SGAC's The Lobby

In this special episode, SGAC President Anika Hagenson sits down with David McCullough III, co-founder of the American Exchange Project, to talk about an exciting new partnership between SGAC and American Exchange Project; one centered on connection, curiosity, and creating opportunities for young Americans to experience the country in a whole new way. The American Exchange Project is helping high...

Get ready for an insightful preview of the upcoming SGAC National Summit in this special podcast episode featuring Steve Rogelberg—keynote speaker, organizational psychologist, and author of The Science of Meetings —in conversation with the Sr. Director of Education and Training, Crislyn Lumia. Together, they explore what makes meetings truly effective (and why so many fall short), offering practi...

What does meaningful mentorship really look like in state government affairs? In this episode of The Lobby , SGAC Senior Director of Education & Training Crislyn Lumia sits down with Laurie Onorio, Vice Chair of SGAC’s Education & Training Committee, to discuss SGAC’s Mentor Program. Together, they explore why mentorship matters, how the program was designed to support professionals at eve...

What does it really mean to build bridges in state government affairs? In Part I of our Spotlight: Building Bridges series, SGAC Board President Anika Hagenson (2025–2026) discusses her initiative and its presence at the 2025 LPC. LPC attendees then share personal stories about forging connections, navigating challenges, and the mentors and colleagues who helped shape their careers in state govern...

In this episode of The Lobby , host Crislyn Lumia sits down with Matt Kiessling, Managing Director of State Affairs at the American Gas Association and Chair of the 2025 Leaders’ Policy Conference, and David McCullough III, Founder and CEO of the American Exchange Project. Together, they go behind the scenes of SGAC’s flagship event, exploring what makes the Leaders’ Policy Conference (LPC) such a...

In this episode of The Lobby , host Crislyn Lumia talks with SGAC Board members Dex Battista (Magna International) and Michelle Erbeyi (Mary Kay Inc.). They share their journeys in government affairs, how they got involved with SGAC, and what serving on the Board has meant to them - plus, tips for members looking to take on leadership roles. Learn more at www.sgac.org and send your podcast questio...

Headed to Boston for NCSL? We've got you covered. In this episode of The Lobby , host Crislyn Lumia chats with David Edmonson (TechNet) and Brenda Snyder (CVS Health) about their game plans for tackling one of the year's biggest conferences. From must-have prep tips to favorite Legislative Summit moments, they break down how to make meaningful connections and get the most of your experie...

In this uplifting episode of  The Lobby , host Crislyn Lumia sits down with SGAC Past President Terra McClelland and SGAC President Fred Zeytoonjian to explore SGAC's deep-rooted commitment to philanthropy. From creative partnerships like the Dallas Education Foundation's book vending machine to this year's cross-country journey of Lobby the Lobster, Terra and Fred reflect on the ma...

In this episode of The Lobby , we’re diving into the fast-evolving world of artificial intelligence and its impact on state government affairs. Join us as Jeff Berkowitz, Founder & CEO of Delve, and Katie Harbath, Founder & CEO of Anchor Change, reflect on their popular sessions from SGAC’s National Summit— AI for State Lobbyists: 101 and AI Strategy for State Government Affairs Teams: Rea...

In this special episode recorded live at the 2025 National Summit, we honor SGAC’s 50th anniversary with a powerful conversation: Leading Through Legacy: Insights from Past SGAC Presidents. Moderator Beth Loudy, SGAC’s Executive Director, sits down with a panel of distinguished past presidents to explore the lasting influence of leadership in the state government affairs space. From navigating cha...

In this episode host Crislyn Lumia, SGAC's Senior Director of Education & Training, sits down with National Summit Chair Sharon Sykes and our National Summit closing keynote speaker, Brody Mullins, for an exciting preview of SGAC's 2025 National Summit, happening April 7-9 in New Orleans! Designed by state government relations professionals for state government relations professional...

In this episode, host Crislyn Lumia sits down with two powerhouse leaders in state government relations: Jody Thomas, Executive Director of the National Foundation for Women Legislators (NFWL), and Meredith Martino, Executive Director of Women in Government (WIG). Through a series of in-depth discussions, Jody and Meredith share their personal journeys, leadership insights, and the missions of the...

In this episode, host Crislyn Lumia moderates an engaging discussion with John A. Heath and Marvin Yates, two influential figures in government relations and long-time members of the National Black Professional Lobbyists Association (NBPLA). They dive into the heart of NBPLA’s mission, its impact on Black professionals in government affairs, and how the organization is creating more opportunities...

In this episode, we hear from many insightful contributors who shared their valuable career advice with us at the 2024 Leaders' Policy Conference. Whether you're entering the field or just starting out, these words of wisdom are sure to resonate. Contributors include: Katrina Iserman - AstraZeneca Patrick Stone - Otsuka Pharmaceutical Companies Anika Hagenson - Intuit Fred Zeytoonjian -...

In this episode, SGAC's Executive Director, Beth Loudy, sits down with Johnathan Lozier, Senior Vice President & Principal, Jen Ustynoski, Senior Political Director, and Ethan Wilson, Vice President of State Issues, all of whom now work for Stateside Associates. Our guests reflect on their career journeys, tracing their early experiences in nonprofit state legislative organizations, with...

In this episode, Zeny Agullana (LPC Planning Committee Chair), Eric Schuller (LPC Public Sector Committee Chair), and Kristen Casimir (YPC Committee Chair) discuss the upcoming Leaders' Policy Conference (LPC) in Colorado Springs with Crislyn Lumia, SGAC's Senior Director of Education & Training. They explore the unique opportunity for dialogue between state legislators and private s...

In this episode, SGAC Executive Director Beth Loudy hosts an engaging conversation with Jean Cantrell from State and Federal Communications, Inc. and Dan Felton from AMERIPEN. Jean and Dan share their unique experiences with the Commission on Presidential Debates, revealing how they became involved in this critical process and the roles they play. The discussion highlights what makes these debates...

SGR Lessons Learned: One Stop Shops In this episode, we chat with Jenn Stowe of The Carpet and Rug Institute, who shares her experiences and insights on running a one-person shop. Jenn discusses her professional aspirations, motivations, and career path. Listeners will gain valuable lessons on: Managing and utilizing contract lobbyists effectively Navigating relationships with bosses as a solo pro...

Spotlight: Gary Leff - Leveraging Miles, Strategy and Arbitrage for the Very Best Travel In this episode, Crislyn Lumia hosts Gary Leff, named a World’s Top Travel Specialist by Conde Nast Traveler and one of our 2024 National Summit Keynote speakers. Gary, who has appeared across many major media outlets discussing travel, shares his expertise on leveraging miles and strategizing for the best tra...

SGR Lessons Learned: Next Generation Lobbyists & Legislators In this episode, Crislyn Lumia kicks off an engaging discussion moderated by Matthew Mastroberti from National Beer Wholesalers Association, featuring insights from Senator Raumesh Akbari (TN), Travis Frazier from the Association of National Advertisers, and Robyn Matthews from the American Nurses Association. As a new wave of legisl...

SGR Lessons Learned: A Conversation with Anika and Sabina of Intuit Crislyn Lumia hosts Anika Hagenson and Sabina Nussipov from Intuit, discussing their roles in state governent affairs. Anika, who has more experience and Sabina, who is newer to the field, reflect on lessons they've learned from their respective journeys to their current roles. They share anecdotes of growth and failure, emph...

Behind the Scenes: A Preview of the National Summit In this episode, Terra McClelland (SGAC Board President 2023 - 2024), Caren Lock (2024 National Summit Chair), and Mindy Baker (2024 Communications Committee Chair) come together to discuss what will make the 2024 National Summit such a special event. They highlight key moments and what has shaped the National Summit's reputation as a premie...

SGR Lessons Learned: A Conversation with Donald and Lizzie of Volkswagen Crislyn Lumia hosts Donald Davidson and Lizzie Pittinger from Volkswagen Group of America, discussing their careers in the state government affairs field. Donald has been in the field for many years, while Lizzie started in 2020. They talk about how they landed in state government relations, with Lizzie participating in a spe...