Tim Schellberg, President, Governmental Affairs Services

Tim Schellberg is the President of Gordon Thomas Honeywell Governmental Affairs. As the firm’s managing partner, Tim maintains an active governmental affairs practice, oversees daily operations of the firm, and provides strategic direction to the firm’s governmental affairs divisions. Tim primarily represents clients in the Washington State Legislature and Congress on a variety of topic areas including local government, technology, biotechnology, public safety, utilities, transportation, and more. As founder of the governmental affairs practice group, Tim successfully oversaw the establishment of the multi-state and international divisions and has over ten years experience working in a majority of our state capitals and abroad. Tim received his undergraduate degree from Washington State University in 1988 and his Juris Doctorate from Seattle University in 1991. Upon graduating from law school, Tim served as an attorney and legislative liaison to the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs. From 1994-2006, Tim was a partner at the law and governmental affairs firm Smith Alling Lane, P.S. Tim now lives in Gig Harbor, Washington with his wife and two children.

Hallee Sanders, Executive Assistant

Hallee Sanders serves as the Executive Assistant to Tim Schellberg. She provides general support to the Governmental Affairs practice group and is the primary point of contact for staff and clients. Additionally, Hallee is in charge of firm scheduling and events, including organizing political fundraisers. Hallee has 18 years of experience working as a business professional. Prior to joining the firm, Hallee worked as a paralegal and as a human resource consultant for the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services in addition to working for the Washington State Department of Corrections. Hallee now lives with her husband in Spanaway, Washington.

Dale Learn, Vice-President, Federal Government Affairs

Dale Learn manages the firm's Washington, DC office. Dale has a wealth of high-level experience in federal legislative and administrative matters. His areas of expertise include: transportation and infrastructure; law and justice; technology and telecommunications; energy and natural resources; trade; and commerce.

Prior to joining the firm, Dale spent over six years as senior advisor to U.S. Senator Patty Murray (WA), including being chief legal advisor, and two years as senior advisor to U.S. Representative Adam Smith (WA-09). With numerous accomplishments on federal legislative and administrative matters, Dale offers our clients an extensive background and knowledge of the federal system. His contacts and experience with Capitol Hill and the Executive Branch provide access and unparalleled advice regarding federal governmental issues. Dale has been highly successful in the private sector at meeting and surpassing our clients’ goals. A native of the Pacific Northwest, Dale received his undergraduate degree from the University of Washington and his Juris Doctorate from the University of Maryland School of Law. He is an active member of the Washington State Bar Association. Dale now lives in the District of Columbia.

.

Cindy Zehnder, Vice-President

Cindy Zehnder manages the firm's Washington State Governmental Affairs Division. Cindy’s in-depth knowledge of Washington State policy and politics has been built over her 30-year career in public affairs. She has extensive negotiation experience in public and private sectors and is adept at managing public relations, stakeholder outreach, and communications strategies for organizations.

Prior to joining the firm, Cindy served as Chief of Staff to Governor Chris Gregoire where she provided leadership to the senior staff and managed the Governor's Office operations, including legislative relations, policy development, budget, communications, crisis management, and constituent relations. She was directly responsible for the twenty-seven executive cabinet agencies and chaired the Natural Resources and Economic Recovery Subcabinets as well as the senior transportation policy group. From 2003 to 2007, Cindy was the CEO of Washington State's public affairs network, TVW, which televises all major legislative, executive branch, and Supreme Court proceedings. For five sessions prior to that, Cindy served as Chief Clerk of the Washington State House of Representatives where she was responsible for all legislative operations.

Cindy began her career as a truck driver and dockworker followed by a number of leadership positions within the Teamsters union, including International Representative, Coordinator of the Washington Joint Council of Teamsters; and Secretary-Treasurer and Principle Officer of the Freight, Tanker, and Carhaul Drivers in King County. Cindy has a long history of community involvement including participation in the University of Washington Board of Regents, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, the Ruckelshaus Center, the Evans School of Public Affairs, WSU Tri Cities, and UW Tacoma. She has served on the executive board of the National Caucus of State Legislatures, the Trust for Representative Democracy, the NCSL Foundation Board, the National Association of Clerks and Secretaries, and the National Association of Public Affairs Networks. She was recently appointed by Governor Gregoire to chair Washington State’s Workforce Board. Cindy received a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in educational psychology from the University of Washington. She lives in Olympia with her partner, Mike Branstetter.

Al Ralston, Vice-President

Al Ralston is a Vice President in the firm. He joins the firm after serving two years as President of the Washington Research Council, Washington State’s premier public policy research organization. With nearly 40 years of lobbying and public policy experience at the federal, state, and local government level, Al’s network of relationships and knowledge base on issues is unprecedented.

Al’s career is best defined by his 21 successful years as the Senior Political Strategist, Corporate Leader, and Lead Lobbyist for the Boeing Company. Between 1986 and 2007, Al organized and implemented winning government relations strategies for Boeing. In this role, Al worked at all levels of government: local, state, federal and foreign. His accomplishments are many, including being the lead lobbyist on the aerospace incentive legislation, which resulted in having the 787 “Dreamliner” program located in Washington State.

Prior to working for Boeing, Al served as the Senior Representative for Government Relations of Blue Cross of Washington and Alaska, the Director of Intergovernmental Relations for the City of Seattle, the Program Development Director for the National Indian Activities Association and a Research Analyst for the Washington State House of Representatives. In these positions, Al has gained an in-depth understanding of transportation infrastructure, banking and finance, the general business climate, aerospace, trade, and more.

Active in Civic and Community Affairs, Al has served on the Boards of the Association of Washington Business, Washington Research Council, Washington Council on International Trade, Associated Oregon Industries, Pacific Northwest International Trade Alliance, Highline Community College Foundation, the Youth and Government program of the YMCA, and the Western Washington University Alumni Association and Foundation. Al received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Western Washington University. Al lives with his wife and two daughters in Renton.

Major General (Ret.) Tim Lowenberg, Vice-President

Major General (Ret.) Tim Lowenberg is a Vice President in the firm providing support to clients across our Federal, Multi-State, Washington state and International business groups. Prior to joining the firm, he was the nation’s longest tenured Homeland Security Advisor and culminated a 44 year military career by serving as the Washington Adjutant General, a governor’s cabinet post he held from 1999 to 2012.

As Adjutant General, he commanded all Washington Army and Air National Guard Forces, served as the governor’s Homeland Security Advisor, and administered the state’s homeland security grants, Emergency Management and Enhanced 911 telecommunications programs. In these top military and homeland security posts, he was a leader among the nation’s adjutant generals and homeland security advisors. He was Chair of Homeland Defense and Homeland Security of the Adjutants General Association of the U.S. and Chair of the Governors Homeland Security Advisors Council (National Governors Association Center for Best Practices). He was also a principal advisor to the Council of Governors facilitating governors’ work with the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Homeland Security and senior White House officials.

As Chair of the National Guard Bureau Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) and Security Cooperation Activities General Officer Advisory Councils, he enhanced national security and CBRN capacity-building activities in more than 65 countries throughout the world. He also contributed to published Defense Science Board studies on “DoD Roles and Missions in Homeland Security” and “Creating an Assured Joint DoD and Interagency Interoperable Net-Centric Enterprise” and was a Congressionally-appointed member of the Advisory Panel on Department of Defense CBRNE Capabilities.

General Lowenberg’s work also involved extensive interaction with private sector entities and professional organizations throughout the nation. He was a founding Co-Chair of the National Homeland Security Consortium (NHSC) - a coalition of more than two-dozen public and private sector national associations -- for which he was a three-time national tri-chair.

He holds B.A. (1968) and Doctor of Jurisprudence (1971) degrees from the University of Iowa and has completed National Security Management studies at Syracuse University (1985), in-resident Executive Program studies in National and International Security at Harvard University (2000), in-resident Homeland Security Executive Leadership studies at the Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security (2007) and in-resident studies in U.S.-South Asia Engagement at Harvard University (2011).

General Lowenberg has also served as an Adjunct Professor of Law at Seattle University School of Law and, formerly, the University of Puget Sound School of Law, since 1973 and is a frequent guest lecturer at Seattle University School of Law, the Naval Postgraduate School and other graduate-degree programs. He is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, the United States Claims Court, the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, the United States Court of Military Appeals, the United States Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Iowa, the Supreme Court of Iowa and the Supreme Court of Washington.

He has twice been awarded the Defense Distinguished Service Medal (the military’s highest peacetime award) (1999 and 2012) and has been honored by Distinguished Service and Meritorious Service awards from twenty-one (21) states. In 2012, he was the National Emergency Management Association (NEMA) Lacy E. Suiter Award honoree for lifetime achievements and contributions in the field of emergency management.

His extensive background gives him unique insights into public safety, defense and homeland security operations throughout the federal government and in governor-led initiatives in each of the states and territories.

Travis Lumpkin, Vice-President

Travis Lumpkin serves as Vice President in the firm’s federal affairs office in Washington, D.C. Travis helps lead strategic planning across a broad array of federal issues impacting public sector clients and business development for private clients throughout industries and business sectors.

A native of the Pacific Northwest, Travis has ten years of bicameral experience on Capitol Hill working for members of the Washington state Congressional delegation. Most recently, Travis spent six years as senior advisor to U.S. Senator Patty Murray, Chairman of the Transportation and Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee. In this capacity, Travis worked closely with both the US and Washington state Departments of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, Federal Railroad Administration, US Department of Housing and Urban Development and Federal Housing Administration, in assisting Murray in crafting annual federal appropriations bills. Travis also advised Senator Murray on a large portfolio of infrastructure, housing and community development projects across Washington state.

Travis also served as Murray’s top Economic Advisor, advising her on a broad range of domestic and international economic issues as well as finance, taxation and trade. He advised Murray through the financial crisis, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform legislation, economic stimulus policy, jobs bills and housing finance reform. Travis also advised Murray on federal budget issues, including in Murray’s role as Chairman of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction or “Super Committee” in 2011.

Prior to 2007, Travis served as a senior policy advisor to U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, handling a portfolio that included homeland security, business, trade and agriculture. Travis advised Cantwell on issues before the Senate’s Small Business and Commerce Committees ranging from public infrastructure investment to corporate mergers to foreign trade policy. Travis started his career in 2003 in the U.S. House of Representatives, serving on the staff of U.S. Representative Rick Larsen.

Travis competed his undergraduate work at Washington State University earning dual degrees in Political Science and Economics. He currently resides in Washington, D.C.

Noah Reandeau, Vice-President, Strategy Consulting

Noah Reandeau manages the firm’s Strategy Consulting Group and specializes in designing disruptive marketing strategies for leading corporations. By combining management consulting and government marketing models, Noah provides clients with strategic implementation plans to expand markets, reduce sales cycles and maximize return on investment.

In addition to leading the firm’s strategy consulting practice, Noah also consults for select government affairs clients. Among his accomplishments for these clients, Noah has secured over $200 million dollars in appropriations, stifled onerous regulations and proposals before Congress and led a coalition of government affairs professionals in coordinating the passage of a $505 million “jobs” bill.

Noah has presented to international audiences in ten different countries and has been quoted as an expert in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today. Prior to joining Gordon Thomas Honeywell, Noah worked for the Washington State Senate and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, where he received Top Secret security clearance.

A summa cum laude graduate of Saint Martin’s University, Noah enjoys giving back to his alma mater and has served both as president of the university’s alumni association and as a representative to the Board of Trustees. Recently named to the Business Examiner's "40 Under Forty," he lives in Tacoma, Washington.

Lisa Hurst, Senior Governmental Affairs Consultant

Lisa Hurst primarily represents clients in the multi-state division of the firm. She regularly consults with members of state legislatures, legislative staff, state agency officials, and a variety of interest groups throughout the country. She actively represents clients in matters relating to legislative appropriations and authorizations, as well as state agency budgets and regulations. In addition to her governmental affairs activities, Lisa has become well known for her ability to organize and administer significant government research projects. In 2003 Lisa was the project manager when the firm received a Department of Justice grant to study forensic DNA backlogs and has subsequently been selected to run other government research projects.

Working in governmental affairs since 1998, Lisa has experience working on Capitol Hill for a member of Congress and as an Associate with a large Washington, D.C. lobbying firm. Her federal background and experience working with state legislative and regulatory bodies, gives her a unique perspective in working with a wide variety of client interests. A native of Kentucky, Lisa received her undergraduate degree from Miami University of Ohio. She currently resides in the Washington, D.C. area with her husband, daughter, and son.

Briahna Taylor, Senior Governmental Affairs Consultant

Briahna Taylor is a Senior Governmental Affairs Consultant in the firm’s Washington State Governmental Affairs Group. She specializes in advocating for cities, counties, and other local governments to the Washington State Legislature and Executive Branch.

Briahna’s clients have formally recognized her exceptional service, responsiveness, and advocacy. She has a strong knowledge base in finance, growth management, transportation, criminal justice, human services, and more. Briahna’s knowledge of local government issues and her ability to strategically navigate Washington State government is an invaluable combination. As a result of her advocacy, her clients have received multiple state funding appropriations, and have successfully passed or defeated legislation. Briahna takes great pride in representing communities throughout Washington State in Olympia.

Prior to joining Gordon Thomas Honeywell Governmental Affairs in 2006, Briahna served as legislative staff in the Washington State Senate and in 2005 was commissioned by the State Auditor to research and author a monograph titled A Citizens Advocate: History of the Washington State Auditor’s Office. Briahna graduated cum laude from Seattle University School of Law, where she also served as a member of Seattle University Law Review. Briahna graduated summa cum laude from Pacific Lutheran University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and English-Writing. She now lives in Tacoma, Washington.

James Evans, Senior Strategy Consultant

A swift and agile strategist with significant global experience, James possesses leading analytical, social and behavioral modeling experience. Exceptionally talented in anticipating regulatory and business trends, he boasts advanced technical knowledge in financial and microeconomic modeling, market evaluation, and analytical game theory. With backgrounds in management consulting and government marketing, James has advised Fortune 500 companies in both corporate and government marketing strategies.

In addition to working in the firm’s strategy consulting practice, James also represents government affairs clients and regularly consults with members of state legislatures, legislative staff, state agency officials, and a variety of interest groups throughout the country. A results-oriented individual, he specializes in delivering significant returns on each client’s investment.

Megan Schrader, Governmental Affairs Consultant

Megan Schrader joined Gordon Thomas Honeywell in 2008 and has since worked across several business units, including the Multi-State and Washington State Governmental Affairs Groups. This experience lends Megan an intricate understanding of the strategies necessary to create success for clients at multiple levels of government. In the Multi-State Governmental Affairs Group, Megan has undertaken several projects to open markets to clients through the introduction of legislation in targeted states. In Washington, she has worked on critical public safety legislation and issues regarding regional water and sewer utilities. Prior to joining the Governmental Affairs team, Megan worked on the successful 2006 Troy Kelley Campaign for State Representative in the 28th Legislative District. Megan holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Political Economy from the University of Puget Sound and currently resides in Tacoma.

Scott Knackstedt, Governmental Affairs Consultant

Scott Knackstedt was brought on to the GTH-Governmental Affairs team in the summer of 2009 and specializes in international and foreign laws and legislation. After completing a BS and BA from the University of Portland in 2006, Scott studied at the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna as a Fulbright scholar before moving to England and completing a masters from the University of Cambridge. With extensive experience abroad, Scott holds internationally recognized language certification in three additional languages. Currently he focuses on foreign DNA-related policy for the firm, tracking, finding, translating and evaluating legislation.

Bridgette Cooper, Governmental Affairs Consultant

Bridgette Cooper joined Gordon Thomas Honeywell Governmental Affairs as an intern in early 2011, and quickly advanced to the Consultant position. Bridgette works primarily in the Washington State Governmental Affairs Group, and provides support to the firm’s other governmental affairs groups. Prior to joining the firm, Bridgette worked in the Washington State Senate as a legislative intern. While working for the Senate, she developed a strong understanding of the legislative process, and a familiarity with the development of the Capital Budget. In addition to her professional endeavors, Bridgette volunteers with an American Legion Auxiliary youth government program. Bridgette graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Classical Languages and Political Science from Pacific Lutheran University. She currently resides in Gig Harbor, Washington.

Meghan Howey, Governmental Affairs Consultant

Meghan Howey is a Governmental Affairs Consultant in the firm’s Washington State Governmental Affairs Group, where she assists in servicing the firm’s local government clients.

She joined the firm after working as a Planning and Communications Specialist at Metro Parks Tacoma. While at Metro Parks, she was recognized for her role on milestone planning projects. She successfully cultivated strong financial partnerships through the organization of stakeholder and agency interests at local, state, and federal levels. Since joining the firm, Meghan has undertaken a number of impressive municipal research projects, and has expanded her knowledge of local government and legislative issues.

Meghan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies from the University of Washington. She has also conducted post-baccalaureate examinations of innovative planning approaches to transportation, growth management, and housing in the Netherlands at Utrecht University. Meghan resides in Tacoma, Washington.