Sponsored Ad

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

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
  • Chief Operating Office and Registered Lobbyist, J.R. is an experienced business development and government affairs professional with an expertise in bringing people together in Maryland to create business opportunities and to solve political problems.

    6-10 years

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

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

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

    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

    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.

    • (609) 209-7780

    • 160 W State StTrentonNJ08608

    Princeton Public Affairs Group, the largest government affairs firm in New Jersey, is a multifaceted organization specializing in government relations and communications in New Jersey. We have offices in Trenton, New Jersey and Washington, D.C. with an unparalleled network of contacts throughout the state. The strength of our firm derives from the diverse backgrounds of the firm's partners and associates which include a former President of the New Jersey Senate, Speaker of the New Jersey General Assembly, Counsel to the Governor, Chief Counsel to the General Assembly and several former Directors of the Legislature.

    Firm Specialties:
    An accomplished bipartisan staff between our Trenton, New Jersey and Washington, DC offices ensures that our clients are well represented on both sides of the political aisle and at all levels of government. The mix and wealth of experience among our professionals provides for expertise in all areas of public policy.

    Whatever the task: working our way through the permitting process, delivering a change in a regulation or orchestrating the introduction and passage of major legislation, we've done it.

    Wherever the setting: before a Legislative Committee or in the Office of the Governor, we've been there.

    Whomever the players: the Commissioner of a State Department, a key Committee aide, the Legislative leadership or the Chief of Staff, we know them.

    And each and every one of our clients is assured the benefit of that expertise. You see, at the Princeton Public Affairs Group, our philosophy dictates that each of our clients works with a firm partner. There are no junior executives. This is one of the qualities which separates us from other firms. It gives our clients the best we have. And it works.

    DAVID A. SMITH is a partner in the Princeton Public Affairs Group, is a veteran of the public affairs arena and has successfully managed public affairs campaigns impacting auto insurance, life insurance, tort reform and environmental legislative initiatives. Mr. Smith received national acclaim when he was honored with a ""Pollie Award"" by the American Association of Political Consultants and named to their United States ""Public Affairs Team of the Year." Mr. Smith was also named one of the most influential players in New Jersey's Healthcare arena by the Annual HealthSense Listing. Since 2005, Mr. Smith has been a Commissioner on the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission (nominated by the Governor for two separate four year terms and confirmed by the NJ Senate) and currently serves as an Officer on the Commission (Secretary). Mr. Smith serves on the National Board of Directors of the Public Affairs Council, and was one of the few contract lobbyists in the Country to be appointed to a National Task Force charged with creating ethical standard for lobbyists throughout the United States. Mr. Smith is a founder and member of the Board of Directors of ProtectingAmerica.org, an advocacy organization Co-chaired by James Lee Witt, former Cabinet member under President Clinton and Admiral James Loy, Deputy Director of Homeland Security under President Bush. Mr. Smith also serves as an Officer (1st Vice President) of the New Jersey Hall of Fame Foundation Board of Directors and also serves on the Executive Committee (Secretary) of The Advocacy Group (TAG). Finally, Mr. Smith serves on the Board of Directors as an officer (Treasurer) of the State Capitol Insurance Company RRG, the first professional liability company for lobbyists headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada.

    Mr. Smith has appeared on television and radio stations representing clients' interests, authored dozens of articles on politics/policy issues in New Jersey and is a frequent guest speaker/lecturer at national and state conferences, legislative hearings, meetings and seminars. He has been a consultant to statewide and legislative political campaigns and is a member of the Executive Finance Committee of the Assembly Democratic Leadership Committee as well as the New Jersey State Democratic Committee. Prior to joining the firm in 1995, Mr. Smith served as Director of Policy and Planning for the New Jersey General Assembly Democratic Office. In that capacity, Mr. Smith supervised the partisan staff of all Assembly Committees and Task Forces while serving as senior staff aide to the insurance and commerce legislative committees. He was a Director with the New Jersey Dental Association from 1985 to 1990 and served on several national and state health care and insurance advisory committees.

    Mr. Smith was awarded a Master of Science in Financial Services (MSFS) Degree from the Richard D. Irwin Graduate School of The American College. He is a Graduate Fellow of the Public Affairs Institute, a three year educational program of the Public Affairs Council located in Washington, DC. Mr. Smith also graduated with a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Political Science from Gettysburg College.

    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.

    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

    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

    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.

    I currently represent clients in the areas of healthcare, healthcare financing, health reform, health certificate of need (CON), casino gaming, lottery, horse racing, transportation, motor vehicles, rental cars, insurance, state and local taxes, franchises, business regulation, IT - information technology, environmental regulation, procurement, state contracting, bid protests, and acquisition of public funds for private programs and projects. Additionally, I advise clients on state and local ethics laws, election laws and lobbying rules.

    I previously served as the former staff counsel to the Maryland Senate Budget and Taxation Committee and the Department of Fiscal Services.

    My clients range from the CBAC Gaming (Horseshoe Casino Baltimore), Education Affiliates/Fortis College, Enterprise/Alamo/National Rental Cars, Maryland Physicians Care MCO, and Washington Area New Auto Dealers Association.

    20+ years

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

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

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

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

    Lead lobbyist on legislation to authorize transportation network companies

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

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

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

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

  • RWL's government relations group consistently ranks among Maryland's top lobbyists for good reason. Their team approach, in-depth understanding of their clients' interests, relationships at all levels of government and superb strategies are second to none. - Joseph De Francis, Former President and CEO, Maryland Jockey Club
  • Michael V. Johansen is the Administrative Partner at Rifkin Weiner Livingston LLC and the Chair of the firm's Administrative Law and Regulatory Compliance practice. Mike has nearly 30 years of experience in lobbying and legal matters before the General Assembly, executive agencies, and local/municipal governments in the state of Maryland. As a registered lobbyist, he has represented clients in the areas of healthcare, healthcare financing, health reform, health certificate of need (CON), casino gaming, lottery, horse racing, transportation, motor vehicles, rental cars, insurance, state and local taxes, franchises, business regulation, IT - information technology, environmental regulation, procurement, state contracting, bid protests, and acquisition of public funds for private programs and projects. Mike also advises clients on state and local ethics laws, gift laws, campaign contribution compliance, election laws and lobbying rules.

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

    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.

    • 609-396-8838

    • 160 W State StTrentonNJ08608

    Clients:
    • 410-269-5066

    • 225 Duke of Gloucester StreetSuite 200AnnapolisMD21401

    Clients:
    Clients:
    • 609-396-8838

    • 160 W State StTrentonNJ08608

    • 609-396-8838

    • 160 W State StTrentonNJ08608

    • 609-396-8838

    • 160 W State StTrentonNJ08608

    • 609-396-8838

    • 160 W State StTrentonNJ08608

    KONSTANTINOS KARMANIOLAS

    (California)
    • (916) 447-1488

    • 1215 K STREET, STE 2290SACRAMENTOCA95814

    Clients:

    RYAN MC CARTHY

    (California)
    • (916) 447-1488

    • 1215 K STREET, SUITE 2290SACRAMENTOCA95814

    Clients:

    RACHEL MUELLER

    (California)
    • (916) 447-1488

    • 1215 K STREET, STE 2290SACRAMENTOCA95814

    Clients:
    Clients:
    • 17 North Second StreetHarrisburgPA17101

    Clients:
    • 609-396-8838

    • 160 W State StTrentonNJ08608

    • 410-280-5088

    • 29 Francis StreetAnnapolisMD21401

    Clients:
    • 609-396-8838

    • 160 W State StTrentonNJ08608

    TIM VALDERRAMA

    (California)
    Clients:
    Clients:
    • 609-396-8838

    • 160 W State StTrentonNJ08608

    • 609-396-8838

    • 160 W State StTrentonNJ08608