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

Recognized by the Arizona Capitol Times as one of the top lobbyists in the state under the age of 40 (2017)

Recognized by the Arizona Capitol Times as a "Breakdown Breakout" winner, given to the sharpest political and industry minds in Arizona under 40 (2019)

With nearly a decade of government relations experience at the state and local level, Lauren's specialty practice areas include policy issues in the healthcare, real estate and tech sectors. Prior to entering into the policy realm, Lauren worked in marketing and public relations, executing local and national media campaigns for clients ranging from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies. Her background also includes having developed and implemented grassroots campaigns surrounding legislation for one of Arizona's largest nonprofit organizations. A graduate of the University of Arizona with an academic focus in journalism and political communication, Lauren has extensive experience working with local and national news outlets. Recognized by the Arizona Capitol Times as one of the top lobbyists in the state under the age of 40, Lauren represents the firm's interests before the Arizona State Legislature, the Office of the Governor, state agencies and various municipalities.

Education: B.S., University of Arizona

ERIN TAYLOR has more than twenty years of experience working in the public policy arena at the federal, state and local level.

Prior to forming Taylor Strategies & Consulting in 2014, Taylor served as the Executive Director of the Wyoming Taxpayers Association for eight years. During that time, she successfully advocated for legislation and programs that enhanced businesses throughout the state, based on the view that all businesses should be fairly taxed. She garnered the respect of state and local elected officials with her analytic and unbiased reporting of tax policy.

She was instrumental in educating policy makers on the implications of tax policy and experienced many successes in the legislative area, including increasing Wyoming's fuel tax, passing a sales and use tax vendor allowance, implementing special district transparency, formulating property tax relief programs, among others.

After the association, Taylor served as statewide campaign manager for US Senator Mike Enzi for the 2014 primary election where she spearheaded a comprehensive county-by-county issue based campaign, and oversaw all aspects of the day-to-day operations, which yielded the Senator his highest win percentage in that office.

Aside from tax policy, building coalitions and managing communications, Taylor also carries years of experience with regulatory issues, both at the national and state level. She served as Wyoming Government Affairs Representative with PacifiCorp (now Rocky Mountain Power), and in Washington DC forming electric transmission pricing policy with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission through the Edison Electric Institute and the Electric Power Supply Association, and finally, managing regulatory affairs for Montana-Dakota Utilities, Co, in Bismarck, ND.

Taylor earned an undergraduate in economics and also her master of science in regulatory and environmental economics from the University of Wyoming. She is also active in her community through Cheyenne Rotary and a number of local service organizations.

Eli M. Schooley is an associate in the firm's Washington, D.C. office, where he is a member of the public policy and law practice group. Mr. Schooley focuses his practice on federal legislative and regulatory policy issues related to government ethics, financial services, tax, appropriations, and trade.

Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Schooley served as legislative intern to U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (KS), focusing on higher education issues in his capacity there. In college, while student body president at Kansas State University, he worked closely with the university's office of governmental affairs to organize and participate in various state and federal lobbying events, aimed at securing greater federal funding for the university, gaining support for enhanced student research experiences, and the enactment of the Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act. He is an active member of the K&L Gates' LGBTQ affinity group. Mr. Schooley graduated from the University of Virginia School of Law in May 2017, and joined the firm shortly thereafter.

15-20 years

Maritime
Assisting a major cruise shipping company obtain legislation permitting the company to operate U.S.-flag ships in coastwise service, creating thousands of American jobs and generating millions of dollars in economic activity.
Helping a major tanker operator obtain legislation permitting long-term participation in the Maritime Security Program for its U.S.-flag tankers.
Representing the largest U.S. maritime coalition in history in successfully defending the maritime cabotage laws.
Assisting a major cruise line obtain legal authority, through legislation and regulation, that permits increased flexibility in hiring of certain crew on board its U.S.-flag vessels.
Advising a major container shipping company and a major tank vessel operator regarding their U.S.-flag operations and related Department of Defense sealift capabilities.
Represented maritime clients in successfully persuading Congress to appropriate funding for the Title XI shipbuilding loan guarantee program.
Assisted in the development and enactment of a multi-year, multi-million dollar program for dual use military-commercial sealift capability with the U.S. Transportation Command.
Worked closely with maritime regulatory agency to obtain necessary approvals for the transfers of Maritime Security Program agreements to major container shipping company.
Advising a major ship classification society on various public policy matters.

Energy
Advising a U.S. offshore energy company on legislative and regulatory matters related to production of oil and gas on the Outer Continental Shelf of the U.S.
Counseling maritime companies and associations on impacts of increased crude oil and natural gas production in the U.S.
Assisted coalition in obtaining legislation permitting the export of Alaska North Slope crude oil.
Transportation
Assisted a major Class I railroad in obtaining approximately $4 million that was earmarked for the development and deployment of positive train control systems designed to improve safety and security, as well as productivity, for rail operations.
Counseling to major rail supplier regarding legislative and regulatory efforts to increase the use of technologies such as communications-based train control systems and electronically-controlled pneumatic braking systems.
Serving as primary outside government relations advisor to trailer manufacturing trade organization.

Fisheries
Helping a West Coast fisherman's association defeat legislative efforts to grant harvesting quota shares to fish processors and to obtain language regarding ongoing efforts to rationalize the fishery.
Representing a major conservation organization on efforts to improve fisheries management and conservation provisions, including specifically the implementation of catch share programs.
Assisting conservation interests in defeating legislative initiatives in appropriations and authorizing bills that could result in overfishing or overcapitalizing in U.S. fisheries.
Providing policy and political advice to fishermen and conservation organizations regarding fisheries management and conservation measures, including specifically measures contained in the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.

Mr. Conner served as a staff assistant for the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries of the U.S. House of Representatives under its ranking member, Congressman Bob Davis (R-MI)

Mr. Conner's practice focuses on federal government relations, with a substantive focus on transportation (with a specialty in maritime), energy and resource management. He represents clients on a range of matters, including:

Matters relating to domestic and international shipping;
Programs relating to military sealift, including the Maritime Security Program;
Management of federal fisheries under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act;
Regulation of motor vehicles, including light and medium-duty trailers;
Policies relating to domestic energy, including specifically transportation of energy;Programs related to transportation infrastructure;
Issues involving port development and maritime security;
Development of international trade agreements and implementing legislation;
and Securing federal appropriations and federal program funding.

Mr. Conner has extensive legislative experience in general public policy analysis and planning, strategic counseling, and coalition management and coordination. He also assists clients in incorporating public policy into their strategic planning, integrating public relations into their legal and advocacy activities, and legislative drafting.

His principal representations include fishermen and other fishery stakeholders, cargo and passenger vessel operators, a ship classification society, transportation product manufacturers and service providers, energy companies, and a leading coalition of U.S. maritime interests.

He has worked with the Department of Transportation (including the office of the Secretary, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and the Maritime Administration), the Department of Commerce (specifically, the office of the Secretary, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and National Marine Fisheries Service), the Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Coast Guard), and the Department of Defense.

Mr. Conner is currently a member of the Executive Committee of the International Propeller Club of the United States and is a past president of the Washington, D.C. chapter of the International Propeller Club.

Mr. Conner served as a staff assistant for the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries of the U.S. House of Representatives under its ranking member, Congressman Bob Davis (R-MI).

6-10 years

Vice-President, Oregon Capitol Club

Patrick Sieng is a lifelong Oregonian who has been working in politics and state government for over 25. He began in politics as a paid canvasser for a state legislative campaign in 1998 and proceeded to work, manage, or consult on numerous local, state, and congressional candidate and bond/tax levy campaigns. After a brief stint in sales in Portland, he returned to Salem in 2006 to manage a legislative campaign. He served as a legislative aide and chief of staff for former State Representative Jean Cowan (D-Newport) for five years. For two years, he worked as a policy analyst at Business Oregon, the state's business development department, covering public port issues. From 2012 to 2020, he was a lobbyist and legislative affairs manager for the Association of Oregon Counties, lobbying on public safety, emergency management, and telecommunications issues. He transitioned to contract lobbying in 2020 and was with the Public Affairs Counsel for two years working with a team to represent 50 clients ranging from national corporations to local associations. In December 2022, Patrick started Sieng Enterprises as an independent lobby firm. Patrick previously served as a reserve police officer/deputy sheriff for 13 years - 10 years with the Portland Police Bureau (including 2 concurrent years with the Marion County Sheriff's Office), and 3 years with the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office. Patrick has been a licensed real estate principal broker for 10 years and also became licensed as a mortgage loan originator in 2022. He owns Capitol Real Estate, a boutique real estate company in Salem. He has two children - Ethan and Avery, enjoys Portland Trailblazers basketball games, taking flight lessons to become a private pilot, and attends St. Edward Catholic Church in Keizer.

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.

6-10 years

6-10 years

Troy's tactical approach to advocacy - for even the most unique public policy challenges facing Northwest industries - has been shaped over nearly three decades of policy experience in the Pacific Northwest. He specializes in providing strategic lobbying and consulting services, helping his diverse clients navigate Olympia politics and achieve their legislative, regulatory and state funding goals.

Prior to taking ownership of The Nichols Group Government Relations, Troy's broad experience gave him a unique perspective that can only come from first-hand experience over 25 years in campaigns, grassroots organization, trade association management, and serving as legislative staff:

• As caucus staff liaison for the Washington House Capital Budget Committee, Troy helped to negotiate and pass several multi-billion dollar capital budgets during his tenure


• As executive officer for a five-county trade association, Troy helped stop the association's decade-long decline in membership, balanced its annual budget for two years in a row, revamped several programs and racked up an impressive string of local policy and electoral victories; and


• As Chief of Staff to the Oregon House Majority Leader and the Speaker of the Oregon House, Troy served as strategic counsel to state leaders on the most important and sensitive issues facing the state.

0-5 years

As Vice President, Phil Scheuers supports the Pac/West Lobby Group team by tracking and managing legislation and advocating for client interests across state agency budgets, revenue, and capital construction committees. Phil also manages the firm's administrative duties, leads economic development projects, and supports clients through campaign consulting and association management.

There are few that have more experience working on Oregon's state budget and revenue than Phil. When he left as a legislative staffer, he was one of the longest-serving staffers on the House side with a wealth of experience on ways and means. Phil maintains strong relationships with regional and state partners and has extensive experience in economic development programs, including business incentives, industrial land development, and more. Phil is known for his ability to think outside the box and identify ways to leverage opportunities to help clients achieve their goals. Phil cares about advocating for rural issues, lifestyles, and people. He spends some of his free time on the Hermiston Education Foundation Board and is a proponent of equitable education.

Joining the team in 2018, Phil had a decade of experience working in government affairs and economic development in Eastern Oregon, focusing much of his time on the ways and means and capital construction processes.

20+ years

John R. Hammond III is co-chair of Ice Miller's Public Affairs Group. As a veteran of Indiana state government, he has helped shape a wide variety of public policy, from tax policy to environmental management, education to tort reform, transportation to insurance and economic development.

John served as a key aide to former Indiana Governor Robert D. Orr during his time as lieutenant governor, as well as serving as a deputy campaign manager for Orr's gubernatorial run in 1979 and heading up his transition team in 1980. He was senior executive assistant for Legislative Affairs and Education Policy in the Orr administration, serving as chief legislative liaison for six general sessions and three special sessions of the Indiana Legislature during the 1980s. Since leaving state government in 1988, he has led the governmental and public affairs programs for several major Indiana firms.

He is a frequent public affairs panelist and lecturer, and is the co-author of the article "Campaigns and Candidates: Lawyers and Their Obligations," prepared for the Legislative Services Agency for Continuing Legal Education's seminar titled, "The Lawyer-Lobbyist." He also serves as a Republican commentator and analyst on Indiana Week in Review, a state wide public affairs news program of WFYI focusing on Indiana government and politics. He has served as an advisor to several statewide campaigns.

John was awarded his Bachelor of Arts from DePauw University in 1976, and a juris doctor from the Indiana University School of Law in 1991. He is admitted to practice law in the state of Indiana.

John joined Ice Miller in February 2001.

20+ years

Nonpartisan staff for House members during development and passage of Washington's Forests & Fish law.

Josh has relationships with key legislators, statewide elected officials, agency staff and locally elected officials across the state.

Prior to joining the GTH-GA team, Josh spent nearly 10 years advocating for counties, serving as the Legislative Relations and Policy Director and General Counsel for the Washington State Association of Counties. Josh started working in Olympia in 1998 as nonpartisan counsel to the House of Representatives and served as Legislative Director for the Department of Fish and Wildlife. As Environmental Policy Director for the Washington Forest Protection Association he represented private forest landowners in the state's environmental regulatory system. He also assisted in Governor Locke's water reform efforts. Josh is a member of the Washington State Bar Association, graduate of Central Washington University and the Vermont Law School, and is a fourth generation Washingtonian. He lives in Olympia with his wife Karen.

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

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.

As Director of Housing and Rural Development, Whitley Sullivan is a lobbyist on the government affairs team at Pac/West Lobby Group specializing in housing, rural development, and campaign consulting. Whitley also supports clients through association management and helping communities advance and thrive through grant writing.

Whitley is a problem-solver. She believes that to navigate complex issues, we must first agree on the root issue(s). In every project, she uses her ability to knock down biases and build bridges so that the team can communicate efficiently and effectively. By spending most of her time in the rural Pacific Northwest, Whitley values the hardworking ethos of her community and strives to put just as much effort into the projects she's tasked with.

Whitley cares about rural lifestyles, communities, education, and healthcare. Our rural communities often lack the time, resources, and infrastructure to combat statewide issues such as housing and healthcare or have the funds to pick up the pieces after natural disasters. Whitley believes that through intense collaboration and proactive strategic planning, we can forge a flourishing future for our rural neighbors�without compromising what makes these communities valuable.

Joining the team in 2023, Whitley spent the past three years advocating for rural, Northeast Oregon values within the Oregon House of Representatives of House District 58's Chief of Staff. Whitley has bachelor's degrees in politics and philosophy from Willamette University.

20+ years

TOM MCBRIDE has advocated for groups and organizations that depend on fair and reasonable treatment under the law for more than 20 years. He has developed a reputation as an effective lobbyist, founded on high ethical standards, aggressive advocacy and personal authenticity.

Tom began his career as a private practice attorney representing commercial and financial interests, with a focus on commercial litigation and bankruptcy law. He went on to serve as government affairs director for fiscal and transportation issues on behalf of the Association of Washington Business, Washington state's chamber of commerce. He then directed the government relations program for the West division of the McDonald's Corporation.

Tom also has firsthand experience working within Washington state government. As director of intergovernmental affairs for the Washington State Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development, he oversaw regulatory and legislative interests in energy, economic development, housing, international trade and growth management.

In 2008, he founded McBride Public Affairs, to advocate for clients on legislative and regulatory matters in Washington state.

A 1994 graduate of Gonzaga University School of Law, Tom holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science from Whitman College. He and his family make their home in Olympia.

Tim Schellberg is the Founder and President of Gordon Thomas Honeywell Governmental Affairs, an internationally known governmental affairs and government business market development firm. In addition to serving as the firm's managing partner, Tim maintains an active governmental affairs and market development practice, and provides strategic direction to the firm's four primary divisions: International, Multi-State, Federal, and Washington State. Under Tim's leadership, the firm has had impressive growth and success.

Tim is recognized nationally and internationally for his work to create and grow new markets by collaborating with business and government to implement dynamic public policy and technology based solutions. Tim has used over 25 years of professional experience, worldwide contacts and knowledge of global government institutions to actively lead legislative based projects in over 30 countries and within the United States.

6-10 years

Jeffrey L. Barnhart joined McGuireWoods Consulting in October 2011 as a senior vice president of State Government Relations. He works out of the firm's Raleigh office assisting clients and helping the firm grow its national and multistate practice in the southeast.Representing Cabarrus County, Jeff served 11 years in the North Carolina General Assembly before relinquishing his seat in 2011. He was most recently co-chair of the House Appropriations Committee and was a strong healthcare proponent earning numerous recognitions from many organizations. Before his tenure as a House Representative, Jeff served as a Cabarrus County Commissioner for 10 years. He was also acting County Manager for Cabarrus for eight months and served on the county's Water & Service Authority (six years) and Economic Development Board of Directors (nine years).In addition to his strong local and state public sector experience, Jeff is a former small business owner who possesses significant private sector experience. He recently spent three years at the helm of a local healthcare center and also worked at IBM for 10 years in a number of different capacities from engineering to marketing to management. He is ranked the 13th Most Influential Lobbyist of the 2013 Legislative Session by the North Carolina Center for Public Policy Research in its annual survey of lobbyists, legislators and Capitol Press Corps members.Jeff served in the United States Air Force from 1978 to 1982 working in Communications Security.

W. Dennis Stephens is a government affairs counselor at K&L Gates. He previously served as a senior staff member for several House Republican members, including former Majority Leader Dick Armey. Dennis has more than 37 years working in Republican campaigns, policy, and political matters including more than 21 years experience as a Republican lobbyist.

Dennis works on a wide range of public policy issues including tax, technology, foreign policy, and transportation on behalf of Fortune 500 companies, associations, and small businesses.

Dennis has worked closely with many Republicans in the House and Senate including members of the Republican Study Committee. He has especially close relationships with the House Republican leadership and senior staff as well as many of the incoming freshmen.

In addition, Dennis has worked closely for more than two decades with every leading conservative activist and grassroots organization including The Heritage Foundation, Americans for Tax Reform, FreedomWorks, Americans for Prosperity, and the Family Research Council.

Dennis is very active in the conservative movement and is a regular speaker for the Leadership Institute Capitol Hill Staff School. He is also consulted regularly by Republican elected officials to review both policy issues and electoral strategy and tactics.

Prior to working on Capitol Hill, Dennis spent three years in the second term of the Reagan Administration, including the Office of Presidential Personnel in the White House.

0-5 years

Sara joined McGuireWoods Consulting after six years with the SC Association of REALTORS as their director of political affairs. In that capacity, she managed the SC REALTORS Political Action Committee Board of Trustees, fundraising, finances, disbursements, ethics reporting, independent expenditure campaigns, and public policy campaigns.

Prior to that she served as executive assistant/scheduler to U.S. Congressman Tom Rice in Washington, DC. Her previous experience also includes campaign fundraising for multiple members of the South Carolina General Assembly and members of Congress.

Sara has a public relations degree from the University of South Carolina and is currently pursuing her Master's in business administration at the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina.

Anne Mazuca brings over a decade of legislative experience working at the Texas Capitol, most recently serving six years as Chief of Staff to State Representative R.D. �Bobby' Guerra.

During her time working in the Texas legislature, she has worked for Members from Dallas, Galveston and South Texas, allowing her the opportunity to build relationships with local elected officials, community leaders and stakeholders from across the state while working on a wide range of policy areas. Prior to being named chief of staff, she served as a legislative director and legislative aide where she was the primary staff lead for the House Appropriations Committee Article II and Article III focusing on healthcare and education funding, the Public Health Committee, Energy Resources, Business & Industry, Ways & Means and Insurance committees.

In her capacity as chief of staff, Anne was responsible for guiding the day-to-day operations of the Capitol and McAllen offices. Outside of the office, she provided support for her Member's re-election campaign where she provided feedback on messaging, managed all Texas Ethics Commission and campaign finance filings and offered general advice and assistance related to his campaign.

An Austin native, Anne has close ties to the city in which she still resides.

LYNN STOKES-MURRAY serves as the Government Relations Director in Burr Forman McNair's Columbia office. Lynn is a governmental affairs and lobbying consultant who represents clients at the South Carolina State House and in local government matters.

Prior to joining the firm, Lynn was actively involved in numerous political campaigns across the state, including managing a South Carolina Congressional race in 1988. She has authored and implemented grassroots plans for major corporations to engage employees in the political process. Additionally, she drafts legislation and has extensive knowledge of the legislative rules and appropriations process.

Lynn recently served as chairperson and continues on the board of The Advocacy Group (TAG), which was established in 1992 as the first international public affairs and government relations corporation to provide a diverse array of professional advocacy services internationally.

6-10 years

Kathy's service as a senior adviser to Governor Tom Corbett for four years and the late Mayor Stephen R Reed of the City of Harrisburg provided her leadership experience and insight into how state and local governments operate from the inside. In those roles, she had real experiences in government and established and fostered relationships throughout all three branches of government. These experiences and relationships help her serve clients efficiently and effectively.

During the Pennsylvania COVID-19 business shutdown, Kathy helped clients in diverse business industries tell their story to Governor Wolf's Administration and obtain approval and a waiver to continue to operate. She worked with her team as if every client's business needs were a "911" call for help. Her round-the-clock work and counsel helped clients and their employees operate quickly, in a safe manner and in cooperation with law enforcement.

Clients have succeeded with their legislative lobbying goals as Kathy and her team supported them with needs to amend, pass or oppose legislation that would impact the client's business goals. Kathy's efforts and guidance support clients' business timeline and budgets.

Kathy lobbied with a team to successfully oppose any nuclear bailout legislation.

Kathy assists clients who need quick access to an agency decisionmaker for time sensitive issues. a Kathy assists clients with obtaining grant funds to support client projects.

Kathy is a licensed attorney in NY, NJ and PA, and she has more than a decade in Pennsylvania state and local politics with the unique experience as a senior staffer in the Office of the Governor. Kathy served as former Gov. Tom Corbett's Deputy Chief of Staff from 2011 to 2015. In that role, she was a trusted advisor to the governor and his cabinet and staff. She served as the governor's liaison to numerous state agencies and helped coordinate and manage policy, legislative and press initiatives. Kathy also worked on the governor's behalf with contacts in local and federal governments. While with the governor's office, Kathy represented the governor with numerous state and regional boards and commissions, including the Pennsylvania and New Jersey bi-state transportation authorities, the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Authority and the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority (PCCA). Further, she served with the governor as vice chair of Team Pennsylvania, a nonprofit that connects business and industry leaders and facilitates partnerships to support economic development and prosperity in the commonwealth.

Prior to joining Saxton & Stump, Kathy was an attorney for a Harrisburg-based law firm where she represented clients as an attorney and a lobbyist in diverse subject areas including energy and environmental, oil and natural gas and food and beverage on matters involving public finance, state and local tax, employment and corporate governance. Before joining the governor's office, she was a partner at Rhoads & Sinon LLP for 10 years where she focused her practice in litigation and labor and employment. She also previously served in leadership roles for the City of Harrisburg's Mayor Stephen R. Reed as deputy solicitor and director of human resources for approximately four years.

CHRISTOPHER DURYEA serves as Managing Partner of Statewide Public Affairs. Certainly New York has experienced an unprecedented level of political upheaval over the past several years. As a result, partnering with government has become more challenging. In founding Statewide Public Affairs, Mr. Duryea's vision is to manage a dynamic, experienced and trusted team who excels for our client's government affairs needs within the context of today's challenging environment.

With over two decades of experience working in and around New York politics, Mr. Duryea has well-recognized expertise in assisting clients navigate the complexities of New York state and local government. As Managing Partner, Mr. Duryea is responsible for the continued success of Statewide's clients.

Most recently, Mr. Duryea was a Partner at Marsh, Duryea & Associates where he represented numerous clients and developed a particular expertise on corporate, taxation, economic development, telecommunications and energy matters. Mr. Duryea also previously served as Vice President of the Cable Telecommunications Association of New York, charged with overseeing day-to-day operations and leading government affairs efforts. Here he developed a keen understanding of telecommunications policy issues and trade association management skills.

Mr. Duryea first began building his vast understanding of New York politics as Office Manager for the Onondaga County Democratic Committee, where he worked on numerous Central New York political campaigns. Subsequently he became an expert on the inner workings of Albany, serving as Legislative Director for the Chairman of the New York State Assembly Corporations, Authorities & Commissions and Environmental Conservation Committees.

In May 2012, City & State News named Mr. Duryea as one of "Albany's Rising Stars" noting, "Duryea is a key player." Mr. Duryea is a veteran of the U.S. Navy's submarine service and has a Masters in Political Science from the Rockefeller College at SUNY Albany and a BA in Political Science from SUNY Albany.

15-20 years

Recognized by the Central Penn Business Journal, Forty Under 40

Recognized by Susquehanna Style, Women in Leadership

Pennsylvania Association for Government Relations
Women in Pennsylvania Government Relations
Anne B. Anstine Excellence in Public Service Series, Class of 2008
Past Chair, Board of Directors, American Red Cross, Central PA Chapter
Leadership Harrisburg Area Executive Program, Class of 2016
Founder and Former Co-Chair, Dickinson College Alumni Association for Central Pennsylvania
Board member, Keystone Human Services Partnership Board
Board member, D.R.E.A.M. Partnership,
Associate Board member, Members 1st FCU

Angela Leopold is a Senior Partner of Novak Strategic Advisors. A savvy businesswoman and an accomplished community leader, Angela knows people and gets results. At NSA, Angela directs top to bottom grassroots campaigns, earned and social media strategies, and coalition building activities. For the past 15 years, she has worked on state and national issues such as healthcare, taxation, and energy. Angela co-leads the Issue Advocacy division at Novak and oversees several of Novak’s government affairs clients as well.

Early in her career as a political fundraiser, Angela developed creative, direct approaches to navigating grassroots campaigns that included issue-based forums, consensus building, and reputation management. Today, she utilizes this experience and continues to cultivate her well-established relationships and strong, broad-based coalition networks. Angela has successfully managed several local races drawing on her impressive organizational skills and ability to mobilize grassroots armies at the local level. From circulating petitions to building relationships with local business and community leaders, Angela leveraged her connections in creative ways, which ultimately led her candidates to victory in these local elections.

Angela is the past board chair of the Central PA Chapter of the American Red Cross, and in 2016 graduated from the Leadership Harrisburg Area Executive program. When Angela is not pulling it all together at work, she is pulling together ways to support nonprofits, including the Midwest Food Bank, D.R.E.A.M. Partnership, and Keystone Human Services (Partnership Board). In 2021, Angela was recognized as a 40 Under 40 Leader by the Central Penn Business Journal as well as Women in Business 2021 issue in Susquehanna Style.

Angela is a graduate of Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. Angela lives in Mechanicsburg with her husband, Joe, and son, Mark.

Legislative Counsel with respect to enabling and appropriations legislation creating a $30 million public-private partnership with the Department of Energy for a shared-services platform in the solar sector. Transaction counsel was also provided with respect to the contract negotiations and IP terms for the P3 agreement.

Government contracts counsel for a consortium of traditional and non-traditional defense contractors respecting a $100 million sole source 10 U.S.C. �2371, Section 845 Other Transaction Authority (OTA), contract vehicle issued by the Department of Defense ("DoD").
Site selection counsel for a nano-technology company looking to stand-up its first commercial manufacturing facility that focused on investments by local, state, and federal stakeholders. The engagement resulted in identifying three suitable jurisdictions, an ensuing "bake-off" of incentive packages (e.g., direct funding, tax incentives, work force development funds, land grants), a down selection process, and final negotiation of award.

Business development counsel on behalf of an ad hoc consortium of domestic semi-conductor companies seeking to reform the DoD/NSA Trusted Foundry Program in anticipation of unlocking hundreds-of-millions of dollars of government procurement opportunities for the consortium members.

Legislative counsel on behalf of several clients looking to access various measures within the Energy Tax Code (e.g., PTC, ITC, MLP) to which they were not entitled because they did not meet the technical requirements of the Energy Tax Code. Successful stand-alone legislation and amendment adoption have been resultant outcomes.

Counselor and advisor with respect to several campaigns regarding election disputes (e.g., Presidential contest recounts) and ballot access (e.g., ballot eligibility). Advising congressional candidates on statutory disclosures/reporting as well as seeking exemptions before relevant congressional committees and agencies.

Advisor and counselor to clients testifying/appearing before various congressional committees, including committees with jurisdiction over tax, appropriations, science & technology and financial services.

Legislative and regulatory counsel for an international fiber-optic cable company where various federal agencies were placing the company's assets in harms-way due to policy/regulatory decision making. Congressional and inter-industry negotiations successfully addressed the issue within congressional legislation.

Counsel to a client company's directors and officers during a wind down and asset disposition of a major federal contracting award, where D&O exposure and government "claw-back" became a significant impediment to the transaction. Liability and adverse public exposure on behalf of the D&O was successfully averted.

Before joining the firm, Mr. Leibham was a prosecutor on behalf of the State of California and was also in private practice where he counseled small business clients on a wide range of matters (e.g., HR, tax/audit reporting, real/personal property, general corporate, among other matters). Mr. Leibham worked as a senior aide to Rep. Gary Ackerman (NY) and Rep. Neil Abercrombie (HI) in the U.S. House of Representatives and was also a Western Regional Director for the Democratic National Committee in the late �90s and early �00s.

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

Past president of Association of Connecticut Lobbyists

Featured presenter at the CT Lobbying Conference on "Lobbying the Executive Branch" the past four years.

2019 Hartford Business Journal Forty Under 40

Over ten years of municipal land use experience on Planning and Zoning/Zoning Board of Appeals

Served as point person for the CT Conference of Municipalities on Energy, Labor and Zoning topics.

13 years of experience in contract lobbying; three years of experience in state and municipal government.

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.

Jim Sartucci, a government affairs counselor in K&L Gates' Washington, DC office, has over a decade of experience lobbying federal agencies (especially the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Federal Maritime Commission, Maritime Administration, and National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration) and the Congress on behalf of a wide variety of clients. He has extensive experience working with clients in the maritime, transportation, fisheries, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) export industries.

Mr. Sartucci is recognized as one of a handful of maritime policy experts in Washington, DC and has been involved in the development and enactment of virtually all significant maritime legislation since 1994. He coordinated an industry coalition that led to enactment of reforms to Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund spending and is a key member of another industry coalition advocating for reforming the regulation of ballast water and discharges incidental to the normal operation from commercial vessels. He has successfully advocated on behalf of several individual clients on a wide variety of policy and legislative matters.

During his Congressional staff career, Mr. Sartucci played an integral role in enacting significant authorizing legislation for nearly every mode of transportation. This includes establishing and reauthorizing the Maritime Security Program, reforming ocean shipping regulation, enacting multiple Water Resources Reform and Development Acts, comprehensive surface transportation authorization bills, Federal Aviation Administration and NASA reauthorization bills, and enacting pipeline safety, Amtrak reauthorization, and rail infrastructure bills. He also helped negotiate and shepherd through the Congress legislation establishing the Department of Homeland Security, several Maritime Transportation Security Acts, natural disaster preparedness and response reform legislation, the establishment of offshore oil production revenue sharing with coastal states, and two reauthorizations of the Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries Conservation and Management Act.

Michael Scanlon is a member of the Public Policy and Law group in the Washington, D.C. office of the global law firm K&L Gates. Mr. Scanlon engages in a wide-ranging federal practice that concentrates on the maritime, postal, and financial services industries, administrative procedure and litigation.

Mr. Scanlon advises and represents both large and small clients on a broad range of commercial and administrative law issues. His litigation experience includes numerous federal court and agency proceedings at both the trial and appellate levels.

Mr. Scanlon also advises and helps lobby on behalf of a wide range of companies and industry associations pursuing legislation, seeking regulatory implementation of newly-enacted laws, and representing their interests before Congress and federal agencies.

Before joining K&L Gates, Mr. Scanlon clerked for Chief U.S. District Judge Frederick J. Scullin of the Northern District of New York. He received a master's degree in public administration along with his law degree from the Maxwell School at Syracuse University.

Prior to studying law, Mr. Scanlon was the director of research and communications with a national financial services trade association based in Washington, D.C.

Postal
Mr. Scanlon is also a member of the postal law practice. He represents mailing, shipping, and ecommerce clients, mail service providers, mail technology companies, and industry trade associations on a wide-range of postal matters, including: strategic business counselling, contractual, and compliance advice, defending and resolving investigations and enforcement actions by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and litigation before the Postal Regulatory Commission and federal courts.

Mr. Scanlon has extensive experience representing clients in rate and classification proceedings, rulemakings, and complaint proceedings. He represents clients in USPS revenue deficiency claims and investigations alleging violations of the False Claims Act in connection with USPS Move Update and other complex mailing eligibility requirements.

Mr. Scanlon has experience with both domestic and international mail policy and rate issues and in negotiating contract pricing arrangements with the USPS. Mr. Scanlon has extensive experience working with industry associations and providing strategic advice on regulatory and legislative postal policy matters.

Maritime
Mr. Scanlon's practice involves domestic and international maritime matters. He represents U.S. and foreign shipping companies, including container shipping companies, tanker operators, cruise lines and bulk carriers, marine terminal operators, and marine service providers before the U.S. Maritime Administration, the Federal Maritime Commission, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Congress and federal courts.

Mr. Scanlon has significant experience in areas of vessel documentation, citizenship, operation and crewing, operating support (VISA, Maritime Security Program), and national defense shipping. His maritime representations include extensive work on the coastwise laws and their enforcement.

Mr. Scanlon has significant fisheries litigation experience representing seafood harvesters, processors, trade associations, and environmental groups in federal court.

James H. "Jay" Roberts is the most recent member of our team. Prior to joining GeorgiaLink, Mr. Roberts served in the Georgia State House of Representatives (2003-2015) while in the House, Jay was elected as both Vice-Chairman and Chairman of the House Majority Caucus by his peers. Former Gov. Sonny Perdue asked him to serve as his Administration Floor Leader in his second term. He served in that capacity for 2 years. Jay was named the Chairman of the House Transportation Committee by the Speaker of the House in 2010. He served as Chairman of the House Transportation Committee for 6 years. During his tenure in the House, Jay served on the Agriculture & Consumer Affairs, Ethics, Economic Development & Tourism, Ways & Means, Appropriations, Rules, Game & Fish and Transportation Committees. Jay has served several communities during his 13 years in the House. He served Irwin, Ben Hill, Tift, Turner, Coffee, Telfair, Wheeler, Wilcox and Jeff Davis counties. Governor Nathan Deal appointed Jay to the distinguish position of Director of Planning for the State of Georgia at the Georgia Department of Transportation. He was tasked with the planning of the State's Transportation projects including developing and implementing the STIP. Governor Kemp asked Jay to serve on his Transition Team. He was then asked by Governor Brian Kemp to continue to serve him as the Director of Planning. In September, 2019 Mr. Roberts joined GeorgiaLink Public Affairs Group. He and his wife Sarah have two children, and they reside in Irwin County.

15-20 years

Julie received the WESTMARC President's Award for exemplary work in economic development and was inducted as an Honorary Bobcat at The University of Arizona. She has received Special Congressional Recognition from Congressman Ruben Gallego for her work on his Women's Advisory Commission and was selected by the Maricopa Community College Foundation Board of Directors to serve as Vice Chair.

As Vice President of Construction Policy and Regulatory Affairs, is a lobbyist on the government affairs team at Pac/West Lobby Group specializing in construction, housing, energy, regulatory affairs, risk management, and program implementation.

Mark has spent more than three decades deep within the policy and regulatory world of construction and energy in Oregon, leading the Building Codes Division and Department of Energy through the administrations of five governors. He has developed a reputation for cutting through complicated and overwrought concepts to find and implement policies that work. He also has earned the respect of people within the industry, agencies, and elected office. Mark cares about creating policies and processes that work for Oregonians. He is passionate about seeing predictable and streamlined programs put into place that improve customers' lives. He believes that political debates should always have the end goal in mind.

Joining the team in 2023, Mark was previously the executive director of the Oregon Home Builders Association. His ability to effectively advocate for clients comes from convening a broad base of collaboration while working out important nuances in policy. By taking a comprehensive view on regulatory rollout and economic impact, he has a strong track record of advocating for and implementing effective programs.

Tony Essalih joined Cornerstone in 2011 as a co-lead of the firm's flagship Texas office in Houston. He spent 12 years on Capitol Hill and came to Cornerstone from the office of Congressman John Culberson (R-Houston). Tony worked for Congressman Culberson for 10 years, the last five as his chief of staff. Prior to becoming chief of staff, Tony served in a variety of capacities including legislative assistant, legislative director, communications director, and deputy chief of staff. He spent eight years in Washington, D.C. before relocating to Houston in 2007.

As chief of staff, Tony was responsible for guiding the day-to-day operations of the Congressman's Washington and Houston offices, and oversaw a 15-member staff under a fixed budget. Outside of the office, he served as the principal liaison to the Congressman's campaign committee and provided strategic counsel and advice related to his re-election efforts. Tony's areas of policy expertise include transportation, energy, budget and appropriations. Tony also led outreach efforts and served as an emissary on behalf of the Congressman with state lawmakers in Austin and local elected officials in Houston.

Prior to Culberson's election in 2001, Tony worked as a legislative assistant for Congressman Culberson's predecessor, former House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Bill Archer. Tony's began his tenure on Capitol Hill with former House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Doc Hastings.

Tony has advised and assisted numerous local, state, and federal campaigns. He serves on the board of the National InterFaith Foundation, the Advisory Board for the Houston Technology Center, spent two years on the Board of the Spring Branch Medical Center and was a member of Houston Mayor Annise Parker's transition team in 2010.

Tony was born and raised in Fredericksburg, VA and received his B.A. in Political Science from Mary Washington College. He was a member of Mary Washington's NCAA semifinalist men's soccer team. He lives in Houston and has two angelic daughters, Grace and Libby.

11-15 years

Ryan Tribbett founded Pac/West Lobby Group in 2020. His focus as president is building and supporting a well-rounded team of experts to give clients the reputable, forward-thinking service they seek. He cares about building collaborative relationships by finding common values and interests to create long-lasting and real-world solutions to problems. He believes that everyone should have the opportunity to thrive and is proud of being a responsible business owner who cares about his place in the communities in which his team works.

Ryan excels at helping policymakers understand the real-world human impact proposed bills and regulations have on his clients. Regardless of political swings, Ryan's ability to translate client needs into a viable political strategy has helped Pac/West Lobby Group clients achieve their goals and overcome challenges previously seen as insurmountable. Ryan's coalition-building skills have led to the development of key state programs like Connect Oregon, where millions have been invested in roads, rail, bridges, and ports to move Oregon's commodities to domestic and global markets. Ryan's expertise comes from knowing the legislative process and his strong relationships with leaders in both political parties of the Oregon Legislature and the Governor's Office.

Ryan has more than two decades of government affairs experience working on legislative and business issues related to economic development, critical transportation infrastructure, apprenticeships, labor law, contracting code, capital construction funding, local governments, and procurement. Before becoming a lobbyist, Ryan was a policy advisor and chief of staff in the Oregon State Senate and managed campaigns and field operations for regional and statewide candidates and ballot measures. A native Oregonian, Ryan has a bachelor's degree in political science from Portland State University.

Sean is a government affairs coordinator who focuses on federal policy issues in the Washington, D.C. office of K&L Gates.

He concentrates on federal budget and appropriations issues pertaining to defense, bio-defense, homeland security, energy, nanotechnology, manufacturing, transportation, agriculture, telecommunications, foreign aid, education and health care. In this capacity, he has assisted and advised a variety of clients on the annual budget and appropriations process, as well as matters pertaining to federal stimulus and deficit reduction.

Sean worked for Senator Barbara A. Mikulski for two and a half years prior to joining the firm

20+ years