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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.

TRACY PERSICO

(Connecticut)

Subjects: All Subjects

20+ years

Tracy Persico serves as a Director in Brown Rudnick's Government Law & Strategies Group in the Hartford Office. She represents clients before the Connecticut General Assembly, as well as state and local regulatory agencies. As a registered lobbyist, Tracy represents clients in the energy, technology, telecommunications, health care and transportation industries. In addition, she concentrates on local and state government procurements and also has extensive experience working with advocacy groups and various industry coalitions.

Tracy knows that in the political arena perseverance is part of the key to success, as well as timing and patience. Providing professional guidance and strategy as to how to navigate through the nuances of the political process is her specialty.

Tracy lives in New Haven, Connecticut and attended Quinnipiac University School of Law. She was admitted to the Connecticut Bar in 2008. She began her government involvement in 1997 as an assistant to the deputy majority leader of the Connecticut House of Representatives and later served as a campaign coordinator for several legislators during the 1998 elections.

TIMOTHY SHEA

(Connecticut)

Subjects: All Subjects

Links:LinkedIn

15-20 years

State Government Affairs Council

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

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

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

Former Budget Secretary and legislative drafting attorney provides a unique insight into making the deal as well as the interpretation of what the deal was made.

0-5 years

Subjects: All Subjects

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.

Subjects: All Subjects

Former Chief of Staff to Governor Tom Wolf as well as a national political affairs manager for a "Big Five" technology company. Mike also served two full terms as a State Representative in the New Hampshire House of Representatives and as Executive Director of the New Hampshire Democratic Party.

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.

Subjects: All Subjects

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.

Subjects: All Subjects

Links:LinkedIn

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.

Christine Brewer works closely with her clients to clarify their goals and objectives, to build a strategy that includes strong coalition-building, a clear communication plan and excellent feedback and reporting

15-20 years

Prior to starting on her own, Christine was the Director of Government Affairs for two of the largest state agencies in Washington State: Department of Social and Health Services and the Department of Labor and Industries as well as lobbying for the Associated General Contractors of Washington.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Central Washington University, and lives in Olympia with her husband, who owns a commercial water construction business as well as large storage facility, and five children. Christine and her family are very active in their community and are major donors to the Hands' on Children's Museum in Olympia, Boys and Girls Club of Thurston County, St. Martins University, and the the Olympia School District Education Foundation.

Christine is also a member of the Association of Washington Business, serves on the state of Washington Paid Family Leave Advisory Committee representing employer interests and is the past-president for the Olympia Hand's on Children's Museum.

Subjects: All Subjects

Michael has more than a decade of experience crafting strategy and facilitating legislative goals in Harrisburg. Most recently, he served as Senior Advisor to the President Pro Tempore of the Senate of Pennsylvania. He has also served the Senate Republican Caucus, served Senator Tom Killion as the Executive Director of the Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee and was Chief of Staff for Senators Rich Alloway and Tom McGarrigle. Prior to his senior advisory roles to various legislators, Michael was the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee.

As a business leader before his career in state government, Michael has a keen understanding of the interplay between public and private interests that can help drive economic growth in Pennsylvania. Having served various government officials with constituencies in urban, suburban and rural regions, he knows the political, business and economic issues and challenges important to communities across the commonwealth.

0-5 years

MICHAEL HOULIHAN

(Illinois)

Subjects: All Subjects

Links:Website

Experience You Can Count On

Drexwood's core competency is lobbying. Our team's in-depth knowledge of local, state, and federal government enables us to provide our clients with a blueprint for success in the public sector and a unique insight into what hazards to avoid. We use our political knowledge and experience to help our clients understand where they are, see where they need to go, and build a strategy for success here in Illinois. We help identify key public officials best suited to champion our clients' causes as we advocate on their behalf before the state legislature and Illinois's executive agencies. Our job is to get big things done at any level of politics, government, and public life.

15-20 years

Mike founded Drexwood Partners LLC with the mission to merge government affairs with a business savvy approach. By drawing upon his nearly 15 years of experience in government and politics combined with 10 years of experience in finance and real estate, Mike is able to provide a unique perspective to his clients. As a registered lobbyist he works with government officials at the state, county and city level navigating the process to solve problems and achieve the desired results for his clients.

Prior to founding Drexwood, Mike served as executive vice president at All-Circo, Inc, a full service government affairs and lobbying firm. There he handled the needs of over 60 clients ranging from fortune 500 companies and small businesses to units of government, non-profits and associations across all sectors and issues. In addition to helping clients with their legislative and administrative goals, he provided counsel in regards to appropriations, regulation, procurement, and coalition development.

Mike was previously vice president at Chicago-based real estate development firm The Prime Group. Serving as a member of the capital markets group, he provided financial analysis, budgeting, and due diligence on real estate transactions as well as helped facilitate $400 million in financing for the JW Marriott mixed use development on LaSalle Street. He began his career in New York with Jefferies & Company on the institutional trading desk, providing sales trading coverage for corporate accounts and hedge funds.

Mike received a B.S. in Finance from Santa Clara University in 1998. He resides in Chicago with his wife, Liz, and two daughters.

Subjects: All Subjects

Links:Website

Experience You Can Count On

Drexwood's core competency is lobbying. Our team's in-depth knowledge of local, state, and federal government enables us to provide our clients with a blueprint for success in the public sector and a unique insight into what hazards to avoid. We use our political knowledge and experience to help our clients understand where they are, see where they need to go, and build a strategy for success here in Illinois. We help identify key public officials best suited to champion our clients' causes as we advocate on their behalf before the state legislature and Illinois's executive agencies. Our job is to get big things done at any level of politics, government, and public life.

6-10 years

Paul joined Drexwood Partners in 2019 bringing 10 years of professional experience with him, including a half decade handling multi-state government affairs and running a U.S. government affairs operation for a multi-national company.

Adept at handling complex public policy issues, Paul began his early professional days working as a litigation paralegal for multiple law firms and working as a field organizer on a national campaign. To begin his government affairs career, Paul spent a short time in Washington D.C. working for a child welfare non-profit conducting policy research and organizing advocacy days.

Prior to joining Drexwood as Vice President, Paul served as Director of Government Relations for a publicly-traded company where he led U.S. federal and state government affairs for multiple business segments. While there he executed federal and multi-state government affairs strategies to support organizational goals across six businesses. This included managing federal appropriation and jurisdictional committee advocacy, a fifty state legislative tracking operation, and direct and indirect lobbying in over half a dozen states across the country. In addition to traditional government affairs work, Paul led the first company-wide global political risk assessment due to international expansion and re-designed the internal government affairs approach to also focus on brand development for business segments that found more value in an elevated presence among government officials.

With a broad range of policy experience in agriculture, education (Pre-K through postsecondary), child welfare, healthcare, insurance, and tech fields, Paul is prepared to tackle new and complex issues quickly to deliver results. He is passionate about government affairs — from traditional lobbying and strategy development to advocacy, coalition building, and policy research.

A native of mid-Missouri, Paul holds a M.A. in Political Science from University of Missouri, Kansas City and a B.A. in Pre-Law/Legal Studies from William Woods University in Fulton, Missouri. He currently lives in Chicago, Illinois with his wife and two sons.

Subjects: All Subjects

Public affairs professional with more than 45 years of advocacy, association management, and corporate business experience.

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.

  • - Alex Halper, VP of Government Affairs, PA Chamber of Business and Industry
  • - Pete Calcara, PA Association of Certified Public Accountants
  • - Dave Thompson, PA Medical Society
  • - Dave Taylor, President, Pennsylvania Manufacturers Association
  • - Stephanie Wissman, Executive Director, Associated Petroleum Industries of PA
  • - Dave Callahan, Executive Director, Marcellus Shale Coalition
  • 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.

    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.

    Subjects: All Subjects

    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.

    TIFFANI ALVIDREZ

    (Washington)
    • 1341 G STREET, NWSuite 1100WASHINGTONDC20005

    Clients:
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    JEN CECIL

    (Connecticut)
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    Clients:
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    Clients:
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    KELLEY FOXX

    (Nebraska)
    • (415) 903-2800

    • 28 Liberty Ship Way, Suite 2815SausalitoCA94965

    KELLEY FOXX

    (Wisconsin)

    KELLEY FOXX

    (Florida)
    • 415-903-2800

    • 28 Liberty Ship Way#2815SausalitoCalifornia94965

    KELLEY FOXX

    (Illinois)
    • 1341 G STREET, NWSuite 1100WASHINGTONDC20005

    Clients:
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    THOMAS MCNEIL

    (Connecticut)

    THOMAS MCNEIL

    (New York)
    • 415-903-2800

    • 28 Liberty Ship WaySuite 2815SausalitoCA

    • 1341 G STREET, NWSuite 1100WASHINGTONDC20005

    Clients:
    Clients:

    1) AECOM Technical Services, Inc.

    2) Air Methods Corporation

    3) Airlines for America

    4) Airport Restaurant & Retail Association

    5) Amentum Services, Inc.

    6) American Airlines, Inc.

    7) American Association for Justice

    8) American Bankers Association

    9) American Bankers Association's Card Policy Council

    10) American Innovation: The AI Project, Inc

    11) American Trucking Association

    12) Americans for Carbon Dividends

    13) AmerisourceBergen

    14) Association for Unmanned Vehicles Systems Intl.

    15) Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises, Inc.

    16) Bessemer Securities Corporation

    17) Broadcom Inc.

    18) Capital One Financial Corporation

    19) Central Puget Sound Regional Transit

    20) Charter Communications Operating, LLC

    21) Churchill Downs, Incorporated

    22) Citigroup Washington Inc.

    23) City of Hillsboro

    24) CMA CGM Group

    25) Comcast Corporation

    26) Constellation Brands, Inc.

    27) CRRC MA Corporation

    28) Crystallex

    29) Diageo North America, Inc.

    30) Download Fairness Coalition

    31) Draken International, LLC

    32) Electric Tobacconist USA

    33) Employment Policies Institute

    34) ERA Coalition

    35) Facebook, Inc.

    36) FedEx

    37) FedEx Corporation

    38) Gabriel Resources

    39) Genentech, Inc.

    40) General Dynamics

    41) General Electric

    42) General Electric Company

    43) General Motors LLC

    44) GovBiz Advantage, Inc. on Behalf of Aptera Motors Corp

    45) GovBiz Advantage, Inc. on Behalf of Arcimoto, Inc.

    46) GovBiz Advantage, Inc. on behalf of Zero Motorcycles

    47) Greater Kansas City Community Foundation

    48) GSO Capital Partners

    49) Hess Corporation

    50) Hilton Worldwide

    51) Historic Tax Credit Coalition

    52) Honeywell International, Inc.

    53) Invest in Education Coalition

    54) Iron Mountain

    55) Jackson Municipal Airport Authority

    56) Kitty Hawk Corporation

    57) Largo Resources, Ltd.

    58) Lithium Nevada Corp.

    59) Lytx, Inc.

    60) Maplebear Inc. d/b/a Instacart

    61) MGM Resorts International

    62) Microsoft Corporation

    63) Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy as legal counsel to Ambac Assurance Corporation

    64) National Association of Broadcasters

    65) National Tour Association

    66) NetJets, Inc.

    67) New York Life

    68) NextEra Energy, Inc.

    69) Port of Seattle

    70) Principal Financial Group

    71) Prudential Financial, Inc.

    72) Recording Industry Association of America

    73) Regional Airline Association

    74) RIM Services, LLC

    75) Ryan, Inc.

    76) San Diego County Regional Airport Authority

    77) Signature Flight Support

    78) Sixteen Thirty Fund

    79) SK hynix America, Inc.

    80) Sorenson Communications

    81) SpaceX

    82) Spark Therapeutics

    83) Stephens Investment Holdings, LLC

    84) Sun Chemical Corporation

    85) T-Mobile

    86) TeamHealth

    87) The Alliance for Lasting Liberty c/o 1st Amendment Partnership

    88) The Blackstone Group

    89) The Broadway League

    90) The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc

    91) The Gordian Group, LLC

    92) The Home Depot

    93) The Northwest Seaport Alliance

    94) Torngat Metals

    95) Udacity, Inc.

    96) United States Contract Weather Observing Association

    97) United States Tour Operators Association

    98) Viacom Inc.

    99) Williams and Jensen, PLLC on behalf of Merck & Co., INC

    100) Williams and Jensen, PLLC on behalf of Ripple Labs, Inc.

    101) Wireless Infrastructure Association

    • 7174479051

    • 225 Grandview Avenue, Suite 301Camp HillPA17011

    • 17 North Second StreetHarrisburgPA17101

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