Lobbyists

Adrian Cazal
Bret Marr	Terry Vanderveen
Laura T. Promo	Ray L. Underwood

Adrian Cazal

Adrian Cazal has extensive state government experience. Before joining MHSA in 2002, Adrian was the Assistant Vice President of Legislative Relations for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). He worked closely with key outside interest groups to assist in improving Michigan’s business climate with high profile legislation, such as Next Energy and Broadband initiatives.

Prior to his work at the MEDC, Adrian held the position of Legislative Liaison for the Department of Management and Budget, where he worked with the Legislature on management related issues affecting the State of Michigan. Adrian began his career working as a legislative aide for a state senator, later serving as director of public affairs, supervising special projects and communications. Adrian also worked as the public events coordinator for the Senate Majority Leader.

Adrian holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications and Sociology, with honors, from Western Michigan University. He is a member of the Golden Key, Alpha Kappa MU, and Alpha Kappa Delta National Honor Societies. While at WMU, Adrian also served on the Board to Review the President’s Address on Racial and Ethnic Harmony, as well as Program Director of La Raza.

Bret Marr

Bret Marr joined MHSA in 2003 after successfully serving as Director of Legislative Affairs for former Governor John Engler. Bret served as the primary contact between the Michigan Legislature and Governor Engler on legislative and appropriations issues.

Bret coordinated Michigan’s electric restructuring plan in the Legislature as well as the rewrite of Michigan's Telecommunications Act. He also shepherded numerous changes to Michigan’s tax structure, including a rewrite of the Brownfield program and streamlining of the tax reverted property process.

Bret's focus is now on hospitality, healthcare, transportation and general business issues. He also manages several appropriations issues for MHSA’s clients. In recent years, he has successfully secured funding for the Detroit Super Bowl XL Host Committee and directed the efforts of a coalition moving Michigan's school start date to after Labor Day.

Prior to serving Governor Engler, Bret was Director of Government Affairs for the Michigan Restaurant Association (MRA). He served as the MRA's Lansing and Washington, D.C. lobbyist and coordinated a strong grass-roots program. Bret began his career in the Michigan Senate as Communications Director for the Chair of the Education Committee. While a Senate staff member, he served as policy advisor to the Appropriations Committee and advisor to the Economic Development and Financial Services Committees.

Bret graduated with a bachelor of science in Public Affairs Management from Michigan State University and received his Master’s of Public Administration, also from MSU, where he graduated with honors. He serves on the Michigan Travel Commission and is a member of the Michigan Political History Society. He also coaches youth soccer.

Laura T. Promo

Laura Promo worked in Michigan’s legislative arena for nearly a decade before joining MHSA in 1996. Laura guides clients through complex environmental, regulatory and agricultural issues.

Before joining the firm, Laura was Director of Environmental Affairs for the Michigan Manufacturer’s Association (MMA), where she developed and implemented policy on behalf of its 4,000 members. Laura worked closely with the MMA’s environmental subcommittees to review how current and proposed laws and regulations impacted manufacturing in the state. She then worked with the Legislature to advocate those developed positions.

Laura began her political career managing a targeted House race, preparing campaign strategies, coordinating volunteers, and assisting in fundraising. She then worked with the successful candidate as a legislative aide, advancing to policy analyst with caucus members in developing legislative and policy agendas. Laura was responsible for all regulatory issues that came before the Legislature, as well as working on various department budgets. Her other focus was on urban policy issues, in particular, the Governor’s proposed Renaissance Zones.

Laura holds a bachelor of arts degree in Journalism, with a cognate in Political Science from Michigan State University.

Terry Vanderveen

Terry Vanderveen joined MHSA in 2008, effectively merging his former lobbying company, Vanderveen & Associates, with MHSA. His thirty years of experience in Lansing adds a different dimension to MHSA, with an extensive background in health care, gaming, transportation, agriculture, real estate, manufacturing, taxes, telecommunications, energy and local government.

Terry has been instrumental in the passage of several major legislative efforts, including the initial and subsequent revisions of the Michigan Telecommunications Act, the re-codification of the Michigan Railroads Act, Medicaid reimbursement for emergency physicians, medical malpractice reform and the statewide trauma care system.

Prior to founding his firm in 1991, Terry had extensive governmental affairs experience with several Lansing trade associations, including the Michigan State Medical Society and the Michigan Association of REALTORS.

Terry holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from Michigan State University. He is a member of the Michigan Historical Society, has been active in several local charities and was a coach in youth basketball and baseball in East Lansing. He is a veteran, having served in the G-2, Intelligence Division of Headquarters, United States Army Vietnam, during the Vietnam War.

Ray L. Underwood

Ray Underwood joined MHSA in 1993 with an extensive background and knowledge of recreational boating, fishing, tourism and natural resources issues. Ray was instrumental in the development of statewide legislative efforts for the Michigan Boating Industries Association. His many major accomplishments include the Marine Business Act, the Harbor Development Act and the recodification of Michigan’s Marine Safety Act.

Ray came to MHSA after a 17-year career as Executive Director of the Michigan Boating Industries Association and a two-year governmental consulting assignment.

Ray has enjoyed a varied and productive business career. As President and General Manager of Michigan Transport Trailer, Inc., he oversaw the design and manufacturing of automobile carriers. Early in his professional life, Ray served with the Pontiac Michigan Fire Department as an engineer and was Secretary-Treasurer of the International Firefighters Local.

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