11-15 years

20+ years

Named as most effective association lobbyist by PA Legislative Services. Twice included in top ten of City and State PA Power 100 List.

6-10 years

0-5 years

Nick has served in key leadership positions both within Pennsylvania's Office of Administration (O.A.) and Governor's Office under both Governor Corbett and Governor Wolf. He brings a bipartisan approach to assisting GSL clients. While in O.A., Nick served as the Director of the Bureau of State Employment overseeing 32,000 non-civil service jobs and the application, interview and selection process associated with them. Nick built relationships with key stakeholders in the hiring process, including Deputies for Administration, labor unions and human resources personnel. Additionally, he was influential in proposing and implementing various executive orders, HR initiatives, management directives and policies throughout the enterprise


After transferring to the Governor's Office under Governor Wolf, Nick served as the Director of Administration and as a Deputy Chief of Staff before being named the Governor's Executive Deputy Chief of Staff. In these various roles, he oversaw personnel, procurement and the Governor's Office of Performance Through Excellence. He participated in legislative negotiations and played a key role in the Governor's final budget. Through his administration and procurement background, Nick has extensive experience working with all state agencies and delivery centers and specifically served as a liaison for the Office of Inspector General, Office of Administration, Department of General Services and the Department of Agriculture.

0-5 years

Ryan was named to City & State PA's "40 under 40" list in 2022. The list recognizes the most prominent leaders in Pennsylvania government, advocacy, labor, business, academia and media who are under the age of forty.

Ryan brings a diverse background in government and politics to DMGS. He is currently based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where he focuses on multi-state government affairs, business development, issue advocacy and grassroots consulting strategies. In his role with DMGS, Ryan has assisted clients in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Michigan, Oklahoma, Florida, Virginia, Tennessee, Los Angeles, Texas, and more. Ryan also assists clients with legislative tracking in all 50 states.

Prior to joining the Duane Morris team, Ryan served as the District Director for state Representative Sheryl Delozier in Cumberland County for three years. In this role, he was tasked with managing outreach in the district office and working hand-in-hand with local elected officials and other community stakeholders. He was also instrumental in conducting legislative research and working in a bipartisan manner with the Criminal Justice Reform Caucus. Ryan also served as an alternate member in place of Rep. Delozier on the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.

Previously, he served as the Deputy State Director and Regional Field Manager at the Republican Party of Pennsylvania where he specialized in grassroots organization and outreach.

Ryan is a former member of the East Stroudsburg School Board, having been the youngest elected official in Monroe County’s history at the time of his election in 2013.

Ryan is a 2014 graduate of East Stroudsburg University where he received a B.A. in Political Science with a minor in German. He currently resides in Harrisburg with his wife, Amanda.

0-5 years

John brings 24 years of strategic experience in shaping legislative, budgetary, and regulatory policy in the Commonwealth. He most recently served three terms as Pennsylvania State Senator for Senate District 14 in Carbon and Luzerne Counties, where he earned a reputation as a consensus-builder and accomplished notable community and economic development objectives. John was Chairman of the Senate Community and Economic Development Committee, Vice-Chairman of the Aging and Youth Committee and minority Chairman of the Senate Environmental and Energy Resource Committee, a role he held for nearly a decade. Prior to his election to the Senate, he served the 119th District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for 12 years.

Across his senatorial tenure, John managed multiple community and economic development projects in Northeastern Pennsylvania that transformed the region into one of the leading economic development areas in the country. He forged coalitions with labor groups, such as the Pennsylvania State Building and Construction Trades Council, and business groups, including the Pennsylvania Manufacturers Association and the Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce, to advance the Local Resource Manufacturing Tax Credit, the Pennsylvania EDGE Tax Credit and the Sales and Use Tax Exemption for computer data center development.

John also worked with the Earth Conservancy to reclaim thousands of acres of mine-scarred lands and set the stage for national developers, like NorthPoint Development, who have invested $1 billion to create 8,000 new jobs in the South Valley of Luzerne County.

Throughout his career, he worked with Republicans and Democrats to author laws to support veterans (Sgt. Sherwood Baker Act), protect seniors (Senior Citizens Full Benefits Act), support law enforcement (Officer John Wilding Law), improve our environment (Coal Refuse Energy and Reclamation Tax Credit) and expand educational opportunities (SHINE Afterschool Program).

Affiliations
• The Pennsylvania Environmental Quality Board, Member, 2011-2019
• The Luzerne Foundation, Executive Board Member, 2001-2017
• The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, Executive Board Member, 2011-2015
• The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, Executive Board Member, 2009-2010
• Osterhout Free Library, Director of Development, 1995-1998
• The Earth Conservancy, Board of Directors, 2022-Present
• The Pennsylvania Tuition Account Advisory Board, 2022-Present

Recognition
• Pennsylvania Citizens for Better Libraries Elected State Official of the Year
• Children's Service Center Commitment to Children Award
• North Branch Land Trust Community Stewardship Award
• Pennsylvania Health Care Association Legislative Champion
John is the founder of the Yudichak Family Lighthouse Fund of the Luzerne Foundation, a charity that has donated over $250,000 to public libraries, college scholarships, and youth programs.

Credentials
Education
• The Pennsylvania State University, M.A.
• The Pennsylvania State University, B.A.

6-10 years

15-20 years

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

I have maintained a solid reputation as a well-respected and constant presence in the Capitol for over three decades. I have been on the Hill with many state policy makers throughout the entirety of their careers. My long term relationships with administration officials, legislative leaders and key staff give me the ability to reach out to these individuals quickly to ensure our clients' messages and perspectives are considered.

My diverse and significant background in government, politics and corporate strategy serves me well as a lobbyist. In addition to spending more than 25 years in government relations and executive management for the Pennsylvania Builders Association, I have also worked for the Pennsylvania Retailers Association. I understand the internal dynamics of associations and the nuances required to assist them in formulating and implementing their governmental affairs agendas. I also work with a wide range of our varied corporate clients leveraging my expertise in building construction, management, service and development.

Before launching my lobbying career, I began as a political activist while attending college. I graduated from Gannon University with a BA in Political Science and soon moved to Harrisburg where I served in several leadership staff roles within the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

20+ years

15-20 years

David is Chairman Emeritus of McNees Wallace & Nurick, after serving as Chairman of the Firm for 12 years. He now serves as Chair of the McNees PAC and Co-Chairs the McNees Strategic Solutions Group.

David is also a member of the Energy & Environmental and Government Relations Practice Groups. He represents large commercial and industrial consumers of fixed utility services including electricity, natural gas, water/wastewater, and communications, as well as providers of these services. David led legislative and regulatory initiatives to restructure these industries for customer benefit. He has appeared before over 15 state public utility commissions, the FERC, and numerous state and federal appellate courts. David is a registered lobbyist for the Firm and several of the Firm's Clients.

David resides in Hummelstown with his wife, Joanne, and has two adult children, Bret and Lisa.

Rick Allan joined the Pugliese Associates staff as a lobbyist in 2013 after serving as Secretary of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

His considerable experience with the private sector along with his broad knowledge of the environment enabled him to direct a state agency with a staff of 2,300 employees and an annual budget of $300 million. While with DCNR, Rick oversaw the Department's improvement of the review process for the development and oversight of the natural gas industry activities on PA State lands. This would result in lower costs and more timely permitting decisions for all types of development on state lands.

Rick has been providing reliable and successful lobbying service to clients in the private sector through his extensive knowledge of the state legislative, permitting, and financing process with a proven track record for over 26 years. Rick has worked closely with the business community, several non-profit environmental organizations and state agencies, developing public policy while serving on their advisory committees and boards for many years.

He has developed and maintained close relationships with members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, legislative leadership, and state agencies. Rick has developed experience in various sectors, ranging from petroleum, paper/forestry, education, landlord/tenant, engineering, coal, utilities, alternative energy an was instrumental in developing the Pennsylvania Recycling Law.

Prior to his public career, Rick was instrumental in rebuilding, modernizing and expanding his family's recycling operations in northeastern PA over a 20 year period. Rick graduated from Wilkes College with a bachelor's degree in environmental sciences & biology. Rick and his wife reside in Camp Hill.

With more than a decade of experience in politics, Ray Zaborney has played a key role in advising some of Pennsylvania's leading political figures. For his work, he has been recognized nationally as one of the country's leading political consultants. As the founding partner of Maverick Strategies (formerly State Street Strategies), Zaborney serves as a government relations and public affairs strategist for organizations with interests in front of state government.

Zaborney has advised a wide range of clients on legislation and politics in the Commonwealth, from Fortune 500 companies to scrappy startups and everything in between. Zaborney has worked to help set up a regulatory framework for Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) here in the Commonwealth, to expand gaming to make Pennsylvania a leader in internet gaming, to pass a record investment in infrastructure, and to protect and expand the authority of our Capitol city to escape near bankruptcy. He has been a leading advocate for non-discrimination protections, affordable health care, access to quality hospitals, education reforms to improve our public schools, and legislation to give minor offenders a clean slate to pursue opportunities.

Ray has served as a political advisor to some of Pennsylvania's leading political organizations including The Pennsylvania Republican Party, The Senate Republican Campaign Committee, The House Republican Campaign Committee, Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman, Majority Leader Dave Reed, Justice Sallie Mundy, Attorney General and Governor Tom Corbett, Lynn Swann, and numerous House and Senate members.

Ray is often sought after as a spokesperson and as a political analyst. Ray has contributed to stories that have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Washington Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Pittsburgh Post Gazette, The Pittsburgh Tribune Review, The Harrisburg Patriot, The Erie Times, The Scranton Times, The Wilkes Barre Times Leader, The Allentown Morning Call, The Pittsburgh City Paper, Stateline, Roll Call, CQ Politics, PoliticsPA, ESPN The Magazine, and Sports Illustrated.

In addition to his many print contributions, Zaborney has been a frequent guest on television and radio programs throughout the Commonwealth to discuss political campaigns and the political environment both in Pennsylvania and our nation.

Ray lives and works with his wife, Jennifer, and their daughters, Grace and Emma, in New Cumberland.

Janine joined Pugliese Associates as a lobbyist in 2012, bringing more than a decade of private sector experience in business development, consulting and technology sales/ procurement. Her extensive background and proven success in commercial business as well as her ability to secure state government procurements makes her a key ally for Pugliese clients looking to do business with the Commonwealth.

In addition to the technology sector, Janine's experience includes an ever-broadening range of industry sectors to include healthcare, education, engineering, and hospitality/tourism. Whether the client is a Fortune 100 company or a small to medium sized business (SMB), Janine effectively leverages her skills, knowledge, and relationships to build relationships and promote procurement opportunities that not only benefit Pugliese clients, but also improve government efficiency through public-private collaboration.

Since January of 2013, Janine has served as the Co-Chair of the Government Technology Network for the Technology Council of Central PA (TCCP) and she also now strategically assists TCCP's Women in Technology Network. In prior years, Janine served as Board Member and Historian for The Civic Club of Harrisburg where she led the Outreach ThroUgh Technology grant-funded project.

Born and raised in Western Pennsylvania, Janine graduated from Penn State University with in Business Administration/Marketing. After living a few years abroad, Janine settled in Harrisburg, over 20 years ago, where still she currently resides with her husband and two children.

0-5 years

15-20 years

0-5 years

Eric C. Bugaile joined Archer Public Affairs following a distinguished 40-year career in state government, most recently serving 32 years as Executive Director (R) of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Transportation Committee. In that position, he worked with the Majority Chairman Tim Hennessey (CR-Chester) to set the Committee agenda, analyze and draft legislation on a wide range of transportation subjects, including traffic laws, highway and bridges, railroad, mass transit, pedestrian, bicycle and aviation statutes. The Committee also served as the standing committee in the House to review proposed regulations of PennDOT, the State Police and the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Most notably, the Committee played an important role in drafting Act 89 of 2013, which rearranged and provided for stable funding of PennDOT and transportation services in the Commonwealth for decades to come.

Eric was the Republican nominee for the State House of Representatives in 1982 for the 49th Legislative District. He has worked for the Committee since 1991 and has a total 36 years' experience with the House over three periods of service, the earliest dating to 1974 when he served as a public relations assistant to the House Speaker, Ken Lee (R-Sullivan County) and the House Republican Caucus. He also served as a field coordinator for Republican Legislative Field Services in the early 1980s.

For four years, Eric was the Assistant Director of the State's High Speed Intercity Rail Passenger Commission. In that position, he was liaison with the Legislature and state agencies and was responsible for public outreach. He has also been involved in the rails-to-trails movement as the director of a trail project for the York Area Chamber of Commerce, writing the business plan for the York County Heritage Rail Trail convincing PennDOT to turn the property over to the County. He was a founding member and first staff director of the Pennsylvania Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.

Eric served nearly four years as Sports Information Director of what is now California University of Pennsylvania, and spent several years in the western Pennsylvania area as a news director of two radio stations, WESA in Charleroi and WASP in Brownsville, and was a producer/director at KDKA Radio in Pittsburgh.

Eric currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Capital Area Transit. A Board Member since 2005, he was elected Chairman in 2012. The Cumberland-Dauphin-Harrisburg Transit Authority (a.k.a. Capital Area Transit, or CAT) was formed in 1973 after the dissolution of the Harrisburg Railways Company. Formed by the Cumberland County and Dauphin County Commissioners and the City of Harrisburg, CAT was designated as the public transportation provider in the greater Harrisburg area.

Eric has won awards and citations for news coverage from the Associated Press, a national award from the NAIA, a Senate commendation for community service and was twice named by the US Jaycees as An Outstanding Man in America. He was the former Transportation Committee Staff Chair of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) and a member of the task force that wrote the Public Private Partnership Toolkit for Legislators.

STEPHEN M. DEFRANK is a senior advisor in Buchanan's state government relations group. He joins Buchanan after spending 23 years of his career in Pennsylvania state government. His most recent position was chief of staff for Senator Lisa M. Boscola.

Steve brings process and policy expertise to our Pennsylvania Government Relations Practice, having worked in state government for more than 20 years. He has served in several roles in his over two decades with the Senate of Pennsylvania, including chief of staff, committee executive director, and policy director. Steve called on his strengths differently in each of those roles: as a chief of staff for Sen. Lisa Boscola, he used his organizational skills and ability to multitask to advance the senator's legislative agenda in Harrisburg and manage constituent outreach and communications in her district office. As Executive Director for the Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee, Steve grasped new concepts quickly and effectively, and developed an area of expertise in issues affecting the energy and utility sectors. As Policy Director, he worked as a jack of all trades to advance a caucus-wide agenda that included initiatives related to legalized gaming, community and economic development, workforce development, education initiatives and government reform.

0-5 years

Mike is Managing Director of GSL Public Strategies Group as well as GSL Government Consulting's state and local government consulting practice. He works with public and private sector clients within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and across the country to structure, maintain and further organizational partnerships and continuous improvement in the markets they serve.

Mike has an extensive background in legislative leadership. He served as Chief of Staff to the Office of Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf, working with a wide range of public and private stakeholders and advising the Governor in strategic political, policy, legislative, communications and intergovernmental affairs. He has led various multi-billion dollar budget negotiations and key legislative reforms in areas that include pensions, criminal law, health care, education, election law and school safety, among others.

As an electoral strategist, Mike's experience includes serving two full terms as a State Representative in the New Hampshire House of Representatives as well as Executive Director of the New Hampshire Democratic Party. Mike was also Executive Director of the Service Employees International United (SEIU) Pennsylvania State Council, National Campaign Director of SEIU and a national political affairs manager for a "Big Five" technology company.

11-15 years

Ms. Shaw has been acknowledged by many organizations over the years, including The Black United Fund, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, the National Minority Supplier Development Council of PA-NJ-DE, Women Making a Difference, the Urban League of Philadelphia, the National League of Cities, Boy Scouts of America Cradle of Liberty, the Senate of Pennsylvania, and the Forum for Executive Women.

Melonease Shaw has 30 years of enterprise experience, has served as a senior executive level in a company that generated more than over $80 million in annual revenue, and in 2004, she started of her own firm, Maven, Inc., where she serves as Founder and CEO.

Maven, Inc. is a certified minority and woman-owned and operated business solutions firm headquartered in Philadelphia, PA. Maven, Inc. specializes in business development, community engagement, economic inclusion program planning and implementation, and government affairs and lobbying. Maven, Inc. uses its connections to large corporations, diverse small businesses, community organizations, elected and appointed officials, and federal, state, and local government agencies to help its clients achieve specific business goals and objectives.

Before starting Maven, Inc., Ms. Shaw, for more than 15 years, provided leadership with PRWT Holdings, Inc., a national corporation specializing in technical and operations services. She served in a number of capacities, including Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. During her tenure, she managed two subsidiary companies with 25 locations across the country, and more than 1,200 people. Ms. Shaw's relentless drive and enthusiasm helped to propel the exponential growth of PRWT Holdings, Inc. during its critical formative years.

Prior to joining PRWT Holdings, Inc., Ms. Shaw was Owner and President of Development Planning Associates (DPA), a data management and processing enterprise. At DPA, Ms. Shaw defined her business development objectives, coordinated all sales activities, and ensured product quality and customer satisfaction. All of these skills were integral components in her ability to successfully develop and implement her business plan for Maven, Inc.

Throughout her career, Ms. Shaw has always been keenly interested in the needs of women and people of color. Ms. Shaw has worked to improve the skills of women transitioning from welfare to work, and designed and implemented career-counseling programs, including developing curriculum and training materials. She has also shared her time and talents with the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the Mayor's Commission for Women, the Pennsylvania Women's Campaign Fund, and the Cradle of Liberty - Boy Scouts of America.

She has served on the boards of the Pennsylvania Economy League, Partnership for the Advancement of Self-Sufficiency, the Urban League of Philadelphia, the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, and Universal Companies Charter Schools. Ms. Shaw is currently a member of the African-American Chamber of Commerce, Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council, the African-American Government Relations Group, Juneteenth Host Committee, the Pennsylvania Association for Government Relations, and She Can Win.

15-20 years

Consistently listed among the "Best Lobbyists in Pennsylvania" and "Most Powerful in Philadelphia Politics" by City & State PA, PoliticsPA, and Philadelphia Magazine.

As the Founder of PSG, John draws on more than 25 years experience in the Greater Philadelphia public policy arena to get great results for his clients. Prior to launching PSG in January 2019, he was Vice President for City Relations at Wojdak Government Relations, one of Pennsylvania's premier lobbying firms. John oversaw all issues in Philadelphia's City Hall and successfully represented large corporations, developers, regional associations, universities, and non-profits for fourteen years.

Before Wojdak, John served as a legislative assistant and drafted and analyzed municipal and state legislation over six years for then-Councilman Jim Kenney and the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Appropriations Committee. In the 1990s, John worked on various city and state political campaigns, and spent three years as the Research Director for the Committee of Seventy, Philadelphia's "government watchdog" organization.

John holds a Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree in Government Administration from the University of Pennsylvania, where for thirteen years he was an instructor on urban politics and municipal government at Penn's Fels Institute of Government. He lives in the East Falls neighborhood of Philadelphia, where he serves on the executive board of the East Falls Development Corporation. He swears he is much better at lobbying than he is at dyeing his youngest daughter's hair (although he is getting pretty good at that too).

0-5 years

Patty is a seasoned veteran who served as deputy secretary for legislative affairs for Governor's Rendell and Schweiker. She also served as a liaison between members of the state general assembly and the governor's office in negotiating legislation, capital budget projects and constituent issues. Patty consulted with state House and Senate leaders on legislative agendas, and coordinated the development and introduction of legislation for 15 departments and agencies of the executive branch, including the Liquor Control Board, the Department of Transportation, Turnpike Commission, the Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Public Welfare (now the Department of Human Services) and the Department of Labor & Industry. From 2001 to 2003, Patty served as acting secretary and deputy secretary for legislative affairs under Governor Mark Schweiker. During the Ridge administration, she served as both legislative director and assistant legislative director for the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue. Patty was also a senior lobbyist for another government relations firm, where she lobbied the Pennsylvania General Assembly and developed legislative/procurement strategies for clients in industries such as transportation, financial services, gaming, liquor and healthcare, as well as for municipal and county governments.

20+ years

Wanner Associates staff has worked with our clients to pass many pieces of legislation and initiatitives. Please contact us for more information.

Wanner Associates has developed many contacts over the past 30 years with over 80 years of combined political experience in Pennsylvania. We have deep relationships with the leadership of the State House, Senate, Administration, State Agencies, PA Congressional Delegation, County and Municipal Governments.

Wanner Associates is a Pennsylvania-based bipartisan government relations firm that has extensive experience on all levels of government with a reputation for employing creative strategies to achieve results. Our talented and hardworking professionals are adept at everything from policymaking, to political maneuvering, community outreach, to integrated communications. What sets us apart is our team of dynamic government affairs specialists --diligent, dedicated and determined.

Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Paul Costa brings extensive experience in local and state government to Maverick Strategies. He is the former State Representative for the 34th district situated in Allegheny County where he served from 1999 to 2018.

While serving as a legislator he sat on several committees including Appropriations, Liquor Control, Gaming, Policy, Rules, Tourism and Transportation. Costa also served on the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, Point Park University Board of Trustees, University of Pittsburgh Institute of Politics Board of Fellows and Eastern Area Adult Services.

In 2011 Costa was elected by his peers as Allegheny County Delegation Chair where he served until his appointment as Chairman of the Liquor Control Committee in 2013. While Chairman of the Liquor Control Committee he spearheaded several initiatives including but not limited to beer and wine modernization and consumer convenience. In addition, Costa sponsored several personal pieces of legislation such as the Film Tax Credit, 50/50 legislation which generates millions for non-profits, bills which advocate for the safety of animals, a bill which allowed for automatic granting of a CDL license upon returning home for qualified military personnel and sustainable transportation measures.

Prior to serving the 34th Legislative District, Costa spent more than 20 years working in the Allegheny County Prothonotary's office, ending as Deputy Prothonotary. Costa also served on the Wilkins Township board of commissioners for three years, serving one year as board president. Paul Costa graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Point Park University. Paul resides in Pittsburgh with his wife Kathleen. They have three children Michael, Maria, and Dante.

Prior to joining DMGS and spending some time in the private sector, Ron served as the Legislative Director for the PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). There he worked with the Governor's office and four Legislative Caucuses on passage and enactment of the $2 billion Economic Development Stimulus Legislation under Governor Rendell. In addition, he served as the DCED staff lead to key Legislative Caucus Board staffers on the Commonwealth Finance Authority (CFA).

Prior to his time with the DCED, Ron was a key staffer in the General Assembly, working in various roles that ultimately led him to serve for Representative Phyllis Mundy as Executive Director of the Northeast Delegation. There he directed regional legislative activities for lawmakers on a variety of issues, staffed committee meetings in Harrisburg and Northeastern Pennsylvania, and monitored funding opportunities for delegation members.

Ron most recently served on the transition team of Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse. Additionally, he served as Community and Economic Development Committee Chair for PA Auditor General Eugene DePasquale's Transition Team in 2012 as well as Chairman of Public Safety for the Olde Uptown Harrisburg Neighborhood Association.

15-20 years

She was recognized in 2022 by the Central Pennsylvania Business Journal as one of the Power 30 lawyer lobbyists and in 2021 by City & State magazine as part of their Pennsylvania Power 100 list. She has also been selected by her peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America several times, was honored by Harrisburg Magazine as one of the 'Top Lawyers in Central Pennsylvania' and as one of Pennsylvania's 50 most politically influential personalities by PolitickerPA.com's Power List.

Laura would be happy to discuss specific professional relationships with prospective clients.

Laura continues her "pursuit of happiness" by opening Pursuit Advocacy in 2022, and is thrilled that she'll be joined by many of her long-term clients and additional new ones as well. Feel free to reach out to Laura by email at laura@pursuitadvocacy.com.

Laura worked in the PA General Assembly for over a dozen years in leadership staff positions and managed House floor activity. There she was the House Majority Leader's Chief of Staff and Deputy Counsel and Policy Counsel for the Speaker/Minority Leader. She also has been a lawyer lobbyist for many years, both as a partner at a national law firm and as counsel to former Governor Ridge's lobbying firm. She also has experience in the political arena as a political fundraiser for campaigns nationally and locally.

During law school, Laura was Executive Editor of the Administrative Law Journal. She also interned for a U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of New York, was a legal intern for the Federal Election Commission, and worked for a Tennesse Congressman. She attended Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government Program for Senior Executives in State and Local Governments.

15-20 years

Recognized by the Central Penn Business Journal, Forty Under 40

Recognized by Susquehanna Style, Women in Leadership

Pennsylvania Association for Government Relations
Women in Pennsylvania Government Relations
Anne B. Anstine Excellence in Public Service Series, Class of 2008
Past Chair, Board of Directors, American Red Cross, Central PA Chapter
Leadership Harrisburg Area Executive Program, Class of 2016
Founder and Former Co-Chair, Dickinson College Alumni Association for Central Pennsylvania
Board member, Keystone Human Services Partnership Board
Board member, D.R.E.A.M. Partnership,
Associate Board member, Members 1st FCU

Angela Leopold is a Senior Partner of Novak Strategic Advisors. A savvy businesswoman and an accomplished community leader, Angela knows people and gets results. At NSA, Angela directs top to bottom grassroots campaigns, earned and social media strategies, and coalition building activities. For the past 15 years, she has worked on state and national issues such as healthcare, taxation, and energy. Angela co-leads the Issue Advocacy division at Novak and oversees several of Novak’s government affairs clients as well.

Early in her career as a political fundraiser, Angela developed creative, direct approaches to navigating grassroots campaigns that included issue-based forums, consensus building, and reputation management. Today, she utilizes this experience and continues to cultivate her well-established relationships and strong, broad-based coalition networks. Angela has successfully managed several local races drawing on her impressive organizational skills and ability to mobilize grassroots armies at the local level. From circulating petitions to building relationships with local business and community leaders, Angela leveraged her connections in creative ways, which ultimately led her candidates to victory in these local elections.

Angela is the past board chair of the Central PA Chapter of the American Red Cross, and in 2016 graduated from the Leadership Harrisburg Area Executive program. When Angela is not pulling it all together at work, she is pulling together ways to support nonprofits, including the Midwest Food Bank, D.R.E.A.M. Partnership, and Keystone Human Services (Partnership Board). In 2021, Angela was recognized as a 40 Under 40 Leader by the Central Penn Business Journal as well as Women in Business 2021 issue in Susquehanna Style.

Angela is a graduate of Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. Angela lives in Mechanicsburg with her husband, Joe, and son, Mark.

20+ years

Peter has served on the boards and committees of numerous national, regional and local professional, business and trade associations, including the Public Affairs Council, American Gas Association, American Forest and Paper Association, Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, Pennsylvania Business Roundtable, Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, York County Chamber of Commerce, York County Historical Society, Eckerd College Parent Council and currently is a member of the National Association for Lobbying Ethics, Pennsylvania Association for Government Affairs and a Lifetime member of the Pennsylvania Society.

Peter's extensive knowledge of government, business and trade organizations provides clients with the benefit of a uniquely broad perspective.

Prior to launching Capitol Strategies Group, Peter successfully managed one of Pennsylvania's largest lobbying firms. He also served as Vice President for Public Affairs with Glatfelter, a global manufacturer of specialty papers, Vice President for Government Affairs for Philadelphia Gas Works and as a corporate officer and Vice President of Public Affairs with Waste Management, Inc.

Peter's extensive governmental experience includes serving as Special Assistant to the Governor of Pennsylvania and in senior positions in the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services as well as the Department of Labor and Industry. He also served as the Director of Legislation for the Mayor of Philadelphia and the Vice President for Government Affairs for the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. He has consulted for numerous national, state and local political campaigns and political parties.

6-10 years

Her efforts won many accolades from customers, regulators and legislators. She proved instrumental in the passage of legislation that ensured water quality and quantity and water system sustainability for decades.

Specifically, she played a critical role in the passage of Act 11 and Act 12, which pertained to water and wastewater system financing; and Act 154, that defines combined sewer overflow (CSO) system assets as sewer assets and thus regulated by the public utility commission. She spearheaded American Water's strategic response to shale gas development, collaborating with shale gas drillers and municipal officials to protect the environment and enhance the local economy by extending water into rural areas using a combination of public and private funding.

Kathy was among 30 task force members from across Pennsylvania selected by Governor Tom Wolf to address the estimated $20 billion funding shortfall needed to upgrade Pennsylvania's aging water infrastructure. She has also served on the Sustainable Water Infrastructure Task Force, selected by Gov. Ed Rendell.

As CEO of Pennsylvania American Water, part of Kathy's responsibilities included building relationships and partnering with legislators, County Commissioners, municipal officials representing the water company's service area in 36 counties and 400 municipalities.

Kathy is a licensed attorney in NJ and PA and started her career at the Office of Consumer Advocate, Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission and as a utility attorney at General Waterworks. She also served as corporate counsel and manager of finance for American Water and as vice president, treasurer and rate counsel for Philadelphia Suburban Water. During her tenure at Philadelphia Suburban Water, the company grew from a five-county suburban Philadelphia water company to the second largest publicly-traded U.S. water and wastewater service provider.

In 2007, she was tapped to lead American Water's largest subsidiary, Pennsylvania American Water. As the president of Pennsylvania American Water, she used her legal, financial, business and governmental experience to balance customer service, reasonable rates, infrastructure replacement and community engagement. Kathy later led American Water's mid-Atlantic region which included Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia and Maryland before she entered entering private practice.

Kathy currently serves on the board of directors for Highmark Health and has chaired the Pennsylvania Business Counsel, the Foundation for Enhancing Communities and the Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Association of Water Companies. She is also an active member of the boards of the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (Western and Central PA Chapter), the Earth Conservancy and the Hampden Township Industrial Development Authority.

Kathy is a nationally known speaker on leadership, utility finance, infrastructure and water and wastewater operations. She is also an expert witness on utility finance, tax and infrastructure issues and has testified before state and federal legislative committees.

0-5 years

Jason brings a unique mix of experience at the highest levels including public, private, and political. Jason comes to Ridge Policy from the Scott Wagner for Governor Campaign where Jason served as the Campaign Manager. Scott Wagner was the Republican nominee for Governor of Pennsylvania, not only securing the endorsement of the Republican Party of Pennsylvania but also defeating a well-funded primary opponent in a hotly contested primary campaign.

Prior to that role, Jason has twice served in the role of Chief of Staff to two Republican Pennsylvania State Senators, John H. Eichelberger, Jr. and Scott Wagner. In that role, Jason oversaw all office operations and staff, advised the Senators on policy, and worked with other offices and leadership to help to advance the goals of the Senators.

Jason's private sector experience includes serving as the Vice President of Tyrone-based data security firm Reclamere. Jason oversaw the entire operation of the company, was responsible for management of all personnel, worked directly with the three owners of the company to develop the company's strategic plan, and was the responsible staff-level person for executing that plan.

11-15 years

11-15 years

Dr. Baker was named an Alumni Fellow at the Penn State University and delivered the commencement address at the College of Agricultural Sciences spring graduation. She also received the prestigious Medal of Honor Award from the Philadelphia Society for the Promotion of Agriculture (PSPA), the oldest (1785) continuously operating agricultural society in the country. PSPA was involved in establishing the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. In addition, Baker was honored with the esteemed Jefferson Award by the Penn Ag Democrats.

Baker was appointed during the Rendell administration to work in the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture . While there, she directed the educational outreach for the Department.

Dr. Baker owns Versant Strategies, a premier governmental affairs firm focused on agricultural, education, environmental, and rural issues. Versant has represented dozens of clients in the Harrisburg and DC marketplace ranging from small farms and businesses to Fortune 500 companies.

Previously, Baker served in the executive office of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. While there, she directed the educational outreach for the Department using the knowledge, skills, and traits she perfected during her 20 years behind a teacher’s desk at secondary and post-secondary institutions. Baker served as a faculty member at Penn State, an adjunct professor at North Carolina State University, and was the first woman elected as president of the National Association of Agricultural Educators. She is known across the nation as a published author and columnist with frequent engagements as a motivational keynote speaker and workshop presenter.

MeeCee, husband Jim Garofalo, a retired PA State Police Major who now works with USDA Investigation and Enforcement, and daughter Libby, a former state FFA president (Future Farmers' of America) and current Penn State student, live on the Baker homestead farm in Juniata County.

Joann has established a distinguished record of achievement in her professional life, which has accrued to the direct benefit of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and its citizens. She is a former Special Projects Manager for Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation. In that capacity, Joann participated in the development of private and public works projects with a collective value of over fifty million dollars. She is an expert in communication, management and public affairs.

Joann was the first appointed Executive Director of the Governor's Advisory Commission on African American Affairs in 1992 under then Governor Robert P. Casey. The commission is one of only three such commissions in the United States. Ms. Bell coordinated the activities of a twenty-five-member commission, and served as an important liaison between the Governor's office and the African American community in Pennsylvania. The commission through Ms. Bell's leadership is one of the Commonwealth's most effective advocates for African Americans in areas such as legislation, education, economic development, health, housing, and human services.

Ms. Bell also served the City of Philadelphia as the Director of the Mayor's Office of Affirmative Action and as a Special Assistant to former Mayor W. Wilson Goode. In 2008 Joann was appointed to the Philadelphia Department of Human Services Oversight Board by former Mayor Michael Nutter, and in 2012 she was appointed by Governor Tom Corbett to serve on the Board of the Delaware River Port Authority.

15-20 years

Central PA 40 under 40
Central PA JDRF Board Chairman 2013-2015

Dan Hayward was named executive director for the Pennsylvania Republican Party in 2003, and became one of the youngest political power-players in Pennsylvania. Today, he applies his success and experience to orchestrate successful local, regional, and statewide issue advocacy campaigns, manage and direct lobbying efforts, and continues to be a key advisor in campaigns and elections.

It was in those early days after graduating summa cum laude from Shippensburg University and landing his first job at the Pennsylvania Republican Party that Dan honed his leadership skills through organizing grassroots campaigns and motivating people toward a common goal. Dan’s hard work and skill helped him rise quickly through the ranks. In 2004, at age 25, he was both the executive and victory director of the state GOP and managed a $28 million budget while directing 115 field operatives.

In 2005, Dan joined Novak Strategic Advisors (NSA) as a Senior Associate where he translated his campaign skills into a new paradigm of advocacy, which mobilizes grassroots constituencies on state and national issues at the local level in Pennsylvania. The success of the Issue Advocacy and Public Affairs division, along with the already successful traditional lobbying arm, earned Novak Strategic its reputation for being the state’s premier public advocacy firm. Dan became partner in 2010 and the firm's managing partner in 2013. Dan currently serves on the non-profit boards of the Central Pennsylvania JDRF, Running for Rachel and Riding on Insulin.

11-15 years

Ron's governmental service ranges from City Council to the Chairman of the House Liquor Committee. His ability to navigate the many layers of government and work across the aisle in a bipartisan manner is second to none.

Ron has a close relationship with the current members of the PA House of Representatives and staff.

Ron's extensive experience in state and local government will help Versant's clients set strategies to achieve their legislative and regulatory goals. Ron served in the PA House of Representatives for over 20 years and was an active member of the House Consumer Affairs and Rules Committees. Ultimately, he was named Secretary of the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee and became Chairman of the House Liquor Committee. Prior to his election to represent the 162nd House District, Ron served as Mayor of Sharon Hill, Pennsylvania. More recently, he worked in governmental affairs serving a myriad of interests in the State Capitol.

15-20 years

20+ years

Rocco founded the firm of Pugliese Associates in 1980 working from a small office in Harrisburg with a single client. The firm now maintains offices in Harrisburg and Philadelphia with close to 50 clients including: non-profit organizations, universities, government authorities, venture capitalists, state and national corporations, and trade associations.

Rocco has more than 35 years of lobbying and state government experience. Starting his working years in the mid-70's employed in the State Senate; he was later hired as an aide to the House Transportation Committee. In his years of lobbying, Rocco has been active on a number of highly visible, diverse and complex issues. They include such topics as gaming, corporate initiatives and ventures, appropriations, tobacco settlement, economic development, workers' compensation, state procurement, along with a variety of other policy and legislative issues.

Rocco graduated from Gannon University in 1975 with a BA in Political Science, and he also holds a Masters degree in Public Administration from Penn State University.

Experience, Integrity, and Results- Rocco's motivation, commitment, leadership and direction are what make Pugliese Associates what it is today.

0-5 years

0-5 years

Nick Kratz joined Capital Associates, Inc. in April 2014 after leaving his position as Director of Governmental Affairs for the Pennsylvania Retailers' Association. Since joining Capital Associates, Nick has managed several clients, and has established himself as respected lobbyist in Harrisburg. Currently, Nick primarily focuses on numerous health related issues, serving individuals with intellectual disability through his advocacy on behalf of PAR (Pennsylvania Advocacy and Resources for Autism and Intellectual Disability).

He has accomplished many legislative victories, by workign with the House, Senate, and the Governor's Office to get several bills signed into law.

Nick managed the legislative issues for the Pennsylvania Retailers', serving as a lobbyist on behalf of over 60 retail outlets located in Pennsylvania. During his tenure at the Retailers', Nick primarily focused on issues such as liquor privatization, minimum wage, sales and use taxes, business taxes, and other industry related issues.Prior to working with the Pennsylvania Retailers' Association, Nick served Governor Tom Corbett's Office of Legislative Affairs, where he assisted in all aspects of the Governor's legislative agenda. Nick was an essential staff member in the office, where he served a year and a half as a legislative assistant to the Deputy Secretaries and the Secretary of Legislative Affairs. On a daily basis, Nick was trusted with the organization and development of multiple legislative tracking systems that allowed for an effective implementation of legislative strategies.Originally from Quakertown Pennsylvania, Nick moved to Harrisburg following graduation fromMessiah College in 2012, with a degree in
political science. He has quickly gained a reputation for his loyalty, hard-work, and organizational skills. In his free time Nick enjoys being an active member of The Meetinghouse Church in Carlisle and enjoys golfing and playing volleyball. Nick also serves as the Executive Director of the PA esports Coalition, a brand-new coalition focusing on the growth and development of competitive esports in Pennsylvania.

0-5 years

Senior Advisor to the Shapiro Transition Committee

Rob has extensive experience in crafting and implementing policy, particularly in the areas of economic development and energy. A veteran of state government, Rob served in the Governor Tom Wolf Administration as Deputy Chief of Staff, Speechwriter, Secretary of Intergovernmental Affairs and most recently as Senior Advisor to the Governor. In this position, he served as primary political advisor and oversaw all aspects of economic development for the Wolf administration as well as coordinated all economic development related grant programs in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. He also coordinated all aspects of the administration's federal government relations efforts to advance the Governor's agenda in Washington, D.C.

Rob is an expert on the intersection of economic development, state funding and labor organizations. He has built coalitions to advance common goals and fostered relationships with a range of stakeholders, including interest groups, business and professional organizations, elected officials and community leaders across the state.

20+ years

John has drafted, amended and secured passage of more than 100 Pennsylvania laws in areas as diverse as liquor law, dairy products, chemicals, manufacturing, workplace safety, renewable energy and health care/health insurance. He has led coalitions of as many as 350 disparate organizations, and in just one instance, those efforts yielded more than $3.5 billion in funding for conservation, environment, preservation, libraries and zoos.

He served as a spokesman for the Commonwealth during the Three Mile Island nuclear accident and has coordinated national and international news media pools for major events.

With more than 40 years of experience inside and outside state government, John has developed thousands of professional relationships that can be brought to bear for clients. His professional experiences include private and public sectors, businesses and associations, C-level positions and client consulting. Those experiences and relationships cover issues from policy and program development to association management, and from key legislation to state agency regulations.

John Nikoloff has been providing advice, support, and hands on services in public affairs, public relations, politics and government relations since 1972. He is cofounder and President ERG Partners and Pennsylvania Energy Resources Group, serving companies on the East Coast and Washington, DC.

Since 2007, the ERG companies have assisted in development of energy and expansion projects and business development for 32 Pennsylvania companies. In the last five years, ERG secured more than $150 million in government grants, loans and contracts for energy and transportation clients. ERG is focused on providing services, strategic consulting, government relations and project support to firms involved in energy and alternative energy, transportation and manufacturing.

Nikoloff has more than 35 years of experience in energy, environment, economic development, agribusiness, health care public policy and business issues. He served from 2004-2006 as executive vice president and COO of a research and development firm, after 17 years as President and CEO of two Harrisburg-based public affairs and government relations firms. Nikoloff is widely recognized for his experience and unequaled legislative, regulatory, policy and funding successes for agriculture, environmental, energy and business clients.

He has represented more than 50 corporations, including Fortune 100 companies like Kodak, Procter & Gamble, Syngenta, Motorola, UPS and Novartis, as well as state and national business, trade and professional associations. John has also served as executive director of five trade and professional associations and chaired several statewide coalitions on issues.

Before he began strategic and public affairs consulting, Nikoloff served as chief of staff for the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. From 1971-1987, John served on communications and legislative staff in the Pennsylvania State House, the State Senate, and in executive positions under three Governors. He served in state agencies as press secretary and director of communications, director of legislative relations, director of policy and planning, director of marketing and chief of economic development.

He serves on the Board of the Penn State Ag Council and recently left the board of the SMC Small Business Council after 12 years. He was a founder of the Pennsylvania Association for Government Relations, and the Pennsylvania chapter of 25 x 25. John is active in the American Council on Renewable Energy, the National Small Business Association, and a member of the American Lobbying Association and the Pennsylvania Public Relations Society.

Throughout his career, John has remained actively involved in politics, managing local and state political and referendum campaigns, and on staff for national campaigns.

He received his B.A. degree in political science from Lebanon Valley College.

0-5 years

McNees Strategic Solutions Group (MSSG)
International Association of Gaming AdvisorsPA Association of Government RelationsPA Esports Coalition, Chairman of the Board of Directors
Member, Susquehanna Township Planning Commission
Vice Chair, Susquehanna Township Recreation Advisory Committee

Bill is a seasoned government relations and political affairs professional, with significant experience influencing public policy at the state and local level. Prior to joining Mid-Atlantic Strategic Solutions, Bill was a key staff person within the Pennsylvania legislature. He is the former Leadership Executive Director of the Office of the Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus Secretary, serving as a reliable member of the House Democratic Caucus leadership staff team. Before working in the leadership ranks, Bill served as the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania House Gaming Oversight Committee, where he gained significant experience in gaming policy, which he continued to influence up until he left the House in 2017. Bill also served as the Deputy Communications Director for the House Majority Leader from 2008 to 2010. Before arriving in Pennsylvania and working for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Bill
served as the Assistant Director of the West Virginia Legislative Reference and Information Center, a nonpartisan, apolitical office of the West Virginia Legislature.As president of Mid-Atlantic Strategic Solutions, Bill utilizes his government affairs experience, and vast understanding of the legislative and political processes, to advocate for issues important to clients. And through his wide range of contacts, Bill engages elected officials, stakeholders and grassroots partners to deliver effective results for clients.A native of Long Island, New York, Bill is a graduate of the University of Charleston in Charleston, West Virginia. He currently lives in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Mid Atlantic Strategic Solutions is a member of the McNees Strategic Solutions Group.

0-5 years

2019 30 Under 30 by AgGrad

With a focus on rural affairs, I work with numerous members of the legislature. I also engage regularly with the Department of Agriculture, Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and Department of Education.

Chief Operating Officer Caleb Wright's roots in Pennsylvania's agricultural community are deep, and accolades earned during his young career have marked him as a voice of rural Pennsylvania's new generation. Raised on a Huntingdon County farm that has borne his family's name for over a century, Caleb grew up as the grandson of the region's renowned veterinarian, Doc Kyper, with a family legacy of serving the rural community. Prior to joining Versant Strategies, he served as a PA State FFA Officer, was a National FFA Officer Candidate, and taught high school agriculture.

Caleb is a graduate of Penn State with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Extension Education. He was named as the College of Agricultural Science's inaugural Emerging Leader Candidate, working one-on-one with the College's Dean. Caleb investigated recruitment and retention of students in Agricultural Education as a Penn State research project. A skilled speaker, his energized commitment to rural education also earned him the Youth Agricultural Award presented by the Penn State Agriculture Council. Wright was elected to Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences Alumni Society Board and also serves on the Board of the PA FFA Foundation.

Along with managing day-to-day operations of the firm, Caleb actively lobbies and assists with organizational management.

0-5 years

City and State's "40 Under 40 State Leaders" in 2022

PoliticsPA's "Top PA Political Operatives" in 2014

Board Member on the Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation Board of Review

Elena has significant experience coordinating and advancing legislative initiatives in Harrisburg. As former Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief of Staff for the Office of Governor Tom Wolf, she oversaw operations of 24 executive agencies, led the planning and implementation of the Governor's strategic plan and worked closely with the General Assembly to advance budgetary, investment, tax reform, election reform, public health and economic goals. Among numerous major initiatives that Elena helped guide from development to completion include the 2022-23 $45 billion budget process, Pennsylvania's largest tax credit package for energy and advanced manufacturing development, COVID vaccine distribution, Pennsylvania's Broadband Authority, regional economic hub development and business recruitment, and the regulatory and executive action agenda for equal rights policies across various industries. She also oversaw the development of risk management, process improvements and data management structures across state agencies. Having served as a liaison between various cabinet agencies, nonprofit organizations and public and private leaders, Elena understands how to collaborate to achieve a common objective.

Elena also has a depth of strategic knowledge about the organization and coordination of political and field programs for key caucus operations and races. Prior to her senior advisory career in the Governor's Office, Elena held executive leadership roles in the Democratic Party and election organizations. She was Executive Director for Campaign for a Fresh Start, which coordinated gubernatorial campaign and other Democratic campaign efforts; served as Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party; and was Political Director for the Pennsylvania House Democratic Campaign Committee.

0-5 years

Before joining the GSL team, Elizabeth worked as a registered lobbyist in Harrisburg. She assists the GSL team in communications and public affairs strategy, design and delivery.

Elizabeth attended Penn State University and received a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations. Elizabeth was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society.

Elizabeth is an avid golfer and volunteers with LPGA*Girls Golf USA in the Central Pennsylvania area. She is also a member of the Harrisburg Young Professionals.