Experience

Husch Blackwell Strategies

• United States
• Government Relations Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Principal, Director Federal Appropriations Practice

  • Dec 2014 - Present

  Husch Blackwell Strategies, formerly Cloakroom Advisors, complements our substantial relationships with Members of Congress with both a planner’s and a political operative’s tactical approach to solving client problems and helping them achieve their goals. Utilizing three decades plus of experience in managing government operations, guiding a large federal government affairs firm, devising political strategies, shepherding political campaigns and supporting legislative processes, we provide a high value vertical to any public affairs team as they strive to assure success for client initiatives. We are a focused consultancy dedicated to helping clients fulfill specialized and critical needs in their approach to influencing and impacting federal policymaking. Built around the principal’s credentials our services include: fulfilling gaps in coverage for key Congressional targets, the development of legislative strategies, being “of counsel” to existing government affairs teams to leverage their capabilities, coordinating public affairs and government affairs coalitions, and adding force multiplier capabilities via a network of independent professionals. In addition, we provide non-lobbying services to organizations that seek to develop a better understanding of policy makers, the environment within which they operate, and the influencers who impact their decision making process. Our relationships are enhanced by accumulated political insights and the ability to develop effective legislative and public affairs strategies. At HBS, we believe client strategies must include a strong and thorough understanding of how partisan agendas complicate movement of any issue within the U.S. federal policy realm, and appreciation for the role of key players in determining the fate of policy initiatives. Show less



Global Health Council

• United States
• Non-profit Organizations
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Interim President and Executive Director

  • Mar 2021 - Sep 2021

  The Global Health Council (GHC) is the leading membership organization supporting and connecting advocates, implementers and stakeholders around global health priorities worldwide. Our members serve to raise awareness and catalyze action around important global health issues. From being active participants in our advocacy work to highlighting critical global health issues in the developing world, GHC members make up an important constituency driving forward the global health agenda. The Global Health Council (GHC) is the leading membership organization supporting and connecting advocates, implementers and stakeholders around global health priorities worldwide. Our members serve to raise awareness and catalyze action around important global health issues. From being active participants in our advocacy work to highlighting critical global health issues in the developing world, GHC members make up an important constituency driving forward the global health agenda.



Ariale Strategies, L.L.C.

• Prinicpal

  • 2013 - Mar 2021

  Ariale Strategies provides government relations counsel to non-profit organizations, corporations, and small businesses with interests before the United States House and Senate, the White House, and various Federal Agencies. We specialize in the congressional appropriations process with policy expertise in the areas of foreign assistance and international relations, homeland security, defense, and financial services. Ariale Strategies provides government relations counsel to non-profit organizations, corporations, and small businesses with interests before the United States House and Senate, the White House, and various Federal Agencies. We specialize in the congressional appropriations process with policy expertise in the areas of foreign assistance and international relations, homeland security, defense, and financial services.



Cloakroom Advisors LLC

• 300 M Street, S.E.; Suite 402

• Principal

  • Dec 2014 - Jan 2018

  Cloakroom Advisors complements our substantial relationships with Members of Congress with both a planner’s and a political operative’s tactical approach to solving client problems and helping them achieve their goals. Utilizing three decades plus of experience in managing government operations, guiding a large federal government affairs firm, devising political strategies, shepherding political campaigns and supporting legislative processes, we provide a high value vertical to any public affairs team as they strive to assure success for client initiatives. We are a small focused consultancy dedicated to helping clients fulfill specialized and critical needs in their approach to influencing and impacting federal policymaking. Built around the principal’s credentials our services include: fulfilling gaps in coverage for key Congressional targets, the development of legislative strategies, being “of counsel” to existing government affairs teams to leverage their capabilities, coordinating public affairs and government affairs coalitions, and adding force multiplier capabilities via a network of independent professionals. In addition, we provide non-lobbying services to organizations that seek to develop a better understanding of policy makers, the environment within which they operate, and the influencers who impact their decision making process. Our relationships are enhanced by accumulated political insights and the ability to develop effective legislative and public affairs strategies. At Cloakroom, we believe client strategies must include a strong and thorough understanding of how partisan agendas complicate movement of any issue within the U.S. federal policy realm, and appreciation for the role of key players in determining the fate of policy initiatives. Show less



Becker & Poliakoff, P.A.

• United States
• Law Practice
• 200 - 300 Employee

• Senior Government Relations Consultant

  • Jun 2015 - Feb 2016

  The Becker & Poliakoff Federal lobbying team includes experienced Washington, D.C. insiders who served as Chiefs of Staff to U.S. Congressmen. Omar Franco served as Chief of Staff for Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Clarence Williams served for Congressman Kendrick Meek (D-FL), and John Ariale served Congressmen Ander Crenshaw (R-FL) and Bill McCollum (R-FL). Amanda Wood served as Chief Legislative Director to Senator Bob Graham. After years of high level service on Capitol Hill, Omar, Clarence, John and Amanda enjoy strong relationships with members and staff from both sides of the aisle. The team has pursued effective federal relations agendas to their successful conclusion, bringing in federal monies for projects of significant regional and national importance. These successes are the result of the close professional working relationships we have developed with key elected officials, congressional leaders, and members on the House and Senate Appropriations Committees. Furthermore, our years of congressional experience have resulted in long-standing professional relationships with staff members of many committees in the House and the Senate, which we are able to use to the benefit of our clients In addition, members of Becker & Poliakoff’s local and state government practices have worked closely with House and Senate leaders, many of whom began their career in local and state government. The Federal lobbying team has extensive experience in issues relating to federal appropriations, heath care, higher education, homeland security, defense, taxation, alternative energy, local government issues and international trade. Show less



U.S. House of Representatives

• United States
• Legislative Offices
• 700 & Above Employee

• Chief of Staff

  • Jan 2001 - Dec 2013

  Member’s chief policy advisor and Appropriations Committee Associate handling all matters before the full Committee on Appropriations and the Subcommittees on State, Foreign Operations and Homeland Security. Coordinate activities with Chairman Crenshaw’s Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services, including developing Subcommittee strategy for oversight hearings, committee mark-ups, and floor consideration of annual appropriations legislation. Develop and implement all policy objectives, strategies, and operating plans for the Member’s offices; manage and direct staff, activities and special projects for the Member’s Washington and District Offices. Develop and oversee public and strategic communication plans for congressional offices. Member’s primary campaign consultant and political advisor. Professional Highlights:Direct and coordinate all activities of the Member in his capacity as a Member of the House Majority Whip Team, including responsibilities as a Deputy Whip; Serve as the Member’s liaison with key Members and staff of the Republican leadership team. Legislative focus and policy expertise in the area of International Relations; the Foreign Assistance Framework; Global Development; Global Health; the Department of Homeland Security; and matters before the Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services.Liaison to the U.S. State Department, the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), and other agencies handling foreign assistance; and international non-governmental organizations and governments. Principle drafter and lead staff member coordinating the legislative plan and strategy for the development and passage of the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act, also known as the ABLE Act; and legislation addressing the evaluation, accountability, and transparency reporting of foreign assistance. Show less

• Staff Member

  • 1983 - Nov 2013



Congressman Bill McCollum's Office

• Chief of Staff, Various positions

  • 1983 - 2001

  Member’s chief policy advisor; developed and implemented all policy objectives, strategies, and operating plans for the Member’s offices; managed and directed all activities and staff of the Member’s Washington, D.C., Crime Subcommittee Staff and District Offices. Implemented and coordinated Member’s long-term legislative plan. Member’s chief policy advisor; developed and implemented all policy objectives, strategies, and operating plans for the Member’s offices; managed and directed all activities and staff of the Member’s Washington, D.C., Crime Subcommittee Staff and District Offices. Implemented and coordinated Member’s long-term legislative plan.



Akerman LLP

• United States
• Law Practice
• 700 & Above Employee

• Associate

  • May 1995 - May 1999

  Successfully established and developed the Orlando office of a major Tallahassee law firm. Individual practice areas focused on federal governmental representation, governmental law, legislative law, and land-use planning. Charged with building upon the sound foundation and reputation of the firm by developing and supervising the Orlando office’s cultivation of a federal counterpart to the firm’s state practice by representing clients and interests before various committees of Congress with a focus on transportation concerns, banking issues, and telecommunications matters. Show less