{"id":98671,"date":"2026-01-28T09:35:29","date_gmt":"2026-01-28T09:35:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/98671\/"},"modified":"2026-01-28T09:35:29","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T09:35:29","slug":"the-2026-cspa-government-relations-honorees","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/98671\/","title":{"rendered":"The 2026 CSPA Government Relations honorees"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\n Bane, John<\/p>\n

Director, Government Affairs, EQT Corporation<\/p>\n

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Bane, John
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\n Kaitlin Brinser<\/p>\n

As chief of government affairs for EQT Corporation, John Bane is not only a major player in the commonwealth\u2019s energy landscape but also the sector itself. He recently supported key policy wins for Pennsylvania\u2019s natural gas industry, including progress on permitting reform to facilitate critical infrastructure projects. Currently, he is aiding initiatives to streamline midstream development across multiple states, advancing policies that enable carbon storage and supporting measures to expand natural gas generation, strengthen grid reliability and reduce emissions.<\/p>\n

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\n Barley, Michael<\/p>\n

Chief Public Affairs Officer, Pace-O-Matic<\/p>\n

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Barley, Michael
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\n Pace-O-Matic<\/p>\n

Former state GOP chief Mike Barley rarely slows down \u2013\u00a0as the chief public affairs officer for Pace-O-Matic, he currently leads a team of 80 lobbyists and consultants in nearly a dozen states, spearheading the legislative effort to regulate Pennsylvania\u2019s skill games industry. Additionally, he serves as a partner at\u00a0Right Way Strategies, a political consulting firm.<\/p>\n

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\n Bennett, Stephen<\/p>\n

Senior Manager, Regulatory & Legislative Affairs, PJM Interconnection<\/p>\n

Stephen Bennett is the senior manager for regulatory and legislative affairs at PJM Interconnection, a century-old, Valley Forge-based electricity company whose power grid now encompasses 13 states and Washington, D.C. and provides power to nearly 70 million customers. Bennett\u2019s role is particularly critical as PJM navigates a rapidly evolving utilities landscape where surging electricity demand has strained the system. A veteran of Exelon and other energy outfits, he holds a civil engineering degree from the University of Maryland.<\/p>\n

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\n Borne, Sheilah<\/p>\n

Vice President, Government Relations, Penn State Health\/Penn State University<\/p>\n

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Borne, Sheilah
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\n Jillian Biehl Morrison<\/p>\n

For over 20 years, Sheilah Borne has represented Penn State Health and PSU\u2019s College of Medicine before governments at the local, state and federal levels. This month, the former state government employee returns to public service herself, beginning her second term as Mayor of Paxtang Borough, Dauphin County (her first term ended in 2022). Her commitment to Central Pennsylvania\u2019s civic infrastructure earned her the 2025 Athena Leadership Award from the Harrisburg Regional Chamber, where she is a past board chair.<\/p>\n

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\n Boruchowitz, Charles<\/p>\n

Government Relations Manager, Bentley Systems<\/p>\n

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Boruchowitz, Charles
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\n Provided<\/p>\n

Campaign veteran Charles Boruchowitz now manages government relations for Bentley Systems, a Chester County-based global infrastructure engineering software company. His work focuses on advancing Bentley\u2018s digital solutions for designing and maintaining infrastructure assets nationally and abroad. Previously, Boruchowitz served as a fundraiser and campaign manager for U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan; he currently chairs the Government Affairs Committee at the Chester County Chamber of Commerce, where he also serves as secretary of the board of directors.<\/p>\n

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\n Brennan, Beth<\/p>\n

Senior Principal, Cozen O\u2019Connor Public Strategies<\/p>\n

Second-generation Harrisburg lobbyist Beth Brennan is a senior principal at Cozen O\u2019Connor Public Strategies, where her clients range from nonprofits and educational institutions to professional associations and corporations. A Capital Region native, she studied political science at Lebanon Valley College and honed her skills in roles at Wojdak and the Kinser Group; she also served on the Harrisburg lobbying team for the City of Philadelphia, and maintains strong ties to city government. In addition, she has been active with the Pennsylvania Association for Government Relations.<\/p>\n

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\n Brier, Patrick J. <\/p>\n

Counsel, Myers Brier Kelly<\/p>\n

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Brier, Patrick J.
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\n Dan Simrell Media<\/p>\n

Patrick Brier brings deep knowledge of healthcare law to his practice at Myers Brier Kelly, where he serves as counsel and specializes in state health policy. Among his clients are one of America\u2019s largest Medicaid managed care organizations, and he is frequently called on by clients \u2013 including political candidates and parties \u2013 to help navigate Pennsylvania election law. A fixture on the Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list, he also spearheaded the firm\u2019s pro bono Immigration and Naturalization Clinic.<\/p>\n

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\n Butler, Hank<\/p>\n

Executive Director, Butler Consulting<\/p>\n

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Butler, Hank
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\n JCC of York Presentation<\/p>\n

Lobbyist Hank Butler has been a familiar face on Capitol Hill for over a decade. In addition to his eponymous consultancy, he currently leads advocacy for the Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition \u2013 for whom he has successfully advanced security grants, anti-BDS measures and Holocaust education in schools \u2013 and the Pennsylvania Council of General Contractors, where his efforts have yielded numerous reforms bolstering the industry. He has also taught management at York College of Pennsylvania, his MBA alma mater.<\/p>\n

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\n Buzydlowski, Frank<\/p>\n

Government Affairs Specialist, Aqua Pennsylvania<\/p>\n

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Buzydlowski, Frank
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\n Provided<\/p>\n

Frank Buzydlowski brings extensive state-level lobbying experience to his role as government affairs specialist with Aqua Pennsylvania, a division of Essential Utilities. Most recently, he has championed state measures around sales of municipal water and wastewater systems to private utilities and addressing diseases in the water supply. He joined Aqua after a 20-year career in legislative affairs at Verizon, where he most recently directed Pennsylvania government relations.<\/p>\n

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\n Calcara, Peter N.<\/p>\n

Vice President, Government Relations, Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants<\/p>\n

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Calcara, Peter N.
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\n Provided<\/p>\n

For a quarter-century, Peter Calcara has led government relations for the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants, advancing the profession\u2019s legislative and regulatory priorities. His leadership has yielded significant reforms to CPA licensure, tax administration and regulatory matters across the commonwealth \u2013 including 2025\u2019s first-in-the-nation licensing modernization law and a 2024 tax simplification measure that eliminates double taxation. He is a member of the Pennsylvania Association for Government Relations and the American Society of Association Executives.<\/p>\n

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\n Chen, Samuel<\/p>\n

Principal Director, The Liddell Group<\/p>\n

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Chen, Samuel
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\n Donald Beaver, Lighthouse TV<\/p>\n

As the founder and director of The Liddell Group, Samuel Chen guides clients\u2019 strategy on matters ranging from AI\u2019s legal and ethical boundaries to First Amendment defense. He also hosts the television news journal \u201cFace the Issues,\u201d teaches politics at the college level, is active with the American Enterprise Institute and has authored two books about American democracy. He previously worked for then- Sen. Pat Toomey and then-U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent, as well as on campaigns for several former governors.<\/p>\n

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\n Chintaman, Steven<\/p>\n

Vice President, Government Affairs, Pennsylvania Apartment Association<\/p>\n

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Chintaman, Steven
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\n Provided<\/p>\n

Attorney and seasoned advocate Steven Chintaman currently leads government affairs for the Pennsylvania Apartment Association, leading policy strategy and statewide partnerships to advance housing priorities. He also volunteers as an attorney with HIAS Pennsylvania. Previously, he was a senior associate at Bellevue Strategies and honed his policy and regulatory skills working for the Philadelphia City Council. He graduated from La Salle University and earned his law degree from Rutgers University.<\/p>\n

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\n Chortanoff, Arielle<\/p>\n

Vice President, State Advocacy, Hospital & Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania<\/p>\n

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Chortanoff, Arielle
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\n Picture Perfect Productions<\/p>\n

At the state Capitol, Arielle Chortanoff leads commonwealth advocacy for the Hospital & Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania, the organization representing major health facilities statewide. Most recently, she has touted measures aimed at modernizing healthcare delivery, staving off the impact of federal Medicaid cuts on the state\u2019s financially challenged hospitals and bolstering Pennsylvania\u2019s healthcare workforce, which faces shortages exacerbated by an aging population.<\/p>\n


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Her advocacy is informed by a decade of working in the insurance industry, including representing Pennsylvania Blues plans in Harrisburg.<\/p>\n

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\n Clements, Jane<\/p>\n

Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Capitol67 Strategies<\/p>\n

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Clements, Jane
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\n Photos by Carlyn<\/p>\n

In December 2024, policy veteran Jane Clements co-founded Capitol67 Strategies, among the youngest consultancies in this lineup, where, as managing partner, she leads the firm\u2019s Harrisburg practice. A former CEO of Feeding Pennsylvania and vice president of state government affairs for a statewide strategic firm, she brings insights and relationships honed over more than a decade working with state and federal lawmakers to her role at the new firm, whose footprint has rapidly expanded across Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C.<\/p>\n

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\n Coccia, Allison<\/p>\n

Director, Government Relations, WellSpan Health<\/p>\n

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Coccia, Allison
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\n The Lukens Company<\/p>\n

As director of government relations for WellSpan Health, Allison Coccia advances state-level policy around patient care and community health. Among the highlights of her long career in politics and government relations are helping secure the historic reduction of Pennsylvania\u2019s corporate net income tax in 2022 and more than doubling the size of ChamberPAC, the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business & Industry\u2019s political action committee, in just two years. She previously worked for the PA Association of Community Bankers and U.S. House Majority Leader Eric Cantor.<\/p>\n

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\n Conti, Joe<\/p>\n

President, Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters<\/p>\n

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Conti, Joe
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\n Bill Zeiders, PAB Marketing<\/p>\n

After a career of public service, Joe Conti is marking his first decade leading the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters. In the role, he has expanded the organization\u2019s industry advocacy in both Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C. and cultivated effective outreach and social media strategies. A former chief of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, he is active with the National Alliance of State Broadcast Associations and the National Association of Broadcasters.<\/p>\n

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\n Cozzo, Stephen<\/p>\n

Vice President, Government Relations & External Affairs & Public Policy, AmeriHealth Caritas<\/p>\n

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\n Amerihealth Caritas<\/p>\n

At AmeriHealth Caritas, Stephen Cozzo champions measures that support the Philadelphia-based health company\u2019s expanding services. He oversees government relations, external affairs and public policy for one of America\u2019s largest Medicaid managed care providers; most recently, he has focused his efforts on facilitating the company\u2019s East Coast expansion and its growing pharmacy benefits and behavioral health divisions. A graduate of Penn State, he previously worked with at-risk youth at the First Judicial District of Philadelphia.<\/p>\n

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\n Crampsie, Sean<\/p>\n

Director, Government Relations, Association of Pennsylvania State College & University Faculties<\/p>\n

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Crampsie, Sean
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\n Kathryn Morton<\/p>\n

Championing the commonwealth\u2019s public higher-education institutions, Sean Crampsie is the longtime director of government relations for the Association of Pennsylvania State College & University Faculties, the union representing faculty and employees of 14 state-owned campuses. His expertise is informed not only by his previous role with the PA School Boards Association, but also by his own government stint, as a Carlisle Borough Councilmember from 2015 to 2023. At APSCUF, he lobbies for state funding for public higher education, tuition affordability and the protection of workers\u2019 rights.<\/p>\n

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\n DeVanney, Mike<\/p>\n

Partner, ColdSpark<\/p>\n

Mike DeVanney is a founding partner at Pittsburgh-based ColdSpark, a political, public affairs and strategic consultancy. The Penn State graduate has provided expert counsel to candidates, associations, nonprofits and Fortune 500 companies, while his marketing campaigns have won numerous awards. His political experience includes directing the Republican Committee of Allegheny County and managing a gubernatorial campaign.<\/p>\n

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\n Errickson, Kaitlin<\/p>\n

Governmental Affairs Manager, PA Municipal League<\/p>\n

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\n PA Municipal League<\/p>\n

As the longtime government affairs manager for the PA Municipal League, Kaitlin Errickson advocates on behalf of the commonwealth\u2019s 2,500-plus municipalities. Most recently, she has helped local governments balance the explosion of data centers with municipal control and zoning authority; she has also championed efforts to modernize local tax systems, with revenue streams that reflect contemporary economies and sustain public services. The Pennsylvania native and Georgetown University graduate is a member of the PA Association for Government Relations.<\/p>\n

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\n Ficara, Christian<\/p>\n

Vice President, Government Affairs, Cresco Labs<\/p>\n

Christian Ficara serves as vice president for government affairs at Cresco Labs, where he is known for driving major cannabis reforms. He played a central role in creating Pennsylvania\u2019s adult-use cannabis framework and helped secure bipartisan sponsorship for multiple bills in both the state House and Senate, including a measure establishing an independent regulatory authority to modernize the medical cannabis program. Considered one of the most effective voices in the regulated cannabis sector, he builds trusted relationships with lawmakers, regulators, veterans\u2019 groups, labor and social-equity partners.<\/p>\n

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\n Fitzsimmons, Kyle<\/p>\n

Vice President, Public Affairs, GSL Public Strategies Group<\/p>\n

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\n Stevens & Lee<\/p>\n

Kyle Fitzsimmons brings a quarter-century of experience in state government to his role heading public affairs at GSL Public Strategies Group in Harrisburg. Fitzsimmons has helped expand tax credit programs, establish the state\u2019s e-scooter pilot program and secure critical funding for public infrastructure and economic development projects. The Northeast Pennsylvania native began his career working in the state Senate.<\/p>\n

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\n Geeting, Jon<\/p>\n

Policy & Advocacy Director, Build Philly Now<\/p>\n

Proving that the hyper-local can be hyper-effective, Jon Geeting serves as policy and advocacy director for Build Philly Now, a policy organization devoted to improving the Philadelphia region. Geeting has a long record of grassroots advocacy in his hometown: He co-founded the Open Streets PHL campaign, a successful decade-old effort to pedestrianize key city streets, and has also directed engagement for Philadelphia 3.0, a political organization dedicated to increasing local civic involvement.<\/p>\n

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\n Grutza, Ron<\/p>\n

Senior Director, Government Affairs, Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs<\/p>\n

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Grutza, Ron
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For two decades, Ron Grutza has been a leading advocate for Pennsylvania\u2019s nearly 1,000 borough governments, championing initiatives ranging from infrastructure investment and public safety improvements to blight remediation. As senior director for government affairs at the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs, he spearheaded the comprehensive 2012 modernization of Pennsylvania\u2019s Borough Code; more recently, he successfully advocated for a measure raising compensation caps for borough officials \u2014 the first adjustment in decades. He is also a 20-year member of the State Blight Taskforce.<\/p>\n

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\n Harvard, Erin Dwyer<\/p>\n

Director, Public Affairs, General Building Contractors Association<\/p>\n

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Harvard, Erin Dwyer
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\n Theresa Regan Photography<\/p>\n

As director of public affairs for the General Building Contractors Association, Philadelphia native Erin Dwyer Harvard leads efforts to promote the trades through local school career fairs, online education and other outreach. She also manages the association\u2019s government and community relations, working closely with the administration of Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker to advance policies that increase housing production and expand union construction opportunities. Harvard holds degrees in political science and public policy from Temple University, where she now sits on the alumni board.<\/p>\n

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\n Hawkins, John<\/p>\n

President & CEO, Philadelphia Strategies Group<\/p>\n

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Hawkins, John
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\n Flicker + Elm Photography<\/p>\n

Deeply embedded in Philadelphia, John Hawkins leads the Philadelphia Strategies Group, a government relations firm known for its relationships in City Hall and around the region. Hawkins previously led city relations at Philadelphia\u2019s Wojdak & Associates. After earning degrees from the University of Pennsylvania, including a master\u2019s of government administration, he worked for the Committee of Seventy and as a legislative aide at City Council and the Pennsylvania Senate.<\/p>\n

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\n Kockler, Kim<\/p>\n

Senior Vice President, Government Affairs, Independence Blue Cross<\/p>\n

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For the past dozen years, Kim Kockler has led Pennsylvania and New Jersey state legislative advocacy at Independence Blue Cross, where she is now senior vice president of government affairs. She recently represented the company at a national healthcare conference and mentored industry colleagues with the AHIP Executive Leadership program. Having begun her career working in the Pennsylvania legislature, she has since guided government affairs for Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania and directed the Managed Care Association of Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n

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\n Kopko, Kyle<\/p>\n

Executive Director, County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania<\/p>\n

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Kopko, Kyle
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\n Elizabeth Goedkoop<\/p>\n

As executive director of the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania, Kyle Kopko serves as the voice for Pennsylvania\u2019s 67 counties. He is currently working on policy around sustainable funding for 911 and county emergency response centers and identifying strategies to mitigate the effects of future budget impasses. Kopko, an attorney and onetime political science professor and academic dean at Elizabethtown College, previously helmed the Center for Rural Pennsylvania and served as last year\u2019s inaugural chair of the Pennsylvania Rural Population Revitalization Commission.<\/p>\n

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\n Koutsiouroumbas, Athan<\/p>\n

Managing Director, Southeast Office, Long Nyquist & Associates<\/p>\n

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Koutsiouroumbas, Athan
\n \/
\n Provided<\/p>\n

The man behind one of X\u2019s largest accounts covering Pennsylvania politics is Athan Koutsiouroumbas, a Havertown-bred Villanova graduate and rabid Philadelphia sports fan who serves as managing director for Long Nyquist\u2019s Southeast office. He specializes in highly regulated industries like cannabis, energy and higher education, recently obtaining millions in public financing for Villanova and Cristo Rey High School. A columnist for Real Clear Politics and a frequent commentator on Pennsylvania media outlets, he also created Frankly.app, a platform where constituents share thoughts with policymakers.<\/p>\n

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\n Kratz, Nick<\/p>\n

Vice President, Government Relations, Pennsylvania Advocates & Resources for Autism & Intellectual Disabilities<\/p>\n

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Kratz, Nick
\n \/
\n Max Barkley<\/p>\n

Passionate about inclusion and systems change, Nick Kratz galvanizes state advocacy on behalf of Pennsylvania Advocates & Resources for Autism & Intellectual Disabilities, where he leads government relations. In this role, he works to ensure the disability community is heard at every level of government and advances state-level policy solutions that improve access to services. He is also the youth camp director at Highland Park Campmeeting in Sellersville.<\/p>\n

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\n Kralle, Dave<\/p>\n

Vice President, Public Affairs, Essential Utilities<\/p>\n

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Kralle, Dave
\n \/
\n Essential Utilities, Inc.<\/p>\n

Since 2015, Dave Kralle has played a key role in the growth of Essential Utilities, where he currently manages public affairs, including legislative advocacy and the Essential Foundation. Notably, he led communications strategy around Essential Utilities\u2019 planned merger with American Water and oversaw the company\u2019s most-successful-ever United Way campaign; he also advanced measures around utility transactions, lead-line replacement and PFAS treatment funding. He previously served as the CEO\u2019s chief of staff and in roles with the state House of Representatives and Philadelphia City Council.<\/p>\n

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\n Lesher, Neal<\/p>\n

Director, Government Affairs, PA Chamber of Business and Industry<\/p>\n

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Lesher, Neal
\n \/
\n PA Chamber<\/p>\n

Championing the commonwealth\u2019s industry is Neal Lesher, who since 2022 has directed government affairs for the PA Chamber of Business and Industry. As the organization\u2019s lead lobbyist on tax issues, he has worked to improve the tax appeals process, modernize Pennsylvania\u2019s treatment of net operating losses and promote a favorable business tax climate. Prior to this role, the Central Pennsylvania native held senior leadership positions with the state House of Representatives and served as legislative director for the Governor\u2019s Budget Office.<\/p>\n

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\n Levins, Katherine<\/p>\n

Vice President, Public Policy & Government Affairs, Temple University Health System<\/p>\n

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Levins, Katherine
\n \/
\n Temple Health<\/p>\n

As chief advocacy officer for the $3.3 billion Temple University Health System, a leading regional employer and economic catalyst, Katherine Levins works with federal, state and local officials to sustain both high-quality healthcare in Southeastern Pennsylvania and the medical education pipeline that trains the next generation. She recently secured critical government funding to establish the new Temple Hospital for Women and Families, develop a premier behavioral health Crisis Response Center and expand infusion services at Fox Chase Cancer Center.<\/p>\n

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\n Lynch, Blake<\/p>\n

Member, One+ Strategies<\/p>\n

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Lynch, Blake
\n \/
\n Lacey Labs<\/p>\n

At One+ Strategies, Blake Lynch advances community priorities in collaboration with stakeholders in education, labor, healthcare and other sectors. Most recently, he has led statewide strategy for Goodwill Keystone, advocated for worker protections alongside the Eastern Atlantic States Carpenters Union and worked to bring the state\u2019s largest military airshow back to his native Central Pennsylvania. He previously served as chief impact officer at WITF Public Media, as spokesperson for the City of Harrisburg and as a Democratic political analyst for commonwealth news outlets.<\/p>\n

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\n Marrara, Carl<\/p>\n

Executive Director, PA Manufacturers\u2019 Association<\/p>\n

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Marrara, Carl
\n \/
\n Roger Baumgarten, Roger That Photography<\/p>\n

The commonwealth\u2019s goods producers have a champion in Carl Marrara, who joined the PA Manufacturers\u2019 Association 13 years ago and is currently its executive director, with responsibility for government and external affairs. He scored a recent win by throwing the association\u2019s support behind the successful effort to get Pennsylvania out of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, and has also published major economic impact analyses aimed at crafting strategies to attract major investments in Pennsylvania. He also oversees the association\u2019s affiliated political action committee.<\/p>\n

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\n Martin, Megan<\/p>\n

COO & General Counsel, Commonwealth Foundation<\/p>\n

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Martin, Megan
\n \/
\n Abbey Haslam<\/p>\n

At the Commonwealth Foundation, Pennsylvania\u2019s free\u2011market think tank, COO Megan Martin\u2019s expertise has shaped everything from finance and legal strategy (she also serves as general counsel) to government and public affairs. She draws on a career spanning all three branches of state government, the U.S. Navy and academia, including leadership roles with the PA Chamber of Business and Industry. Most recently, her operational reforms prompted the Central Penn Business Journal to rank Commonwealth Foundation among 2025\u2019s Top 25 Best Places to Work.<\/p>\n

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\n Molchany, Erin<\/p>\n

Senior Advisor, Government Relations, Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney<\/p>\n

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Molchany, Erin
\n \/
\n Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney<\/p>\n

Erin Molchany brings experience in all three branches of state government to Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, where she is a senior government relations advisor and recently advocated to remove a financial aid barrier affecting nontraditional students. She represented Pittsburgh in the state House of Representatives in 2013-14, championing Pennsylvania\u2019s 2014 Transportation Infrastructure bill and the rollout of the Affordable Care Act. She has also held leadership roles with the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the administration of then-Gov. Tom Wolf and Planned Parenthood of Western PA.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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\n Neurohr, John<\/p>\n

Partner, Clear Point Communications<\/p>\n

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Neurohr, John
\n \/
\n Provided<\/p>\n

John Neurohr brings extensive experience in national and state-level policy to Clear Point Communications, where he is a partner and vice president. He has led communications for organizations including America Votes, the Center for American Progress, the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center and Keystone Research Center. Most recently, he helped secure historic investments in K-12 public education in partnership with the PA Schools Work campaign, and led successful efforts to expand Pennsylvania\u2019s property tax and rent rebate program on behalf of a statewide advocacy organization.<\/p>\n

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\n Perkins, Bret<\/p>\n

Senior Vice President, External & Government Affairs, Comcast<\/p>\n

Over a quarter-century at Comcast, Bret Perkins has cultivated a favorable climate that has helped more than double the Philadelphia-based telecommunications firm\u2019s market presence. As senior vice president for external and government affairs, he leads public strategy for the country\u2019s largest broadband and cable services provider and played a key role in launching Comcast\u2019s internet access program for low-income Americans. His civic commitments include serving as a director of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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\n Quinnan, Chuck<\/p>\n

Senior Vice President & Chief Government Affairs Officer, LeadingAge PA<\/p>\n

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Quinnan, Chuck
\n \/
\n James T. Giffen Photography<\/p>\n

Chuck Quinnan has led government affairs at LeadingAge PA since 2022, where he is senior vice president. On behalf of 400-plus members and the Pennsylvanians they serve, he has championed state-level legislation to address workforce shortages, educated lawmakers on nursing homes\u2019 need for better Medicaid funding and promoted a measure to support seniors aging at home. A veteran of the administration of then-Gov. Tom Wolf, Quinnan was appointed by Gov. Josh Shapiro in 2024 to the Pennsylvania Long-Term Care Council.<\/p>\n

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\n Rayman, Luke<\/p>\n

Advocacy Manager, Alzheimer\u2019s Association, Greater Pennsylvania Chapter<\/p>\n

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Rayman, Luke
\n \/
\n National Event Pix<\/p>\n

Since 2023, Luke Rayman has championed Pennsylvanians affected by Alzheimer\u2019s and other dementias as an advocacy manager for the Alzheimer\u2019s Association, Greater Pennsylvania Chapter. In this role, he leads grassroots advocacy, collaborates with elected officials and advances policies that bolster healthcare, support services and research funding. In 2025, he led the team recognized by the Alzheimer\u2019s Impact Movement as the Alzheimer\u2019s Congressional Team of the Year, and he secured federal co-sponsorships for several successful legislative packages aimed at improving Alzheimer\u2019s and dementia response.<\/p>\n

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\n Reed, Eric<\/p>\n

Vice President, Public Policy & State Government Affairs, PA-DE-OH-MN & WI Region, Verizon<\/p>\n

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Reed, Eric
\n \/
\n Eric Fitzgerald Reed, Verizon<\/p>\n

As of last year, Eric Fitzgerald Reed oversees Verizon\u2019s public policy and state government affairs throughout a five-state region stretching from Pennsylvania to Minnesota and Wisconsin. In the role, he leads the company\u2019s outreach to an array of corporate, public-sector and community-based stakeholders and advances a state and local policy agenda. Under his leadership, Verizon \u2013 which was provisionally awarded nearly $120 million in state funding for broadband expansion across the commonwealth \u2013 is finishing its installation of broadband internet at the City of Philadelphia recreation centers.<\/p>\n

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\n Richards, Mark<\/p>\n

Senior Associate, Wojdak Government Relations<\/p>\n

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Richards, Mark
\n \/
\n Wojdak<\/p>\n

Lancaster County native Mark Richards brings more than 20 years of experience to Wojdak Government Relations, where he serves as a senior associate. He is known for his results across a range of policy areas, including law enforcement, human services, environmental issues and biotechnology; most recently, he secured state funding for a Pennsylvania university\u2019s new healthcare training facility. His background includes leadership roles with the National Federation of Independent Business, the Pennsylvania Forest Products Association and the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce and Industry.<\/p>\n

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\n Rindfuss, Olivia<\/p>\n

Vice President, Government Relations, Triad Strategies<\/p>\n

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Rindfuss, Olivia
\n \/
\n Source Creative House<\/p>\n

As government affairs chief at Triad Strategies, Olivia Edwards Rindfuss leads legislative, regulatory and advocacy campaigns for clients ranging from Fortune 100 companies to nonprofits and labor unions. Most recently, she secured critical state funding to upgrade Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania facilities and spearheaded a bipartisan 2024 campaign to expand first-responder workers\u2019 compensation. She began her career in the U.S. Congress and the Pennsylvania legislature and is a former president of Harrisburg Young Professionals.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

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\n Ritson, Rob<\/p>\n

Senior Director, Government Affairs, UPMC<\/p>\n

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Ritson, Rob
\n \/
\n PA Senate<\/p>\n

UPMC\u2019s government affairs are in the capable hands of Rob Ritson, whose 30 years of public administration experience span county, municipal, and state government. He previously served 17 years as chief of staff to Kim Ward, the current state Senate president pro tempore \u2013 a role that thrust him into pivotal roles in the 2021 Pennsylvania legislative redistricting efforts, state budget negotiations and a $200 million COVID-relief program for hospital staff and frontline workers. He also facilitated the allocation and disbursement of over $750 million between 2021 and 2025.<\/p>\n

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\n Rooney, T.J. <\/p>\n

Co-Founder & Senior Partner; Founder & President, Rooney Novak Isenhour, Tristate Strategies PA<\/p>\n

Few political strategists can claim a client list with as many boldface names as T.J. Rooney, a Harrisburg fixture who has advised candidates like Barack Obama, John Kerry and Hillary Clinton. Rooney himself served seven terms in the Pennsylvania House and has headed both the Pennsylvania Democratic Party and the Pennsylvania Electoral College. He is the founder of two bipartisan consultancies \u2013 Rooney Novak Isenhour Group, where he is a senior partner, and Tri State Strategies PA, of which he is president.<\/p>\n

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\n Sharp, Andrew<\/p>\n

Senior Director, Government & Regulatory Affairs, Penn Medicine<\/p>\n

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Sharp, Andrew
\n \/
\n Penn Medicine<\/p>\n

Andrew Sharp leads advocacy and regulatory strategy in Harrisburg, Trenton, and Wilmington for Penn Medicine, which includes the University of Pennsylvania Health System and the Perelman School of Medicine. Drawing on deep industry expertise and strong bipartisan relationships across government, he helps shape policy on issues ranging from healthcare access and hospital regulation to behavioral health. A veteran of Gov. Tom Wolf\u2019s administration, Sharp also served on the transition teams for Attorney General Dave Sunday and Gov. Josh Shapiro.<\/p>\n

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\n Shurr, Brittney Baker<\/p>\n

Government Affairs Specialist, McNees Government Relations<\/p>\n

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Shurr, Brittney Baker
\n \/
\n McNees GR<\/p>\n

Brittney Baker Shurr joined McNees Government Relations in 2024 and has seen her role expand from municipal and county-level government relations to include state lobbying efforts. As government affairs specialist, she leverages bipartisan relationships and deep regional knowledge to anticipate policy trends, resolve complex regulatory challenges and advance community and economic growth. The Berks County native began her career working for then-Gov. Tom Corbett and has directed government affairs and public policy for the Greater Philadelphia Association of Realtors.<\/p>\n

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\n Statler, Jennifer<\/p>\n

Assistant Director, Government Relations, Pennsylvania State Education Association<\/p>\n

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Statler, Jennifer
\n \/
\n Erica Garcia<\/p>\n

Over a 22-year career, Jennifer Statler has elevated educators\u2019 voices through strategic advocacy on behalf of the Pennsylvania State Education Association. Currently assistant director for government relations, she oversees grassroots initiatives such as a program connecting PSEA members with elected officials; she also works with the National Education Association and Pennsylvania\u2019s congressional delegation to advance public education priorities in Congress. A veteran of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Republican Caucus, she supports the association\u2019s electoral priorities, mobilizing members in key elections across the state.<\/p>\n

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\n Stefan, Michael<\/p>\n

Vice President, Government & Community Relations, Penn State University<\/p>\n

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Stefan, Michael
\n \/
\n Patrick Mansell<\/p>\n

A Penn State lobbying fixture since 2017, Michael Stefan currently serves as vice president for government and community relations for the academic powerhouse. He is currently co-leading Penn State\u2019s campus consolidation strategy and working with peer institutions and state lawmakers on a performance-based funding formula, included in the 2025-26 budget. Stefan\u2019s two-decade career includes roles with the state Department of Labor and Industry and the Office of Attorney General, as well as stints with the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO and the PA House Democratic Campaign Committee.<\/p>\n

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\n Stevens, Ryan<\/p>\n

Director, Government Affairs, Duane Morris Government Strategies<\/p>\n

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Stevens, Ryan
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\n Provided<\/p>\n

At Duane Morris Government Strategies\u2019 Harrisburg office, Director of Government Affairs Ryan Stevens leads the firm\u2019s client-focused Pennsylvania lobbying and legislative strategy. In the past year, he has championed measures to bolster the nonprofit sector, secured key legislative amendments and, in early 2025, served on Attorney General Dave Sunday\u2019s transition team. Having begun his political career on the East Stroudsburg School Board \u2013 Monroe County\u2019s youngest-ever elected official at the time \u2013 he currently serves on the Board of Directors for both the Pennsylvania Association for Government Relations (PAGR) and the State Government Affairs Council (SGAC).<\/p>\n

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\n Surra, Andy<\/p>\n

Associate, Malady & Wooten<\/p>\n

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Surra, Andy
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\n Provided<\/p>\n

Over a decade at Malady & Wooten, Andy Surra has successfully represented an array of clients before state government, with a focus on public transportation, economic development, education and procurement. Recently, he led a collaborative effort against the privatization of the Medical Assistance Transportation Program, which saved public transportation systems millions of dollars annually, and helped secure new state funding for nutrition programs on behalf of the nonprofit Sharing Excess. He previously served as a senior staffer to the Pennsylvania House Democratic leadership.<\/p>\n

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\n Walsh, Dennis<\/p>\n

President, Government Relations, Bravo Group<\/p>\n

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Walsh, Dennis
\n \/
\n Bill Spinner<\/p>\n

Over two decades leading government relations at the Bravo Group, Dennis Walsh has helped advance landmark legislation, including the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Clean Indoor Air Act. Most recently, he helped secure a $50 million increase in state funding for economically disadvantaged schools and additional funding for a nutrition program for SNAP beneficiaries. A veteran of roles with the state Senate and the Governor\u2019s Office, he currently serves as president of the Bravo Foundation.<\/p>\n

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\n Ward, Tim<\/p>\n

Vice President, Government Relations, Pennsylvania Bankers Association<\/p>\n

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Ward, Tim
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\n Kate Greenawalt Photography<\/p>\n

For the past year, Tim Ward has headed government relations for the Pennsylvania Bankers Association, coordinating lobbying and legislative activity in Harrisburg. He is currently leading a collaborative effort to secure legislation that helps banks prevent elder financial exploitation \u2013 an issue of particular concern in the aging commonwealth. Previously, the Montgomery County native and Temple University graduate directed government relations for the Pennsylvania Health Care Association, served as chief of staff for a state representative and managed campaigns for state legislature candidates.<\/p>\n

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\n Warfel, Mike<\/p>\n

Senior Vice President, Government Affairs, Highmark<\/p>\n

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Warfel, Mike
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\n Highmark<\/p>\n

Last year, Central Penn Business Journal named Michael Warfel, Highmark\u2019s senior vice president of government affairs, as a 2025 Health Care Heroes recipient, recognizing his contributions to improving the region\u2019s healthcare over 30 years at the now-$20 billion health system. He first joined the company\u2019s government affairs team in 1995 and, in both Harrisburg and Washington, has consistently championed legislation favoring healthcare access and innovation. He has also kept Highmark\u2019s community informed through the weekly Capitol Hill Report, his team\u2019s roundup of health policy news.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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\n Washo, Kevin<\/p>\n

Senior Vice Chancellor, External Relations, University of Pittsburgh<\/p>\n

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Washo, Kevin
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\n Brian Cohen<\/p>\n

At the University of Pittsburgh, Kevin Washo serves as senior vice chancellor for external relations, with responsibilities including government outreach, fundraising, relationships with Pitt\u2019s 350,000+ alumni, community partnerships, and marketing and communications. A Scranton native and Pitt alum, he returned in 2017 as chief of staff to the chancellor. His accomplishments include developing and implementing a comprehensive brand platform that significantly elevated the university\u2019s national reputation and chairing a committee that established Pennsylvania\u2019s State Board of Higher Education.<\/p>\n

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\n Wechsler, Aimee<\/p>\n

Director, Government Affairs, The\u202fWright\u202fCenters\u202ffor\u202fCommunity\u202fHealth\u202f&\u202fGraduate\u202fMedical\u202fEducation<\/p>\n

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Wechsler, Aimee
\n \/
\n Ryan McAndrew<\/p>\n

As director of government affairs for the\u202fWright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education, Aimee Wechsler advances public health policy through strategic partnerships and advocacy for initiatives that strengthen community health centers, promote public health and expand access to care. During her tenure, the Wright Centers earned Gold-Level Advocacy Center recognition from the National Association of Community Health Centers and secured $2.2 million in public funding to expand patient access. Her career includes senior roles with then-Gov. Tom Wolf and then-U.S. Sen. Bob Casey.<\/p>\n

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\n Young, Jonathan<\/p>\n

Political Director, Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters<\/p>\n

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Young, Jonathan
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\n Camden County Democratic Committee<\/p>\n

Jonathan Young serves as political director for the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, a division of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters, where he is a 30-year member. He has also championed vocational trade education in his decade-long role as a Camden County, New Jersey commissioner and as a member of the Camden County Technical Schools Advisory Committee. The Darby Township native, previously a council representative for the EASRCC, is a longtime advocate for fair wages, labor standards and workforce development.<\/p>\n

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