Center Maryland Presents: The Lobby Podcast

The 2021 Legislative session is over and The Lobby is still packed. We've heard from some of the architects of the biggest stories in Annapolis this year and asked them what they’ve accomplished during a period when Marylanders have needed them most. On episode 10 of The Lobby, Damian reconnects with Senator Craig Zucker (MD-14) and Quinton Askew of Maryland 2-1-1 about The Thomas Bloom Raskin Act...

Session is over and we've heard from some of the most storied names in Annapolis. On episode 9 of The Lobby, Damian brings together the next generation of Annapolis operatives.  We are joined today by Gregory Snyder of Bellamy Genn, P.K. Owusu-Acheaw of the Maryland State Education Association, and Neal Karkhanis of Funk  & Bolton. Join us for a far-reaching conversation about what led them to whe...

On episode 8 of The Lobby, Gerry Evans of Evans & Associates joins us to go behind-the-scenes on a career spanning 45 years and still going. Evans talks about the major Maryland players from throughout his career, the friendships he’s formed, and the lessons he's  learned. Afterward, Damian and Gerry discuss the incomparable life of former Montgomery County Executive Charlie Gilchrist. Join us for...

On episode 7 of The Lobby, Nicole Stallings from the Maryland Hospital Association gives us the inside view of the year-long “grind” of front-line workers in the state, and how to best position themselves to help as they strive to protect health care heroes, advance telehealth, and address long-standing inequities.  Join us for a discussion on the effects of COVID-19 on health policy and advocacy...

On episode six of The Lobby, Damian is joined by Anne Arundel County  Executive Steuart Pittman Jr. and former Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker III to discuss the intricacies of the Maryland state income tax, the power of the county budget, and a preview of the 2022 Governor's race. Join us for a conversation on the ins and outs of county government, and how they interplay with state...

On Episode 5 of The Lobby we're joined by the  most organized advocate in Annapolis , Gene Ransom of MedChi. Join us for a deep dive into the most pressing health issues in the state, including torts and liability, telehealth, and the struggle of access. Afterward, Gene tells us how being a lifelong resident of Queen Anne's County grew his love for public service and the forms that has taken in hi...

On episode 4 of The Lobby, the undeniably groundbreaking Robin Shaivitz, Vice President & Senior Government Relations Advisor with Alexander & Cleaver, joins Damian for a new telling of her remarkably storied career as Annapolis' original female contract-lobbyist. Join us for an incredibly insightful conversation about fighting for what you believe in, finding success in chaos, and how to shatter...

In episode 3 of The Lobby, Damian is joined by veteran non-profit journalist, Josh Kurtz, Partner at Rifkin Weiner Livingston, Camille Fesche, and Baltimore and Howard County Delegate Jessica Feldmark. Join us as we examine the variety of perspectives on Maryland politics- from inside, from outside, and from one of the state's most-trusted observers. We'll see you inside on the Lobby.

In episode 2 of The Lobby, Damian is joined by contemporaries Sushant Sidh and David Carroll, as well as long-time advisor for Comptroller Peter Franchot turned communications strategist, Len Foxwell. Join us for an inside look at how lobbying has changed in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, what it takes to build a multifaceted firm from the ground up, and the business of lobbying.  We hope to s...

Join us for the inaugural edition of The Lobby- a recreation of the room where it all happens, suitable for today’s environment. For our first episode, we speak with Keiffer Jackson Mitchell Jr., Chief Legislative Officer for the Office of  Governor Larry Hogan, and Delora Sanchez Ifekauche, Esq, Principal at Cornerstone Government Affairs to get their sense of the state of play in Maryland politi...