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.

Sandi Jones joined MHSA in 1996 and became a member in 2003. She adds over 20 years of governmental and community relations experience to the MHSA team and is considered one of Lansing's top ten lobbyists and one of the most powerful female lobbyists in Michigan.

Specializing in appropriations, judiciary, mental health, long term care, law enforcement, criminal justice, and education issues, Sandi enjoys influencing change in the legislative and regulatory processes.

Sandi holds a bachelor's degree in Communications with a minor in Marketing and a Master's in Public Administration, both from Western Michigan University (WMU). She holds the distinction of being the first female to have served as the president of the student body at WMU. Sandi is a member of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, Pi Alpha Alpha National Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration, the Michigan Political History Society, the American Society for Public Administrators and is a founding member of In Forum and The White House Project.

In addition to her education-related organizations and associations, Sandi is a member of the March of Dimes Board of Directors, the Michigan Society of Association Executives, the Michigan Fraternal Order of Police, and the Children's Trust Fund. She is currently Chair of the Public Affairs Committee for the Michigan Chapter of the March of Dimes. She has helped build homes for Habitat for Humanity and facilitates mock law-making sessions with the Michigan Youth Leadership Forum, a program to introduce high school students with disabilities to state government. She also sits on the Board of Directors of Montessori Children's House of Lansing and volunteers for various other youth initiatives, including her favorite, Impact Lansing.

Sandi and her husband John reside in Mason with their five children.

Jon Smalley has worked at MHSA since 1991, became a partner in the firm in 1995, and a co-owner of MHSA in 2001. Jon has spent his entire career working in "the process," specializing in appropriations, procurement and legislative matters.

Jon began his career working on political campaigns, worked for the Senate Majority Leader (1984); served as Chief of Staff to the Senate Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittees overseeing Medicaid, Mental Health and Human Services (1985-1990).

With expertise in the annual appropriations process, Jon has been instrumental in the successful implementation of many significant policy reforms, initiatives, and numerous landmark pieces of legislation, including: the implementation of managed care in Michigan; the re-write of the Mental Health Code; the Juvenile Justice Block Grant; establishment of charter schools; repeal of the residency requirements for police officers and firefighters; and Business Tax Reform. In addition, he was actively involved in two significant construction projects funded in part through state resources: Comerica Park and the Northwest Airlines World Gateway Center (Midfield Terminal).

Jon's many areas of expertise include: the full continuum of health care policy and funding (physical, long term care and behavioral); regulatory issues; education reform; employment issues; child welfare reform; local government issues; Information Technology solutions; tribal issues; gaming issues and procurement.

Jon is consistently ranked as a ‘Top Ten' lobbyist by Inside Michigan Politics, a trusted publication of political and policy issues in Michigan. This honor is voted on bi-annually by key members of the Governor's staff and policy makers within State departments and the Legislature.

Jon holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science and Public Administration from Central Michigan University. He has served as a board member at the Greater Lansing Amateur Hockey Association (GLAHA) and as a coach in youth hockey and baseball programs for over ten years. He is active and supportive of many local charities, including St. Vincent De Paul Home, Ele's Place, St. Mary's Hospice, the American Heart Association, the YMCA, Boy Scouts of America, the Boys and Girls Club of Lansing and Food shelters in Lansing and Detroit. Jon and his family are also active in their local parish.

A Lansing area native, Jon and his wife Cathy reside with their seven children in Williamston.

20+ years

Recognized as trusted source of reliable and accurate information upon which legislators and policy makers can rely in making decisions.

Active participation with multiple state and local trade associations

Michigan Manufacturers Association

Michigan Chamber of Commerce

Michigan Chemistry Council

Holland Area Chamber of Commerce

Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce

Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce

State Bar of Michigan (Environmental Law Section)

Excellent relationships with executive branch, legislators and state regulatory agency heads and staff.

Education:

Undergraduate degree (magna cum laude) with double- major in Politics & Government and Economics. Law degree with experience in multiple legal issues as corporate staff attorney.

Experience:

Directed regional government & public affairs program for a major paper manufacturing company with large energy and environmentally-intensive manufacturing operations in Michigan and Wisconsin. Managed national state government affairs program for leading direct selling company.

Special expertise in the management of complex and controversial environmental and energy issues.

Worked on more than $1 billion in economic development projects in Michigan.

ANDREW H. DOERR is an accomplished government affairs professional, bringing 20 years of lobbying, legislative and political experience to Dykema's Lansing office. At Dykema, he focuses on issues related to: energy, insurance, procurement, regulated industries, corrections, education, local government, nonprofit representation, the Liquor Control Code, licensing, gaming, taxation, procurement and matters dealing with the Department of State among others. He is experienced in review, analysis and drafting of proposed legislation and has testified before numerous House and Senate Committees.

Prior to joining the firm Mr. Doerr served as Deputy Legislative Director and Legislative Liaison for Secretary of State Ruth Johnson. In this role he served as a conduit to Secretary Johnson to both the legislature and the Governor's administration. He was responsible for the Secretary's legislative agenda, including legislative drafting, moving bills through the legislative process, and implementation. Andrew also spent eight years serving as Senator Alan Sanborn's (R-Macomb) Chief of Staff. Focusing on public policy related to the Senators role as Chairman of the Economic Development and Regulatory Reform Committee along with office and personnel management. During his time with Senator Sanborn he also helped manage numerous political campaigns.

Mr. Doerr came to Dykema with years of direct lobbying experience, having served as the Legislative and Political Director for the Michigan Credit Union League (MCUL). While there he oversaw the MCUL's legislative team and worked to promote legislation that benefited credit unions and their industry at both the state and federal level. He was also responsible for PAC fundraising, Grassroots coordination and member advocacy efforts.

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.

11-15 years

Emerging Leader Nominee, Just a Kid Big Brothers Big Sisters Flint campaign (2022)

Emerging Leader Award, Greater Flint Arts Council (2008)

The TAG network consists of the top lobbying firms across the US, public affairs specialists in various countries and specialty services.

US Members:
50-States
DC Council
US Congress

International:
Profile Consulting (Aust) Pty Ltd (Australia)
Tactix (Canada)
Monarch Global Strategies (Mexico, Central & South America)
Kesarev (Russia, CIS, Central Asia, Central & Eastern Europe, Turkey & Israel)
Instinctif Partners (United Kingdom & the European Union)

Specialty members:
Five Corners Strategies (Grassroots Advocacy & Public Affairs)
FOCUS, a Leonine Business (50-State Legislative & Regulatory Tracking & Analysis)
Select Litigation (Jury Selection)
Bullpen, LLC (Market Entry Strategy)
The Virtuous Cycle Collaboratory (Social Enterprise Business Development)
Law Offices of Mitchell D. Gravo, Inc. (Specialty Member)

20+ years

Tim provided a long sought-after voice to retirees in the Retired Detroit Police & Fire Fighters Association. He and his team successfully fought unions, the City of Detroit, and the pension board's opposition to amend decades-old state law. The association spent 25 years trying to obtain representation on its pension board through litigation and city charter amendment to no avail. Tim and his team did it in a fraction of the time.

Prior to becoming president of MLC, Tim was appointed as Governor John Engler's Campaign Manager to manage his 1998 re-election campaign, after having worked in the Governor's office as Director of External Affairs and Deputy Director of Public Affairs. Former positions also included stints in the Michigan House and Senate, Oakland County government and Senior Director of Government Affairs of the Michigan Credit Union League.

6-10 years

A native of Michigan's rugged, beautiful Upper Peninsula, Matt joined Karoub Associates in 2011 after serving eight years on legislative staff for a former State Senator and Senate Minority Leader. He holds degrees from Western Michigan University, Gogebic Community College, and is a 2005 Fellow of the Michigan Political Leadership Program (MPLP) at Michigan State University.

An avid golfer, musician, and NASCAR enthusiast, Matt and his wife Rebecca reside with their son in Okemos.

0-5 years

As a firm, we were ranked one of the top multi-client lobby firms in the entire state by MIRS News in 2019.

Sam's time in the political realm began in 2012 as a volunteer for the Romney/Ryan campaign. He would go on to graduate from Michigan State University with a BA from James Madison College with a specialization in Constitutional Democracy. Throughout his time in college, Sam worked on numerous campaigns, such as former-state Representative Frank Foster's re-election, former-state Representative Aric Nesbitt's re-election, and former-state Representative Mike McCready's campaign for state Senate.

His professional career in Lansing began as the Constituent Relations Director for House Majority Floor Leader, state Representative Aric Nesbitt. After working as a Legislative Assistant for state Representative Beau LaFave in 2017, he then joined state Senator Tonya Schuitmaker's office. Sam served as Legislative Director for Senate President Pro Tempore, state Senator Tonya Schuitmaker, as well as on her campaign team during her convention fight for the Republican nomination for Attorney General.

Sam joined the firm in 2019 and lives in East Lansing currently.

11-15 years

Crain's Detroit Business named Sarah in their "40 Under 40" class as well as a "Woman to Watch" in recognition of her work on behalf of businesses in the Detroit region

At Acuitas, Sarah is well known for her collaborative approach to tough client challenges. Her network of contacts across non-profits and the business community provide clients access to much more than her knowledge and understanding of the legislative process.

Sarah's proactive approach to relationship-building with government officials begins long before they are sworn-in to office. The Acuitas team works to meet future public officials before they are overwhelmed by the work of Lansing and continues the relationship as they ascend to positions of leadership.

Prior to the Chamber, Sarah spent 3 years as a Legislative Assistant in the Michigan House of Representatives with former State Representative Willis C. Bullard Jr. (R - Highland Township).

Sarah received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan, Master of Public Administration from Western Michigan University and Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business.

She formerly served on the Board of Directors of the Public Affairs Council, the American Chamber of Commerce Executives, the Woodrow Wilson Centers' Canada Institute, and the University of Michigan Alumni Association.

Crain's Detroit Business named Sarah in their "40 Under 40" class as well as a "Woman to Watch" in recognition of her work on behalf of businesses in the Detroit region.

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.

15-20 years

Successfully secured recent state approval of the largest public and private partnership for a 45 block redevelopment in Detroit, including a world class event center and mixed use development, valued at $650 million;

Helped design and execute a successful strategy to expand early childhood funding, including $65 million in additional funding opportunities for 14,000 preschoolers to attend Great Start Readiness Program (GRSP);

Successfully achieved approval of KENO for the Michigan State Lottery, which has generated hundreds of millions of dollars into the school aid fund;

Recently negotiated an economic development package with the MEDC to allow for a $100 million expansion, creating 1,000 new jobs for a Mid-Michigan based client;

Played an instrumental role in reshaping debate and the political environment on behalf of a major business organization by helping pass key policy initiatives which include: major business tax restructuring and incorporating fiscal discipline and performance metrics;

Obtained Legislative authority for the start up of the Biosciences Research & Commercialization Center at Western Michigan University including $10 million in state start up funds, creating over 33 life science companies, 240 high tech jobs and leveraged an additional $160 million in private sector investment;
Helped negotiate an incentive package, on behalf of a large international IT company, with the State of Michigan to bring a unique global software development center to the campus of Michigan State University, creating over 500 jobs to date;

Effectively secured hundreds of millions of dollars in capital outlay projects for our university and community college clients;

Assisted several clients in successfully navigating through the procurement process in areas such as Michigan State Lottery, Department of Corrections, IT, and Real Estate, resulting in several hundred million dollars in opportunities;

Negotiated a comprehensive economic development package for an international client, including infrastructure dollars for $84.4 million in investment in 1,600 new jobs in West Michigan;
Facilitated the donation of a retired 747 Jetliner from a major airline to a university client's aviation and engineering programs for the training of future pilots and engineers;

Secured $100 million in state funding for the construction of the McNamara Terminal at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport;

Passed legislation that raised the cap that a Michigan based beer manufacturer could produce each year, allowing it to continue to grow and invest in southwest Michigan while hiring dozens of new employees.

Bret Marr joined MHSA in 2003, and became a member of Muchmore Harrington Smalley & Associates, LLC in 2015. Prior to that, he successfully served as Director of Legislative Affairs for former Governor John Engler. Bret served as the primary contact between the Michigan Legislature and Governor Engler on legislative and appropriations issues. Bret coordinated Michigan's electric restructuring plan in the Legislature as well as the rewrite of Michigan's Telecommunications Act. He also shepherded numerous changes to Michigan's tax structure, including a rewrite of the Brownfield program and streamlining of the tax reverted property process.

Consistently voted one of Lansing's top lobbyists, Bret's focus is now on hospitality, healthcare, transportation and general business issues. He also manages several appropriations issues for MHSA's clients. In recent years, he has successfully secured funding for the Detroit Super Bowl XL Host Committee, state approval of a new events center in the City of Detroit and directed the efforts of a coalition moving Michigan's school start date to after Labor Day.

Prior to serving Governor Engler, Bret was Director of Government Affairs for the Michigan Restaurant Association (MRA). He served as the MRA's Lansing and Washington, D.C. lobbyist and coordinated a strong grass roots program. Bret began his career in the Michigan Senate as Communications Director for the Chair of the Education Committee. While a Senate staff member, he served as policy advisor to the Appropriations Committee and advisor to the Economic Development and Financial Services Committees.

Bret graduated with a bachelor of science in Public Affairs Management from Michigan State University and received his Master's of Public Administration, also from MSU, where he graduated with honors. He served on the Michigan Travel Commission and is a member of the Michigan Political History Society. He also coaches youth soccer and hockey.

Bret is married to Jenna and resides in Okemos with their three children.