15-20 years

Member of the national council of state legislatures

20+ years

By any yardstick, Aaron Read and Associates is recognized as one of the premier lobbying firms in Sacramento. Whether it's based on annual billings or word of mouth referrals, ARA is at the top of the list. In addition, ARA has been listed as one of the top-ranked lobby firms in Capitol Weekly, a well-known publication, since they started their rankings 10 years ago.

Aaron Read and Associates' (ARA) services run the gamut of all types and aspects of Governmental Representation including the Administration, the Legislature and each of its committees, and regulatory agencies. In addition, ARA provides consulting on government procurement issues. Our sister company, Marketplace Communications, provides a full range of public affairs services including social media, campaigns, video and audio productions, and strategy to achieve your goals. Marketplace Communications has won numerous Pollie Awards from the American Association of Political Consultants.

Randy A. Perry has 27 years of experience and was a Manager and Chief Legislative Advocate for the Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC) for over 15 years. PORAC represents over 62,000 rank-and-file Peace Officers in California and Nevada. Randy has written and lobbied legislation ranging from labor and workers' compensation issues to local government funding and laws increasing penalties for crimes against the public. He has an extensive background with association grassroots programs and has worked or managed every aspect of issue and candidate campaigns. Randy has a Bachelors Degree in Political Science.

ARA is unique. We represent numerous firefighters, law enforcement and labor groups, as well as fortune 500 companies, corporations and large trade associations. As a result of our diverse client base, we build relationships with Democratic and Republican lawmakers during their campaigns, long before they are elected to office.

6-10 years

Jeff Fitzgerald is a partner with Paladin Consulting Group. Mr. Fitzgerald has very strong relationships and connections in the current political climate and is well positioned to help navigate the policy and political goals of our clients. Mr. Fitzgerald comes to Paladin after serving twelve years in the Wisconsin State Legislature. During the most recent session, Mr. Fitzgerald served as Speaker -- "the body's highest post. He has also served as Majority Leader and Assistant Majority Leader during his time in office. Through the leadership of Mr. Fitzgerald, the Assembly Republicans retook control of the Assembly in 2010 after losing the majority two years earlier. As a result of his years in the legislature, Mr. Fitzgerald has a thorough understanding of legislative strategy and procedure. He is very well positioned to help a client navigate government in the most efficient and effective way. Mr. Fitzgerald was
also a candidate for the United States Senate in 2012, giving him a statewide profile and relationships with numerous companies and communities throughout Wisconsin.

6-10 years

6-10 years

John Morgan Hughes is known for his high-energy, creative approach to advocacy with an emphasis on providing elite customer service to the firm's clients. Prior to his work in governmental relations, he served as general consultant and strategist to numerous political campaigns and campaign committees across the state of Mississippi. Since 2013, he has focused his work on advocating policies on behalf of firm clients before the Mississippi legislature.

In 2015, he founded the JM Hughes Group to assist corporations, non-profits, and governmental entities in their interactions with state government leaders. Since its inception, the firm has become Mississippi's fastest-growing governmental affairs firm with a reputation for delivering results and going the extra mile for clients. In addition to his professional work, John Morgan has served on the board of directors for many community organizations such as the Mississippi Children's Advocacy Center, Leadership Greater Jackson, Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership Vision 2022 Committee, the Mississippi State Chapter of Kappa Sigma Alumni Association, and Refill Cafe. In 2019, he was appointed by the Hinds County Board of Supervisors to serve on the Central Mississippi Planning and Development District board of directors. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science Public Administration from Mississippi State University and a master's in Business Administration from the University of Mississippi.

He and his wife Brittany have one daughter, Charlie, and two dogs; a Labradoodle named Huck and a rescue Yorkie named Kona. He currently serves as an adjunct professor at Millsaps College where he teaches an undergraduate course on advocacy and the legislative process. He is a proud veteran who currently serves in the 183rd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, United States Air Force, Mississippi Air National Guard where he holds the rank of Captain.

Why Did You Choose Lobbying?
I chose government relations because it provided me an avenue to stay in my home state and work on policies to improve our economic condition. As a first-generation college graduate, education and opportunity have been the difference in my life and I hope my work expands these opportunities to others. I love the diversity of our clients. No two days are the same.

Practice Areas (Specialties)
Procurement and appropriation
Non-profits
Trade associations
Complex financial legislation
Regulatory relief

Rachel Cone joins Southern Strategy Group after more than a decade of service in the highest levels of local and state governments. Rachel served as the Interim Secretary for the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), where she successfully shepherded the department's policy agenda and $11 billion budget across the finish line of the 2017 legislative session.

During her time at FDOT she also served as the Assistant Secretary for Finance and Administration, overseeing the offices of work program and budget, finance, procurement, technology, human resources, performance management and other administrative functions. She managed three of the largest transportation work programs in state history and represented the department in front of the U.S. Department of Transportation, the U.S. Treasury, Fitch and Moody's rating agencies.

Rachel also directed changes to how the department finances the work program, and successfully advocated for statutory changes that resulted in a new financing vehicle for the department. This allows the department to fund additional, major transportation projects at a lower cost. She also oversaw the reorganization of the department's technology offices, which resulted in a culture shift for the department in how it prioritizes, spends and manages transportation-specific and traditional technologies.

In 2012, Governor Rick Scott appointed Rachel to serve as his Deputy Chief of Staff, where she was responsible for advising him on statewide issues, appointments to boards and commissions and providing guidance and direction to 14 state and quasi-governmental agencies on operational and management issues, including policy, budget, communication, legislative strategy and agency priorities. Those agencies were the Departments of Business and Professional Regulation, Citrus, Emergency Management, Economic Opportunity, Environmental Protection (and Water Management Districts) and Transportation. Also included under her purview were Florida Wildlife Commission, Space Florida, Visit Florida, Volunteer Florida and CareerSource Florida.

Rachel previously served as the External Affairs Director for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection where she directed planning and statewide communications strategies for the department, and coordinated communications efforts with Florida's five water management districts. This included topics such as renewed water management district oversight, various departmental restructuring, the health of Florida's springs, Governor Scott's Everglades Restoration Strategies plan and Florida's ongoing recovery after the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

Prior to her family's move to Tallahassee, Rachel served on the executive leadership team in the Mayor John Peyton administration in Jacksonville. Rachel began her career as a military reporter at the Florida Times-Union.

Rachel is a proud graduate of Auburn University. She and her family are active members of Trinity United Methodist Church, and Rachel serves as a member of the Board of Trustees at Holy Comforter Episcopal School in Tallahassee.

15-20 years

Mike was named 2021, 2020 and 2013 (27th, 26th and 19th editions) "Lawyer of the Year" by his peers (BestLawyers.com), for his work in Government Relations Practice, and has been listed in the same publication every year as a top Maine lawyer.

In 2020, Mike received the Katahdin Counsel Recognition Program's certificate of commendation for completion of over 50 hours of pro bono work.

At Maine Street Solutions, Mike and the team serve everyone from fortune 50 companies to the local statewide food bank. They believe in a multi-lateral strategic approach to problem solving wherein they leave egos aside and focus on achieving positive results for clients. Mike and the team do not believe in silos in government relations. They know that everyone on the team needs to have the right information so they can provide the right message to the right person at the right time. They also know that to broaden the impact of their client's message they need to use all the levers of communication: from direct advocacy to media relations, from grass roots influencing to social media, from legal advocacy to coalition building. Mike and the team know that this integrated, strategic approach brings the best chance of success for clients. AT MSS, Mike and the team are extremely competitive and want their clients to always win.
Mike and the team frequently work with clients on national strategies using Maine as a test-case to hone messages, tactics, and policy, and then help those clients develop a national strategic approach to implement their strategy. Through that work they have achieved great successes across the country, ranging from expanding access to prescription drugs and healthcare to creating best practices for good government initiatives.
If an issue touches the public, whether it be government or community relations, crisis communications or procurement, national or local issues, the MSS team has the relationships and skills to advance your interest.
Mike grew up in Bangor, graduated from Bowdoin College and the University of Maine School of Law, represented the West End of Portland in the Legislature and currently resides in Belgrade with his wife and daughter. When Mike is not on the phone with a client or lawmaker, he can be frequently found walking in the woods near his home with the family dog, Dory.

15-20 years

Evelyn (Evie) Zois Sweeney joined MHSA in 2011. Evie previously lobbied on behalf of a multitude of corporate, non-profit and municipal clients at Dykema Gossett, PLLC. She has extensive experience with state procurement, local government and the appropriations process, specifically higher education, capital outlay, corrections and general government.

Prior to joining Dykema, Evie served as a legislative assistant to the Senate Appropriations Chair and Clerk for the Senate Appropriations Committee and Joint Capital Outlay Subcommittee. In addition to shepherding legislative agendas through the process, she was responsible for monitoring several departmental budgets, including corrections, community health and general government.

Evie is a 2004 graduate fellow of Michigan State University's Michigan Political Leadership Program, a multi-partisan leadership training program. Evie also serves as co-chair of the gift acquisition committee for the Children's Trust Fund, is involved with Habitat for Humanity and serves on the Michigan Political Leadership Program's Finance Committee. Evie also had the privilege of working on Governor Rick Snyder's 2011 Inaugural Executive Committee.

Evie graduated from Michigan State University's James Madison College with honors and earned a bachelor of arts degree. She was a double major in International Relations and Sociology. Evie also served as a research assistant at St. Peter's College, University of Oxford, Oxford England.

Evie and her husband Matt reside in DeWitt with their daughter and son.

0-5 years

Chris Gobble is a respected government affairs specialist with deep issue expertise and a broad base of policymaker and stakeholder relationships. He leverages his insights into the state General Assembly, Tennessee executive branch, and local governments to help SRG clients navigate complex political challenges and effectively advance meaningful policy solutions.

Prior to joining SRG, Chris served as senior director of public policy for the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, where he helped drive policy changes and facilitate government affairs efforts for 2,000 businesses representing over 180,000 employees. He also regularly and effectively collaborated with local, state, and federal elected officials to advance Chattanooga's status as a leader in education, workforce, and economic development.

Prior to Gobble's tenure in Chattanooga, he was the legislative and policy director for the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. In this role, Gobble worked closely with Governor Bill Haslam's office and the state legislature to develop and implement a variety of public policy initiatives.

Originally from Bradley County, Chris earned a B.A. in Political Science and Communications from Lipscomb University. He and his wife Sarah live in Nashville.

Adrian joined MHSA in 2002, and became a member of Muchmore Harrington Smalley & Associates, LLC in 2015. Prior to that, he served as the Assistant Vice President of Legislative Relations for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). Adrian collaborated with key stakeholders to improve Michigan's business climate with high profile legislation such as Next Energy and the establishment of the Broadband Authority. Adrian was also influential during the passage of legislation to create the Metropolitan Airport Authority Act, which was responsible for the building and modernization of the McNamara Terminal at Detroit Metropolitan Airport.

Respected as one of Lansing's top lobbyists, Adrian specializes in economic development, energy and technology, environmental, insurance, banking and tax policy issues. Recent accomplishments include the passage of legislation that gave Jackson National the ability to expand their business. Adrian secured state investment for the Farmers Insurance expansion and the JW Marriott Hotel, both in Grand Rapids. He has been instrumental in the last three business tax code rewrites and worked on legislation to standardize college entrance testing.

Prior to his work at the MEDC, Adrian was the Legislative Liaison for the Department of Management and Budget where he was responsible for securing funding to build the Hall of Justice, Constitution Hall and the Vietnam War Memorial. Adrian began his career working as a legislative aide for three state Senators, later serving as director of public affairs. Adrian also worked as the public events coordinator for the Senate Majority Leader.

Adrian holds a bachelor's degree in Communications and Sociology from Western Michigan University (WMU), where he graduated with honors. While at WMU, Adrian served on the Board to Review the President's Address on Racial and Ethnic Harmony.

Adrian and his wife Erin live in East Lansing with their four girls.

15-20 years

Because of our bipartisan makeup, we have strong relationships with legislative leaders and members in both houses and on both sides of the isle. We also have extensive relationships with the Governor's Administration.

BRYAN BROOKS is a partner with Paladin Consulting Group. With over 20 years of experience in political and policy arena in Wisconsin, Mr. Brooks is well equipped to help a wide variety of clients succeed. Mr. Brooks has strong expertise in strategic consulting, lobbying, procurement, political positioning, grassroots, grass tops, and public relations strategy

Prior to Paladin Consulting Group, Mr. Brooks was the President / Owner of Brooks Consulting LLC, a government and business consulting firm. Mr. Brooks also spent several years at Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek Government Affairs, a subsidiary of Whtye Hirschboeck Dudek SC law firm in Wisconsin. At both Brooks Consulting and WHDGA, Mr. Brooks worked with clients at the local, state, and federal levels in all areas of consulting.

Before beginning his career in government relations, Mr. Brooks served as a Chief of Staff, Research Assistant and Legislative Assistant in the Wisconsin State Legislature. As chief of staff, he was intimately involved in the strategy of all areas of the legislative process. Mr. Brooks has a detailed understanding of the legislative process and procedure as well as a strong familiarity with numerous issues in both houses of the Legislature and in various departments and agencies.

Mr. Brooks has also served as a political strategist on numerous state and national campaigns. Mr. Brooks has close relationships with the Governor's office and his Administration, Attorney General Josh Kaul and his office, and numerous members of the Legislature and their staff.

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

6-10 years

Stephen Susano is the Co-Founder and COO of Stones River Group, a Nashville-based public affairs firm serving both Tennessee, regional and national clients. He provides clients with strategic counsel on business opportunities and project management, regulatory matters, procurement, economic development, third-party engagement, and market positioning. Stephen leverages his lengthy private-sector experience and deep network of relationships with business leaders and key policymakers in state and local government across Tennessee to deliver solutions for clients in multiple industries.

Prior to Stones River Group, Stephen served as Executive Director of the Tennessee Business Partnership (TBP), an advocacy organization supported by many of the state's leading enterprises. He spearheaded its efforts to advance pro-business policies, including education and judicial reforms, to encourage job growth and economic development. In 2014, Stephen led the statewide "Vote Yes on 2" campaign in support of the Judicial Selection Amendment to the Tennessee constitution. Stephen built a broad coalition of business groups, trade associations, legal advocates and community leaders in favor of the amendment. This coalition's successful mobilization helped ensure the amendment was approved with overwhelming support, carrying 94 out of 95 counties in Tennessee

Prior to working in the public affairs space, Stephen had an extensive career in the financial services industry. He served in operating and business development roles for several investment advisers and asset management firms. He has consulted with and raised capital for both U.S. and foreign-based investment firms, and has negotiated distribution and trading agreements with multiple financial services companies. Through his work, Stephen navigated complex regulatory regimes in domestic and offshore jurisdictions

Stephen grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee and currently lives in Brentwood with his wife, Ana. He and Ana have four children. Stephen serves on the board of the Nashville Downtown Partnership.

JAMIE A. ZANIEWSKI is a Government Policy Advisor in Dykema's Lansing, Michigan office. Mrs. Zaniewski specializes in health care, insurance, nonprofits, licensing and regulated industries. Through her diverse experiences working in the non-profit sector, legislature and executive office, she brings a unique perspective to formulating solutions.

Prior to joining Dykema, Mrs. Zaniewski served as a senior strategy advisor for Governor Rick Snyder, advising him on health care, insurance and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services budget. Prior to being appointed to her role in the executive office, she served as a policy advisor to both senate majority leader Arlan Meekhof and senate majority leader Randy Richardville. During her tenure in the Senate Mrs. Zaniewski advised republican caucus members on matters related to insurance and regulatory reform. Her work included drafting, analyzing, and shepherding legislation. Mrs. Zaniewski also served as the Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) senate appropriations subcommittee advisor. In this role she oversaw the LARA budget through the appropriation process. Prior to coming to Lansing, Mrs. Zaniewski was the contract administrator at one of the state's largest health systems. In this role she negotiated hospital, transplant and home health insurance contracts.

Mrs. Zaniewski has a master of public policy degree from Pepperdine University and a bachelor of arts degree in political science from Western Michigan University.

11-15 years

By any yardstick, Aaron Read and Associates is recognized as one of the premier lobbying firms in Sacramento. Whether it's based on annual billings or word of mouth referrals, ARA is at the top of the list. In addition, ARA has been listed as one of the top-ranked lobby firms in Capitol Weekly, a well-known publication, since they started their rankings 10 years ago.

Aaron Read and Associates' (ARA) services run the gamut of all types and aspects of Governmental Representation including the Administration, the Legislature and each of its committees, and regulatory agencies. In addition, ARA provides consulting on government procurement issues. Our sister company, Marketplace Communications, provides a full range of public affairs services including social media, campaigns, video and audio productions, and strategy to achieve your goals. Marketplace Communications has won numerous Pollie Awards from the American Association of Political Consultants.

Jennifer Tannehill brings her decades of experience under the dome to Aaron Read & Associates. Beginning her career with an internship for then Governor Deukmejian, Jennifer served two governors and six legislators in several capacities. In addition to her experience in both houses of the legislature and the governor's office Jennifer has served candidates for office as an account manager for a prominent political fundraising team, giving her insider knowledge of Sacramento and a broad perspective of state government and politics. Jennifer has worked on several issues in her capacity as a legislative staffer. Some of these include: Business and Professions, Education and Budget. A Sacramento native, Jennifer holds a B.A. in Government from CSU Sacramento. When not working on legislative issues she enjoys time with her family, camping, road trips with her husband and walks with her rescue dog.

ARA is unique. We represent numerous firefighters, law enforcement and labor groups, as well as fortune 500 companies, corporations and large trade associations. As a result of our diverse client base, we build relationships with Democratic and Republican lawmakers during their campaigns, long before they are elected to office.

20+ years

Capitol Inside recently ranked him among the top 50 Hired Gun lobbyists

Former legislative intern to Congressman Barney Frank
Former legislative assistant to State Senator John Sharp
Former legislative assistant to State Senator Rodney Ellis
Former Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Ann W. Richards
Interim Director, Texas Ethics Commission

Carl's areas of concentration are legislative representation and administrative law. Prior to starting his law own firm, Carl worked at three major Texas-based law firms and built successful legislative and public policy practices and achieved the status of partner. Over his 30-year career, he has managed both large and small external legislative teams or worked closely with other lobbyists to represent corporations, governmental and quasi-governmental clients, and trade associations. He has lobbied the Texas legislature on issues ranging from appropriations, financial services, education, elections, energy, environmental regulations, gaming, healthcare, housing, land use development, local government, insurance, public utility regulation, taxes, tort reform, transportation and water issues.

He served as Vice President of Government Affairs for TXU Energy where he managed the company's state legislative and regulatory advocacy teams and external consultants. Additionally, he managed TXU Energy's employee-based political action committee and its associated activities.

Carl is considered among Texas' top power lobbyists. Capitol Inside recently ranked him among the top 50 Hired Gun lobbyists. In its 2009 and 2011 lobby power rankings, the publication ranked Mr. Richie second and fourth respectively in the "Corporate In-House Lobbyists" category as the lead lobbyist for energy giant TXU Energy. In the law firm category, he ranked among the five in 2003 and 2005 as a lobbyist with the law firm Gardere Wynne Sewell, LLP.

Carl has extensive legislative experience, having worked at all three levels of government; local, state and federal. He began his legislative career serving as a Fellow to a member of the United States Congress. Following that, he served as a Chief of Staff to a member of the Houston City Council. Carl went on to serve as a legislative assistant to two former State Senators, John Sharp, and Rodney Ellis. He also served as Deputy Chief of Staff to Texas Governor Ann W. Richards. While serving in the Governor's office, he led the Governor's Ethics Commission Task Force, which established the Texas Ethics Commission and he served as the agency's Interim Director.

Carl also is a skilled administrative litigator. He has represented clients in administrative matters before state and federal agencies in the areas of campaign finance, energy matters, and housing issues. Carl has extensive experience representing clients in numerous areas of the electric utility industry, including competitive retail providers, independent power producers, power marketers, utilities, municipal utilities, and consumers. Carl has participated in numerous contested and negotiated proceedings before state and federal regulatory agencies. He also provides strategic counseling and governance representation to nonprofit organizations.

In 2007, Carl was recognized as one of Best Lawyers in America by Woodward/White. In March 1991, Carl was one of 60 individuals to be named as "A Rising Star" in American politics by Campaigns and Elections magazine. Additionally, he was one of 35 individuals from across the country in the executive, judicial and legislative branches of state government to be selected to participate in the Henry Toll Fellowship and was elected Class President of the 1993 Fellows Class.

Carl is very active with local, state and nation civic organizations. Currently, Carl serves as President of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO). He also serves as Chairman of the Board of Commissioners for the Housing Authority for the City of Austin. He has earned numerous state, regional and national awards for his work in public housing. He is certified to teach courses in the area public housing and ethics.

Carl is married to Nan Burley Richie and they have a daughter, Ana Elizabeth.

Edgar Castro's core business is government affairs, community relations, and lobbying in Miami-Dade County and Tallahassee, Florida. As an expert in the public policy process at the municipal, county, and state levels, Edgar assists his clients in navigating their way through the ever-increasing maze of legislative and regulatory challenges to achieve their goals and objectives.

Edgar has successfully advocated for issues addressing the needs of businesses, trade associations, municipalities, and the Florida Bar before Florida's executive and legislative branches, administrative and regulatory agencies, Miami-Dade County, and a number of the municipalities therein. Edgar's clients rely on him to develop and implement offensive and defensive political strategies to successfully negotiate legislative provisions on their behalf. Edgar has advocated for his clients on issues relating to transportation, family law, gaming, telecommunications, financial services, emergency management, intellectual property, and energy. Additionally, Edgar assists his clients with their relationships within the Hispanic community by developing a strategic plan of engagement, while also facilitating access to important elected leaders and stakeholders in the Hispanic community.

Edgar began his political career in Tallahassee, working in the Governor's Office as a Legislative Assistant, for the Florida House of Representatives. Edgar's experience in this role taught him the intricacies of the legislative processes and committee procedures, helping him build strong ties to staff and members of both chambers and parties. Throughout his career, Edgar has worked on numerous political campaigns in Florida, including candidates in the U.S. House and Senate, Florida House of Representatives and Senate, and the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners.

In addition to his experiences in Tallahassee, Edgar worked in Washington, DC as a public policy consultant for a government relations and consulting company. There, Edgar was responsible for researching and analyzing Florida and federal legislative actions and making recommendations to help clients effectively respond to governmental opportunities while avoiding potential risks.

20+ years

RWL successfully worked with the Legislature and the Public Service Commission to gain approval for the largest-to-date offshore wind project in the United States.

Lead lobbyist in gaining necessary approvals for Dominion's LNG export facility in Calvert County

Represented as co-lead lobbyist for Washington Redskins in their successful move to Prince George's County

Co-lead lobbyist on successful effort for first Maryland P3 project, (Baltimore Seagirt Marine Terminal facility)

Recipient of Maryland Government Relations Association's Outstanding Colleague Award (2019)

Appointed by Governor Glendening to Celebration 2000, and was the Governor's appointee to the Commission on Lobbyists Ethics

Chief of Staff, Parris N. Glendening, County Executive of Prince George's County, Maryland (1988-1990)

People's Zoning Counsel for Prince George's County, Maryland (1985-1988)

Attorney to the Prince George's County Personnel Board (1982-1985)

First Vice Chair, Prince George's County Democratic Central Committee (1986)

Maryland state joint task force on lobbying ethics (1994)

Transition Committee of Attorney General Brian Frosh (2012)

Vice Chair, Anne Arundel County Development Corporation Board of Directors (appointed by Anne Arundel County Executive Steve Schuh and reappointed by County Executive Steuart Pittman (2016-Present)

Joel D. Rozner rejoined the firm as a Partner in 1998. Previously a partner in the firm from 1991 to 1994, Mr. Rozner focuses his expertise on government relations in Annapolis and Prince George's County and is the former chair of the firm's extensive Government Relations and Lobbying practice.

Mr. Rozner was elected three times to the Prince George's Democratic Central Committee. He served seven years as People's Zoning Counsel for Prince George's County and also as Chief of Staff for then County Executive Parris N. Glendening who was later elected Governor. Mr. Rozner was the Governor's appointee to the Commission on Lobbyist Ethics.

In his practice, Mr. Rozner has represented a wide range of clients including the Washington Redskins in their successful move to Prince George's County and also was the lead lobbyist in gaining necessary approvals for Dominion's LNG export facility in Southern Maryland, which to date is the state's largest capital project. Having participated in and managed numerous political campaigns, he is also primarily responsible for development of the firm's legislative strategy.

20+ years

A founding partner of our Alabama office, Carol Brown has spent more than 25 years lobbying and working within her home state's ever-changing business and health care arenas. Before joining The Southern Group, Carol served as Vice President of Governmental Affairs and Manager of Federal Affairs for the Business Council of Alabama, the state's largest and most diverse business trade organization.Carol has worked on both sides of the political aisle, assisting Republican and Democratic candidates with their re-election bids and developing key relationships throughout the halls of government. A 1985 Auburn University graduate, Carol began her career in journalism covering politics and health care issues for the state's capital city newspaper, The Montgomery Advertiser.Since joining Southern Strategy Group, Carol continues representing clients throughout the business spectrum, including the energy, insurance, and pharmaceutical industries, as well as health care providers, telecommunications, and disaster recovery arenas. Carol has excellent working relationships with both the legislative and executive branches of government as well as strong relationships throughout Alabama's business and trade association communities. Carol's contacts include many of Alabama's regulatory agencies, such as the Insurance Department, Public Health, Medicaid, the State Health Planning and Development Agency, Industrial Relations, Homeland Security, and the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs.

She has most recently played a key role in working toward broadband accessibility for all Alabamians, a policy initiative that helped garner $100 million in CARES Act Funding for low-income students.

20+ years

James has over 20 years of experience in the legislative and government relations sector. Prior to establishing Blue Hen Strategies, he was a co-owner of Armitage DeChene & Associates, a full-service government affairs firm, for 4 years. He also worked for the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce as Senior Vice President, Government Relations. In that role, he was responsible for developing the Chamber's policy and advocacy positions on legislative and regulatory issues impacting Delaware businesses.

Before coming to the State Chamber, James was Senior Manager, Political Affairs and Federation Relations for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. There, James helped shape the Chamber's political program and outreach to the member organizations that make up its grassroots and federation network.

James was also Senior Manager of the Eastern Region of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for five years where he was responsible for legislative and political grassroots strategy in the 11 states included in the Chamber's Eastern Region.

Before joining the U.S. Chamber staff in June 2007, James worked for state chapters of Associated Builders and Contractors in Syracuse, NY and Burlington, MA as Regional Vice President and Director of Public Affairs & Communications, respectively. During this time, he oversaw all facets of the association's legislative, regulatory, and communications strategy, representing business interests before Local and State governments, as well as the media.

Prior to his work with the association, James worked in Washington, DC for the Grocery Manufacturers of America, the largest association representing the food and beverage manufacturing industry, as their Government Affairs Representative for Federal Affairs and International Trade, and for U.S. Congressman Tom Davis, from Virginia's 11th Congressional District. In this role, James covered a variety of Federal issues, including transportation and Federal IT procurement.

A Delaware native, and University of Delaware graduate, James lives with his wife, son, and daughter in Newark.

MICHELLE MCGEE focuses her practice on government affairs representation before government bodies at the local, state and federal levels. She has extensive experience representing clients' interests before both the Massachusetts and Connecticut legislative and executive branches of government. Formerly, Michelle worked at New England Electric System (now National Grid) where she developed and implemented comprehensive legislative and external strategies to achieve New England Electric's public policy initiatives in both Massachusetts and Connecticut. Prior to establishing Kearney, Donovan & McGee, LLC, Ms. McGee was a member of the government affairs practice group at Choate, Hall & Stewart.

20+ years

John A. Powell is a native Oregonian who graduated from Junction City High School and went on to earn both a B.S. and M.S. at the University of Oregon. Following college, John began his career as a high school educator and coach. In 1975, John ran for and was elected to the Oregon State Senate at the age of twenty-five (still the youngest person ever to serve in the Oregon State Senate). John served two four-year terms in the Senate (1975-1982) before voluntarily leaving office. While serving as a citizen legislator, John founded the Powell & Greig Insurance Agency and worked as an insurance agent for several years. In 1984, John founded John Powell & Associates, Inc.

Higher Education
Successfully assisted entities before regulatory agencies to achieve compliance.

Public Health
Worked with regulatory agency and broader coalitions to secure a positive recommendation from a Texas State agency which subsequently led to final passage of key legislation.

Local Government
Worked with the 3rd largest county in the country to secure vital legislation.

Regulatory Projects
Successfully assisted a national association and private companies in matters dealing with state franchise issues.

Telecommunications
Successfully assisted a publically traded company to secure passage of legislation affecting the Texas Universal Service Fund.

Energy
Successfully assisted client in passage of electric utility matters.

Ms. Leo has over 25 years of combined experience in federal, state and local government. Prior to joining the firm in 1996, Ms. Leo served as the Intergovernmental Relations Manager for the City of San Antonio. In that capacity, she had chief responsibility for managing federal, state and local matters on behalf of the City of San Antonio. Ms. Leo managed legislative and political activities at these various levels of government including Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC); state legislative matters impacting the City of San Antonio as well as interlocal agreements between the city and county.

She served as Chief of Staff for the first Hispanic woman elected to the Legislature, State Representative Irma Rangel, in which she managed all legislative policy, including appropriations, redistricting, healthcare, education and transportation. In this capacity, Ms. Leo also served as the Director of the Mexican-American Legislative Caucus and managed policy issues in behalf of the members of the Caucus. Prior to joining the House side of the Capitol, Ms. Leo worked in the policy division of Lieutenant Governor William P. Hobby, Jr. Ms. Leo's legislative career began as a Senate Messenger.

Ms. Leo serves on the Firm's Global Diversity Committee which promotes a diverse workforce and an inclusive firm culture. She is a Board member of the Senate Hispanic Research Council (SHRC), a non-profit research group that supports internships for college students in the offices of members of the Texas Senate. Ms Leo is a 9th generation Texan, and a member of the William B. Travis Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas.

11-15 years

Kimberly V. Kent joined Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A., in December 2011, as a lobbyist and consultant, to form Copper Dome Strategies, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the law firm. She will be based in the firm's Greenville office when the South Carolina General Assembly is not in session and in the Columbia office during the session.

Ms. Kent has spent her professional career working in and around South Carolina government. Prior to joining Copper Dome Strategies, LLC, she spent four years with another private consulting group representing a variety of clients, including small businesses, Fortune 500 companies, nonprofit organizations, professional trade associations and specific issue coalitions, on matters before federal, state, and local governments.

Ms. Kent began her legislative and legal career working as the vice president for governmental relations for the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance (SCMA). In this role, she represented the interests of many of South Carolina's largest companies on issues related to economic development, environment, taxes, labor and employment and healthcare, before state agencies, the governor's Office and the S.C. General Assembly.

Following this position, Ms. Kent served as the governmental affairs director and assistant general counsel for the South Carolina Department of Commerce. While at the state's leading industrial recruiting agency, she was the primary liaison for the agency between the executive branch and the S.C. General Assembly on all state funding matters relating to commerce, statutory changes relating to tax incentives and for any and all legislative changes needed by the agency to assist companies interested in expanding or locating new economic development projects in South Carolina.

In 2005, Ms. Kent joined the South Carolina Medical Association as the chief policy officer of the statewide trade association that serves more than 6,000 physicians. During her tenure, Ms. Kent served as the association's general counsel, directed all legislative initiatives before the S.C. General Assembly and the executive branch and managed the recruitment and renewal of physician memberships. She was responsible for all membership publications as well as all communications to members, the public, and the S.C. General Assembly.

Combined with her legal training, Ms. Kent's wide range of experience working in the private sector, professional trade associations and state government, gives her a unique ability to represent a variety of clients.

20+ years

Leadership Maryland Board and is a member of the class of 2019

University of Maryland Baltimore County School of Public Policy External Advisory Board

Maryland Economic Development Association Board and Co-Chair of the Public Policy Awareness Committee

Chair, Odenton Town Center Advisory Committee

With more than 20 years of government relations, management, and administration expertise, Andrea E. Mansfield brings her ability to successfully execute advocacy efforts and programs to Manis Canning. Her broad experience and involvement with the Maryland Legislature on policy, fiscal and budget matters; and her ability to work with diverse groups and build consensus on complex issues is an asset to the firm.

Andrea has extensive experience at the state and local level, having led and coordinated policy efforts for the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) and implemented the legislative agendas of state agencies. As MACo's Legislative Director she advised, crafted, and implemented the common agendas and legislative goals of Maryland's 23 counties and Baltimore City.

In state government, she worked within three Administrations in positions of increasing responsibility, serving as legislative liaison to the Legislature for the Department of Budget and Management, and the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR); and Special Assistant, Director of Financial Aid, and Assistant Secretary of Finance Policy with the Maryland Higher Education Commission.

She has a Master of Policy Sciences from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and a Bachelor of Arts in Government and Politics from the University of Maryland, College Park.

15-20 years

Donald D. DeAngelis '60 Excellence in Alumni Service Award recipient, Albany Law School, 2018 Participant, American Israeli Education Foundation (AIEF) Northeast Progressive Leaders Delegation trip to Israel, December 2017 Distinguished Service Award recipient, State University of New York at Potsdam Alumni Board of Trustees, 2016, Selected to the Upstate New York Super Lawyers Rising Stars list, 2013-2017

Amy is a former Legislative Aide to New York Assemblywoman Helene E. Weinstein, Chair of the Assembly Ways and Means Committee.

Amy has worked closely with executive branch officials and with legislative officials on both sides of the aisle from all over the state. Amy uses her legislative expertise in advising clients on the nuances and intricacies of the New York State legislative process. She, and the HSE team, have successfully advocated for the passage of hundreds of bills in areas such as education, energy, telecommunications, health care, transportation, insurance, and technology. In many cases, she has assisted with the entire life cycle of the legislation; working with clients to conceptualize legislation that meets their specific needs; securing majority sponsorship; advocating through the committee process; securing majority support in both houses of the legislature and working with the governor's office to secure final approval.

Amy currently serves on the Standing Committee on Government Affairs for the American Bar Association, she is a Board Member for the National Association of State Lobbyists, and she is the Immediate Past Chair of the American Bar Association Business Law Section Government Affairs Practice Committee, among others. She is a frequent speaker, regionally and nationally, on a range of government affairs topics and has been selected to the Upstate New York Super Lawyers Rising Stars list.

20+ years

EMMA C. SHOULDICE joined the family firm on January 2, 2020. A 2019 graduate of Providence College, Emma received a Bachelor of Arts Degree, majoring in Political Science with a Certificate in Business Studies.

Prior to graduation, Emma was a Senior Intern for Rhode Island Congressman David Cicilline communicating directly with constituents, provided training to new interns on office protocols, wrote constituent communications, and handled information and database management. Emma also interned for William Shouldice & Associates LLC, monitoring House and Senate committees and bills, analyzed effects of potential amendments in the Vermont Legislature, and assessed the political landscape to proactively move client priorities.

Emma worked for The Advocacy Solutions LLC in Providence, Rhode Island while pursuing her college degree. At Advocacy Solutions, Emma analyzed fiscal year budgets and committee hearings to identify potential impact to clients' interests and presented findings to the Senior Lobbyist, tracked bills through all stages in the Rhode Island General Assembly, as well as managing bill calendars and committee hearings to ensure clients could attend essential meetings at the State House.

Emma's family comes from a long line of government relations enthusiasts. Her Aunt, Heather Shouldice, served in the Vermont House of Representatives. Her Father, Bill Shouldice IV, was Secretary of Commerce under Governor Howard Dean, and her Grandfather, Bill Shouldice III, is the Founder & Advisor of the Shouldice Firm. Emma's Great, Great Grandfather, William Burke, was a State Senator from Rutland County. Emma joins Heather Shouldice, Cheri L'Esperance and Tess Kennedy at William Shouldice & Associates LLC.

Emma lives in South Burlington and spends time on Cape Cod and Lake Dunmore in the summer.