Thunderbird Strategic advocates client interests in a very focused and disciplined "business like" manner. Merely having a presence in DC, or a resume with fancy Capitol Hill job titles, is of little value to clients in need of attentive and effective advocacy. Our team treats client policy priorities as "value propositions" that must be delivered to a particular customer segment...in this case members of Congress, Agencies, and/or the Administration. Alongside the client, we carefully breakdown the elements that shape the value proposition/policy priority, and then craft an effective package the delivers and maintains a close relationship with the target audience. Through this strategic planning process we identify meaningful metrics and short-term objectives that can monitor performance in a way that ensures the effort stays on track with expectations. Washington, DC is becoming less about "who you know," than it is about "how you approach Capitol Hill." With years of experience working in Washington DC as attorneys and government relations practitioners, the Thunderbird Strategic team brings a high level of knowledge, commitment, passion, and attention to detail when working with clients.

In my former role as the Chief Executive Officer of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), and the Executive Director of the Native American Contractors Association ("NACA"), I was fortunate to lead an extremely talented team of government relations professionals that efficiently and effectively advocated issues significant to Indian Country. In addition, I had the opportunity to tour the country and meet Native leaders to discuss the issues that were important. As a tribal member of the Forest County Potawatomi Community ("FCPC"), and during my time serving as the Board Chairman of the Potawatomi Business Development Corporation, the FCPC's economic and business development arm, I have become keenly aware of tribal needs and concerns, and how to build and then implement plans and structures to address such matters. My Grandfather and Great-Grandfather served as Tribal Chairman of the Forest County Potawatomi Community. It's this lineage that runs through my blood, fueling my passion to work with Native Americans. The translation of this experience and passion to our clients is that I fully understand tribal legal matters, tribal business/economic development, tribal government relations, and how they interact with each other.

Representing diverse clients as an attorney for the Washington, DC based law firm of PilieroMazza PLLC, enabled me the opportunity to understand the significance of listening carefully and embracing what is important. This skill allows me to critically analyze a problem or interest, and then develop a creative, logical, and effective measure to achieve desired solutions. It is this extensive knowledge and experience as an attorney, business leader, and lobbyist that I am committed to deliver to our clients.

Education:

J.D. University of Baltimore, School of Law

B.S. Lousiana State University/University of Baltimore

Executive Development Certificate: The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania

Executive Development Finance Certificate: Harvard University

Bar Admission:

Maryland

District of Columbia

United States District Court for the District of Columbia

United States District Court for the District of Maryland

Board Positions:

Board Member: Commerce Financial Holdings/Commerce State Bank

Board Member: Race Forward