The Lobby

In episode 19 of The Lobby, Damian reconnects with Senator Cory McCray and Delegate Marc Korman on their 2020 reading list, what has inspired them, and what it means to be an advocate. Check out this in-depth on how they've found time to make progress, the new perspectives they've found, and the inspiration they draw from each other. Then, listen in for an inside look at Books in Bloom 2021 this Sunday on October 10, free to attend at Color Burst Park in Columbia, MD.

In episode 18 of The Lobby, Damian welcomes long-time friend Pastor John Heath, Co-Founder of The National Black Professional Lobbyist Association and Senior Government Relations and External Affairs Manager with Turo, for an awe-inspiring telling of his journey from homelessness to national success and leader to new generations of lobbyists across the country. Listen in for an inside view of how Heath's experience has informed his approach to championing diversity and allyship in his professional and personal life, and the inspiration he's taken from his faith. This was a unique conversation with one of the most inspirational people we know.

In episode 17 of The Lobby, Damian welcomes the incomparable Bob Enten, recently named by Best Lawyers of America® as the 2022 Government Relations “Lawyer of the Year” in Baltimore for the second time, for an examination of the stories and qualities that have defined his career. Listen in for an inside view of Maryland's past Senators and Delegates, and the last-one-out mentality that has shaped Enten's success. Enten's decades of success representing healthcare companies, retailers, energy providers, manufacturers, as well as various trade associations including those for banks, insurance companies, landlords, home builders, debt collectors, and horsemen prove an invaluable source of inspiration.

In episode 16 of The Lobby, Damian welcomes Steve Silverman of SS Gov Relations and Jonathon Rowland of Rowland Strategies for a discussion about 'the big county.'  Listen in as they talk economic development in Montgomery County, how they pursued a reimagined County Council, as well as the Gubernatorial and County Executive primary campaigns. Then, stick around while they discuss the ways COVID-19 has shifted how referendum campaigns operate, as well as the personal influences that have driven their approaches.

In episode 15 of The Lobby, Damian welcomes President of Johns Hopkins Health System, Kevin Sowers, M.S.N., R.N., F.A.A.N., and President and CEO of University of Maryland Medical System, Dr. Mohan Suntha to The Lobby. Listen in as they discuss the COVID-19 pandemic, the toll it has taken on healthcare workers, and their unprecedented resiliency. Then, stick around while they discuss the undercurrent of vaccine hesitancy, the Delta variant, and their decisions to require employees to be vaccinated against COVID.

In Episode 14 of The Lobby—a National Intern Day Special—, Damian is joined by Sara Walsh, Stephen Hook, and Julianne Blackman, interns at KO Public Affairs. They discuss working in a professional environment during a pandemic, what they have learned from their experiences with KO, and their career goals in the political sphere. Then, stick around to hear the interns’ favorite parts of working for the firm.

In episode 13 of The Lobby, Ray Glendening, Founder and CEO of Scarlet Oak Strategies joins Damian to talk about his career path, and the perspective it's given him on political races in Maryland and elsewhere. Glendening also talks us through the road to opening his own firm, and the niche they've found in research and polling. Then, stick around while Damian and Ray expand on the Maryland Gubernatorial campaign, and what it's going to take to win in 2022.

On episode 12 of The Lobby, Len Lucchi of O'Malley, Miles, Nylen & Gilmore joins Damian to give a perspective on his highly-impactful career. Lucchi talks about his time representing Prince George's County as a lobbyist, the relationships he's developed over the years, and his perspective on proposed state-wide solutions to transit and connectivity like the proposed Maglev train. Then, stick around while Damian and Len peel apart the Maryland Gubernatorial and Comptroller campaigns that are ramping up around the state.

We've heard from some of the architects of the biggest stories in Annapolis this year and asked them what they’ve accomplished during a period when Marylanders have needed them most. On episode 11 of The Lobby, we’re picking up where we left off with Senator Craig Zucker (MD-14) and Quinton Askew of Maryland 2-1-1. We’ll talk with Delegate Bonnie Cullison (MD-19) about the successes of the 2021 session, the work of groups like NAMI Maryland and RALI Maryland to combat the increase in substance misuse and mental illness during COVID, using reverse auctions to save the state money on prescription medicines without sacrificing coverage, and what The Thomas Bloom Raskin Act means for Marylanders, as well as her long-time efforts to increase school-based health centers.

The 2021 Legislative session is over and The Lobby is still packed.