Our Team

As Partner and Chair of the Energy and ESG Federal Practice at Michael Best, Tami assumes a pivotal role in assisting businesses and organizations in navigating and influencing the complexities of federal legislation and regulations. She excels in forging impactful strategic alliances and partnerships that support the client’s brand and business growth. Tami garners extensive expertise in bridging business goals and strategies with government policy in the areas of agriculture, food, nutrition, energy, and the environment.

Joe is a senior level strategist with significant statewide experience leading organizations and public relations efforts. He advises companies, nonprofits, and professional associations on public affairs and strategic communications matters.

Denise represents management clients in regard to labor and employment matters. Clients in sectors such as construction, transportation, manufacturing, healthcare, food, and education turn to her for informed guidance on matters involving Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) issues, including investigating, defending citations, and assisting with abatement.

As Chief Growth Officer (CGO), Susan collaborates closely with other firm leaders to chart a course for strategic growth, client service, and business development. She works across all activity areas within Michael Best, builds value-driven external partnerships, and manages the firm’s Strategic Plan.

Rob helps clients grow their businesses by identifying strategic opportunities and designing and implementing programs that achieve their goals. His work comprises a full range of services related to public policy strategy, including government relations, lobbying, strategic planning, and public relations.

Reince currently serves as the President of Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, a nationwide law firm with more than 260 attorneys. Prior to joining Michael Best, Reince was named White House Chief of Staff shortly after the 2016 Presidential campaign.

In his role as partner in Michael Best Strategies’ Washington, D.C. office, Tom utilizes his expertise in legislative and executive processes to advance client interests through development and implementation of political, legislative, and public affairs strategies.

As a partner with Michael Best Strategies, Kristine works with healthcare clients to optimize their business strategy, evaluate potential mergers and expansions, and discover alternate distribution and product strategies.

As Partner and Chair of the Energy and ESG Federal Practice at Michael Best, Tami assumes a pivotal role in assisting businesses and organizations in navigating and influencing the complexities of federal legislation and regulations. She excels in forging impactful strategic alliances and partnerships that support the client’s brand and business growth. Tami garners extensive expertise in bridging business goals and strategies with government policy in the areas of agriculture, food, nutrition, energy, and the environment.

Lucia is an experienced government relations professional with more than 10 years of experience effectively advocating for her clients on Capitol Hill. She helps clients develop and execute short- and long-term policy strategies to achieve their business objectives. Lucia’s areas of expertise include homeland security, defense, transportation, tax, immigration, workforce, education, healthcare, economic development, and appropriations.

Alex is a Principal with Michael Best Strategies. He helps clients build strategic relationships with policy makers in order to influence favorable outcomes.

In Erik’s three-decade career in the U.S. Army, the Pentagon, and on Capitol Hill, he served as a trusted advisor, strategist, connector, and leader. He brings a wealth of experience and insight to his role as a Partner with Michael Best Strategies. Most recently, Erik served as Special Assistant for Legislative Affairs to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during both the Trump and Biden Administrations. He was the principal advisor to the Chairman and Joint Staff for all Congress ...

Commissioner George P. Bush counsels business interests, public entities, and individuals alike on a range of complex matters that impact their growth prospects. His legal practice includes transactions in oil and gas, renewables, and commercial real estate; corporate governance and securities law; investment fund formation and compliance; administrative law, public-private partnerships, and economic development.

Brett Ewer is a seasoned government relations professional with a decade of experience in government relations, business strategy, public affairs, crisis communications, reputation management, and strategic communications.

Cory is a former U.S. Senator who honorably represented the state of Colorado from 2015 to 2021. During this time, he was selected to serve as the Chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee from 2017 to 2019. 

As a Partner on the Michael Best Strategies' federal government relations team with over ten years of experience, Sarah brings a strong legal background and understanding of where law and policy intersect.  

Steve is a former U.S. Congressman who represented the North Shore of Long Island and parts of Queens for 16 years (2001-2017). He served as Chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee from 2011 to 2015. In this role, Steve was the chief political strategist and lead architect of House of Representatives campaign strategies. He was responsible for overall development of competitive House campaigns across America. Steve was lauded for recruiting and electing the most diverse and entrepreneurial freshman congressional class in history. He developed a vast network of local, state, and federal officials throughout the nation, and is considered a leading expert in congressional dynamics.

As Managing Director, Tory manages Michael Best’s operations led by Reince Priebus, President and Chief Strategist. In her role, Tory coordinates client initiatives on Priebus’ behalf and supervises operations within the office of the President and Chief Strategist. She is also responsible for organizing inter-firm activities between Michael Best and Strategies.

Susan is one of the nation’s top political strategists and is President of Message Global, the public affairs firm she founded to advance civic campaigns, corporate advocacy, and philanthropy.

Reince currently serves as the President of Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, a nationwide law firm with more than 260 attorneys. Prior to joining Michael Best, Reince was named White House Chief of Staff shortly after the 2016 Presidential campaign.

Rachel is a Senior Policy Analyst with Michael Best Strategies. She conducts research and analysis, assists with communications related to key legislative, political, and regulatory issues, and performs daily operations to serve Michael Best Strategies’ clients. Prior to joining Strategies, Rachel worked at The Madison Group, a consulting firm in Washington, D.C., where she gained familiarity with the political process by attending Capitol Hill hearings, briefings, and regulatory pro ...

In his role as partner in Michael Best Strategies’ Washington, D.C. office, Tom utilizes his expertise in legislative and executive processes to advance client interests through development and implementation of political, legislative, and public affairs strategies.

Adam has significant experience working with the Wisconsin state and U.S. federal government on policy advocacy efforts on behalf of clients. Adam assists clients from all industry sectors, with a focus on healthcare and education.Most recently, Adam was Executive Director at the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services, where he provided leadership and policy guidance to the state's professional boards, coordinated statewide policy priorities, and oversaw the Wisconsin Presc ...
 

Jim brings considerable experience to his role with Michael Best Strategies. Prior to joining Strategies, he served as President and founder of Wisconsin-based Bender Consulting LLC.  Jim was a policy consultant, lobbyist, and public relations advisor to his clients on a range of issues, with an emphasis on education reform. He was instrumental in developing and advocating for many of the laws and policies that currently guide Wisconsin’s education reform programs across state statute ...

Josh is a Policy Advisor with Michael Best Strategies. He conducts research, assists with communications related to key legislative, political, and regulatory issues, and performs daily operations to serve Michael Best Strategies’ clients.Josh brings several years of political experience to his role. Before joining Strategies, he worked as Campaign Manager for Representative Jenny Willford of the Colorado General Assembly. Josh led all campaign operations including fundrais ...

Dan leads Michael Best Strategies’ bipartisan government relations, public affairs, and lobbying work throughout North Carolina. A former Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina, he also provides clients with strategic advice and counsel, tapping into his extensive experience and knowledge of North Carolina public policy and politics. During Dan’s eight-year tenure as Lieutenant Governor, he served as President of the North Carolina Senate, as Chairman of the Energy Policy Council, an ...

With 22 years of service in the Wisconsin State Legislature and a deep background in government relations, Mickey has the knowledge and skill to support clients in a wide range of policy and regulatory matters.

Pat is a Senior Advisor with Michael Best Strategies’ Government Relations team. Before joining Strategies, Pat formed Goss Ryan Consulting in 2021 after serving as Executive Director of the Wisconsin Transportation Builders Association from 2007 to 2021.  He served as executive vice president of the Wisconsin Asphalt Pavement Association (WAPA) from 2003 to 2007. He was the deputy secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation prior to joining WAPA and worked for Govern ...

Aaron leverages his background and connections in Illinois state government to help clients further their business objectives. Before joining Michael Best Strategies, he held influential positions in Illinois’ Office of the Governor, Department of Juvenile Justice, and State Police.

With 12 years as an elected State Representative of the 84th District in the Wisconsin State Assembly, Michael has the expertise to support environmental, agricultural, and energy-related initiatives. Michael leverages his significant experience as a subject matter expert in the energy and utilities industry to advocate for pro-business policies and strategic, economic opportunities. 

As a Senior Policy Advisor for Michael Best Strategies, Jon assists the team with strategic communications and provides support on government relations and legislative matters.Prior to joining Strategies, Jon served as a Strategic Account Executive at start-up sales and marketing platform JumpCrew where he helped clients achieve their objectives by identifying key influencers and stakeholders, establishing new relationships with target connections, and nurturing existing partnerships to boost revenue ...

Tony is a Partner with Michael Best Strategies. He advises companies on government relations, public policy, and public image matters.

Lauren is a Policy Analyst with Michael Best Strategies. She conducts research, assists with communications related to key legislative, political, and regulatory issues, and supports daily operations to serve Michael Best Strategies’ clients. Prior to joining Strategies, Lauren gained valuable experience as an Intern with the Wisconsin Republican Assembly Campaign Committee (RACC) and with the Republican Party of Wisconsin. In her role with RACC, she organized and assisted with fundr ...

Anna Scott is a Principal on Michael Best Strategies’ Government Relations team. Based in Raleigh, Anna Scott leverages her experience in North Carolina politics and fundraising to help clients achieve their objectives. Before joining the Strategies team, Anna Scott ran a successful fundraising and consulting firm in North Carolina, serving individual politicians and candidates as well as associations, committees, 501(c)(4)s, 501(c)(3)s, PACs, and other groups. In just two election cy ...

Bill is a Partner with Michael Best Strategies. His combined decades of experience in the Wisconsin Governor’s office, as cabinet secretary, and as a successful lobbyist enable him to be an effective advisor and advocate for clients.

David focuses on government relations and public policy strategies designed to help clients overcome individual business challenges and implement legislative or regulatory change. His experience in helping to run Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner’s gubernatorial campaign has given him great insight into the political and legislative process.

Charles is a Policy Advisor with Michael Best Strategies who draws on his extensive experience engaging with local, state, and national stakeholders to help clients accomplish their strategic government relations and public policy goals. Leveraging his skills in research, strategic communications, and legislative and regulatory policy, Charles provides clients with the information and insights they need to thrive in a dynamic environment. A proud U.S. Army veteran who served on active duty for six years as a combat medic, Charles is adept at working on challenging issues and applying the values he learned in the military to be a trusted adviser and force-multiplier for clients.

Jay is a respected lobbyist and former business executive whose imprint can be found throughout many industries such as energy, education, manufacturing, construction, technology, employment, and insurance, including workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance, and across a wide range of statutes and regulations considered by the Illinois General Assembly and Illinois state government.

As a Senior Policy Advisor for Michael Best Strategies, Kassandra assists the team with strategic communications and provides support on government relations and legislative matters.Prior to joining Michael Best Strategies, Kassandra served as a Legislative Liaison for the Illinois Department of Human Services where she represented the agency in the state legislative process. Kassandra reviewed bills and policy proposals, developed and implemented legislative strategies to help achieve the agency...

As a Principal at Michael Best Strategies, Wes helps clients protect and advance their business interests through political and legislative advocacy. He has considerable experience in lobbying, strategy, research, and coalition building, and he helps clients build strong relationships with policy makers and stakeholders. 

Sabrina is a Policy Advisor with Michael Best Strategies. She assists the team with research, communications, and daily operations, and provides general client support. 

Trevon focuses on government relations, legislative advocacy, and strategic communications to help clients implement legislative change and advance their business objectives. Prior to joining Michael Best Strategies, Trevon served as the Senate Liaison in the Office of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. In this role, he oversaw the legislative agendas of ten state agencies and managed a legislative portfolio that included issues related to early childhood education, K-12 education, college affordab ...

Brian is a Principal with Michael Best Strategies who provides clients with strategic guidance on a variety of public policy, government relations, regulatory, and legislative matters to help advance their business interests.

Elizabeth is a Policy Analyst with Michael Best Strategies. She conducts research, assists with communications related to key legislative, political, and regulatory issues, and supports daily operations to serve Michael Best Strategies’ clients.Prior to joining Strategies, Elizabeth worked at Reynolds American Inc. as a Global Graduate Management Trainee, Legal and External Affairs. Within this role, she researched and established policy stances in all 50 states through quantitative ...

Joe is a senior level strategist with significant statewide experience leading organizations and public relations efforts. He advises companies, nonprofits, and professional associations on public affairs and strategic communications matters.

Kaden is a Public Affairs Specialist with Michael Best Strategies. He conducts research, prepares external and internal communications, and monitors news and social media relevant to Strategies’ clients. Kaden also handles scheduling and supports Strategies’ daily operations.Kaden was previously the Management Coordinator with Michael Best, where he supported the firm’s Managing Partner and other C-Suite executives. Earlier, Kaden gained experience conducting research and draft ...

As a senior associate with Michael Best Strategies, Jeff focuses in the areas of public affairs and public relations.
 

Pat is a Senior Advisor with Michael Best Strategies’ Government Relations team. Before joining Strategies, Pat formed Goss Ryan Consulting in 2021 after serving as Executive Director of the Wisconsin Transportation Builders Association from 2007 to 2021.  He served as executive vice president of the Wisconsin Asphalt Pavement Association (WAPA) from 2003 to 2007. He was the deputy secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation prior to joining WAPA and worked for Govern ...

Alesha is an attorney and experienced communications professional equipped to advise clients with complex problems. Alesha has extensive background in strategic communications, policy and candidate research, and social media strategies. She assists the team with research, communications, and strategic communications matters for corporate and non-profit clients.Before joining Strategies, Alesha assisted political candidates and campaigns with their research and communications strategy. While at M ...

As a partner with Michael Best Strategies, Kristine works with healthcare clients to optimize their business strategy, evaluate potential mergers and expansions, and discover alternate distribution and product strategies.

John is an accomplished leader with substantial experience in health plan operations that include finance, pricing, compliance, clinical, sales management, and strategic planning. He has worked closely with core teams to help them turn their innovative concepts into market-ready healthcare products and services by implementing successful business strategies.

As the Client Service Specialist for Michael Best Strategies’ Healthcare Innovation Group, Gabriella plays a vital role in supporting Innovators and Industry Partners. She handles a range of various administrative tasks, including onboarding and news monitoring, while ensuring the organization of documents, and managing communication updates. Her efforts help the Healthcare Innovation Group operate to its full potential.

Aaron identifies and assists innovative healthtech and wellness start-ups optimize their commercialization strategies to accelerate market adoption of their best-in-class products and services.

As a Client Service Advisor for Michael Best Strategies’ Healthcare Innovation Group, Roxanne supports clients’ growth and positioning strategies through competitive and market research. She provides detailed analytics to help clients understand their strengths and weaknesses in the marketplace and how closely their solution aligns with the needs of potential purchasers.

Lisa is an experienced healthcare industry professional who helps clients define and execute strategies to enable company growth and deliver maximum profitability. Her 25+ years of experience within workers’ compensation and health plan settings have resulted in her being a respected, well-connected, trusted advisor to executives ranging from startups to major corporations.

Denise represents management clients in regard to labor and employment matters. Clients in sectors such as construction, transportation, manufacturing, healthcare, food, and education turn to her for informed guidance on matters involving Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) issues, including investigating, defending citations, and assisting with abatement.