Sara Clements is a government affairs consultant based in Tallahassee, Florida with a strong background in PreK-12 education policy and not-for-profit work. She also has experience working in the areas of criminal justice, child welfare, postsecondary and workforce issues, healthcare, insurance, emergency management, financial services, and more.

Before joining GCSI, Mr. DeVries served for 10 years as Chief of Staff to Senator Arlan Meekhof, the Republican Senate Majority Leader. During his time in the legislature, he managed many difficult legislative issues and became one of Lansing's leading experts on the legislative process. Bob has his bachelor's degree in political science from Grand Valley State University and his law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School.

Mr. Owen, formerly the Policy Advisor for Lieutenant Governor John Cherry in the Executive Office of Governor Jennifer Granholm. He was then appointed by Governor Granholm to serve as the Legislative Liaison in the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, and was reappointed by Governor Rick Snyder to serve in the same role. Gary is an expert on environmental and natural resources based initiatives. His relationships in these departments are fresh, and unparalleled amongst state lobbyists. Gary earned a bachelors degree in political science from the University of Michigan.

Ms. Zandee is a Michigan attorney with a social work background and has served as Chief Policy Advisor for State Representative Brandt Iden, Chairman of the House Ways & Means Committee. Sam received her undergraduate degree from Hope College, and obtained her JD and MSW from the University at Buffalo. She has also worked in the family court system, for various legal aid clinics, a children's advocacy center, and with in house counsel for Buffalo Medical School.

Mr. Hawks has consistently been voted among the 5 best lobbyists in the state of Michigan by an independent political insider survey. His distinguished career has spanned over 26 years representing many of GCSI's prestigious clients. In addition, Mike was also recently voted among the top 5 public affairs professionals in the state. Mike received his bachelor's degree from Eastern Michigan University and possesses a master's degree from Michigan State University.

Since 2005, Jason Bentley has worked as an attorney and registered lobbyist for MML&K Government Solutions, where he maintains an energy and regulatory practice. He previously served as majority counsel to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy & Commerce, where he worked for three successive Chairmen. While on the Committee, Jason was responsible for developing significant provisions in the Barton-Domenici Energy Policy Act of 2005. Jason returned to his native Kentucky, first as General Counsel and Policy Advisor to the Kentucky Public Service Commission, and then as Executive Director of the Kentucky Office of Energy Policy. He has served as the Governor's alternate on the Southern States Energy Board and chaired the annual SSEB meeting at the 2005 conference of the Southern Governors' Association. Jason graduated from Centre College in 1994 and the Vermont Law School in 1999, where he earned dual degrees in law and environmental law. In 1998, Jason was a visiting scholar with the Development Law Service of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Rome, Italy, and previously served as Kentucky's Single Point of Contact (SPOC) to the U.S. Trade Representative.

Mr. Profit had an award-winning 10-year career in the Michigan House of Representatives before joining GCSI. While a member of the Legislature, he chaired the influential House Tax Policy Committee, as well as the House Committee on Higher Education. The former legal advisor and Undersheriff to the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Department earned a bachelor's degree from Eastern Michigan University, where he also worked as an adjunct professor. Kirk is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, having earned his juris doctorate from the University of Detroit School of Law.

Mr. Cole was an award-winning journalist with The Detroit News for seven years before joining GCSI. He worked five years in the newspaper's Lansing Bureau and two in its Washington, DC Bureau, covering the politics of the auto industry. A graduate of the prestigious University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism, Ken has been the recipient of several writing honors, including the Golden Quill Award from the Washington Automotive Press Association; Excellence in Journalism for Highway Safety Award from the National Safety Council; and the International Wheel Award from the Detroit Press Foundation. The former adjunct professor of journalism at Michigan State University also formerly worked for the Ypsilanti Press and the Jackson Citizen Patriot.

Ms. Farrah served six years in the Michigan House of Representatives before GCSI. While a member of the Legislature, she chaired the influential House Regulatory Reform Committee and was a member of the committees on labor, tax policy, insurance and local government. The former Southgate City Council president also worked 10 years for Wayne County in its Department of Environment. Barb earned a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Michigan-Dearborn.

For over 40 years, the Messerli & Kramer Government Relations team has shown integrity, unmatched service and a respected presence before the Minnesota Legislature, executive and regulatory agencies and local units of government. Every day we put that experience and knowledge to work to best serve our clients. Our lobbyists have been called upon to develop and pass into law some of the most complex and high profile legislation ever enacted in Minnesota. Just a few examples include:

Messerli & Kramer has a respected reputation for bipartisan lobbying activities that never take a legislator's vote for granted. Our real success is reflected by the fact that most of our clients were referred to us by legislators, other lobbyists who know the quality of our work and clients who have experienced the value of having our representation at the Capitol.
Coordination of statewide lobbying efforts to pass Minnesota's "Marriage Equality Act."
Bonding legislation for Target Field - a 42,000-seat, open air, natural grass ballpark, home of the Minnesota Twins.
Extensive involvement in bonding legislation to develop and expand metro transit and light rail.
Lobbying to support passage of mandatory seatbelt laws.
Representation of Minnesota law enforcement and first responders.

Firm Specialties:
Government Relations services at Messerli & Kramer fall largely under four key areas:

Legislative Lobbying - helping clients navigate due process and gain access to key decision makers to advocate for their interests.
Procurement - enhancing the ability for Minnesota companies and organizations to win contracts with state government entities.
Economic Development - supporting efforts to improve the quality of life and business and job growth in Minnesota communities.
Municipal Representation - assisting clients with protocols before units of government to obtain approvals, permits, waivers and other assistance.
In addition, our team represents clients in administrative law and grassroots advocacy. In the political arena, we have advised candidates and consulted on elections, and supported the Governor's office and state agencies. We offer legal and strategic advice for regulatory and administrative bodies, and management of strategic and crisis communications.

Mr. Zaagman served as Director of Government Affairs for the Michigan Restaurant Association for four years before joining GCSI. He also worked for five years as a lobbyist for the Michigan Osteopathic Association. The Muskegon native is widely respected in Capitol circles for his expertise in and knowledge of transportation-related issues, election law, liquor control and tax policy. He earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Central Michigan University and a master's degree in public administration from Western Michigan University. Bill is a 1996 graduate of the Michigan Political Leadership Program.

Mrs. Hune was previously the VP of Governmental Affairs for the Michigan Credit Union League (MCUL) & Affiliates, the trade organization representing 96% of Michigan's credit unions. Prior to joining the League in 2008, she had more than nine years of experience in the state Legislature as a staffer for two speakers of the house and two majority floor leaders. Marcia holds a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Michigan and a master's degree in public administration from Western Michigan University. She is a member of Pi Alpha Alpha, the Public Administration Honor Society through Western Michigan University, as well Phi Kappa Phi, an All Discipline Honor Society.