0-5 years

Leadership Iowa Graduate

Nick is an experienced government relations, public affairs, and public relations professional with a successful history of executing lobbying and issue campaigns. He began his journey in the political arena at a young age and has had the opportunity to work a number of political campaigns at the local, state, congressional, and even presidential level.

Nick's career has included leading extensive public affairs issue campaigns, communications and public relations efforts, and marketing campaigns across the Midwest and country influencing state and federal policymakers and garnering media attention. He also spent a couple of sessions being fully immersed in the legislative process while working for a committee chairman in the Iowa House.

These diverse experiences have all culminated in Nick's successful ability to execute strategic plans to introduce, pass, block, or amend legislation at the Iowa Statehouse for clients and build strong relationships with lawmakers and stakeholders. From legislative agenda development and interim planning to PAC management and issue campaigns, Nick specializes in elevating a client's message and executing legislative strategies. Nick also leads Advocacy Strategies' administrative rulemaking engagement and media relations efforts on behalf of our clients.

Nick grew up in Byron, MN and made his way to Iowa through Simpson College's John C. Culver Public Policy Center where he was selected as a Fellow. He graduated Simpson with the highest academic honor with majors in Political Science and International Relations and a minor in Religious Studies and also received his Master's Degree in Public Policy and a Graduate Certificate in Public Administration from the University of Northern Iowa.

Outside of work, Nick is actively involved in his church community, local political activism, the Simpson College Alumni Association Board, and serves as the President of the John C. Culver Public Policy Center Alumni Association. He graduated from Leadership Iowa, the state's premier professional leadership development program, in June of 2022.

0-5 years

John Harkins' career awards and recognitions include: "The American Legion Department of Connecticut Certificate Award as the 2009 Legislator of the Year", the 2008 Bridgeport Regional Business Council AT&T "Regional Elected Official Award", the 2004 Walter Wright "Community Spirit Award". He was State Chairman and a former Board Member of the American Legislative Exchange Council. He received the Legislator of the Year Award from ALEC in 2006. He was also the First National Chairman of the American City and County Exchange and received the "Innovative Leadership Award" from ACCE in 2016.

I have served over twenty-two years in elected office on the state and local level. I have been able to develop a vast network on both the state and local level on both sides of the aisle after serving 13 years in the statehouse and 8 years as a mayor. I have also remained active in business and with regional chambers of commerce.

John Harkins was born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, and has been a resident of Connecticut for over 50 years. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance from The University of Tulsa in
Oklahoma in 1986. He received his SRA designation from the Appraisal Institute in 1991.

He was the owner of Harkins Appraisal Service, Inc. for over thirty years. Living in Stratford, John Harkins has served his hometown in public office since his election to the Town Council (9th District) in 1995. As Councilman, he was Chairman of the Parks and Recreation Committee. He also served as Chairman of the Roosevelt Forest Commission.

In 1996 he was elected to the Connecticut House of Representatives from the 120th District, comprising central Stratford, beginning his first of seven consecutive terms in the General Assembly in 1997. As a State Representative, his past leadership appointments include serving as the Deputy Minority Leader at Large, House Republican Caucus Chairman, Assistant Minority Leader, and Ranking Member to the Transportation Committee, Select Committee on Aging, and Veterans Affairs Committee.

Serving two four-year terms as Mayor since 2009, Mayor Harkins led Stratford with a steady hand. By focusing on economic development, the town has grown significantly. After decades of inaction, positive progress has been made on Sikorsky Airport and Main Street flooding, the sale and redevelopment of the Army Engine Plant, redevelopment of the Stratford Avenue corridor, Clean up of the Raymark Super Fund Site, and successfully accomplished getting the construction of a full interchange at Exit 33 off of I-95 which has begun in 2020.

A lifelong resident of Stratford, John Harkins has long been active in town affairs and civic groups: (Past President) Stratford Rotary Club, Bridgeport Regional Business Council, SaveStratford.org, and the Raymark Advisory Committee. He also served as co-chairman of the Bridgeport Regional Business Council's Regional Legislative Caucus both as a State Representative and as Mayor, and was past Chairman of the MetroCog. He has recently become a member of the Board of Trustees for The Milford Bank.

He has owned and operated Harkins Real Estate Services and Molter Government Affairs providing clients with lobbying and business development. He is presently affiliated with Rome, Smith, & Lutz Government Relations and is registered as a lobbyist in the State of Connecticut.

20+ years

City Council Member, Windsor Heights

Leadership Iowa

Licensed Foster Parent

As President and CEO of Advocacy Strategies, Threase is responsible for the firm's overall business operations and strategy for delivering results. She has been serving clients before the Iowa Legislature for nearly 30 years. This experience has provided her with intimate knowledge of the legislative process and long-standing solid relationships with policymakers, staff, and key opinion leaders across the state. This allows her to tailor a strategy to meet the individual needs of our clients that deliver the best value to you. Advocacy Strategies' clients realize results when working with our team whether with a controversial legislative issue, securing and maintaining state appropriations, or working to find compromise to move issues forward.

In addition to lobbying, Threase has spent more than two decades developing and implementing successful public affairs and grassroots campaigns of all sizes from national campaigns across the country to smaller campaigns in Iowa communities. Her wealth of expertise in this area affords Advocacy Strategies a strong network of relationships with legislative and community leaders and a unique skill set in developing successful and innovative strategies to achieve policy goals that few firms can offer.

Threase started her lobbying career at the University of Northern Iowa as a student, then went on to work in the Iowa Senate on education issues before her employment with the American Cancer Society. From there, she took the position of Director of the Tobacco Use Prevention and Control division within the Iowa Department of Public Health, giving her the opportunity to use her passion to protect families from the hardships of illness and death from tobacco use. With multiple successes in the non-profit sector, Pfizer recruited her to be part of the Worldwide Alliance Development team. She has been an independent government relations contractor for 20 years helping organizations of all types and sizes.

Threase earned a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Iowa State University but remains loyal to her undergraduate alma mater the University of Northern Iowa where she received her Bachelor's Degree in Communication Studies while serving as Student Body President. She also serves as an elected member of the Windsor Heights City Council and on many advisory committees and community organizations.

Threase and her husband, Rick live in Windsor Heights. They have four children and are avid cyclists and licensed foster parents.

15-20 years

Thomas Prasol serves as the Managing Director for Demers, Blaisdell & Prasol Inc. He has been providing strategy, lobbying, and association management for clients since 2011. He brings a myriad of experience in State and Federal government beginning his professional career as a Project Assistant to U.S. Senator Judd Gregg and as Policy and Field Coordinator for several State and Federal campaigns. In 2008 he transitioned to the position of Project Director for Senator Gregg where he handled federal appropriations in the areas of first responders. Upon Senator Gregg's retirement, he moved to the New Hampshire State Senate where he was a Legislative Aide to the Senate Education Committee. With his experience in federal and state government, Mr. Prasol brings another dimension to the firm in areas of strategy, management of special projects, and government affairs implementation. He continues to bring his experience and knowledge to assist State and Federal campaigns with strategy and policy research. In addition to his work for Demers, Blaisdell & Prasol, he serves on the Town Planning Board and has previously served as Chair of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board in his local community He received his Bachelor's degree in Politics from Saint Anselm College where he served as an Ambassador to the New Hampshire Institute of Politics, and his Master's degree in Criminal Justice from Boston University. He currently resides in Hooksett, NH with his fiance' Maria and two dogs Zeus and Tyson.

20+ years

Karen Kominsky is a government affairs professional with more than 30 years of experience in both the public and private sectors. Karen served as Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of the Governor, State of New Jersey, for Governor Richard J. Codey and Governor James E. McGreevey from December 2002 until January 2006. Her primary focus was managing legislative affairs for both governors. During her tenure, she guided the passage of many landmark pieces of legislation, such as automobile insurance reform, a stem-cell research initiative, the Highlands Protection Act and the NJ Domestic Partnership Law.

Prior to her appointment, Karen's career came full circle when she became Deputy Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, where she had originally launched her professional career.

Throughout her career, Karen has worked in leadership at lobbying and public affairs firms focused on the executive and legislative branches of government. In 2013, Karen was named by NJBIZ as one of "The Best 50 Women in Business". In 2003, she received the Women of Distinction Award for Public Service from the Delaware-Raritan Girl Scouts, and in 2005 was honored for Women's Leadership by PAM's List.

Karen has engaged in public service for several years with tremendous distinction. Her career includes appointments by former Governor Christie Whitman to serve as Acting Chair of the NJ Building Authority, and former Governor Donald DiFrancesco to serve on the State Planning Commission and the Garden State Preservation Trust. She also served on the New Jersey Real Estate Commission, having been appointed by Governor Codey in 2006. She served in New Jersey Superior Court as a court-appointed master in several Mt. Laurel affordable housing cases.

Always active in politics, Karen served as deputy vice-chair of the New Jersey State Democratic Party from 2001 to 2006, appointed by former State Chairman and former Speaker of the New Jersey Assembly Joe Roberts. In 1996, she was selected as a New Jersey representative for President Clinton to the Electoral College. In 2008, Karen served as the NJ State Director of the Hillary Clinton for President Campaign. Karen was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in August 2008.

Karen currently serves as Co-Chair of PAM's List, a NJ Democratic Women's PAC modeled after Emily's List. Karen is also a founding board member of Maria's Women United, a South Jersey PAC honoring the work of the late Hon. Maria Barnaby Greenwald.

Karen was recently selected to serve on Governor-elect Phil Murphy's Transition Team in the area of Energy and the Environment. She was named as one of InsiderNJ's "Women on the Move" in November 2017. In 2016 she was named to Observer PolitickerNJ's "The 30 Most Influential Women in N.J. Politics".

A licensed professional planner, Karen is a graduate of Douglass College, Rutgers University and received her Masters of City and Regional Planning from the Bloustein School at Rutgers University. She was elected to the South Hunterdon Regional School Board in November, 2017.

0-5 years

Successfully negotiated complex compliance and enforcement issues with state agencies to reduce the penalty liability on behalf of our clients

Successfully obtain various permits and reduced the timeframe for review at regulatory agencies

Provided access to high-level officials at governmental agencies

Analyzed and provided public comments clients on various regulatory proposals

Deputy Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection

Mr. Glass provides extensive knowledge of environmental policy and regulatory processes to CLB Partners. Having previously served as Deputy Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), Mr. Glass oversaw many high-level projects including $380 million in post-Sandy resiliency projects. In addition, as Deputy Commissioner, Mr. Glass was tasked with overseeing major policy initiatives as well as improving efficiency within the NJDEP.

Prior to being named Deputy Commissioner, Mr. Glass served as Deputy Chief of Staff within the NJDEP. In this role, he forged close relationships with Members of the New Jersey Legislature and New Jersey Congressional Delegation as he oversaw the legislative process for NJDEP and testified before various legislative committees.

Prior to NJDEP, Mr. Glass served as Director of Community Relations for Congressman Leonard Lance. In this role, he forged close relationships with various state, county and local elected officials. In addition to his public service, he has been actively involved in several state and federal campaigns in New Jersey, which serves as an example of his versatility to understand politics as well as public policy.

Mr. Glass received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History from Rutgers University.

RUTH H. WHITNEY is the founder and CEO of inVeritas. Ruth serves as a strategic advisor to clients based on over 25 years of expertise in law, government, politics and public opinion. She has been privileged to advise Global 500 companies, prominent professional services firms, state and federal governments, law firms, nonprofit corporations and industry associations.

Ruth earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. She is a member of the Arkansas Bar Association and is admitted to practice in Arkansas and the U.S. District Courts in Arkansas. Ruth has also been admitted pro hac vice in various jurisdictions in the course of her service as a national jury consultant.

Before founding inVeritas, Ruth built and managed the Arkansas office of Global Strategy Group where she specialized in executing winning campaigns in the public and private sectors. Prior to joining GSG, Ruth served as counsel and chief of staff to Attorney General Mike Beebe and developed professional relationships with attorneys general across the country. Ruth has extensive legal and management experience, including over 10 years as a healthcare and administrative lawyer with the Arkansas Department of Human Services and as Counsel to Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard.

Ruth has served as a guest writer to Talk Business and currently serves on a number of boards of directors including the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce; Arkansas Cinema Society; Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance; New Design School; and Little Red River Foundation. Ruth serves on the advisory board of NanoMech Inc., a nanomanufacturing innovation and product development firm. She also serves her state and community as a member of Leadership Arkansas, Accelerate Arkansas and the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce.

20+ years

His recent work awarded Scott recognition for "the best lobbying on a single bill" in The Missouri Scout (2018).

Scott's experience has afforded him expertise on a wide array of policy issues from decades of meaningful partnerships. During his tenure in policy work Scott's leadership has ranged from coordinating teams of lobbyists on mutual issues over multiple firms, to being the solo antagonist opposing and negotiating legislation.

His recent work awarded Scott recognition for "the best lobbying on a single bill" in The Missouri Scout (2018).

Scott oversees all aspects of The Penman Group's legislative and policy affairs. His time in the Missouri Capitol is reserved primarily for strategic client representation, engaging with policymakers through one-on-one meetings, testifying before legislative committees, and forging critical relationships.

When he's not managing The Penman Group, Scott is likely traveling to one of his favorite fly fishing spots or taking his family on a camping trip in Colorado.

0-5 years

Jonathan Boguchwal served as Chief of Staff to Essex and Morris County State Senator and former Governor Richard J. Codey, which included a period Senator Codey served as Senate President of the New Jersey State Senate. In addition, he has served as a Legislative Aide to Hudson County State Senator and Township of North Bergen Mayor Nicholas J. Sacco.

Prior to these positions, Jonathan served as Deputy Chief of Staff to Senate President Codey and was a Research Associate in the Senate Democratic Majority Office. As a research associate, Jonathan served as the lead aide to the Senate Transportation Committee and Senate Labor Committee representing the interests of the Senate Democratic Caucus.

Jonathan has served in various positions with local, legislative, and statewide campaigns, including Deputy Executive Director of the Senate Democratic Majority Political Action Committee.

Jonathan has been appointed to numerous positions over the years. He served in Transition 2018 as Deputy Policy Director and lead author for the Transportation and Infrastructure Transition Advisory Committee for Governor Phil Murphy.

He was appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly to the New Jersey College Affordability Study Commission and he served on the Hudson County 2011 Freeholder Apportionment Commission, which was charged with drawing the Hudson County Freeholder Districts after the 2010 Census.

In addition, he was appointed by former Governor Jon Corzine to be a member of the Rutgers University Board of Trustees and was appointed to the New Jersey Israel Commission by former Governor Richard J. Codey.

Drawing on his history and experience in state and local government, Jonathan provides a wide breadth of representation for clients in the fields of transportation and infrastructure, healthcare, education, telecommunications, environmental, gaming, regulatory affairs, and economic and business development.

Jonathan received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Rutgers University, New Brunswick and his Master of Public Affairs and Politics degree from the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University. He resides in Hoboken New Jersey where he is active in local and county-wide politics.

20+ years

20+ years

James M. Demers is the founder of The Demers Group and Demers, Blaisdell Inc., he presently serves as President & CEO of Demers, Blaisdell & Prasol Inc. Mr. Demers is a former member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives and former congressional candidate. He has over 40 years of experience in the legislative, regulatory and political fields. He has been a political commentator for numerous media outlets including ABC News, CNN, MSNBC, Fox News as well as NH news stations WMUR-TV, WBIN-TV and New England Cable News. He has been actively involved in advising presidential campaigns, serving as co-chairman of President Barack Obama's NH campaign in 2008. He presently serves on the advisory board of the NH Institute of Politics at St. Anselm College, chairman of the NH International Trade Advisory Commission and he is a "political insider" for Politico and the National Journal. He was nominated by President Obama and confirmed by the US Senate to serve on the Board of Directors of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, which is the country's development financial institution. He has been recognized by numerous state and national publications as one of New Hampshire's "most influential" and "most powerful" people. He is a graduate of the University of Miami (FL) and he holds an MBA from Southern New Hampshire University. He served three terms in the NH House where he served as the Assistant Minority Whip. He has also served as President and Executive Director of the New England-New York-New Jersey Financial Services Association and the National Card Coalition after doing corporate government affairs work for two national financial services companies. He is a resident of Concord, NH.

11-15 years

Created a law that provided civil and criminal immunity to certain health care professionals and health care facilities during public health emergency and state of emergency; facilitates issuance of certain temporary licenses and certifications during public health emergency and state of emergency

Created a law that prohibits website operators from offering tickets to events by using an Internet domain name that is intentionally misleading or deceptive to consumers.

Guided a lottery courier company through the regulatory process to become the only licensed lottery courier service operating in the state of New Jersey.

Changed NJ's off-shore wind energy law to allow unbundled generation and transmission bids to be accepted, therefore, becoming the first state in the country to change their law to allow transmission only bids for build out to be accepted.

Acquired the largest allotment per student in country for non-public schools through budget appropriations for security aid and nursing services in non-public schools.

Legalized sports betting and online gaming in New Jersey.

Legalization of Dave & Buster's in New Jersey.

Approval by the New Jersey Casino Control Commission to allow MGM Resorts International to re-enter the Atlantic City casino market.

Restructured the law regarding ticket sales in New Jersey. Removed the prohibition on persons, who have access to tickets to an event prior to the tickets' release for sale to the general public, from withholding those tickets from sale to the general public in an amount exceeding 5% of all available seating for the event.

Governor's Finance Committee
Former Executive Director of Assembly Campaign Committee
Former Executive of the New Jersey General Assembly

Mr. Bombardieri served as Executive Director of the New Jersey General Assembly (2002-2004) and has worked on some of the most complex issues in recent times. In addition, Mr. Bombardieri has served as Policy Advisor for the New Jersey General Assembly Majority Office (1996-2001), and was instrumental in the drafting and passage of the New Jersey Energy Deregulation Act. As Policy Advisor in the Assembly Majority Office, Mr. Bombardieri served as the aide to the Assembly Environment Committee, the Assembly Solid & Hazardous Waste Committee, the Assembly Policy & Regulatory Oversight Committee, the Assembly Transportation Committee and the Assembly Telecommunications & Utilities Committee.

Mr. Bombardieri has served in various positions with numerous local, state and federal campaigns, including the Executive Director of the Assembly Campaign Committee (2001 & 2003). His extensive experience running political campaigns has enabled him to develop and execute successful public policy campaigns for some of the world's leading organizations and companies.

Prior to becoming a Partner at CLB Partners, Jon served as Managing Director of a public affairs firm in Princeton, NJ. Jon received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Muhlenberg College.

20+ years

Mr. Layton has spearheaded numerous legislative initiatives that have been enacted into law. The largest of which, lead to the preservation of over a billion dollars in NJCAA member assets by protecting their mineral reserves.

William Layton has over two decades of public affairs experience servicing his clients. Mr. Layton has been recognized for over a decade straight as one of the 100 most powerful people in New Jersey politics by various political websites and magazines. Mr. Layton is one of the founding members of CLB Partners and has been instrumental in its growth from the 21st largest lobbying firm in New Jersey to its recent ranking as third largest.

Prior to founding CLB Partners in 2009, Mr. Layton was and still is the Executive Director of the New Jersey Concrete and Aggregate Association (NJCAA). Mr. Layton has spearheaded numerous legislative initiatives that have been enacted into law. The largest of which, lead to the preservation of over a billion dollars in NJCAA member assets by protecting their mineral reserves.

Mr. Layton also has done extensive work in the gaming industry in New Jersey. His expertise led to the relicensing and licensing of two of the most difficult gaming license issues ever in NJ.

From 1997 through 1998, Mr. Layton served as the Political Director of the New Jersey Republican State Committee during Governor Christie Whitman's re-election campaign. He helped design and execute the Victory '98 program, which involved implementing the voter-contact and get-out-the-vote operations for targeted campaigns.

Mr. Layton is a gubernatorial appointment to the NJ Economic Development Authority. He is the former Chairman of the Burlington County Republican Committee, first elected in 2007 and serving to 2019. Mr. Layton is also a former member of both the Board of Directors of the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association, and previously served as a trustee for Burlington County College.

Mr. Layton received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Rutgers University, and his Masters of Arts degree in Governmental Affairs from Villanova University. He has one son William, with his late wife Amanda, who is currently a student at the University of Mississippi.

0-5 years

A rising public affairs specialist, Kyle England brings a natural sense for governmental affairs to CLB Partners. Mr. England joined the firm as an Associate in January 2019, focusing on legislative analysis, bill tracking, drafting of position pieces and client management.

Prior to joining CLB Partners, Kyle gained valuable experience leading grassroots efforts, heading grassroots campaign operations for several local and county candidates. He also worked as an intern in New Jersey's 8th Legislative District office where he assisted with legislative research and constituent casework.

Mr. England holds a B.A. in Law and Justice Studies with a minor in Communications from Rowan University.