Bryce Harlow Foundation

Jackie is the Manager of Advocacy and Government Relations at the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) and she is also studying for a master’s degree in Political Management at the George Washington University.

Originally from Alexandria, Virginia, Jackie interned on Capitol Hill and for C-SPAN as she developed a deep interest in American government and democracy. She enjoyed learning different aspects of what a politician interacts with on a regular basis, and hopes to return to the Hill one day as a Congresswoman.

That’s one reason she’s working on earning a master’s degree in political management, so she can learn the skills needed to run a successful campaign and serve in elected office. It also helps hone skills she uses every day as a lobbyist for AUVSI. In the 2020 elections, she served as the Chief Elections Officer for Fairfax County in Virginia, overseeing a team of 25 elections officers who worked to ensure the integrity of in-person voting.

On being named a Bryce Harlow Fellow, Jackie said, “Being selected as a Bryce Harlow Fellow bolsters my sense of professional integrity. The Foundation sends a message to the world that lobbyists are honest, working hard, and truthful. I’m proud to be part of this group.”

Bridget Anshus knows a thing or two about stamina. She has completed the bicycling equivalent of running a marathon, riding 100 miles for fun, and has hiked for miles at National Parks across the United States.

Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Bridget knew she wanted to move to Washington D.C. to pursue her interest in politics and government. While studying for her undergraduate degree at American University, she became interested in health care policy while interning for non-profits and advocacy firms.

Those experiences propelled her to Venn Strategies, where she works today as a senior associate on the health care team, working with clients like the American Diabetes Association and other trade associations. She is also earning her Master’s degree in political management from the George Washington University to further build her skillset in government relations.

Bridget is excited to be a Bryce Harlow Fellow, saying, “I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to changing the reputation of lobbying. Government advocacy is critical in developing sound public policy, ensuring all interests are heard. I am honored to be a part of the Bryce Harlow community.”

Andrea Cooke is passionate about improving health care. She has spent more than 20 years working in various aspects of health care, and is now pursuing a master’s degree in Health Care Innovation at the University of Pennsylvania while also working as the Director of Legislative and Regulatory Policy for the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.

Originally from Williamsburg, Virginia, Andrea moved to Washington, D.C., after getting her undergraduate degree in Biology from Virginia Tech, so she could be at the nexus of government and politics. She earned an MBA from Howard University and also worked at Howard University Hospital.

Interested in health care innovations, she applied to go back to school once again at the urging of her daughter. It’s paid off, as she recently had an op-ed published in the Boston Globe about the potential impact of the Supreme Court overturning the Affordable Care Act. (Please read the op-ed here.)

Andrea is pleased to be a Bryce Harlow Foundation Fellow. “It is so exciting to network with a group of intelligent and driven lobbyists,” Andrea said. “Although we may work in different areas, we are all in advocacy. We talk with each other, offer suggestions, and grow our network. I’m also excited to have a mentor with experience in my chosen field. It will help me develop my skillset and get to the next level.”

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.