Our Team
A Top Michigan Multi-Client Lobbying Firm
MHSA has consistently been named a top multi-client lobbying firm in Michigan and has been named the number one lobbying organization, which includes corporations, trade associations, non-profit organizations, and multi-client lobbying firms according to comprehensive surveys conducted by Inside Michigan Politics (IMP).
Out of the more than 4,100 registered lobbyist agents in Michigan, five MHSA lobbyists have earned honors and were ranked in the category of "Individual Lobbyists: The Top 10." Our five lobbyists earning a top 10 individual power ranking include Sandi Jones, Adrian Cazal, Bret Marr, Pat Harrington, and Jon Smalley.
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Member
517-484-8800
sjones@mhsa.comSandi Jones joined MHSA in 1996 and became a member in 2003. She adds over 30 years of governmental and community relations experience to the MHSA team and is considered one of Lansing’s top ten lobbyists and one of the most powerful female lobbyists in Michigan.
Specializing in appropriations, judiciary, mental health, long-term care, law enforcement, criminal justice, and education issues, Sandi enjoys influencing change in the legislative and regulatory processes.
Sandi holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications with a minor in Marketing and a Master’s in Public Administration, both from Western Michigan University (WMU). She holds the distinction of being the first female to have served as the president of the student body at WMU. Sandi is a member of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, Pi Alpha Alpha National Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration, the Michigan Political History Society, Michigan Society for Association Executives, the American Society for Public Administrators and is a founding member of In Forum and The White House Project.
In addition to her education-related organizations and associations, Sandi is on the Board of the Covenant Academies Foundation, the LCS Foundation, the Michigan Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 200, and the Children’s Trust Fund. She has helped build homes for Habitat for Humanity and facilitates mock lawmaking sessions with the Michigan Youth Leadership Forum, a program to introduce high school students with disabilities to state government.
Sandi and her husband John reside near Lansing and have six children, two dogs and five fish. One of the fish came to the Jones household in a plastic sandwich bag from the Calhoun County Fair in 2014 and is still alive and swimming!
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Member
517-484-8800
acazal@mhsa.comAdrian joined MHSA in 2002 and became a member of Muchmore Harrington Smalley & Associates, LLC in 2015. Prior to joining the firm, he served as the Assistant Vice President of Legislative Relations for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). While at the MEDC, Adrian collaborated with key stakeholders to improve Michigan’s business climate with high- profile legislation such as Next Energy and the establishment of the Broadband Authority. Adrian was also influential during the passage of the Metropolitan Airport Authority Act, which was responsible for the building and modernization of the McNamara Terminal at Detroit Metropolitan Airport.
Respected as one of Lansing’s top lobbyists, Adrian specializes in
economic development, energy and technology, environmental, insurance, banking and tax policy issues. Recent accomplishments include securing $50 million dollars in funding for a client to build an $11 billion potash production facility in Michigan. The project will result in over 300 construction jobs and 180 full time jobs. He ushered the passage of an economic
development package that resulted in over 11,000 new Michigan jobs, over $6 billion in private investment and resulted in almost $2 billion in net new revenue to the state. Adrian led the passage of legislation that will build reliable and efficient transmission to meet the needs of Michigan as the state moves to more renewable energy. He also worked with legislative leaders and the Governor to secure a $100 million investment from the state for a major development in the city of Detroit.
Prior to his work at the MEDC, Adrian was the Legislative Liaison for the Department of Management and Budget where he was responsible for securing funding to build the Hall of Justice, Constitution Hall and the Vietnam War Memorial. Adrian began his career working as a legislative aide for three state Senators, later serving as director of public affairs. Adrian also worked as the public events coordinator for the Senate Majority Leader.
Adrian holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications and Sociology from Western Michigan University (WMU), where he graduated with honors. While at WMU, Adrian served on the Board to Review the President’s Address on Racial and Ethnic Harmony. Adrian is also a member of the Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Adrian and his wife Erin reside in East Lansing with their four girls.
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Member
517-484-8800
bmarr@mhsa.comBret Marr joined MHSA in 2003, and became a member of Muchmore Harrington Smalley & Associates, LLC in 2015. Consistently voted one of Lansing’s top lobbyists, Bret’s focus is 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 expansion of Detroit’s Huntington Place Center, state approval of Little Caesar’s Arena, passage of the state’s sports wagering and internet gaming acts and essential funding for numerous clients under Michigan’s allocation of ARPA resources.
Prior to joining MHSA, Bret served as Legislative Director for former Governor John Engler. He also was a client of MHSA as
Director of Government Affairs for the Michigan Restaurant Association where 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 Masters of Public Administration, also from MSU, where he graduated with honors. Bret currently serves on the Ingham County Parks Commission as an appointee of the Ingham County Commission. A lifetime member of the Michigan Political History Society, Bret also serves on the Board of Directors of the Michigan Political Leadership Program.
Bret and his wife Jenna reside in Okemos with their three children.
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Government Affairs Consultant
517-484-8800
esweeney@mhsa.comEvelyn (Evie) Zois Sweeney joined MHSA in 2011. Evie previously lobbied on behalf of a multitude of corporate, non-profit and municipal clients at Dykema Gossett, PLLC. She has extensive experience in healthcare, nonprofits, housing and economic development and the appropriations process. Since joining the firm, Evie has been instrumental in securing state investments for housing, small business, economic and community development initiatives. She has also successfully spearheaded numerous healthcare reforms, specifically on behalf of various health providers.
Prior to joining Dykema, Evie served as a legislative assistant to the Senate Appropriations Chair and Clerk for the Senate Appropriations Committee and Joint Capital Outlay Subcommittee. In addition to shepherding legislative agendas through the process, she was responsible for monitoring several departmental budgets, including corrections, community health and general government.
Evie is a 2004 graduate fellow of Michigan State University’s Michigan Political Leadership Program, a multi-partisan leadership training program. Evie also serves as co-chair of the gift acquisition committee for the Children’s Trust Fund and is involved with Habitat for Humanity. Evie is an active member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church where she volunteers teaching Greek to young students.
Evie graduated from Michigan State University’s James Madison College with honors and earned a bachelor of arts degree. She was a double major in International Relations and Sociology. Evie also served as a research assistant at St. Peter’s College, University of Oxford, Oxford England.
Evie and her husband reside in Clarkston with their daughter and son.
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Government Affairs Consultant
517-484-8800
mkletke@mhsa.comMalcolm Kletke joined MHSA in 2020. Malcolm previously held the position of Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs for Governor Whitmer, serving as the chief contact between the Michigan Legislature and Governor Whitmer on all legislative issues. He was involved in historic changes to Michigan’s Auto No-Fault system, the Raise the Age package, sports-betting and online gaming legislation, Rebuilding Michigan Plan, and dealing with the COVID-19 response.
Prior to serving Governor Whitmer, Malcolm served as a policy analyst for the Michigan Senate Democratic Caucus. In this role he provided research, analysis, and policy advice on matters coming before the Transportation, Commerce, Natural Resources & Environmental Quality, and Agriculture Committees. He was also responsible for overseeing the Department of Transportation, Department of Environmental Quality, Department of Natural Resources, and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development budgets. Malcolm began his career in the Michigan Senate working as a legislative assistant for then-Senate Minority Leader Gretchen Whitmer.
Malcolm holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science – Pre Law from Michigan State University.
Malcolm and his wife Alexandra live in Lansing.
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Senior Government Consultant
517-484-8800
pharrington@mhsa.comPat Harrington, was President, co-founder and member in MHSA, had led Michigan’s “Number 1” multi-client lobbying organization for the past several years. Pat’s values-based leadership, creative problem solving skills and strategic counsel had earned him a Top 10 ranking as an individual lobbyist and has contributed to many significant policy and economic development successes in recent Michigan history. As a lobbyist, Pat was instrumental in the planning, development and passage of nine historic/impactful pieces of legislation: the financing of the $400 million Cobo Hall Exhibition Center expansion project and, most recently—$533 million for the Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority modernization project which will result in $2 billion in development in downtown Detroit; the $225 million Wayne County Solvency Act, which averted the bankruptcy of Michigan’s most populous county and established the state’s largest indigent healthcare program; creation of the Wayne County Stadium Act, which established a financing vehicle for the Detroit Tigers’ Comerica Park professional sports facility; the enactment of the comprehensive water withdrawal statute for Michigan; secured state-approval of the largest public and private partnership valued over $2 billion for a 45 block redevelopment in Detroit - “The District Detroit”; $200 million for Affordable Housing to address the housing crisis throughout Michigan; $100 million for the 29-mile unified Greenway project, a project to complete the Detroit Riverfront and build the Joe Louis Greenway; $100 million for the Detroit Center for Innovation, a world-class research, education & entrepreneurship center.
Pat also quarterbacked MHSA’s strategic partnership with Ice Mountain Brands to site a $250 million spring water bottling facility in West Central Michigan. In addition, Pat helped negotiate a creative incentive package for an international IT company. This brought about a unique global software development center to the campus of Michigan State University, creating over 500 jobs to date. Further, Pat negotiated an economic development deal with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to allow for a $100 million expansion, creating 1,000 new jobs for a mid-Michigan based financial services client. Recently, Pat secured strategic funding for the infrastructure for an International Container Facility at the Port of Monroe and for the downtown Detroit Grand Prix.
Pat holds a bachelor’s degree with high honors from Michigan State University and a law degree from Western Michigan University’s Cooley Law School. He has been a licensed attorney in Michigan since 1983, and is a member of the State Bar of Michigan. At age 24, Pat was one of the youngest persons to be elected to the Michigan Legislature, representing with distinction, Monroe County’s 39th district. Pat was a successful lobbyist for ten years prior to forming MHSA. Pat and his wife Cindy have created the Patrick and Cynthia Harrington Family Scholarship at Michigan State University that will support students majoring in a STEM curriculum.
Pat and Cindy have two grown sons, two daughters-in-law and three grandsons, and reside in Okemos.
Pat continues to serve MHSA’s clients in his new role as a Senior Government Consultant. His creativity, problem solving and business development skills remain a valued asset to MHSA and its clients.
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Government Affairs Consultant
517-484-8800
nbaugh@mhsa.comNick Baugh joined MHSA in 2020. Nick serves in a dual role of working with clients on lobbying efforts, as well as overseeing legislative research and appropriations management functions. Nick specializes in health policy, appropriations and the child welfare system. Nick also serves as editor for MHSA’s publications, including This Week in Lansing and writer of Special Reports and other MHSA publications.
Nick is a graduate of Michigan State University, where he majored in Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy through the James Madison College. Additionally, Nick holds a minor in Public Relations through the Communication Arts and Science College. Nick completed a Masters of Science in Data Analytics and Policy at Johns Hopkins University in 2023. Nick has served as chair on the Special Days Camp Associate Board, where he worked to secure funding for the second longest running oncology camp in the world. Nick previously worked as an intern in a variety of roles in Lansing where he focused on legislative, constituent and campaigning roles.
Nick resides in Grand Rapids.
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Business Manager
517-484-8800
rsmith@mhsa.comRhonda Smith joined MHSA in 1994 and serves as Business Manager. She is responsible for coordination of client services, invoicing, accounts receivables, human resources, executive scheduling, overseeing of special events, all internal and external Lobby Law reporting requirements and assisting with campaign finance reporting. Rhonda’s responsibilities also include being a liaison with the Executive and Legislative branches, as well as state agencies in Michigan. Her extensive experience with candidates and election activities enables her to maintain MHSA’s continuing grass roots program.
Rhonda holds a bachelor of science degree in Interpersonal and Public Communication from Central Michigan University.
Rhonda and her husband Dan reside in Grand Ledge with their two children.
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Director of Client Services & Network Administrator
517-484-8800
jthornton@mhsa.comJody Thornton joined MHSA in 1995 and serves as Director of Client Services as well as network administrator. She is responsible for legislative tracking, campaign finance reporting, compiling and maintaining candidate and election information, management of the firm’s communications equipment, data transmissions and interfaces with key vendors. She maintains MHSA’s website, information packet and mailing lists.
Jody is a graduate of Lansing Community College. Her tremendous energy and ability make it possible for MHSA to provide timely information to clients and policy makers.
Jody and her husband Craig reside in Elsie with their three children.
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Senior Administrator of Management Services
517-484-8800
kbaker@mhsa.comKeeli Baker joined MHSA in 2001 and serves as the Senior Administrator for MHSA’s association management clients. Keeli also conducts general research, assists with corporate publications, and coordinates MHSA’s Comerica Park client hospitality suite.
She is a graduate of Michigan State University and Western Michigan University’s Cooley Law School. She is also a member of the State Bar of Michigan. Prior to joining MHSA, she served as a legislative assistant to the Senate Minority Leader.
Keeli is married and resides in the Lansing area.
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Client Services Coordinator
517-484-8800
kdavid@mhsa.comKimberly David joined MHSA in 2019 and serves as Client Services Coordinator providing both clients and business associates with prompt attention to their initial contact with the firm. She is responsible for scheduling for the lobbyists. Kim is also responsible for in-office events such as client dinners, board meetings and other special gatherings. Kim creates social media graphics for firm updates and client news. She is a graduate of Ferris State University.
Kim and her husband Aaron reside in Lansing with their daughter and son.
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Client Services Coordinator
517-484-8800
sgreen@mhsa.comSadie Green joined MHSA in 2025 and serves as a Client Services Coordinator responsible for scheduling for the lobbyists, operational tasks, and serving an administrative role for association management services. Sadie is also responsible for MHSA’s This Week in Lansing newsletter and will manage MHSA’s social media pages.
Sadie is a 2025 graduate from Michigan State University with bachelor of arts degrees in Political Science and Psychology and a minor in Law, Justice, and Public Policy from the College of Social Science. Sadie also earned a minor in Business from the Eli Broad College of Business. Sadie is a third generation Spartan!
Sadie currently resides in Farmington Hills with her parents and two cats.