Bryce Harlow Foundation

Lucas Allen is a man of many talents — from playing guitar in Brazil to meeting with federal legislators in Washington, D.C. He has long been interested in health policies and now works as a Legislative Assistant for the American Academy of Pediatrics while also pursuing a Master’s degree in public health from the George Washington University.

Originally from Marlborough, Massachusetts, Lucas played guitar while studying in Brazil as a Fulbright scholar, learning how health care in that country compares with the system in the U.S. Lucas has come to believe the early investments we make in children’s health care have a huge impact later in life. The non-profit he works for translates the knowledge and expertise of more than 70,000 pediatricians into policies and eventual laws.

On being named a Bryce Harlow Fellow, Lucas said, “It’s really an honor and I’m grateful. It is wonderful to be part of a community of people who share my passion for working with the utmost integrity as a government advocacy professional.”

Jon Ammons is a public servant who knew he wanted to work in government but never expected to become a lobbyist. Today he works as the Deputy Chief of Staff for the Utah House of Representatives. He loves being part of the policy-making process and developing messaging strategies for the Speaker of the Utah House to communicate how new policies will help the people of Utah.

Previously, Jon served in a government and diplomatic capacity for a non-governmental organization [the charitable arm of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints], and saw first-hand the important role lobbyists play in helping educate government officials on various issues.

He decided to pursue a Master’s degree in Government at the Johns Hopkins University because he hopes to one day open his own lobbying business in Utah, combining his passion for helping explain complex issues and making a difference in policy.

Jon is proud to be a Bryce Harlow Foundation Fellow.  “The mission of the Foundation — lobbying with integrity — appealed to me” Jon said.  “An unexpected benefit of the Fellowship is the community. The mentoring is fantastic, it’s been helpful to meet and connect with the other Fellows, and all of the accomplished board members have been warm and welcoming.  It was heartening to learn there is an organization dedicated to fostering the ethical heart of lobbying and advocacy in the next generation.”

A former high school debate team champion, Jeremy Marsh loves fighting for causes he believes in. He also likes the challenge of learning quickly about new topics, a skill that has served him well working as an associate in government advocacy at the Klein/Johnson Group.

Jeremy is also pursuing a Master’s degree in Political Management from the George Washington University. He often applies what he learns in school to his daily work, from understanding how different groups can influence legislation on Capitol Hill, to the practical side of politics and the importance of corporate public affairs.

“Being a Bryce Harlow Fellow has been a great experience so far,” Jeremy said. “This community of people is demonstrating every day why lobbying is so important. There’s a right way to do it, and I’m proud to be part of an organization upholding those values.”

Anne Policastro became interested in government during college at Miami University after interning for her Cincinnati, Ohio member of Congress in their district office. After graduating, she turned her dream of moving to Washington D.C. into a reality by getting a one-year fellowship with UPS in DC. She liked the company and moved up the ranks, becoming a manager, then a director, and now works as the Vice President of Public Affairs, where she covers tax and pension policy.

Anne is pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration to learn more about how policy could be shaped to better serve businesses and produce the best outcomes. She also wants to develop a stronger background in finance and strategy to combine with her experience in politics and government relations.

Having grown up in Cincinnati where Proctor & Gamble is such a big company, Anne noted that Bryce Harlow was an optimist for the lobbying industry. “Mr. Harlow seemed like a calm, steady hand who helped get things done without people getting too partisan or frustrated,” Anne observed. “He embodied the spirit of doing what’s right even when others aren’t looking. Lobbyists must have integrity, as trusting people is crucial to getting things done,” Anne said. “This is exactly what the Bryce Harlow Foundation stands for, and I am proud to be part of the Fellowship community.”

The Bryce Harlow Foundation is pleased and proud to announce its new board members and officers for 2020.  Read all about it here: 2020 BHF new officers and board members.

Innovation in the future of health care is what drives Bryce Harlow Fellow Lauren Fresconi. In her current role as a Legislative Associate at the Nickles Group she learns all she can through her advocacy work with physicians and medical groups — especially around new ways to treat pain, how to solve the opioid crisis, and finding better ways for patients to navigate the insurance system and manage unexpected medical bills.

Originally from Wilmington, Delaware, Lauren Fresconi went to the University of San Francisco to earn her bachelor’s degree and is now studying for her master’s degree in public policy at Georgetown University.

“The Foundation validates that being a lobbyist is an honorable career,” Lauren said. “Being named a Fellow is a high honor, and gives me the opportunity to demonstrate to others government affairs can – and is – done with integrity. We have a personal stake in the issues we work on.”

The Bryce Harlow Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2020-21 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 Sunday April 26, 2020. For complete information, including a link to the on-line application, please visit our website.

The Bryce Harlow Foundation announced its honorees for the upcoming 2020 Annual Awards Dinner. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) will receive the Bryce Harlow Award and Dawn Sweeney, former President & CEO of the National Restaurant Association will receive the Business-Government Relations Award.   Read all about it here: BHF 2020 Honorees Announced

A passionate nutrition advocate who once worked part-time as a cheesemonger in D.C.’s Eastern Market, Michelle Smolarski is dedicated to the food industry in every way – from connecting with consumers to influencing public policy.

Today, Michelle works as Associate Manager, External Affairs & Issue Management for Unilever, where she leads advocacy efforts to address key issues facing the food and consumer products industries. She is also earning an MBA at Georgetown University, focusing on the intersection of policy and business as a mechanism to improve public health.

Diagnosed with Type I diabetes at four years old, Michelle has a personal connection to nutrition and its role as an essential tool to manage health. She became interested in nutrition and policy in high school, volunteering with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and traveling to Washington D.C. to meet with members of Congress. She later interned on Capitol Hill and continued working in nutrition policy and regulatory affairs for the food industry. Today, she’s excited to be part of the innovative initiatives in her industry that could help solve some of the most complex global challenges, from climate change to consumer health issues.

“The Bryce Harlow Foundation is a shining beacon for lobbying with integrity, and celebrates the profession for creating many positive outcomes for the public,” Michelle said. “I’m proud to be a Bryce Harlow Fellow, and to be part of a community contributing to this positive change.”

At 16 years old, Kristen Morse became passionate about stopping human trafficking. Since then, she’s raised thousands of dollars and helped start the A21 Campaign, a global nonprofit working to eradicate human trafficking. As the Global Reach Director, she works with 14 offices in 12 countries to strengthen laws and increase funding and awareness about taking action on this important issue.

After seeing gaps in the way some non-governmental organization (NGOs) work with governments, Kristen decided to pursue a Master’s degree in public policy at American University to improve her organization’s ability to influence policy and on-the-ground field work.

Kristen is honored to be a Bryce Harlow Fellow. “I am grateful for this opportunity to learn from leaders and peers who share similar values and who choose to live their lives for purposes greater than themselves,” Kristen said.