing a diverse group of clients on a range of issues including energy, transportation, education, alcohol, retail and non-profit advocacy, Brian has helped pass legislation related to emerging transportation, alcoholic beverage control laws and the energy industry. He has extensive experience in developing and implementing comprehensive government, grassroots and public affairs strategies for his clients.

Prior to joining McGuireWoods Consulting, Brian worked on a number of political and grassroots campaigns, and worked for Congressman Joe Wilson in his district office. Upon graduation from The Citadel, Brian took a commission in the Army as a Military Intelligence Officer. In 2010, he was deployed to Afghanistan with the 1-178th Field Artillery Battalion and served as the unit's Tactical Intelligence Officer. He is currently a Captain in the South Carolina Army National Guard and serves as the legislative liaison.

Brian lives in Columbia with his wife, where they are raising their two daughters.

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.

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.

2021 NC Top 25 Lobbyist

2019 NCED Leadership Award

6-10 years

I have been recognized by the Nashville Post list of In-Charge: Government & Politics for 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022

Our firm was recognized nationally by the Public Relations Society of America for our comprehensive public affairs campaign to bring Major League Soccer to Nashville

Mark Cate is the Founder and President of Stones River Group, a Nashville-based public affairs firm serving both Tennessee, regional and national clients. He formerly served as Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam's chief of staff, where he was his top advisor, strategist and negotiator.

During his tenure with the Haslam Administration, Mark led several legislative policy initiatives, including K-12 education reform, workers' compensation reform, civil service reform, an alternative approach to Medicaid expansion, and postsecondary education reform, including the nationally-acclaimed Tennessee Promise program.

Prior to serving in state government, Mark successfully managed Governor Haslam's first gubernatorial campaign in 2010, which led to a record-setting general election victory. He previously worked as an executive in real estate management and development and served for 16 years as a higher education leader. Over the course of his career, Mark has served as a chief development officer, chief planning officer, chief marketing officer, and as a chief financial officer—working on budgets ranging from $10 million to $30 billion.

Mark grew up in Maryville, TN and currently lives in Brentwood with his wife Cathy who serves as the Executive Director of Leadership Tennessee. He and Cathy have two daughters, Bailey who is a recent graduate at Rhodes College and currently serves as a fellow at the Crop Trust in Bonn, Germany; and Abbie who is rising junior at George Washington University.

Cate received a B.S from Carson-Newman College, an M.S from the University of Tennessee, and Harvard University's Institute for Educational Management certificate program. He's served on a wide variety of non-profit boards and was an elected member of the Maryville Board of Education.

0-5 years

Prior to joining Adams and Reese, Emily served as the Director of Government Affairs for the South Carolina Department of Education. In this role, she served as the liaison between the agency and South Carolina's General Assembly, the Governor, the Congressional Delegation, other state agencies and stakeholder groups. Additionally, during the legislative session she provided public testimony during hearings, coordinated agency policy development, and annually facilitated the agency budget request through the Governor's Office and the General Assembly.

Emily also spent seven years within the South Carolina House of Representatives' Ways and Means Committee, serving as a budget analyst with involvement in the Health and Human Services Budget Subcommittee and the Public Education and Special Schools Subcommittee. Her work included coordinating the passage of $2 billion in state appropriations through the budget process and coordinating communication between the General Assembly, the state's school districts and the South Carolina Department of Education, as well as a variety of legislation affecting K-12 education, property tax, and sales and use tax.