The Lobby

Session is over and we've heard from some of the most storied names in Annapolis. On episode 9 of The Lobby, Damian brings together the next generation of Annapolis operatives.  We are joined today by Gregory Snyder of Bellamy Genn, P.K. Owusu-Acheaw of the Maryland State Education Association, and Neal Karkhanis of Funk  & Bolton. Join us for a far-reaching conversation about what led our guests to where they are, the changing face of lobbying and the tools of the future, and the realities of networking in the era of COVID-19.

On episode 8 of The Lobby, Gerry Evans of Evans & Associates joins us to go behind-the-scenes on a career spanning 45 years and still going. Evans talks about the major Maryland players from throughout his career, the friendships he’s formed, and the lessons he's learned. Afterward, Damian and Gerry discuss the incomparable life of former Montgomery County Executive Charlie Gilchrist. Join us for a comprehensive telling of the Maryland political story for context on today’s biggest stories.

On episode 7 of The Lobby, Nicole Stallings from the Maryland Hospital Association gives us the inside view of the year-long “grind” of front-line workers in the state, and how to best position themselves to help as they strive to protect health care heroes, advance telehealth, and address long-standing inequities.

On episode six of The Lobby, Damian is joined by Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman Jr. and former Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker III to discuss the intricacies of the Maryland state income tax, the power of the county budget, and a preview of the 2022 Governor's race.

On Episode 5 of The Lobby we're joined by the most organized advocate in Annapolis, Gene Ransom of MedChi. Join us for a deep dive into the most pressing health issues in the state, including torts and liability, telehealth, and the struggle of access. Afterward, Gene tells us how being a lifelong resident of Queen Anne's County grew his love for public service and the forms that has taken in his life. Then, stay tuned for a preview of the changes on the way to Annapolis in the coming years as we head toward redistricting.

On episode 4 of The Lobby, the undeniably groundbreaking Robin Shaivitz, former Vice President & Senior Government Relations Advisor with the erstwhile firm, Alexander & Cleaver, joins Damian for a new telling of her remarkably storied career as Annapolis' original female contract-lobbyist.

In episode 3 of The Lobby, Damian is joined by veteran non-profit journalist, Josh Kurtz, Partner at Rifkin Weiner Livingston, Camille Fesche, and Baltimore and Howard County Delegate Jessica Feldmark. Join us as we examine the variety of perspectives on Maryland politics- from inside, from outside, and from one of the state's most-trusted observers.

In episode 2 of The Lobby, Damian is joined by contemporaries Sushant Sidh and David Carroll, as well as long-time advisor for Comptroller Peter Franchot turned communications strategist, Len Foxwell. Join us for an inside look at how lobbying has changed in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, what it takes to build a multifaceted firm from the ground up, and the business of lobbying.

Join us for the inaugural edition of The Lobby- a recreation of the room where it all happens, suitable for today's environment. For our first episode, we invited Keiffer Jackson Mitchell Jr., Chief Legislative Officer for the Office of  Governor Larry Hogan, and Delora Sanchez Ifekauche, Esq, Principal at Cornerstone Government Affairs to get their sense of the state of play in Maryland politics, a reading on the legacy of Maryland Senate President Emeritus Thomas V. Mike Miller, and the top three issues to watch this session.