Power List
The Top 50 Pennsylvania Lobbyists 2022
The leading government relations firms in the state, ranked by revenue.
Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex panorama Harrisburg PA Piagm/Getty Images
Presented By
Welcome to the first annual City & State PA roundup of the most influential firms working to help their clients navigate through the labyrinthine ways of governmental agencies, regulatory practices, political committees, elected officials and more.
The government affairs professionals highlighted below have been selected through the application of a number of criteria, including data provided by the Pennsylvania Department of State, independent research, self-reporting and client lists, among other considerations. Where appropriate, we have combined lobbying entities that are part of the same corporate family.
As with all of our lists, this one is sure to generate plenty of debate over who ranked where, who made it and who didn’t. Let us know what you think we got right – and wrong – by emailing lists@cityandstatepa.com.
Here are Pennsylvania’s Top 50 Lobbyists in 2022.
1. Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney
Key industries: Transportation, energy and infrastructure, health care, technology, financial services, education
Notable clients: UPMC, Argo AI, City of Philadelphia, Wexford Science & Technology LLC, EQT
Other key employees: This team brings a wealth of experience and expertise at all levels of government from a variety of public policy positions including: former cabinet and senior staff from a multitude of gubernatorial administrations, a former chief of staff to a governor, former members of the House of Representatives, a former Secretary of the Commonwealth, a former Public Utility Commissioner and former senior staff from the Pennsylvania House and Senate, as well as U.S. Congress.
Company news: As Pennsylvania continues to address important legislative and policy matters that impact its client base, Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney consistently grows their team in multiple Pennsylvania offices. The firm’s four top industry teams – Energy/Infrastructure, Financial Services, Health Care and Life Sciences – help facilitate and promote the identification of opportunities in those areas, in addition to providing strategic solutions for clients.
Biggest achievement: Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney clients range from small businesses to large corporations, school districts, municipalities, cultural organizations and the nonprofit sector, with many playing a role as economic drivers for growth in Pennsylvania. The bipartisan team contributed successfully to the efforts to reduce Pennsylvania’s corporate net income tax, which was the second highest in the nation; assisted the City of Philadelphia in its efforts to extend the Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority, which provides fiscal oversight of the City; and secures millions of dollars in funding for numerous cultural, education and nonprofit and clients.
2. Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies
Key industries: Banking and financial services, construction and real estate, cannabis, nonprofits and associations, higher education
Notable clients: Bank of America, United States Golf Association, UPS, REFORM Action Fund, Philadelphia Zoo, Dick’s Sporting Goods
Other key employees: Mark Alderman, David Bonsick, Beth Brennan, Sam Denisco, Kevin Kerr, Brianna Westbrooks
Company news: The Pennsylvania lobbying team expanded with the addition of Sam Denisco, who formerly served as the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry’s chief lobbyist and vice president. Brianna Westbrooks, the team’s Policy Advisor, was named one of Philadelphia’s Forty Under 40 By City & State Pennsylvania. The team also launched several weekly publications to keep clients up to date on policy and political developments at the federal, state and local government levels.
Biggest achievement: Notable successes include helping to secure $15+ million in capital dollars to support critical economic development projects throughout the commonwealth; assisting with the selection of Oakmont Country Club as the USGA’s second U.S. Open anchor site; and leading advocacy for the passage of critical legislation such as data center tax exemption, an interstate nurse licensure compact bill and an increase in the film production tax credit program.
3. Triad Strategies
Key industries: Energy, health care, IT/technology, building trades, tourism, economic development
Notable clients: Cisco, Independence Blue Cross, Pocono Raceway, Columbia Gas/NiSource, Rush Street Gaming
Other key employees: Mike Acker, Olivia Edwards Rindfuss, Yvonne Roberts, Brendan Schubert
Company news: Recent Triad clients include: American Public Gardens Association, Cody Systems, Computer Aid, Inc., Help at Home, LLC, Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority, Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees and Select Medical. To help take care of so many new clients, the firm has recently hired Savannah Beeler, Noah Logan, Charles Oberdick and Sarah Spotts, and promoted Brendan Schubert to vice president of economic development.
Biggest achievement: Triad had the opportunity to advocate on behalf of several clients who are making an impact in their communities through various economic development projects. Their clients received nearly $18 million in grants awarded by the commonwealth that will train the next generation of skilled labor, expand access to health care, increase tourism, improve aging infrastructure and provide revitalization to blighted neighborhoods. Projects like these have a ripple effect in local economies.
4. Malady & Wooten
Key industries: Health care, energy, transportation, education, telecommunications
Notable clients: Merakey, Pennsylvania Life Providers Alliance, Highmark, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM), Ayr Wellness
Other key employees: Lisa Dishong, Nicole Fidler, Dennis Giorno, PJ Lavelle, Micki Leininger, Drew Lyons, John Malady, Jodie Stuck, Andy Surra
Company news: Over the past year, the team at Malady Wooten has continued to grow. Their dedicated lobbyists represent a large and diverse group of clients before the state government.
Biggest achievement: The firm has focused on serving clients by collaborating with them throughout the process, working to understand the issues of critical importance to each client to achieve the best outcome. This is particularly true when serving clients in the complex world of health and human services, which constantly sees new technologies and interactions between various health care services. The team has extensive experience navigating these intricate systems through their representation of service providers, entities creating new and innovative treatments, medical marijuana companies and those trusted with caring for the commonwealth’s most vulnerable residents.
5. Long, Nyquist & Associates
Key industries: Health care, utilities, education, skill games, energy
Notable clients: American Independent Colleges and Universities of PA, Independence Blue Cross, Comcast, Pennsylvania Health Care Association, Pace-O-Matic
Other key employees: Athan Koutsiouroumbas, Casey Long, John Gower, Haley Bova, Ben Wren, Bill Bova, Mike Barley
Company news: Long Nyquist and Associates was named as one of the fastest-growing companies in Central Pennsylvania by the Central PA Business Journal.
Biggest achievement: Long Nyquist worked with the staff and members of AICUP to increase the Ready to Succeed college scholarship program – which helps working families – by 333%, from $5 million to $24 million. The team also worked with staff and members of PHCA to increase long-term care state funding by $515 million – one of the largest increases for any program in the state budget.
6. Pugliese Associates
Key industries: Economic development, education, providers serving the intellectual disabilities community, renewable energy
Notable clients: University of Pittsburgh, UnitedHealth Group, Tesla, City Center Allentown, Peron Development LLC, Lehigh Valley Health System, Local Development Districts of Pennsylvania, Stride
Other key employees: Megan Milford, Colette Al-Qaadir, Shabri Banks
Company news: The firm gained new clients including Philadelphia Housing Authority, Divert, Philadelphia Parking Authority, Prominent Games, Case New Holland, The Provider Alliance and REV Renewables.
Biggest achievement: Achievements include the University of Pittsburgh receiving its non-preferred appropriations in this fiscal year, wins for clients in the second 2021 RCAP round and grant funding for vital projects. Additionally, the firm worked with Sen. Yudichak, Rep. Heffley and Senate and House caucus leaders to pass SB 635 (Act 43) before the summer recess. The legislation would establish a property-assessed clean energy program in the commonwealth to ensure that owners of agricultural, commercial and industrial properties can obtain low-cost, long-term financing for energy efficiency, indoor air quality, resiliency improvement, water conservation and renewable energy projects.
7. Bravo Group
Key industries: Health care, energy
Notable clients: Amazon, Citizens Against Nuclear Bailouts, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Comcast
Other key employees: Brian Abela, Lauren Barr, Anne Hart
Biggest achievement: Bravo’s proudest achievement this year was the enactment of legislation creating parity in taxation and insurance standards for consumers between peer-to-peer car rental platforms and the rental car industry.
8. S.R. Wojdak & Associates
Key industries: Public safety, economic development, health care, technology, appropriations
Notable clients: PA State Troopers Association, Ben Franklin Technology Partners, Thomas Jefferson University Health System, Microsoft, High Industries
Other key employees: Wendy Hoover, Mike Lane, Mark Richards, Shannon Waterman Dawson, Andrew Wigglesworth, Molly Furlong, Jordan Furhman
Company news: WGR added two new hires, Molly Furlong and Jordan Furhman, and a new affiliation with former commonwealth Chief Technology Officer Sean Crager. Furlong and Furhman will specialize in economic development programming and legislative research, while Crager will assist the Firm’s information technology clients as they navigate the evolving needs of an ever-changing and modernizing state government.
Biggest achievement: WGR secured and increased funding for the Nurse Family Partnership program, improving the immediate health and long-term socioeconomic outlook for new moms and their babies. First-time low-income mothers will receive services from visiting nurses, which improve not only physical and mental health, but economic and social outcomes over multiple generations. WGR navigated challenging political and bureaucratic waters in the lead-up to final budget negotiations and succeeded in maintaining NFP’s geographic footprint and programming, as well as expanding services to families across the commonwealth.
9. K&L Gates
Key industries: Manufacturing, energy production and electric generation, transportation, health care, retail
Notable clients: Chesapeake Energy, CSX Transportation, PhRMA, PPG, United States Steel
Other key employees: Rene Diehl, Tracy Lawless, Sam Miclot
Company news: K&L Gates was excited to have Sam Miclot join the Firm. Prior to joining K&L Gates, Sam served in various positions inside and outside of government, including as Chief of Staff to Rep. Eli Evankovich and as operator of his own private lobbying practice.
Biggest achievement: K&L Gates LLP led advocacy for and organized the effort to establish the Power PA Jobs Alliance. Power PA is a unique, broad-based coalition comprising organized labor and business leaders collectively opposed to the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) – a non-statutorily authorized carbon tax regulation on PA-based natural gas and coal-fired electric generation plants that is now being challenged in Pennsylvania courts by K&L Gates and other law firms.
10. Stevens & Lee
Key industries: Insurance, public utilities, health care, insurance, transportation
Notable clients: Public utilities, financial institutions, mortgage companies, consumer loan companies
Other key employees: Gene Barr, Shauna Boscaccy, Kyle Fitzsimmons, Robert Ghormoz, Elizabeth Russoli, Nicholas Soccio, Gregory Thall, Stephen Tuckey
Company news: Stevens & Lee’s government affairs specialists have deep and wide-ranging expertise in government finance, which allows the team to create win-win situations for their clients and the government officials with whom they interact.
Biggest achievement: Last month, Stevens & Lee’s GSL Government Consulting, LLC announced the launch of GSL Public Strategies Group and the formation of GSL Public Affairs and Communications, LLC to provide clients with consulting, government relations and corporate and crisis communications services.
11. McNees Strategic Solutions Group
Key industries: Health care, casino gaming/esports, energy, manufacturing, state funding/grant management resources
Notable clients: McNees Wallace considers all clients to be notable and provides the same level of service to each, regardless of size and scope.
Other key employees: Angie Mellott Armbrust, Natalie Cook
Company news: McNees Strategic Solutions Group continues to grow and progress as one of the leading government affairs firms in Pennsylvania. Over the last year, the firm has built an eclectic resume of clients who work in a wide range of industries and fields, and some of the most influential leaders in state government, including former Commonwealth Court Judge Drew Crompton, have joined the team. MSSG has also looked toward innovative new industries – through the course of the team’s work, the firm has elevated the discussion of esports as a viable industry in Pennsylvania, to the extent of bringing the emerging industry on par with other sporting events as a major economic development and tourism opportunity for the commonwealth.
Biggest achievement: MSSG has worked hard over the last year to grow its reputation as one of Pennsylvania’s leading government affairs firms. Its growth in clients and personnel has positioned the firm to provide clients with a seamless and complete government affairs strategy. Adding Drew Crompton to the MSSG team and providing a truly bipartisan, bicameral approach to government relations is the highlight of the last 12 months.
12. State Street Advisors
Key industries: Health care, economic development, energy and environment
Notable clients: CIGNA, Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund, Health Partners Plans, Lilly USA, National Association of Vision Care Plans, Pennsylvania Psychiatric Society
Other key employees: Richard W. Hayden, Jeffrey D. Sharp
Company news: Thanks to the experience of its team members, State Street Advisors is able to provide advice and expertise to its clients on a wide range of issues central to Pennsylvania.
13. Ballard Spahr
Key industries: Economic development, infrastructure and real estate, energy, gaming, life sciences, procurement
Notable clients: Constellation Energy Inc., Lockheed Martin, NBC Universal, Penn Entertainment, Inc., SAP Inc., Spark Therapeutics
Other key employees: Marcel Pratt, Ken Jarin, Katie Paisley
Biggest achievement: Using their extensive government sector experience and deep understanding of the commonwealth’s departments, agencies and regulatory processes, the members of Ballard Spahr’s Government Affairs and Public Policy Group successfully and effectively advised a variety of clients on navigating the new legal and political landscape that arose as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
14. Duane Morris Government Strategies
Key industries: Energy, economic development, health care, telecommunications, transportation
Other key employees: Kevin Busher, Ted Christian, Michael Pehur, Ryan Stevens, Tom Ellis
Biggest achievement: Duane Morris helped secure millions of dollars in state financial assistance for several clients in the business and nonprofit sectors. The firm also helped influence the development of key legislation in areas such as health care, regulatory matters and telecommunications – including the creation of the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority. The firm also assisted clients in navigating various state executive actions, regulations and laws aimed at addressing the COVID-19 pandemic.
15. Rooney Novak Isenhour
Key industries: Health care, technology, education, organic agriculture, data centers, veterans’ services, tourism
Notable clients: Longwood Gardens, Moore College of Art & Design, Green Fig Development, Acclaim, Pennhurst Holdings, Espoma
Other key employees: Agnes O’Toole, Susan Salerno
Company news: RNI continues to grow, and expects to announce a significant new member of the team in mid-September.
Biggest achievement: RNI earned credibility from both Republicans and Democrats in the legislature, as well as their clients, by advocating for projects and policies that prove beneficial across the aisle.
16. Greenlee Partners
Key industries: Health care, telecommunications, education, insurance
Notable clients: Capitol Blue Cross, CONSOL Energy, Verizon, Motorola Solutions
Other key employees: Matt Steck, Clint Cullison, Benjamin Dannels, Gina Gabel
Biggest achievement: Greenlee Partners takes pride in helping all of its clients successfully navigate the various levels of Pennsylvania government by facilitating communication between clients and government officials.
17. Novak Strategic Advisors
Key industries: Energy, health care, agriculture, gaming, retail
Notable clients: Shell, PENN Entertainment, Wistar Institute, Pennsylvania American Water, Professional Dairy Managers of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association, Rehabilitation and Community Providers Association
Other key employees: Alan Novak, Carrie Nace, Jack Phillips, Bernie Comfort, Lance Stange, Caroline Anderson, Agnes O’Toole
Company news: Novak Strategic Advisors is one of the fastest-growing government relations, public affairs and issue advocacy firms in Pennsylvania. In the past year, they’ve added Jack Phillips to the team as their director of government affairs; leading their growing health care division. In addition, Novak Strategic has promoted Bernie Comfort and Lance Stange to managing directors of public affairs. The firm has added several noteworthy clients, including Gemma Services, Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association and Rehabilitation and Community Providers Association.
Biggest achievement: The Novak Strategic team has continued its growth trend and has added seasoned government and public affairs professionals to service a variety of clients. Co-owners Dan Hayward and Angela Leopold took the past year to ensure that their operations are planted firmly at the intersection of government relations, public affairs and communications, guaranteeing that clients see a unique and comprehensive way in which advocacy should move the needle and bring legislative victories.
18. Wanner Associates
Key industries: Economic development, state and federal special funding, health care and human services, trade and construction, energy and environment
Notable clients: Pennsylvania Economic Development Association, Pennsylvania Propane Gas Association, Pennsylvania Optometric Association, SEPTA, Mechanical Trades Council
Company news: Wanner Associates offers clients a variety of services including lobbying, association management and conference and event planning. For several years, the firm has managed the Governor’s Occupational Safety and Health Conference. In 2021, the firm was contracted to assist the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry with its Workers Compensation Conference. It also provided project-related services to the Department of Health and the Department of Environmental Protection on behalf of a client.
Biggest achievement: In 2021, Gov. Tom Wolf approved SB 109, the first Act of the 2021-22 Legislative Session. Act 1 is a pandemic relief package, which, with the help of Wanner Associates on behalf of the Pennsylvania Economic Development Association, was amended with language for a $145 million Hospitality Industry Recovery Program to be managed by certified economic development organizations.
19. Shelly Lyons
Notable clients: PA Schools Work, UFCW Local 1776 Keystone State, The CLEAR Coalition, University of Pittsburgh, Parx Casino
Other key employees: Charlie Lyons, Peter Shelly, Danielle Gross, John Neurohr, Faith Curran
Company news: ShellyLyons added several new clients in the clean energy and environmental industries, expanded their role with a number of longtime clients, hired a new communications specialist, Kyle Rivers, and a new director of digital communications, Gina Pelusi. The firm also continued preparations for a company rebrand, to be unveiled in early 2023. Director of Communications Danielle Gross, a regularly cited political commentator on social media and in traditional media, expanded her role as a regular analyst for ABC27’s “This Week in Pennsylvania,” a weekly political show airing on stations across the commonwealth.
Biggest achievement: Peter Shelly and Charlie Lyons joined forces in 2011 to create what became ShellyLyons Public Affairs & Communications, which focuses on public advocacy, working with clients and their government relations professionals to supplement their ongoing direct lobbying. The firm’s clients had several big wins in the past year, including a historic investment in public education in the state budget, joining Pennsylvania to the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), maintaining critical state funding for state-related universities and expanding property tax rebates for seniors.
20. Ridge Policy Group
Key industries: Criminal justice reform, health care, energy
Notable clients: Energy Harbor, Alliance for Safety and Justice, Independence Blue Cross, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Leading Age PA
Other key employees: Jodi Ford Firestone, Aaron Dimick, Sydney Miller
Company news: In addition to bringing on a new associate, Sydney Miller, the firm this year relocated offices and is now located directly across from the state Capitol building.
Biggest achievement: After being delayed for two years, one as a result of the pandemic and one due to the former Governor’s recent stroke, this year the firm hosted a celebration of the 25th anniversary of former Governor Tom Ridge taking office alongside administration alumni and friends.
21. Versant Strategies
Key industries: Agriculture, rural, environmental, liquor, and pharmacy issues
Notable clients: Horizon Farm Credit, Wine Institute, Pennsylvania Pharmacy Association, Frecon Farms, Denali Water Solutions
Company news: Versant has expanded the economic development practice of the firm, especially since the pandemic has eased.
Biggest achievement: One of Versant’s biggest achievements over the past year has been helping clients identify and secure funding opportunities for business growth.
22. Stradley Ronan
Key industries: Energy, transportation, gaming, health care, communications
Notable clients: Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, AIM Academy, Delaware River Waterfront Corporation
Other key employees: William Sasso, Mark E. Chopko, Corey S.D. Norcross, Steven Davis
Company news: Stradley Ronon’s government and public affairs professionals focus on providing comprehensive, cost-effective services to their clients on everything from government relations to procurement, regulations and legislation.
23. Obermayer Rebmann Maxwell & Hippel
Key industries: Real estate, cannabis
Other key employees: Michael F. Eichert, Pauline W. Markey, Matthew S. Olesh
Company news: Obermayer’s government affairs team provides a wide range of services, from advocacy to advice, to its clients at all levels of government.
24. Philly Strategies
Key industries: Real estate development, technology
Notable clients: Building Industry Association, General Building Contractors Association, American Institute of Architects, Microsoft, Grubhub, Crown Castle
Company news: PSG has recently helped Microsoft win a long-term contract with the City of Philadelphia, helped bring a new car rental company to Philadelphia International Airport, helped bring new hybrid buses to SEPTA and increased a critical hospitality marketing funding source.
Biggest achievement: The firm is currently helping clients advocate for a more business-friendly City Council while assisting them in navigating Philadelphia’s mayoral election with its preponderance of exceptional candidates.
25. The DT Firm
Key industries: Civil justice, alcohol and tobacco, economic development and public funding association management, insurance and health care
Notable clients: Pennsylvania Association for Justice/Philadelphia Trial Lawyers, Altria Client Services, Pennsylvania Beer Alliance, Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants, Churchill Downs
Other key employees: Matthew Plummer, Carson Baker
Company news: In the last year, DT Firm Associate Jenna Earley has begun to fulfill back-end RACP implementation and reimbursement. This means that DT Firm clients can utilize the firm to write grant applications, advocate for the funding of their projects and advise clients as they go through the compliance process. The DT Firm indicates that adding this service has provided tremendous value to clients and streamlined a process that appears complicated even to veteran applicants.
Biggest achievement: Since 2021, The DT Firm has helped modernize physician assistant scope of practice laws that had not been updated since the 1980s; protect and expand the three-tier system on behalf of the state’s beer wholesalers; and successfully advocate for a $3,000,000 pilot program that funds app-based mental health in public middle and high schools.
26. Maverick Strategies
Key industries: Health care, technology, transportation, economic development, education reform and higher education
Notable clients: Uber, Pennsylvania Association of Nurse Anesthetists, University of Pennsylvania
Other key employees: Paul Costa
Company news: Maverick Strategies has continued steady growth and has used both traditional lobbying and public affairs to frame many of the arguments happening in the Capitol and deliver results for clients.
Biggest achievement: The firm secured a five-year extension for the TNC law that allows Uber and other transportation network companies to operate, and secured Penn Veterinary Hospital appropriation as part of the non-preferred bill.
27. Archer Public Affairs
Key industries: Transportation, public infrastructure, energy, workplace safety, tourism
Notable clients: National Safety Council, Pennsylvania One Call System, IGS Energy, AECOM, McCormick Taylor
Company news: Among the new clients coming to Archer in 2021 were Bicycle Coalition of Philadelphia, Reviver Digital License Plate, and Replica.
Biggest achievement: In 2021, one of Archer’s signature accomplishments included securing funding and moving legislation forward for workplace and highway safety.
28. DeBrunner & Associates
Key industries: Hospitals, biopharmaceuticals, long-term care, behavioral health, public health solutions
Notable clients: Acadia Healthcare, Accenture, Penn Medicine, Pfizer, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Other key employees: Ben DeBrunner, James Tomkins, Janel Gleeson
Company news: DeBrunner & Associates was proud to welcome new clients in behavioral health and drug and alcohol services, as well as in the biopharmaceutical and diagnostics industries.
Biggest achievement: In recent years the firm has scored a number of successes, including spearheading legislation to increase state funding for skilled nursing facilities that care for patients on ventilators, strengthening access to pharmaceutical treatments for rare diseases and developing innovative methodologies to improve Medicaid payments to safety-net hospitals.
29. J.M. Uliana & Associates
Key industries: Gaming, real estate, economic development, higher education, health care, sustainable energy
Notable clients: Diageo, Wind Creek Bethlehem, Majestic Realty, Senior LIFE, Holcim
Company news: The firm was retained by the Girls Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania.
Biggest achievement: The firm led the effort to create and secure the passage of the Airport Land Development Zone (ALDZ) program, which incentivizes development on vacant land and buildings owned by airports. With this designation, businesses that locate from another state to an ALDZ or that significantly expand operations and create jobs in a Pennsylvania ALDZ can receive a $2,100 a job tax credit for each net-new job they create in Pennsylvania each year for 10 years.
30. Bigley and Blikle
Key industries: Health care providers, energy generation, education, gaming, pharmaceutical
Notable clients: Talen Energy, Fresenius Kidney Care, Boyd Gaming, Pennsylvania Orthopaedic Society, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Other key employees: Nicholas Wachinski, Timothy Bittle
Company news: In 2021, Tim Bittle rejoined Bigley and Blikle, LLC after his stint with Pennsylvania’s largest natural gas processor. In addition, B&B welcomed new clients ASSET, Inc., a Pittsburgh-based nonprofit educator training entity, and Otsuka Pharmaceutical, a leader in breakthrough therapies in mental health, PTSD and Alzheimer’s Disease.
Biggest achievement: In addition to a myriad of offensive and defensive legislative victories on clients’ behalf and to securing federal grants of nearly $2 million for the Pennsylvania Orthopaedic Society and the Rothman Opioid Foundation, in the last two state budget cycles the B&B Team acquired more than $3.5 million in state appropriations or grants for various clients and obtained a multi-million dollar tax data center equipment sales and use tax exemption.
31. Gmerek Government Relations
Key industries: Gaming and casinos, telecommunications, technology, insurance, travel and tourism, energy industries
Notable clients: Parx Casino, Mohegan Sun Pocono, Nemacolin Woodlands, Pennsylvania AAA Federation, Comcast, Pennsylvania Independent Oil and Gas Association
Other key employees: Chris P. Lammando
32. Penn Strategies
Key industries: Small and mid-sized municipalities, real estate developers, hospitals, colleges, nonprofits
Notable clients: Perry County, Pocono Township (Monroe County), Tobyhanna Township (Monroe County), Jersey Shore Borough (Lycoming County), Catawissa Borough (Columbia County), Interstate Building Materials (Luzerne County)
Other key employees: Robin Van Auken, Maggie Ashworth Jones, Bridget Kane, Carol High, Alexandra Baker, Jan Ogurcak
Company news: Penn Strategies has added three new employees and has experienced significant growth over the last three years.
Biggest achievement: The firm submitted eight successful DCED RACP grants, totaling over $10,000,000, and wrote one of the largest PennDOT MTF’s in the commonwealth by securing $2,985,371.00 for the Tobyhanna Pocono Summit West Project. In total, the firm helped to secure nearly $40,000,000 in total grant funds for clients over the past year.
33. Cranmer Consultants
Key industries: Transportation, construction, engineering, nonprofits, public utilities
Notable clients: McKim & Creed
Other key employees: Claire Cranmer, Tim Murphy, Mulu Birru
Company news: This Pittsburgh-based firm applies its experience in municipal, county, statewide and federal government to advocate and assist its clients.
34. Allegheny Strategy Partners
Key industries: Energy, utilities, organized labor, commerce
Notable clients: Amazon, Aqua Pennsylvania, Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters
Other key employees: Christopher L. Petrone, William S. Dando, Megan R. Crompton
Company news: Allegheny Strategy Partners leverages the wealth of experience available throughout its team to provide clients with the right advice for everything from coalition-building and issue advocacy to business expansion and profile enhancement.
35. Arena Strategies
Key industries: Health care, economic development, medical cannabis, blockchain, transportation
Notable clients: Independence Blue Cross, Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia, Constellation Energy, Holistic Industries, WSP
Other key employees: Caroline Ehrenfeld, Priscilla Coblentz-Cohen
Company news: Arena Strategies has added the Pennsylvania Blockchain Coalition to their roster of clients, looking to help the emerging nonprofit organization get on its feet and become an industry powerhouse. Arena is also pleased to welcome Aqua Pennsylvania Inc., Essential Utilities and People’s Natural Gas Company LLC on board. The firm has been working diligently to foster an environment where these groups can grow to provide reliable services and economic opportunity to the commonwealth. The firm is also expanding to include new services, such as PAC management, customized to fit each organization’s needs. Whether reinventing an existing PAC or starting from the ground up, Arena Strategies manages PACs at the city, state and federal levels.
Biggest achievement: The firm worked on the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia’s Select Greater Philadelphia initiative, securing $3 million in funding from the last budget cycle. These new funds will allow Select Greater Philadelphia to develop an innovation strategy for the commonwealth that will provide resources to organizations that grow innovation, entrepreneurship and jobs.
36. Saxton & Stump
Key industries: Funeral homes, public utilities, transportation
Other key employees: Jason C. Benion, Kathy L. Pape, Andrew J. Reilly
Company news: This firm works with both public- and private-sector clients, helping them to connect with the right decision-makers at the right levels and to effectively navigate through the political and regulatory landscapes.
Biggest achievement: Saxton & Stump has worked with many of its clients throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, including to obtain approval and waivers from shutdown orders and to operate in a safe, legally compliant manner.
37. Next Generation Partners
Key industries: Health care, education, utilities, associations
Notable clients: Highmark, Moravian College, American Water, Pennsylvania Sheriffs’ Association
Company news: This Central Pennsylvania-based firm provides its services statewide thanks to multiple strategic business partners.
38. Keystone Strategic Advocacy
Key industries: Procurement, energy and environment, nonprofits, transportation
Notable clients: Keystone represents technology companies, nonprofit associations, regional health systems, local governments and numerous national and international companies.
Other key employees: Kimberly Contino, Emily J. White, Tom Simmons
Company news: Keystone Strategic Advocacy brings its expertise in many fields – including law, politics and policy – to bear when representing clients and helping them reach their goals and objectives.
39. Schafer Government Affairs
Key industries: Public utilities, gaming, education
Notable clients: PECO, Parx Casino, Commonwealth Strategic Partners, Peoples Natural Gas
Other key employees: Lauren Gutshall
Company news: Schafer Government Affairs offers its clients expertise in strategic government affairs, public affairs and communications, as well as procurement and regulatory affairs.
40. Entresol Strategies
Key industries: Energy, utilities, health care
Notable clients: Equitrans Midstream Corporation, Marathon Petroleum Company, PPL Electric Utilities, Biotechnology Innovation Organization, International Bottled Water Association
Company news: Since its establishment in July 2020, Entresol Strategies has been able to fill a critical niche: bespoke advocacy. Clients are looking for more personalized, dedicated representation; as a boutique government affairs practice, Entresol excels in this arena, providing top-notch customizable service.
Biggest achievement: During an unprecedented period of uncertainty from the pandemic to the ensuing economic decline, Entresol Strategies has proudly represented clients who advocate for lower energy costs and smarter energy shopping for consumers, as well as better access to prescription drugs for patients.
41. Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott
Key industries: Health care, automotive, insurance, trade associations
Notable clients: Pennsylvania Podiatric Medical Society, General Motors
Other key employees: David Mayernik
Company news: The Pennsylvania government affairs team for this firm, which has 15 offices in 11 states, will likely see an influx of new faces within the next year.
42. Capitol Strategies Group
Key industries: Associations and nonprofits, county governments, environmental services, health insurance, manufacturing
Notable clients: Caring People Alliance, Delaware County, Independence Blue Cross, Magnesita Refractories Co., Republic Services
Other key employees: Bill Plunkett
Company news: Among Capitol Strategies Group’s new clients in 2021: Pennsylvania Developers’ Council.
Biggest achievement: Capitol Strategies Group represented the Pennsylvania Developers’ Council and worked with other stakeholders to secure two appropriations totaling $250 million from the commonwealth to cover unexpectedly large increases in the cost of developing affordable housing, thereby allowing many already-approved projects to be completed. Those measures were complemented by legislative actions supporting rental housing and other initiatives to help families pay for home repairs. The firm created an advocacy plan and successfully built a coalition to achieve significant results by reaching across political, regional and bureaucratic boundaries.
43. SALVO Strategies
Key industries: Tech, energy, housing, transportation, manufacturing
Notable clients: Pennsylvania Health & Wellness, Aurora Innovation, Inc., ACTION-Housing, Inc., The Lindy Group, Inc., Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania
Company news: Salvo joined United States Steel Corporation's team of government relations consultants.
Biggest achievement: Protecting clients' interests during a contentious budget debate that ran past the deadline, helping to pass a landmark autonomous vehicles bill through the House and getting it primed for passage in the Senate.
44. JL Mann Consulting
Key industries: Education, health care, construction
Notable clients: Lehigh Valley Building Trades, Equinox, Good Shepherd, DeSales University
Company news: Jennifer Mann brings 25 years of experience and expertise in both the public and private sectors to best serve her team’s clients – and that range of service has only been expanded by a partnership with Triad Strategies.
45. Mercury
Key industries: Financial services, technology, health care, education, energy
Notable clients: Rock Central, Service Now, Simon Property Group, Crossroads Treatment, University of the Arts
Other key employees: Mo Butler, Brian Lanza, Karen Testa
Biggest achievement: Among recent accomplishments: Helping to secure grants and funding sources for clients; helping to secure high-level credentials for a health care client that allowed them to expand statewide; and numerous procurement opportunities from state and local governments.
46. Dentons Cohen & Grigsby Public Affairs
Key industries: Agriculture, nonprofits, economic development, cannabis
Other key employees: Andrew Paris
Company news: As part of the world’s largest law firm, the Pittsburgh-based public affairs team at Dentons Cohen & Grigsby has access to resources few other firms can match.
47. The Dezzi Group
Key industries: Human services, nonprofits, real estate development
Notable clients: Elwyn Incorporated, Air Communities, Independence Seaport Museum
Other key employees: Eleanor Dezzi
Biggest achievement: The firm has continued to support all of its clients through the pandemic and has partnered with them to sustain their businesses and employees through such challenging times.
48. La Torre Communications
Key industries: Public safety, health care, gaming and hospitality, nonprofits, banking
Notable clients: LeadingAge PA, Pennsylvania State Corrections Officers Association, Pennsylvania State Troopers Association
Company news: Among notable new clients to the firm: the Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association.
Biggest achievement: As a public affairs and public relations firm, La Torre was part of a team that helped their client LeadingAge PA, and Pennsylvania’s senior care industry at large, secure a 17.5% rate increase in direct aid to nursing homes – the first across-the-board Medicaid funding increase in nearly a decade.
49. Rittenhouse Consulting Group
Key industries: Commerce, construction, economic development, gaming
Other key employees: Nina Breslin
Company news: This Philadelphia-based firm focuses on helping clients via market research, evaluation of partnering services and working on solutions via troubleshooting.
50. Quantum Communications
Key industries: Energy, natural gas distribution, transportation, health care, criminal justice reform
Notable clients: UGI Utilities, American Conservative Union Foundation, Pennsylvania School Librarians Association, Associated Pennsylvania Constructors
Other key employees: Kevin Harley, Scott Sturach, Tyler Gnoza
Company news: Quantum Communications is a Harrisburg-based firm working in government affairs, strategic and crisis communications and issue advocacy. Additionally, the firm offers campaign and media consulting for Republican candidates. Quantum’s government affairs clients include those in the energy, transportation, health care, financial, tech, education and nonprofit sectors. Quantum hosts a monthly policy briefing in its Harrisburg office for clients and others featuring members of the state Senate and House as well as members of Congress and policy leaders. The briefing is a “must-attend” event for many in the political establishment.
NEXT STORY: The 2022 Pennsylvania Labor Power 100