I am a lawyer lobbyist, which is a distinguishing factor from most lobbyists in Idaho. Few lobbyists have the depth and breadth of experience that I have had over a broad cross-section of issues. I'm also a former state official - Deputy Attorney General and Deputy Secretary of State

Melinda has been with Eiguren Public Policy for four years, and previously spent more than a decade managing the PR Department for Fred Meyer and QFC Stores, the two Northwest divisions of The Kroger Co., where she managed government relations and lobbying, media relations, community donations and sponsorships and the employee volunteer programs in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. Prior to that she was with the Portland, Ore. office of international PR firm Hill & Knowlton where she managed accounts for clients big and small ranging from local electric cooperatives to regional cell phone service providers to major crisis clients - including the grocery industry - during labor negotiations. Melinda is adept at advocacy at the local and state levels as well as at reputation and brand management.

Registered lobbyist and practicing attorney with more than 16 years of combined private and public sector experience with a core focus on business and regulatory matters.

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

Jonas Jacobson developed a broad government relations practice after 15 years serving in key leadership roles in State and local government. Jonas has extensive experience working on public policy matters and has worked on complex initiatives involving environment, energy, transportation, infrastructure, development and public works matters. During his government tenure, he served under three Maryland Governors and was appointed to the Maryland Department of the Environment as Deputy Secretary. Jonas also served as Director of Environmental Protection for Baltimore County. His practice involves engagement with the leadership of state and local agencies and the Maryland General Assembly. Jonas received a Juris Doctor from the University of Baltimore School of Law and a Bachelor of Science from Towson University. Jonas is the President of the Howard County Conservancy and serves on the Board of the Towson University Alumni Association.

Our clients' reliance on Capitol Strategies Group is based on a single word: Trust.

They trust us to understand their needs, to develop the strategies and outreach required and to deliver the results they seek.

They trust us to communicate clearly and candidly, to keep them apprised of important developments and respond to opportunities that may impact their freedom to operate.

But just as important, they trust us for the ethics and values we hold dear, the promise we make to adhere to the highest standards of professional conduct in representing them and protecting their interests and reputations.

This trust is what drives our partnerships with our clients.

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

Jason Puhlasky is a Principal with Parker Poe Consulting and has more than 25 years of experience in lobbying, grassroots networking and media relations paid and earned as well as working on more than 100 political campaigns ranging from State House races to the President of the United States.

Kaempfer Crowell (the "Firm") is a statewide full service law firm with offices in Reno, Carson City and Las Vegas. The Firm and its members have been practicing in Nevada for more than 50 years. Kaempfer Crowell proudly carries an AV rating from Martindale Hubbell.

Firm Specialties:
Kaempfer Crowell practices extensively in government relations and legislative affairs at the local, state and federal level. The Firm's expertise in the area of government relations includes legislative affairs, administrative/regulatory matters, public utilities, insurance, transportation, telecommunications, environmental and water law, renewable energy, government licensing and procurement, strategic planning, ethics compliance programs and election law. At the local level, the Firm has a substantial practice in land use entitlement issues, zoning, development agreements, property tax appeals and licensing matters. On the federal level, the Firm assists clients on a variety of issues, including: appropriations, federal land regulation, energy and transportation.

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

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

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

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

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

Tim has spent twelve years building a record as one of the most effective advocates in Annapolis, representing a diverse group of clients at the state's legislative and executive branches, and county governments. Prior to engaging in government relations, Tim served as Chief of Staff to Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr., the longest serving State Senate President in United States history. Tim is a graduate of West Virginia University, and the West Virginia University College of Law, where he serves as a member of the Board of Visitors. Tim is a member of the Maryland State Bar Association. Tim lives in Baltimore County.

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

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

Kaempfer Crowell (the "Firm") is a statewide full service law firm with offices in Reno, Carson City and Las Vegas. The Firm and its members have been practicing in Nevada for more than 50 years. Kaempfer Crowell proudly carries an AV rating from Martindale Hubbell.

Firm Specialties:
Kaempfer Crowell practices extensively in government relations and legislative affairs at the local, state and federal level. The Firm's expertise in the area of government relations includes legislative affairs, administrative/regulatory matters, public utilities, insurance, transportation, telecommunications, environmental and water law, renewable energy, government licensing and procurement, strategic planning, ethics compliance programs and election law. At the local level, the Firm has a substantial practice in land use entitlement issues, zoning, development agreements, property tax appeals and licensing matters. On the federal level, the Firm assists clients on a variety of issues, including: appropriations, federal land regulation, energy and transportation.