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I am a member at BrownWinick and Chair the firm's nationally-recognized Government Relations practice group. During the legislative session, I maintain a full-time presence at the Iowa Capitol where I serve as an "on-call" point of contact for both my clients and for elected officials on matters relating to our clients' interests.

6-10 years

Memberships & Associations:

West Des Moines City Council (At-Large) (2019-Present)

BRAVO of Greater Des Moines Board of Directors

ICON Water Trails Co-Chair

Polk County Bar Association Member

Iowa State Bar Association Member; Sections on: Business Law; Litigation; Government Practice Litigation Section Council (2012-present); Committee on Ethics and Practice Guidelines (2013-present)

State Law Resources (SLR) Board of Directors (2022-2023); Site Selection Committee

Republican Legislative Campaign Committee (RLCC) Finance Committee

Professionals for Charity Co-Founder, Director and Secretary

The United Way of Central Iowa Policy Cabinet

Metro Advisory Council

Iowa Legal Aid Foundation Governing Director (2010-2012)

West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Member; Board of Directors and Former Chair (2015-2019)

West Des Moines Due Diligence Committee (2017)

West Des Moines Leadership Academy Graduate (Class of 2012-2013); Alumni Marketing Committee Member

Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute - Graduate (Class of 2014-2015)

West Des Moines Historical Society Board of Directors (2015-2018)

West Des Moines Sister Cities Commission Appointed Member (2014-2016)

Arizona State Bar Association Member (2009-Present)

Arizona Small Business Association Board of Directors and Vice President-Elect (2009-2010)

Maricopa County Bar Association Corporate Counsel Division - Director and Treasurer (2009-2010)

I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with a certificate in Entrepreneurship from the University of Iowa in 2004. Shortly thereafter, I received my J.D., cum laude, along with certificates of concentration in litigation, and criminal law and procedure from Creighton University School of Law in 2007. I was also the sole recipient of the David A. Svoboda Trial Advocacy award, recognizing excellence in trial advocacy.

I was admitted to the Iowa State Bar in 2007 and the State of Arizona in 2008. Additionally, I am admitted to practice law in Iowa Federal District Court (northern and southern divisions) as well as in Colorado Federal District Court.

It was a privilege to be elected to the West Des Moines City Council, in the at-large position, in 2019. I am an active member of the Iowa and Polk County Bar Associations, in addition to having served as a member of the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Board and Executive Committee; the United Way of Central Iowa Policy Cabinet; BRAVO of Greater Des Moines, and the Metro Advisory Council ICON Water Trails. I am also a graduate of the West Des Moines Leadership Academy, the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute, and Leadership Iowa. Finally, it was an honor to have Super Lawyers recognize me as a "Rising Star" in the area of Government Relations from 2017 - 2021.

"We've been nationally recognized for our integrated public relations/government relations services as well as leveraging social media to impact government actions; we set the tone for building a prosperous future for our clients. Any problem can be solved and any issue can be resolved with strategic thinking and bringing the right people to the table. That is our culture at Sullivan & LeShane."

20+ years

In 2020, recognized by the Hartford Business Journal as one of the top 50 most influential people in Hartford.

Secured the initial state funding needed for UConn to build Gampel Pavilion.

Led the government relations team for several industry mergers requiring approvals from the Office of the Attorney General, State Legislature and other regulatory bodies.

Point person working with the City of Stamford, resulting in $240 million in infrastructure funds.

Sought after political strategist with close ties to every major statewide and local political leader in the state.

Drives business strategy and best practices for two separate and widely respected companies.

A veteran political strategist, played key roles in the presidential campaigns of Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan and former Senator Robert Dole, as well the campaigns of former Congresswoman Nancy Johnson, Senator Joseph Lieberman and several Connecticut governors. Most recently served as a senior adviser for two U.S. Senate campaigns and trusted thought leader for two Connecticut Governors.

  • The team at Sullivan & LeShane has provided The Toy Association with outstanding representation. They have a deep understanding of the legislative and regulatory environment and have consistently delivered results on tough issues. They understand our concerns and communicate it accurately to the relevant decision-makers. They are credible, ethical and attentive to client needs. I would recommend them to anyone looking for representation in Connecticut. - Matthew Lenz, Director of State Government Affairs, The Toy Association
  • Sullivan & LeShane has been a valued partner of ours for many years. They have the relationships and know-how to navigate complex legislative issues and deliver results on behalf of their client. With decades of experience, their entire team is committed to truly understanding the issues that matter to us most and working collaboratively to educate legislators and develop public policy solutions. It's clear that they are well-respected in the halls of the capitol, and they have been an absolute pleasure to work with over the years. - Nick Martin, Director of Public Affairs and Communication, Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast
  • While SHI has been a vendor, working with the State of Connecticut since 1991, we engaged Sullivan & LeShane in 2018. We were looking to get better aligned with the State, and to navigate some roadblocks we had been encountering. It has been a great relationship, and we have had many "wins" that have helped advance SHI strategically within the State. The information and experience that Mike and his team lend to us is invaluable. - Barbara West, Regional Director, SHI
  • Graduate of Fairfield University with a BS in Sociology.

    Began lobbying career with the Hartford Chamber of Commerce, and then with Connecticut's largest beverage trade association. In 1983, joined his partner Paddi LeShane in founding S&L and, five years later, they founded Sullivan & LeShane Public Relations, Inc. (SLPR)

    "My passion is working with a variety of clients from different industries, ranging from cities to the private sector to the not-for-profit world. It's all about finding wins for the client, and Sullivan & LeShane gives me the opportunity to do that on a daily basis."

    0-5 years

    Past president of CT Conference of Municipalities

    Recipient of Connecticut Magazine's "Forty under 40" award.

    While serving as Mayor, passed municipal budgets, negotiated union contracts, deal with numerous crisis' and natural disasters.

    Recognized on several fronts for achievements within the municipal sector. Also served as the Government Affairs Director for a multi-state waste and recycling company dealing with municipal and state policy.

  • The team at Sullivan & LeShane has provided The Toy Association with outstanding representation. They have a deep understanding of the legislative and regulatory environment and have consistently delivered results on tough issues. They understand our concerns and communicate it accurately to the relevant decision-makers. They are credible, ethical and attentive to client needs. I would recommend them to anyone looking for representation in Connecticut. - Matthew Lenz, Director of State Government Affairs, The Toy Association
  • Sullivan & LeShane has been a valued partner of ours for many years. They have the relationships and know-how to navigate complex legislative issues and deliver results on behalf of their client. With decades of experience, their entire team is committed to truly understanding the issues that matter to us most and working collaboratively to educate legislators and develop public policy solutions. It's clear that they are well-respected in the halls of the capitol, and they have been an absolute pleasure to work with over the years. - Nick Martin, Director of Public Affairs and Communication, Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast
  • While SHI has been a vendor, working with the State of Connecticut since 1991, we engaged Sullivan & LeShane in 2018. We were looking to get better aligned with the State, and to navigate some roadblocks we had been encountering. It has been a great relationship, and we have had many "wins" that have helped advance SHI strategically within the State. The information and experience that Mike and his team lend to us is invaluable. - Barbara West, Regional Director, SHI
  • Was elected as the youngest mayor in the state at age 22.

    Served eight years in office as Mayor of the Town of Torrington.

    "I love what I do. I love puzzles. I'm curious and enjoy working with a team to find solutions to the challenges presented to us. Each day is different and I get to pull together a diverse group which shares a common goal to improve a situation. Add politics to the mix and where else could you find such a daily adventure?"

    20+ years

    In 2020, named by the Hartford Business Journal as one of the top 50 most influential people in Hartford.

    In 2017 she was honored as "Practitioner of the Year" by the Greater CT Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).

    In 2005, recognized by the Hartford Business Journal as one of eight top woman business owners.

    Developed and implemented several Connecticut market entry initiatives for a global banking interest, outpatient medical and behavior health facilities and a renewable energy company.

    Led several multi-organizational coalitions to pass landmark legislation on scholarship funding, tort reform, energy deregulation, managed care regulation and tax initiative opposition.

    Drives business strategy and best practices for two separate and widely respected companies.

    Appointed by the Mayor of Hartford to Chair the Hartford Parking Authority.

  • The team at Sullivan & LeShane has provided The Toy Association with outstanding representation. They have a deep understanding of the legislative and regulatory environment and have consistently delivered results on tough issues. They understand our concerns and communicate it accurately to the relevant decision-makers. They are credible, ethical and attentive to client needs. I would recommend them to anyone looking for representation in Connecticut. - Matthew Lenz, Director of State Government Affairs, The Toy Association
  • Sullivan & LeShane has been a valued partner of ours for many years. They have the relationships and know-how to navigate complex legislative issues and deliver results on behalf of their client. With decades of experience, their entire team is committed to truly understanding the issues that matter to us most and working collaboratively to educate legislators and develop public policy solutions. It's clear that they are well-respected in the halls of the capitol, and they have been an absolute pleasure to work with over the years. - Nick Martin, Director of Public Affairs and Communication, Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast
  • While SHI has been a vendor, working with the State of Connecticut since 1991, we engaged Sullivan & LeShane in 2018. We were looking to get better aligned with the State, and to navigate some roadblocks we had been encountering. It has been a great relationship, and we have had many "wins" that have helped advance SHI strategically within the State. The information and experience that Mike and his team lend to us is invaluable. - Barbara West, Regional Director, SHI
  • Prior to starting Sullivan & LeShane, Inc. (S&L) in 1983 and Sullivan & LeShane Public Relations in 1988, served as Director of External and Public Affairs for a highly respected statewide medical and vocational rehabilitation organization.

    Member and Secretary of the University of Saint Joseph Board of Trustees and chairs the Academic Women's Leadership. Vice Chair of the Washington-based Public Affairs Council, a professional association of corporate/national organizations.

    Holds a Master's Degree in Healthcare Finance from the Rensselaer Lally School of Business and a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Leadership and Community Development from Springfield College. Participated in select executive level programs at Stanford University and McGill University. In addition, participated in the Yale School of Management leadership program.

    MICHAEL ANDERSON

    (Kentucky)
    • 502-636-4492

    • 700 Central AvenueLouisvilleKY40208

    CARSON BAKER

    (Pennsylvania)
    Clients:
    Clients:

    JEFF DAUGHERTY

    (Wyoming)

    JENNA EARLEY

    (Pennsylvania)
    Clients:

    BRYON ELLIS

    (Kentucky)
    • 502-636-4571

    • 600 N. Hurstbourne Pkwy.Suite 400LouisvilleKY40222

    BRYON ELLIS

    (Iowa)
    • 502-636-4562

    • 600 North Hurstbourne Parkway, Suite 400LouisvilleKY40222

    Clients:

    BETSY JANES

    (Kentucky)
    • 502-636-4571

    • 600 N. Hurstborne Pkwy.Ste. 400LouisvilleKY40222

    Clients:

    SCOTT JONES

    (Kentucky)
    • 502-875-0081

    • 113 W. Main St.FrankfortKY40601

    Clients:

    CHARLESTON LAFFIN

    (South Carolina)
    • 8033094740

    • 139 Liberty Farm BlvdLexingtonSC29073

    Clients:

    46) Millcreek Health System, Inc. dba LECOM Health

    47) MLH Explorations, LLC

    48) National Association of Chain Drug Stores

    49) Nokia of America Corporation

    50) NORTHEAST RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT CORP

    51) NTT DATA Americas, Inc.

    52) Nueva Esperanza, Inc.

    53) Opus Inspection

    54) OVERBROOK SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND

    55) PA ASSOCIATION OF CHAIN DRUG STORES

    56) PA Burglar & Fire Alarm Association

    57) PA Coalition of Public Charter Schools

    58) PA School for the Deaf

    59) Penn America Energy Holdings, LLC

    60) Pennsylvania Child Care Association

    61) Pennsylvania Forward

    62) Pennsylvania MENTOR

    63) Pennsylvania MENTOR and The MENTOR Network

    64) PENNSYLVANIA OCCUPATIONALTHERAPY ASSOCIATION, INC.

    65) PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

    66) Pomeroy Technologies, LLC

    67) Recovery Centers of America

    68) Restore Integrated Wellness Center

    69) Sharing Excess

    70) Sports Betting Alliance

    71) Stadium Casino RE, LLC

    72) The Davey Resource Group, Inc

    73) The Innocence Project

    74) The PAI Corporation dba Excentia and S. June Smith Center

    75) The Pennsylvania Charter Schools for Deaf and Blind Children

    76) THE PENNSYLVANIA SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF

    77) TOTAL WINE & MORE

    78) UniqueSource Products & Services

    79) UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

    80) Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board

    81) VisionLink

    82) Vistra Corporate Services Company

    83) Walgreen Co.

    84) WEATHERIZATION PROVIDES TASK FORCE

    85) WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA SCHOOL FOR BLIND CHILDREN

    86) WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF

    87) Westmoreland County Transit Authority

    88) Wholesale and Specialty Insurance Assocation

    89) XEROX CORPORATION

    90) Youth Advocate Programs, Inc

    SKIPPER MARTIN

    (Kentucky)
    • 502-875-0081

    • 11007 Greenock CourtLouisvilleKY40243

    Clients:
    Clients:
    Clients:
    Clients:

    MATT NIEHAUS

    (Kentucky)
    • 502-875-0081

    • 113 W. Main St.FrankfortKY40601

    Clients:
    Clients:

    AARON PALMER

    (Virginia)

    MATTHEW PLUMMER

    (Pennsylvania)
    Clients:

    47) Kingsley Association

    48) Kooth USA, LLC

    49) Lackawanna College

    50) Lion Health System

    51) LIUNA Mid-Atlantic Regional Organizing Coalition

    52) Local Union No. 1319 O.S.H.E.

    53) Luzerne County Child Advocacy Center

    54) Malibu Wellness Ranch

    55) Malt Beverage Distributors Association of PA

    56) Martz Trailways

    57) Messiah Lifeways

    58) MidPoint Group of Companies, Inc.

    59) Misericordia University

    60) Modern Treasury

    61) New Birth of Freedom Council, Boy Scouts of America #544

    62) Nlyten Corporation

    63) Orchards Entertainment

    64) PA Association for Justice

    65) PA State Building & Construction Trades Council

    66) Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals

    67) Pennsylvania Beer Alliance

    68) Pennsylvania Cannabis Coalition

    69) PENNSYLVANIA SOCIETY OF PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS

    70) Pennsylvania State Nurses Association

    71) Pennsylvania Trolley Museum Inc.

    72) Phila Trial Lawyers Assn.

    73) Philadelphia School District

    74) Recycling the World, Inc.

    75) Rikore, Inc.

    76) Rutter's Holdings, Inc.

    77) RVG Management and Development Co.

    78) Sheet Metal Workers LU 19

    79) Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) of Luzerne County

    80) Summit Realty Advisors, LLC

    81) Takeda Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc.

    82) The Lands at Hillside Farms

    83) Ticket Network

    84) Total Security International LLC

    85) Valley Crest Real Estate, LP

    86) Verified Voting.Org., Inc

    87) Viatris Inc.

    88) Visit Hershey & Harrisburg Inc.

    89) Waste Reduction Recycling Transfer, Inc.

    90) William J. Brennan, Jr. Center for Justice

    91) Wyoming Valley Art League

    LUCIEN SMITH

    (Mississippi)
    • 601-965-8144

    • 188 East Capitol StreetSuite 1400JacksonMS39201

    DAVID THOMAS

    (Pennsylvania)
    Clients:

    53) Kingsley Association

    54) Kooth USA, LLC

    55) Kyndryl, Inc.

    56) Lackawanna College

    57) LifeBrand, Inc.

    58) Lion Health System

    59) LIUNA Mid-Atlantic Regional Organizing Coalition

    60) Luzerne County Child Advocacy Center

    61) Malibu Wellness Ranch

    62) Malt Beverage Distributors Association of PA

    63) Martz Trailways

    64) Messiah Lifeways

    65) MidPoint Group of Companies, Inc.

    66) Misericordia University

    67) Modern Treasury

    68) Mountain Springs Lake Resort LLC

    69) New Birth of Freedom Council, Boy Scouts of America #544

    70) Nlyten Corporation

    71) Olivet Boys & Girls Club of Reading and Berks County

    72) Orchards Entertainment

    73) PA Association for Justice

    74) PA State Building & Construction Trades Council

    75) Patient Direct RX

    76) Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals

    77) Pennsylvania Beer Alliance

    78) Pennsylvania Cannabis Coalition

    79) Pennsylvania Principals Association

    80) PENNSYLVANIA SOCIETY OF PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS

    81) Pennsylvania State Nurses Association

    82) Pennsylvania Trolley Museum Inc.

    83) Phila Trial Lawyers Assn.

    84) Philadelphia School District

    85) Recycling the World, Inc.

    86) Rikore, Inc.

    87) Rutter's Holdings, Inc.

    88) Sheet Metal Workers LU 19

    89) Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) of Luzerne County

    90) Sugar Plum Chocolates

    91) Summit Realty Advisors, LLC

    92) Takeda Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc.

    93) Terrapin Investment Fund 1, LLC

    94) The Lands at Hillside Farms

    95) Ticket Network

    96) Total Security International LLC

    97) Valley Crest Real Estate, LP

    98) Verified Voting.Org., Inc

    99) Viatris Inc.

    100) Visit Hershey & Harrisburg Inc.

    101) Waste Reduction Recycling Transfer, Inc.

    102) William J. Brennan, Jr. Center for Justice

    103) Wyoming Valley Art League

    ELIZABETH WESTER

    (Federal)
    • 502-875-0081

    • 113 W. Main St.FrankfortKY40601

    Clients:

    AMY WICKLIFFE

    (Kentucky)
    • 502-875-0081

    • 113 W. Main St.FrankfortKY40601

    Clients:

    IRIS WILBUR

    (Kentucky)
    • 502-875-0081

    • 113 W. Main St.Ste. 6000FrankfortKY40601

    Clients: