15-20 years

Mark Gaines Named to Alabama Today's 32 Powerful and Influential Alabamians to Know

"Mark Gaines has been around for decades, bringing a wealth of knowledge, decades-long relationships, and a positive attitude to the political arena in Alabama."


Southern Political Report - The South's Top Government Affairs Firms

"The law firm of Adams and Reese placed #1 in the states of Alabama, Louisiana and Tennessee and also ranked in the top five in Mississippi and South Carolina.

Adams and Reese has a long-standing reputation as one of the region's most prominent Government Relations firms now with 16 offices in 15 markets across the Southern United States and Washington, D.C."

Mark Gaines lobbies at the local, state and federal level - in Alabama and Washington, D.C. - advising corporate clients on regulatory, legislative and economic development matters. His clients include companies in the telecommunications, road and bridge construction, infrastructure, financial, pharmaceutical, health care, alcohol, and defense industries as well as municipal governments and educational institutions. Having spent 15 years in state government and more than a decade providing government relations services, Mark has developed long-term personal and professional relationships with important decision makers at every level of government. He is skilled at building political coalitions to achieve client objectives.

Prior to joining Adams and Reese, Mark served as Probate Judge for Jefferson County and was elected to four terms in the Alabama House of Representatives. During his time in the legislature, he served on various legislative committees and commissions and served as the Republican Leader of the House and Chair of the House Republican Caucus. Mark has managed, consulted or counseled dozens of political campaigns, grassroots efforts and ballot initiatives, including races for Governor, U.S. Senate, judicial offices, and state legislative seats.

Prior to joining the firm, Mark was in private law practice concentrating in the areas of real estate, probate, wills, trusts and business entities. He tried many jury and non-jury cases to verdict in courts throughout Alabama.

Professional Affiliations & Memberships:
Alabama House of Representatives, Member, 1990-2005
Jefferson County Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee, Vice Chair, 2004-2005
Jefferson County Coroner and Medical Examiner's Board, Member, 1998-2005
National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws, Commissioner, 1994-2005
Probate Judge of Jefferson County, 2005-2007

20+ years

Camille Young brings almost two decades of background in the practice of state and federal government affairs to Cornerstone's Jackson, Mississippi office. Prior to joining Cornerstone, Camille spent 10 years as a government affairs representative with one of the State's leading law firms, Watkins Ludlam Winter & Stennis, P.A.

Prior to that, Camille spent five years at the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation in several positions, including communications specialist, director of media relations and government relations specialist. During her time at Farm Bureau, she also spent time on Capitol Hill establishing relationships and providing support for the agricultural community. She also held a position with the United States Department of Agriculture as an outreach and public affairs specialist.

At Watkins Ludlam, Camille worked for the state and federal legislative interests of clients as varied as an institution of higher learning, a major automotive manufacturer, associations that represent constituents in every county of the state and healthcare entities. In addition to her Capitol lobbying tasks, Camille provided significant support to clients in areas of public relations and community relations.

Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour tapped Camille to serve as a museum liaison for the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum project that joined public and private sponsors to launch the venture that will honor Mississippi's history in the Civil Rights Movement.

Camille is very involved in community activities like the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership Board of Directors, the Junior League of Jackson Sustainers Board of Directors, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and the Mississippi 4-H Foundation. She also was honored to serve as President of the Mississippi State University National Alumni Association in 2012-13.

Camille has been honored for her professional accomplishments and service to the community as a member of the Mississippi Business Journal's Top 50 Business Women (2006) and Top 40 Under 40 (2005). She was named a Woman of Distinction by the Girl Scout Council of Middle Mississippi and Alumnus of the Year by the Central Mississippi Chapter of the MSU Alumni Association. She also is a member of the BankFirst Board of Directors and the inaugural class of Top 50 Most Influential People in Mississippi.

Camille grew up in Shannon, MS, and graduated from Mississippi State University (B.A., 1994 and M.S., 1996).

Camille and her husband Keith are the proud parents of three children and enjoy living in rural Madison County. Camille is an active participant in her church, community and the school activities of her children.

20+ years

Former staff counsel to Maryland Senate Budget and Taxation Committee handling matters related to state & local taxes, retirement, and agency budgets

Experienced lobbyist on health care delivery systems, health insurance, and health occupations, including managed care, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, dental plans, and pharmaceuticals

Team leader on multi-firm effort to preserve the Preakness Stakes in Maryland and to enact a statutory framework for a nearly $400 million capital redevelopment effort for Maryland's racetracks

Counsel for automotive industries including new automobile dealers and rental car agencies

Lead lobbyist on legislation to authorize transportation network companies

Experienced gaming lobbyist representing lottery, casino, racetrack, and sports wagering interests

Procurement counsel assisting entities on RFPs, bids and other offers of goods, services, and construction to state & local governments

Counsels clients on state and local ethics laws, gift laws, campaign contribution compliance, election laws, and lobbying rules

Fiscal Analyst, Department of Fiscal Services (1988)
Committee Staff, Maryland Senate Budget & Taxation Committee (1989 - 1990)

Michael V. Johansen is the Administrative Partner at Rifkin Weiner Livingston LLC and the Chair of the firm's Administrative Law and Regulatory Compliance practice. Mike has nearly 30 years of experience in lobbying and legal matters before the General Assembly, executive agencies, and local/municipal governments in the state of Maryland. As a registered lobbyist, he has represented clients in the areas of healthcare, healthcare financing, health reform, health certificate of need (CON), casino gaming, lottery, horse racing, transportation, motor vehicles, rental cars, insurance, state and local taxes, franchises, business regulation, IT - information technology, environmental regulation, procurement, state contracting, bid protests, and acquisition of public funds for private programs and projects. Mike also advises clients on state and local ethics laws, gift laws, campaign contribution compliance, election laws and lobbying rules.

Prior to joining the firm, Mike was legislative staff to the Maryland General Assembly, the Senate Budget & Taxation Committee, and the Department of Fiscal Services. He is a member of the board of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation - Maryland Chapter and a board member of the Indian Creek School.

0-5 years

City and State's "40 Under 40 State Leaders" in 2022

PoliticsPA's "Top PA Political Operatives" in 2014

Board Member on the Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation Board of Review

Elena has significant experience coordinating and advancing legislative initiatives in Harrisburg. As former Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief of Staff for the Office of Governor Tom Wolf, she oversaw operations of 24 executive agencies, led the planning and implementation of the Governor's strategic plan and worked closely with the General Assembly to advance budgetary, investment, tax reform, election reform, public health and economic goals. Among numerous major initiatives that Elena helped guide from development to completion include the 2022-23 $45 billion budget process, Pennsylvania's largest tax credit package for energy and advanced manufacturing development, COVID vaccine distribution, Pennsylvania's Broadband Authority, regional economic hub development and business recruitment, and the regulatory and executive action agenda for equal rights policies across various industries. She also oversaw the development of risk management, process improvements and data management structures across state agencies. Having served as a liaison between various cabinet agencies, nonprofit organizations and public and private leaders, Elena understands how to collaborate to achieve a common objective.

Elena also has a depth of strategic knowledge about the organization and coordination of political and field programs for key caucus operations and races. Prior to her senior advisory career in the Governor's Office, Elena held executive leadership roles in the Democratic Party and election organizations. She was Executive Director for Campaign for a Fresh Start, which coordinated gubernatorial campaign and other Democratic campaign efforts; served as Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party; and was Political Director for the Pennsylvania House Democratic Campaign Committee.

6-10 years

She has been recognized by Capitol Inside in 2015 as a "Rising Star" in Texas politics and in 2016, was selected as the winner for Austin Under 40's government and public affairs industry category.

Prior to joining McGuireWoods Consulting in 2012, Holly served as chief of staff to Texas State Senator Mike Jackson and worked in the Texas Senate for over a decade building strong relationships with state legislators, capitol staff, executive branch and regulatory agencies.

Holly volunteers in various capacities around Central Texas. She is an active member of the MD Anderson Cancer Center's Advance Team and also founded Young Texans of Cancer's Austin Chapter. She received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Texas at Austin and is a Kappa Alpha Theta alumni and Texas Ex. She enjoys spending her free time with her son, Hunt, and golden retriever, Winnie.

Jeff Hamling joined Cornerstone in 2017, bringing a wealth of experience and relationships in Atlanta, Georgia. Jeff came to the firm after two years as a lobbyist in Dentons' Atlanta and Washington offices where he represented a number of corporate, governmental, and non-profit clients.

Prior to Dentons, Jeff worked at the Georgia Chamber of Commerce as vice president for state and federal affairs. Jeff joined the Chamber after serving then-Congressman Tom Price for over five years. Starting as a staff assistant, Jeff was quickly promoted to deputy chief of staff, overseeing the Atlanta office and various aspects of the federal legislative staff.

Jeff has also been recognized by prestigious organizations for professional accomplishments: profiled in Capitol Impact Magazine's People on the Move, "Rookie of the Year" award voted on by his peers in the Georgia lobbying community, and James Magazine's Georgia's Political Influencers in Washington, D.C.

6-10 years

RWL is the go-to firm when businesses and individuals have a complex legal problem, with a team of attorneys that thrive on pursuing the most challenging cases on behalf of its clients. Our attorneys have represented scores of clients, including: major-league sports franchises; name-brand companies such as Google, Uber, Facebook and FedEx; whistleblowers in false claims cases; and millions of consumers in national class action suits.

With offices located in Baltimore, the state capital of Annapolis and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, Rifkin Weiner Livingston LLC (RWL) provides an important link to Maryland's principal business, commercial and government centers.

John C. "JR" Reith is the Chief Operating Officer at Rifkin Weiner Livingston LLC. He also a Registered Lobbyist in the firm's extensive Government Relations and Lobbying practice. He served as Finance Director for all three of former Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr.'s gubernatorial campaigns and was co-chairman of his campaign committees. Mr. Reith served on the Inaugural Committee for Governor Larry Hogan, and has been active in the National Republican Party since 1996. In 2016, Mr. Reith served as the co-chairman for the Inaugural Committee for Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh. He currently sits on the board of directors for The Canton Group, ThinkBig Networks, and on the alumni board for the Boys' Latin School of Maryland. Previously, Mr. Reith served as an advisor for Compass Marketing, Inc. and as an advisor for Brown Advisory in Baltimore. He is also a former board member of the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House and the GBMC Philanthropy Committee board of directors.

0-5 years

15-20 years

Sean has significant Massachusetts public sector experience. As the Chief of Staff to former Massachusetts House Speaker Thomas M. Finneran (D-Boston), he served as the chief operating officer for the House of Representatives and counseled legislative leaders on issues ranging from administration and legislation to major public policy initiatives. In addition to his work with the Speaker, he served the House as Staff Director to the Committees on Taxation, Banks & Banking, and Criminal Justice under former Chairman James T. Brett (D-Boston).

Sean has also worked extensively with national legislative associations such as the National Conference of State Legislatures, the State Legislative Leaders' Foundation, and the National Speakers' Conference. As the primary contact for the Massachusetts House, Sean networked with legislative leaders and staff to promote best practices and advocate on the state and federal level. Given his tenure on Beacon Hill, he has a unique working knowledge of state legislatures and their leadership.

Sean Morrissey founded MORRISSEY & ASSOCIATES, LLC in 2007 to assist clients at the local, state, and federal level. Through individual and collaborative efforts, M&A offers strategic advice and counsel to a wide array of Fortune 500 companies with business interests in the Commonwealth.

Prior to founding M&A, Sean served as Vice President in the Boston office of Dutko Worldwide, a leading Washington, DC based public affairs and lobbying firm. While at Dutko, Sean was responsible for servicing the firm's existing national clients and generating business development opportunities in New England.

6-10 years

The Daily Record's 40 Under 40 VIP List (2021)

Maryland Rising Star - Legislative & Governmental Affairs (2021)

Maryland Rising Star - Legislative & Governmental Affairs (2020)

Maryland Matters List of "Winners" from the Legislative Session (2019)

Maryland State Baseball Coaches Association CRCBL Executive of the Year (2018)

RWL is the go-to firm for businesses and individuals with complex matters in need of resolution. With a team of attorneys that thrive on pursuing the most challenging cases, lobbying matters and procurements on behalf of its clients, our attorneys have represented scores of clients, including: major-league sports franchises; name-brand companies such as Google, Uber, Facebook and FedEx; whistleblowers in false claims cases; and millions of consumers in national class action suits.

With offices located in Baltimore, the state capital of Annapolis and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, Rifkin Weiner Livingston LLC (RWL) provides an important link to Maryland's principal business, commercial and government centers.

Bradley Rifkin co-chairs RWL's Government Relations and Lobbying practice.

Bradley effectively advocates for a diverse group of clients with complicated and nuanced issues before the Maryland General Assembly, local county jurisdictions and state agencies. Mr. Rifkin works closely with clients to develop strategic plans to meet long-term and short-term goals and he helps execute those plans through effective stakeholder networking, preparation of supplemental documentation, oral testimony on behalf of the client and high stakes negotiation. In his practice, he has a history of delivering impactful results for clients in a fast-paced environment.

Bradley has successfully represented clients with a wide array of statutory, regulatory, funding and procurement interests in the areas of alcoholic beverage manufacturing, casino-gaming, franchise law, innovative technology, insurance, medical cannabis, non-profit organizations, satellite radio, telecommunications, and transportation.

Prior to joining the firm Bradley attended Brown University where he majored in Political Science and graduated in 2009 (with honors from that Department). He then attended the University of Maryland School of Law and graduated in 2013.

Since 2013, Bradley has served as President of the Cal Ripken Collegiate Baseball League in his spare time.

20+ years

Named as most effective association lobbyist by PA Legislative Services. Twice included in top ten of City and State PA Power 100 List.

0-5 years

Nial Patel joined Cornerstone Government Affairs in 2011 after more than seven years of service to Governor Bobby Jindal, dating back to his first run for governor in 2003. As one of the longest serving senior staff members for the Governor, Nial worked as the director of scheduling. Additionally, when Governor Jindal was elected to Congress, Nial served as his executive assistant. During his tenure with Jindal, Nial's duties varied from campaigning to research and outreach, working with elected politicians, stakeholders, and government officials from Washington, D.C. and across the state of Louisiana.

Nial holds a Masters in Economics from the Ourso College of Business at Louisiana State University (LSU), and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Economics from LSU, where he also minored Political Science and Business Administration.

Originally from New Orleans, Nial attended Holy Cross High School and the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts. In 2014, he was recognized as one of the top forty under 40 leaders in the community, and is alum of the Baton Rouge Leadership and Louisiana Leadership programs. Nial serves on the Southeast Super Region Committee, Greater New Orleans Inc.'s Next Gen Council, New Schools for Baton Rouge Board, Teach for America Board, and is Chairman of Louisiana Association of Business and Industry's Emerging Leaders Council. He has helped raised money for the American Cancer Society, Republican Governor's Association, and several elected officials. Nial currently resides in Baton Rouge.

6-10 years

Mark Streuli is a lobbyist with over 25 years of experience in government affairs. He's always been enthusiastic about making a difference and that led to a 17-year career with the Washington State Senate helping legislators with multiple policy issues. Mark followed that up with several leadership positions in state government, including the legislative liaison and deputy director of agriculture. In 2018 Mark opened Streuli Public Affairs, where he now serves a broad array of clients through his enthusiastic advocacy on their behalf.

Over the years, Mark has built a broad network of contacts at all levels of government and is known for creating strong and effective coalitions to achieve legislative objectives. He's successfully worked numerous bills and budget requests. In addition, Marks' work in state government has helped hone his expertise in guiding clients through regulatory challenges and the rule making process. Mark places a strong emphasis on client communication. He works hard to build rapport and makes sure the client always has the latest information. In addition, Mark is adept at making sure clients have the tools necessary to communicate effectively with their constituencies. Client success is what drives Mark at Streuli Public Affairs. Over the years, his extensive legislative expertise and network of relationships across all levels of government, has allowed him to deliver professional representation and desirable outcomes.

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.

0-5 years

Before joining the GSL team, Elizabeth worked as a registered lobbyist in Harrisburg. She assists the GSL team in communications and public affairs strategy, design and delivery.

Elizabeth attended Penn State University and received a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations. Elizabeth was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society.

Elizabeth is an avid golfer and volunteers with LPGA*Girls Golf USA in the Central Pennsylvania area. She is also a member of the Harrisburg Young Professionals.

11-15 years

Theodore C. Sorensen Fellow
Lincoln Young Professionals Group Four Under Forty Award
University of Nebraska Student Body President

Fellow Mueller Robak LLC partner, Kim M. Robak, is a former Lieutenant Governor of Nebraska.

With over ten years of experience as a lobbyist, Matthew T. Schaefer has extensive experience building stakeholder coalitions and guiding complex legislation through Nebraska's unique one-house legislature. Matt has worked with a broad range of clients ranging from some of Nebraska's most respected homegrown businesses to national technology companies bringing new innovations to the state. Matt also assists hospitals, professional associations, and political subdivision on challenging public policy matters.

Before joining Mueller Robak LLC in 2010, Matt was a Theodore C. Sorensen Fellow at the University of Nebraska College of Law and executive editor of the Nebraska Law Review. Matt is one of three firm members who were elected President of the student body of the University of Nebraska while an undergraduate.

20+ years

Justin Sayfie is a government relations consultant, digital entrepreneur and attorney. Justin previously served as the spokesman and a top policy advisor for former Florida Governor Jeb Bush. In 2018, he was appointed by President Donald J. Trump to serve as a Commissioner on the President's Commission on White House Fellowships, where he previously served in the administration of President George W. Bush from 2007-2009. In this role, Justin participates in the selection of White House Fellows and oversee the nation's top leadership development program. Additionally, in 2005, Justin was appointed by U.S. Senator Mel Martinez as Chairman of the Federal Judicial Nominating Commission for the Southern District of Florida, where he led the initial nominating process for Federal Judges and U.S. Attorneys in South Florida.

He appears regularly as a political commentator on CNN, Fox News and MSNBC. Justin has also published Florida's leading political news site and mobile app, Sayfie Review, since 2002.

In 2007, Justin served as a delegate for the American Council on Germany's Young Leader Conference in Berlin and Munich, and in 2008 he served as a delegate in the American Swiss Foundation's Young Leader's Conference in Geneva. He remains active in both organizations.

Sayfie received his bachelor's degree in American Government from Georgetown University, and his juris doctor, cum laude, from the University of Miami.

MICHAEL D. HILLERBY is the Director of Legislative Affairs for the Firm. He is a graduate of the University of Nevada Reno. Michael has been lobbying in Nevada since 1991, and has extensive experience with the Nevada Legislature, a variety of regulatory boards and commissions, as well as county and local governments. His practice includes lobbying, strategic guidance, public affairs and procurement processes for clients in the healthcare, insurance, financial services, manufacturing, design and real estate development industries, retail, telecommunications, utility and automotive manufacturing sectors, among others. He served as a cabinet member and Chief of Staff for former Nevada Governor Kenny Guinn. Michael is the Vice-Chair of the Western States Arts Federation, former Chairman of the Nevada Museum of Art Board of Trustees, and is on the Friends of the Nevada Governor's Mansion Board. He has been appointed by three different governors to the Nevada Commission of Cultural Affairs.

20+ years

Best Lawyers in America, Government Relations Law, 2009 to present Great Plains Super Lawyer, Government Relations Law, 2009 to present America's Top 100 Attorneys
U.S. News & World Report Best Law Firms in Nebraska

Kim M. Robak served as Lieutenant Governor with Governor Nelson from October 1993 to January 1999.

Kim M. Robak, senior partner, has a background and experience in private practice, state government, and university administration that makes her uniquely qualified to handle projects for a multitude of clients. Robak was a partner in private practice before leaving to serve as Legal Counsel and Chief of Staff to then-Governor and former U.S. Senator Ben Nelson. She served as Lieutenant Governor with Nelson from October 1993 to January 1999.

Following her government service, Robak joined the University of Nebraska as Vice President for External Affairs and Corporation Secretary where she was responsible for public and government relations, marketing, and information technology for the University of Nebraska system. Robak joined Mueller Robak LLC as a partner in December of 2004.

Ms. Robak is a Columbus, Nebraska native. She and her husband, fellow Mueller Robak partner William J. Mueller, have two daughters, Katherine and Claire.

6-10 years

The Daily Record's Top 100 Women 2021
The Daily's Record's 2017 VIP List (Very Important Professional)
2017 Maryland Rising Star - Legislative & Governmental Affairs
2016 Maryland Rising Star - Legislative & Governmental Affairs
2015 Maryland Rising Star - Legislative & Governmental Affairs
2014 Maryland Rising Star

RWL is the go-to firm when businesses and individuals have a complex legal problem, with a team of attorneys that thrive on pursuing the most challenging cases on behalf of its clients. Our attorneys have represented scores of clients, including: major-league sports franchises; name-brand companies such as Google, Uber, Facebook and FedEx; whistleblowers in false claims cases; and millions of consumers in national class action suits.

With offices located in Baltimore, the state capital of Annapolis and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, Rifkin Weiner Livingston LLC (RWL) provides an important link to Maryland's principal business, commercial and government centers.

0-5 years

Mike is Managing Director of GSL Public Strategies Group as well as GSL Government Consulting's state and local government consulting practice. He works with public and private sector clients within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and across the country to structure, maintain and further organizational partnerships and continuous improvement in the markets they serve.

Mike has an extensive background in legislative leadership. He served as Chief of Staff to the Office of Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf, working with a wide range of public and private stakeholders and advising the Governor in strategic political, policy, legislative, communications and intergovernmental affairs. He has led various multi-billion dollar budget negotiations and key legislative reforms in areas that include pensions, criminal law, health care, education, election law and school safety, among others.

As an electoral strategist, Mike's experience includes serving two full terms as a State Representative in the New Hampshire House of Representatives as well as Executive Director of the New Hampshire Democratic Party. Mike was also Executive Director of the Service Employees International United (SEIU) Pennsylvania State Council, National Campaign Director of SEIU and a national political affairs manager for a "Big Five" technology company.

6-10 years

RWL is the go-to firm when businesses and individuals have a complex legal problem, with a team of attorneys that thrive on pursuing the most challenging cases on behalf of its clients. Our attorneys have represented scores of clients, including: major-league sports franchises; name-brand companies such as Google, Uber, Facebook and FedEx; whistleblowers in false claims cases; and millions of consumers in national class action suits.

With offices located in Baltimore, the state capital of Annapolis and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, Rifkin Weiner Livingston LLC (RWL) provides an important link to Maryland's principal business, commercial and government centers.

Matthew has been an advocate for over five years as a registered lobbyist in Maryland at RWL Law and has represented a variety of clients, including trade associations, businesses, non-profits and other entities on tax issues, business regulatory matters, capital budget requests and a variety of other matters. Additional experience includes managing numerous Maryland State and Local political campaigns including time at the Maryland Senate and House Democratic Caucuses and serving as a Senate staffer for the Maryland Senate Majority Leader for several years.

0-5 years

Nick has served in key leadership positions both within Pennsylvania's Office of Administration (O.A.) and Governor's Office under both Governor Corbett and Governor Wolf. He brings a bipartisan approach to assisting GSL clients. While in O.A., Nick served as the Director of the Bureau of State Employment overseeing 32,000 non-civil service jobs and the application, interview and selection process associated with them. Nick built relationships with key stakeholders in the hiring process, including Deputies for Administration, labor unions and human resources personnel. Additionally, he was influential in proposing and implementing various executive orders, HR initiatives, management directives and policies throughout the enterprise


After transferring to the Governor's Office under Governor Wolf, Nick served as the Director of Administration and as a Deputy Chief of Staff before being named the Governor's Executive Deputy Chief of Staff. In these various roles, he oversaw personnel, procurement and the Governor's Office of Performance Through Excellence. He participated in legislative negotiations and played a key role in the Governor's final budget. Through his administration and procurement background, Nick has extensive experience working with all state agencies and delivery centers and specifically served as a liaison for the Office of Inspector General, Office of Administration, Department of General Services and the Department of Agriculture.

Drew Maddox joined the Cornerstone Mississippi team in February 2020 as a vice president with more than 10 years of experience in finance and education policy. Previously, Drew served as the chief financial officer of the Mississippi Department of Revenue, where he oversaw all administrative divisions of the department, including accounting, communications, processing, information technologies and logistics. As CFO, Drew also worked closely with state legislators and statewide elected officials to guide tax policy decisions, liquor laws, and revenue-generating activities.

Prior to his time at the Department of Revenue, Drew also worked as director of state engagement at EdBuild, where he used his knowledge of political and governmental structures to strategically place educational reform proposals in the best positions for success in state legislatures across the country. Drew has also worked at the Mississippi Legislative Budget Office as the Senate budget officer, where he worked closely with leadership to craft and pass balanced budgets.

Drew received his Bachelor of Arts in English literature and his Bachelor of Business Administration degrees from Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi. Drew enjoys spending time with his wife and two children (Sam and Bee), baseball, and gardening.

0-5 years

Senior Advisor to the Shapiro Transition Committee

Rob has extensive experience in crafting and implementing policy, particularly in the areas of economic development and energy. A veteran of state government, Rob served in the Governor Tom Wolf Administration as Deputy Chief of Staff, Speechwriter, Secretary of Intergovernmental Affairs and most recently as Senior Advisor to the Governor. In this position, he served as primary political advisor and oversaw all aspects of economic development for the Wolf administration as well as coordinated all economic development related grant programs in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. He also coordinated all aspects of the administration's federal government relations efforts to advance the Governor's agenda in Washington, D.C.

Rob is an expert on the intersection of economic development, state funding and labor organizations. He has built coalitions to advance common goals and fostered relationships with a range of stakeholders, including interest groups, business and professional organizations, elected officials and community leaders across the state.

0-5 years

John brings 24 years of strategic experience in shaping legislative, budgetary, and regulatory policy in the Commonwealth. He most recently served three terms as Pennsylvania State Senator for Senate District 14 in Carbon and Luzerne Counties, where he earned a reputation as a consensus-builder and accomplished notable community and economic development objectives. John was Chairman of the Senate Community and Economic Development Committee, Vice-Chairman of the Aging and Youth Committee and minority Chairman of the Senate Environmental and Energy Resource Committee, a role he held for nearly a decade. Prior to his election to the Senate, he served the 119th District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for 12 years.

Across his senatorial tenure, John managed multiple community and economic development projects in Northeastern Pennsylvania that transformed the region into one of the leading economic development areas in the country. He forged coalitions with labor groups, such as the Pennsylvania State Building and Construction Trades Council, and business groups, including the Pennsylvania Manufacturers Association and the Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce, to advance the Local Resource Manufacturing Tax Credit, the Pennsylvania EDGE Tax Credit and the Sales and Use Tax Exemption for computer data center development.

John also worked with the Earth Conservancy to reclaim thousands of acres of mine-scarred lands and set the stage for national developers, like NorthPoint Development, who have invested $1 billion to create 8,000 new jobs in the South Valley of Luzerne County.

Throughout his career, he worked with Republicans and Democrats to author laws to support veterans (Sgt. Sherwood Baker Act), protect seniors (Senior Citizens Full Benefits Act), support law enforcement (Officer John Wilding Law), improve our environment (Coal Refuse Energy and Reclamation Tax Credit) and expand educational opportunities (SHINE Afterschool Program).

Affiliations
• The Pennsylvania Environmental Quality Board, Member, 2011-2019
• The Luzerne Foundation, Executive Board Member, 2001-2017
• The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, Executive Board Member, 2011-2015
• The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, Executive Board Member, 2009-2010
• Osterhout Free Library, Director of Development, 1995-1998
• The Earth Conservancy, Board of Directors, 2022-Present
• The Pennsylvania Tuition Account Advisory Board, 2022-Present

Recognition
• Pennsylvania Citizens for Better Libraries Elected State Official of the Year
• Children's Service Center Commitment to Children Award
• North Branch Land Trust Community Stewardship Award
• Pennsylvania Health Care Association Legislative Champion
John is the founder of the Yudichak Family Lighthouse Fund of the Luzerne Foundation, a charity that has donated over $250,000 to public libraries, college scholarships, and youth programs.

Credentials
Education
• The Pennsylvania State University, M.A.
• The Pennsylvania State University, B.A.

0-5 years

Student Body President and Student Regent - University of Nebraska at Kearney

Nebraska Moot Court Board - Member

Winning Team and Best Oral Advocate - Henry R. Grether Moot Court Competition, University of Nebraska College of Law

CALI Awards for Excellence - Trial Advocacy, Pre-Trial Litigation, Land Use Planning

2009 Nester University Student Leadership Award - University of Nebraska Kearney

2014 Grand Island Chamber of Commerce Top 35 Under 35

Fellow Mueller Robak LLC partner, Kim M. Robak, is a former Lieutenant Governor of Nebraska.

Tim Hruza joined the team at Mueller Robak after having earned experience practicing law in a variety of contexts.

After graduating from law school, Tim spent three years in private practice at a mid-sized firm in Grand Island, Nebraska, where he worked with clients on a number of different legal issues, from litigating contract and property boundary disputes, to developing estate plans and managing business transactions. Following his time in private practice, Tim worked as legal counsel to a Lincoln business association, providing advice and counsel to local business owners and advocating for their interests before elected officials on both local and state levels. Most recently, Tim served as legal counsel to the Nebraska Legislature's Judiciary Committee, where he advised Senators on the legal aspects of bills presented to them for consideration.

Tim also brings to the firm experience working with local media outlets. He is a regular contributor on Lincoln's news and talk radio station 1400 KLIN where he provides commentary and insight on national, state, and local political and sports news. Tim has worked as on-air talent and as a behind-the- scenes producer for both morning and afternoon talk radio programs and through this experience has built strong relationships with elected officials and media partners in Nebraska on all levels.

Tim received his juris doctor degree with distinction from the University of Nebraska College of Law in 2012, where he was a member of the Moot Court Board and received awards for his oral advocacy skills. Before attending law school, Tim was an honors graduate of the University of Nebraska at Kearney, receiving his Bachelor of Science degree cum laude. During his time at UNK, Tim was elected to serve a term as the University's Student Body President and Student Regent.

Elliott Flaggs joined Cornerstone's Jackson office in October 2015. He most recently served as a special assistant attorney general with the Mississippi Attorney General's Office in the capacity of legislative liaison for Attorney General Jim Hood and director of the Child Desertion Unit. His responsibilities included analyzing and advocating legislation impacting state citizens and the Mississippi Attorney General's Office, advising the executive staff on legislative strategies, and making recommendations regarding legislative proposals. He also prosecuted parents for child neglect and abandonment in the Public Integrity Division.

Prior to the Mississippi Attorney General's Office, Elliott attended Mississippi State University where he received a bachelor's degree in industrial and systems engineering (B.A., 2007). After graduation, he was accepted into the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation - Walmart Emerging Leaders Program where he worked on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. for Congressman G.K. Butterfield (North Carolina - District 1). Subsequently, he attended The University of Mississippi School of Law and graduated cum laude (J.D., 2012). During law school, he was a member of the Mississippi Law Journal and Dean's Leadership Council while also serving as a Law School Student Body Senator.

Furthermore, Elliott is an active member of the Mississippi Bar Association, Jackson Young Lawyers, Magnolia Bar Association, the Charles Clark Inn of Court and Jackson Professional Group. He is an incorporator and board member of The First Tee of Central Mississippi in Jackson, MS. He is also a 2015-16 graduate of Leadership Greater Jackson and now serves on their board of directors. In addition, Elliott has been recognized as an American Cancer Society - Best Dressed Jackson honoree as a result of his community service efforts and by the Clarion Ledger as a Top Politician and Politico Under 35 in Mississippi.

Elliott and his wife, Brittany, reside in Madison, MS with their daughter, Lianne.

Kyle brings to GSL Public Affairs and Communications more than two decades of experience in state government. A native of northeast Pennsylvania, Kyle came to Harrisburg more than 20 years ago and began his career in the Pennsylvania State Senate.

Kyle quickly worked his way up the ranks, serving in various roles and most recently as the Chief of Staff for Senator John Yudichak.

As Chief of Staff, Kyle was responsible for the day-to-day operations of both the Harrisburg Office and the District Offices. Kyle developed, implemented and promoted the Senator's legislative proposals and public policy agenda. He also identified and helped secure funding sources, such as RACP, LSA, PennDOT/DCED Multimodal and other CFA grant programs for economic development and infrastructure projects in the Senator's district.

In 2016, Kyle made the transition from chief of staff in the Senate to a career in lobbying. Widely regarded as one who could always work in a bipartisan manner within the halls of the Capitol, Kyle has been able to utilize those relationships to achieve numerous successes for his clients. Over the last few years, Kyle has worked with his clients to accomplish many legislative victories, such as the expansion of tax credit programs, implementing the first e-Scooter pilot program in Pennsylvania, amending state licensure laws and securing state appropriations.

Throughout Kyle's entire professional career, he has maintained an outstanding reputation amongst his peers. Kyle continues to use his experiences and longtime connections to collaboratively work with his clients and stakeholders to achieve policy and legislative goals.

Sally Kilpatrick advises a diverse set of clients on state legislative and regulatory issues with a focus on healthcare, energy, education and economic development policy. Sally joined Cornerstone's Atlanta, Georgia office in September 2015 and has more than 10 years of experience providing strategic advice to the private sector.

Prior to joining Cornerstone, Sally served as vice president of government affairs at the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the state's largest business advocacy organization. Through her seven-year tenure at the Chamber, Sally developed an extensive background managing legislative and regulatory issues in the policy areas of water, energy, education, economic development and health care. While at the Chamber, Sally served on the Technology Association of Georgia's Government Affairs Taskforce and the Georgia Water Alliance. She managed the Georgia Chamber's Local Chamber Legislative Ad Hoc Committee and legislative affairs for Chamber's Small Business Advisory Council.

She has established strong, bipartisan working relationships with House and Senate members of the Georgia General Assembly and state agency officials. Her industry specific knowledge and key relationships have been valuable in assisting clients to successfully achieve their legislative and regulatory objectives at the state Capitol.

Sally is a current board member of Atlanta Moms Making A Difference and serves on the executive committee of the Georgia Chamber's Government Affairs Council.

Sally earned her B.S. in Journalism at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. She and her husband Trey reside in Atlanta with their daughter, Phen, and son, Clark.

0-5 years

A former high-level legislative staffer, Dallas is known at the state Capitol as a trusted advisor.

Dallas began his political career as senior legal counsel for the Office of the Connecticut Speaker of the House, where he represented the Speaker's office in high stakes legal matters, drafted and negotiated major legislation, and provided legal advice to members of the House majority. After leaving the legislature, Dallas joined the Insurance Association of Connecticut as Vice President.

Prior to his career in lobbying and politics, Dallas practiced law at Shipman & Goodwin, one of the top law firms in Connecticut. He also served in judicial clerkships for Connecticut Appellate Judge Lubbie Harper Jr. and Senior United States District Judge Ellen Bree Burns, the first female federal judge in Connecticut.

In addition to his lobbying practice with Roy & Leroy, Dallas is an attorney at the Law Office of Dallas Dodge PLLC. He currently serves as the Corporation Counsel for the Town of West Hartford, where he was previously an elected member of the Town Council.

Dallas received both his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Connecticut.