Bryce Harlow Foundation

Jake Kennedy grew up in San Diego, California and studied political science at Bucknell University, where he minored in environmental policy. Today he works as a Professional Staff Member for the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, where his portfolio includes policy work related to climate, hazardous waste, and chemical safety. He is also working to earn an MBA from the University of Maryland.

Before his role with the committee, Jake worked as a legislative assistant in former Arizona Senator Jeff Flake’s office. He also worked for a Member of Parliament in London, sparking an interest in government and politics that led him to the U.S. Senate. Jake would like to become an in-house lobbyist one day, explaining some of the regulatory uncertainty in DC to those making business decisions around regulations.

Combining his experience working on Capitol Hill with an MBA and being a Bryce Harlow Fellow will help equip him with the skills needed for eventually achieving that goal.

“Being awarded the Fellowship is an important honor, validating that I’m on the right path and among good company,” Jake said. “The values instilled by Bryce Harlow and the Foundation convey what federal advocacy really means and helps bring conversations about the role of integrity in advocacy to the forefront.” Jake adopted two hound dogs during the pandemic, Sadie and George.

Scott Marks has lived all over the United States, from Connecticut to Arizona and Texas. He first became interested in government during high school, when he was paid to put up campaign signs, an interest that has grown ever since. Scott earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Sam Houston State University and is now pursuing a master’s degree in legislative affairs from George Washington University.

Scott is currently an Assistant Vice President of Congressional Relations with the Independent Community Bankers of America, where he enjoys helping members understand Capitol Hill and adding insight around what new legislation could mean for them. Prior to joining ICBA, Scott worked as the Government Relations Manager for the Transportation Intermediaries Association, and has also been an advocate for the Fraternal Order of Police.

“With the Bryce Harlow Foundation, like-minded folks can come together to enjoy lobbying in the ‘right’ way, pursuing a higher level of ethics and accountability,” Scott said. “I’m proud to be a part of this community of government relations professionals working with integrity.”  In his spare time, Scott is still trying to find the best Texas BBQ in Washington DC.

The Bryce Harlow Foundation is pleased to announce the 2022-23 class of Bryce Harlow Fellows!  Join us in congratulating them and read all about it here: BHF 2022-23 Fellows Announced. Information about our Fellowship program may be found HERE.

Originally from the Buckeye State, Elle Crader got her start in politics working for former Ohio Gov. John Kasich. She also studied political science at the Ohio State University and grew up with a strong interest in politics and the news.

Today, she works in Chicago as a Legislative Liaison for CHW Advisors/Cornerstone Consulting Services, a traditional lobbying firm.  Elle helps clients advocate for a variety of issues with the state legislature, including criminal justice reform.  She is also pursuing a Juirs Doctor of Law at the Loyola University Chicago to better understand how to create and understand the impact of policies.

Elle is proud to be a Bryce Harlow Fellow. “It’s important to have the Bryce Harlow Foundation promoting honesty and integrity in the lobbying field while helping to build a network of ethical lobbyists around the country,” Elle said.

Truly a woman who does it all, Elle is has two poodles and is also the proud mom of a young baby born during the pandemic.

Originally from Peru but raised in Maryland, Sheyla Guevara cares a great deal about helping people gain access health care services.  A healthcare data analyst for CareFirst, Sheyla she works with people on Medicaid to ensure CareFirst is meeting quality measures as defined in health policies. Looking out for her own health, Sheyla is a devoted fan of fitness and works out every day.

Interested in the bridge between business and health policy, Sheyla is pursuing both an MBA and a Master’s of Arts degree in Public Policy from the University of Maryland. Inspired by her Bryce Harlow Foundation mentor, Nancy LeaMond, she is interested in one day pursuing a job in health care advocacy to part of the policy debates as they unfold.

“The Bryce Harlow Foundation has opened so many doors and perspectives for me,” Sheyla said. “I’ve been able to network with Fellows and my mentors even during the pandemic, and that network is so important.”

Originally from Peru but raised in Maryland, Sheyla Guevara cares a great deal about helping people gain access health care services.  A healthcare data analyst for CareFirst, Sheyla she works with people on Medicaid to ensure CareFirst is meeting quality measures as defined in health policies. Looking out for her own health, Sheyla is a devoted fan of fitness and works out every day.

Interested in the bridge between business and health policy, Sheyla is pursuing both an MBA and a Master’s of Arts degree in Public Policy from the University of Maryland. Inspired by her Bryce Harlow Foundation mentor, Nancy LeaMond, she is interested in one day pursuing a job in health care advocacy to part of the policy debates as they unfold.

“The Bryce Harlow Foundation has opened so many doors and perspectives for me,” Sheyla said. “I’ve been able to network with Fellows and my mentors even during the pandemic, and that network is so important.”

Clara Keane is passionate about advocating for health care reform, particularly in mental health services, and using data and evidence-based practices to solve challenges.

Currently, she is the Legislative Advocacy Manager at the Treatment Advocacy Center, where she works in grassroots engagement with stakeholders around the country. Prior to this, Clara worked at the American Art Therapy Association for four years where she worked to expand access to art therapy services. She is also pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Policy from George Mason University, where she is focusing on health policy. Clara enjoys painting and loves languages. She speaks Spanish, German, and Hungarian.

Clara is grateful to be part of a Bryce Harlow Fellowship network. “The Foundation’s emphasis on bipartisanship and integrity is important now more than ever,” Clara said. “It’s incredible to have access to mentors who are leaders in government relations and to meet other Fellows with similar professional interests.”

The Bryce Harlow Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2022-23 Bryce Harlow Fellowship, a prestigious award including scholarship funds and mentoring. We encourage you to please help spread the word, or to apply if you are working full time, going to graduate school part time and are interested in the field of lobbying and government advocacy. The deadline for applying is Friday, April 29, 2022. For complete information, including a link to the on-line application, please visit our website.

Originally from the Buckeye State, Elle Crader got her start in politics working for former Ohio Gov. John Kasich. She also studied political science at the Ohio State University and grew up with a strong interest in politics and the news.

Today, she works in Chicago as a Legislative Liaison for CHW Advisors/Cornerstone Consulting Services, a traditional lobbying firm.  Elle helps clients advocate for a variety of issues with the state legislature, including criminal justice reform.  She is also pursuing a Juirs Doctor of Law at the Loyola University Chicago to better understand how to create and understand the impact of policies.

Elle is proud to be a Bryce Harlow Fellow. “It’s important to have the Bryce Harlow Foundation promoting honesty and integrity in the lobbying field while helping to build a network of ethical lobbyists around the country,” Elle said.

Truly a woman who does it all, Elle is has two poodles and is also the proud mom of a young baby born during the pandemic.

At its recent board meeting, the Bryce Harlow Foundation announced the appointment of four new board members and new elected officers. Join us in welcoming them and read all about it here: 2022 BHF new officers and board. Our full list of board members and staff may be found HERE.