PAUL DONOVAN's practice is focused in the area of government relations, including representation before government bodies at the local, state and federal levels. He has extensive experience representing clients before the Massachusetts General Court, where he has been successful helping clients meet their governmental objectives.

Paul worked for 10 years at the Suffolk County Sheriff's Department, earning a seat on the Sheriff's Department management team. In addition, Paul provided counsel to the Massachusetts Sheriffs' Association on various legislative issues. Paul has been involved in numerous political campaigns, including a 1993 Boston mayoral campaign, in which he was responsible for directing a field operation of more than 2,500 people. Prior to establishing Kearney, Donovan, and McGee, LLC, Mr. Donovan was a member of the government practice group of Choate, Hall & Stewart.

15-20 years

Former Mayor of Lincoln
Former Nebraska State Senator for 20 years
Served as Chairman for the:
Health and Human Services Committee
Retirement Committee
Rules Committee
Served as a Member of:
Public Works
Banking, Commerce and Insurance
Transportation and Telecommunications

Don amassed a wealth of experience that he brings to his job as a lobbyist at O'Hara Lindsay. Don delivers results for our clients with integrity, ingenuity and a mastery of public policy.

In 1999, Don Wesely was elected Mayor of Lincoln. As mayor, Don oversaw a budget of $293 million and a staff of more than 2,700 employees. Two of the more significant achievements during his four-year term include the Haymarket Park baseball stadium and the start of the Antelope Valley Project. He declined to run for a second term.

Don was elected to the Unicameral to represent Lincoln's 26th district at the tender age of 24. During his 20 years as a State Senator, he introduced or co-introduced more than 300 bills that successfully became law. He served as a member or chairman of six different committees including 14 years as the Chairman of the Health and Human Services committee.

Don was born in David City, Nebraska, but grew up in Lincoln, and lives there today. He has three grown children, Amanda, Andrew and Sarah; Sarah and her husband, Jay Steinkruger, are the proud parents of Don's grandchildren, Ezra and Evie.

DENNIS J. KEARNEY concentrates his practice in government. He provides legal, legislative and strategic services to clients affected by local, state or federal government policy, legislation or regulation. Dennis formerly served in local, state and county government including 12 years in elected office as a member of the Massachusetts Legislature and as Sheriff of Suffolk County. Prior to forming Kearney, Donovan & McGee, LLC in 2003, Mr. Kearney managed the government practice group at Choate, Hall & Stewart, and served as President of Kearney & Gleason, P.C.

0-5 years

Blair MacDonald joined the firm in 2015 as the director of client relations and was promoted to lobbyist following the 2018 legislative session.

Before joining us, Blair worked on a number of political campaigns including serving as campaign manager. In addition to her political work, she was the campaign coordinator at the Archdiocese of Omaha, for the nonprofit's successful $52 million "Ignite the Faith" capital campaign. Blair's campaign background and development experience has been a great complement to O'Hara Lindsay's strategic work and clientele.

Originally from Fremont, Nebraska, she now lives in downtown Omaha and loves a chance to speak Italian! You can find her running with her Kerry Blue Terriers or heading to regional music festivals.

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.

Nathan Poss has over 20 years of experience in both the public and private sector. His focus is to provide clients with a comprehensive range of services, including: legislative drafting and tracking, policy development, governmental lobbying (at all levels), strategy development, and business procurement.



Prior to forming JohnsonPossKirby Government Relations in 2007, Nathan served as a principal at Smith Johnson & Carr, focusing on lobbying efforts for the firm's business clients and taking the lead on procurement strategies.



Before entering into the lobbying world, Nathan served seven years on Capitol Hill as a legislative assistant to then Speaker Pro Tempore of the Senate, State Senator Bob Rochelle. During his tenure with the state, he played an important part in writing and developing legislation, organizing political strategies, building coalitions, and monitoring legislation for committees. Poss has also been actively involved in numerous successful political campaigns.



Poss has built a reputation of hard work and respect among those on Capitol Hill. Working with major players in the state's business community, he has served as a key strategist on major environmental and tax issues. Nathan has garnered a reputation for producing tangible results through well-executed and intricate lobbying efforts designed to achieve long lasting success for his clients.

In addition to his lobbying successes, Nathan has extensive experience with the procurement process in Tennessee. Recently recognized by the TN Report for being known as an "expert in the state's purchasing practices," Nathan has cultivated the necessary connections with top-level decision makers throughout all areas of state government. Throughout his practice he has developed a strong grasp of the state's purchasing processes, and has successfully secured multi-million dollar purchases for numerous clients.

Nathan is a graduate of Cumberland University with a B.A. in Social Science. A native Tennessean, Nathan grew up in Lebanon and currently lives in Green Hills with his wife Molly.

11-15 years

2019 - Arizona Capitol Times Breakdown Breakout Award Recipient
2019 - Arizona Capitol Times Best Lobbyist under 40 Nominee
2020 - Arizona Capitol Times Best Lobbyist under 40 Nominee

Shaun Rieve knows the world of lobbying and government ... from the inside out.

A veteran of both the Ducey and Brewer administrations, Shaun's is a familiar face at the State Capitol. Prior to joining Veridus in 2016, he was Director of Government and Legislative Affairs for the Arizona Commerce Authority, where he was tasked with overseeing the ACA's day-to-day legislative operations at the State Capitol and in Washington, D.C. Earlier, Shaun was a senior member of Attorney General Mark Brnovich's team, and instrumental in helping advance its legislative agenda.

Under Gov. Brewer, Shaun played a key role in developing and executing policy as her Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs. Additionally, Shaun has been a legislative liaison for both the Arizona departments of Gaming and Housing.

Shaun was raised in Lake Havasu City. He attended Arizona State University, graduating with honors in 2009 with a bachelor's in Political Science, a minor in Global Studies and certificates in Civic Education and International Relations. Shaun is fluent in French and enjoys playing soccer, softball, golf and cheering for the Diamondbacks, Cardinals and ASU football. He lives in Ahwatukee with his wife, Emily. They welcomed their first child, Rae in May of 2018.

CHARLENE RIDEOUT provides government relations and lobbying services to clients of Kearney Donovan & McGee, P.C. Formerly, Ms. Rideout served as Intergovernmental Affairs Manager for the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA). In that capacity, she was responsible for implementing legislative and regulatory strategies as well as promoting and advocating MWRA's legislative agenda. Prior to working at MWRA, Ms. Rideout was legislative director for the Massachusetts State Senate Assistant Majority Leader and Senate Chair of the Banks and Banking Committee.

Trammel began his time in Tennessee State politics as a key legislative liaison for the Department of Finance and Administration under Governor Haslam. During this time, he worked on the state's budget process, information systems and insurance plans and served as a vital link to the General Assembly on several topline legislative priorities.

Trammel transitioned to the private sector after the Haslam Administration to serve as a senior government relations advisor at Butler Snow. There he leveraged strategic procurement to create open channels of communication with top decision-makers and lobbied a variety of issues including health care, insurance and telecommunications.

Trammel is an alumna of the University of Tennessee–Knoxville, where he graduated magna cum laude and received his law degree from the University of Memphis. He has been listed among Ones to Watch in government relations practice by Best Lawyers in America®.

Originally from Brentwood, Trammel lives in Franklin. Outside the office, you can catch him at one of his kids' sporting events or out on the golf course.

Prior to joining JohnsonPossKirby in 2017, Luke served Capitol Hill in the Tennessee General Assembly, the Department of Finance and Administration, and the Office of Governor Bill Haslam.

Luke began working in politics in 2009 for Representative Pat Marsh and then joined Governor Haslam's office in February of 2011. During his tenure there, Luke helped shepherd the Governor's signature legislation through the legislative process. These initiatives include teacher tenure reform, tort reform, the TEAM Act, the Prescription Safety Act, and TN Promise to name a few. In 2015, Luke left the Governor's office to join Commissioner Larry Martin and the Department of Finance and Administration.In his role as Legislative Liaison, Luke was responsible for communicating with the legislature on behalf of Commissioner Martin and the divisions within the department. Luke worked with the Commissioner, Strategy Technology Solutions (STS), Benefits Administration, and the Division of Budget to achieve the department's goals and facilitate a strong working relationship between the department and General Assembly.

In addition to his work with the F&A divisions, Luke played a role in preparing the Governor's Budget and advocating for its approval in the General Assembly. These budgets included the largest tax cut in state history, two debt free budgets, and significant investments in recruiting jobs.Luke and his wife, Katie, live in Franklin with their two daughters, Ryall and Mackie.

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.

MIKE TOMAN is responsible for the firm's day-to-day business operations. He is known for keen attention to detail and a grasp of such varied fields as health care, organizational budgeting, and procurement processes. Mike has been with The Success Group since 2000. Prior to joining The Success Group, he spent five years lobbying as a senior policy analyst with the County Commissioners Association of Ohio, worked for the Ohio Legislative Budget Office, and worked for the Ohio Supreme Court. Mike served as President of the Ohio Lobbying Association (OLA) and was a member of the OLA Board of Trustees for seven years. Currently, Mike serves on the Board of Trustees for The Advocacy Group (TAG) and on The Ohio State University's President's Advisory Board. Mike sits on select alumni committees at the John Glenn College of Public Affairs' Alumni Advisory Committee. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Criminal Justice at Eastern Michigan University and a Master of Public Administration at The Ohio State's John Glenn College.

0-5 years

Former Legislative aide to Senator Brett Lindstrom

Randi Scott is an attorney and lobbyist with more than four years of public policy experience. She has developed a fundamental understanding of the legislative process and a bi-partisan approach to lobbying to help advance clients' legislative agendas in the Unicameral.

Randi represents client interests at the Nebraska legislature and executive branch. She is adept at drafting legislation and devising legislative agendas and is active at the Capitol during session advocating for clients, and garnering support from legislators and other stakeholders. Randi also provides policy analysis and has experience educating constituency groups to inform members about changes that will impact them in proposed or new legislation.

Prior to joining O'Hara Lindsay, Randi served as legislative aide to Senator Brett Lindstrom, who is republican. During that time, she developed a deep understanding of the issues related to retirement, banking and insurance, economic development, taxation and tribal relations. Additionally, she has managed Congressional, Legislative and local campaigns in Nebraska.

She has a strong background in education and spent several years as a teacher in both the Omaha and Lincoln public school systems. She also was a legal intern in the US Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights in 2009.

Randi and her husband, Chris, live in Omaha and are the parents of three children, Sophia, Donovan and Aaron. Randi played volleyball at Peru State College, is a Nebraska and Creighton volleyball fan, and continues to coach youth volleyball.

11-15 years

2019: On the Move: Jason Barraza promoted to Veridus director

2018: Recognized by AzBusiness Magazine (March/April 2018) as an Influential Minority Business Leader

2016: HNBA Top Lawyers Under 40 Award

As a bipartisan firm, Jason has had extensive dealings with the State's electeds on both sides of the aisle. Additionally, thanks to the diverse nature of Jason's clientele, Jason has appeared before most committees, and has worked with agency heads in the Departments of Education, Health, Agriculture, Real Estate, Administration, and AHCCCS to name a few.

Prior to joining Veridus, Jason spent multiple stints assisting the coordinated campaign of the Arizona Democratic Party during the 2002, 2006 and 2008 campaign cycles. Jason also worked security, logistics and similar roles as part of each Democratic National Convention between 2000 and 2012, and also the 2016 DNC in Philadelphia, PA. He graduated with a bachelor's from the University of Southern California (2001), and a law degree from the James E. Rogers College of Law at the University of Arizona (2006).

In his service to the community, Jason was appointed by Governor Doug Ducey to the Maricopa County Trial Court Appointments Commission in 2017, and finished his service in 2020. He is also currently a member of the City of Phoenix's North Mountain Village Planning Committee, and is currently a member of the Board of Directors of Leading for Change, a non-partisan, political leadership training organization, having previously served as the Board Chairman. In 2017 Jason was the President of Los Abogados, the Arizona Hispanic Bar Association.

Jason and his wife, Leila, have two children. In his free time, he's an avid fan of the USC Trojans and also loves to read, golf, hike, and take on home improvement projects.

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.

Paul Mitchell joins Southern Strategy Group after having served at the top in some of the most powerful executive branch agencies in Florida government. Paul began his career in Florida government in 1988 as an aide to, then Insurance Commissioner, Tom Gallagher. In 1994, Paul was appointed Chief Cabinet Aide to former Secretary of State Sandra Mortham and specialized in financial services, environmental, and education issues. In 1998, following Tom Gallagher's election as Education Commissioner, Paul was asked to serve as the Commissioner's Chief of Staff. Six years and two successful administrations later, Paul continued to serve as Chief of Staff to Tom Gallagher, Florida's first Chief Financial Officer at the Florida Department of Insurance and then at the Department of Financial Services.

An expert in policy and administration, Paul served on several boards and commissions including the E.R.P. (Enterprise Resource Planning) Integration Task Force, a statewide effort initiated by the legislature to improve financial management of taxpayer dollars and modernize state personnel systems. Paul also served with the Florida Commission on Economic Education and the "Just Read Florida" program. Paul currently is on the board for the Florida Juvenile Justice Foundation, which is the direct support organization for the Department of Juvenile Justice.

A native Floridian from Palm Beach County, Paul was a dedicated public servant for more than fifteen years. Prior to entering government, Paul graduated with honors from Florida State University in Political Communications.

20+ years

The Best Lawyers in America, Administrative/Regulatory Law, Government Regulations Practice (2007-2019)

Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rated

Methodist University- Economics and Business Alumni Award (2003)

B. DAVIS HORNE, JR. manages the Government Relations practice at Smith Anderson and leads a team of professionals in the firm's Corporate Relocation and Expansion practice. Dave has spent nearly 30 years representing private interests - including many non-profit associations, medical groups and businesses - before the North Carolina General Assembly and other state and federal government entities. He has been rated in the top twenty of more than 700 lobbyists registered in the State by an independent survey of his peers, the press, and legislators conducted by the North Carolina Center for Public Policy Research Inc for more than a decade.

Dave also advises clients expanding in or relocating to North Carolina about state and local economic development incentives. He has represented clients in many of the state's largest economic development projects.

After receiving his BA with honors from Methodist University, Dave spent several years in business, returning to law school and receiving a J.D. from Campbell University with distinction. His law practice experience includes serving as Associate General Counsel and State Legislative Director for the North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation and its affiliated entities, which include the largest domestic property and casualty insurer in North Carolina. He also served as Director of Government Affairs for the North Carolina Bar Association for five years.

ANTHONY PETRUCCELLI came to Kearney, Donovan & McGee LLC with extensive experience at the municipal and state levels of government in Massachusetts. First elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 1999 and then the Massachusetts Senate in 2007, Anthony is well-versed in legislative issues and is able to use his unique perspective to successfully advocate for his clients' interests.

Katie has been working on Capitol Hill and in other functions of state politics since 2007. Katie has worked in the office of United States Senator Lamar Alexander, as well as the Office of Governor Bill Haslam.

During her tenure in Governor Haslam's office, Katie was instrumental in the governor's Drive to 55 Initiative, helping shepherd key legislation such as the Tennessee Promise and the FOCUS Act.

While working as Director of Legislation, Katie advised the governor, his senior staff, and twenty-three state agencies on political strategy and legislative affairs.

Prior to joining the JohnsonPossKirby team, Katie worked as Senior Advisor of Government Affairs and Economic Development at Bradley Arant Boult Cummings, LLP.

Katie graduated from the University of Tennessee at Martin in 2008. She continues to serve her alma mater as a member of the Advisory Board.

Katie lives in Franklin with her husband, Luke, and daughters Ryall and Mackie.