Team Category: Main TRP team page

Andrew Rosenberg is co-founder and co-leader of Thorn Run Partners. Launched in 2010 as a two-person boutique, Thorn Run is today recognized as one of the largest and most impactful government relations and strategic communications firms in the country. Prior to starting Thorn Run, Rosenberg spent a combined two decades on the staff of Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA) and as a policy lawyer, public affairs specialist, and lobbyist at several of Washington’s top firms.

Known for his strategic acumen and deliberate, campaign-style approach to tackling client challenges, Rosenberg is a highly sought advisor and public speaker on matters related to both politics and policy. Respected journals including Politico, the Washington Post, Roll Call, Bloomberg and the Hill routinely call upon on him for insights and quotes.

In addition to providing the firm’s clients with high level strategic counsel, Mr. Rosenberg also serves as a respected and effective Democratic lobbyist. Having spent years previously with two of the nation’s top public relations agencies, Rosenberg believes strongly in the importance of coordinating strategic communications with government relations as a means of accomplishing one’s policy objectives. It is with this concept in mind that he created TRP Engage, the firm’s unique platform of communications capabilities focused exclusively on supporting lobbyists’ work to move the needle on policy development. Along these same lines, Rosenberg, and the firm more broadly, is well recognized as an innovator and pioneer in the conception, creation, and execution of successful issue-based stakeholder coalitions designed to accomplish clients’ policy goals.

Mr. Rosenberg also boasts significant experience in the political arena. He was a co-founder and Senior Advisor to Draft Obama, the leading national pro-Obama grassroots organization prior to the Senator becoming a presidential candidate. Over various election cycles, Rosenberg has served as an election law consultant to the Democratic National Committee, a surrogate for presidential campaigns on health care and Middle East policy issues, and as a regional coordinator for the DNC’s Voter Protection Initiative.

Mr. Rosenberg received his B.A. in History and Russian Studies at Amherst College, and obtained his law degree, as well as his masters in Urban and Environmental Planning, at the University of Virginia.

Mr. Rosenberg resides in Washington, DC with his wife, Jenny, and children, Kate and Max.

Thayer Surette Roberts joined Thorn Run Partners in 2019. Ms. Roberts has a deep expertise in health policy focusing on pharmaceutical and patient access issues as well as over a decade of experience in advocacy, coalition building, and strategic partnerships. She also has a wealth of experience in establishing and managing organizations, including coalitions and tax-exempt organizations.

Ms. Roberts has a broad network of relationships within the patient advocacy and health policy communities. She has a keen knowledge of the policy priorities of all stakeholders in the innovation ecosystem, having worked closely with academia, patient groups, and industry. Ms. Roberts has a track record for impactful coalition building, providing a deep expertise in convening stakeholders with shared areas of interest and developing impactful third- party engagement strategies to move the needle on clients’ policy priorities.

Ms. Roberts has a comprehensive understanding of health policy with experience shaping policy at the Federal and State levels. She is able to navigate the constantly evolving health policy landscape and work impactfully with both Congress and Federal agencies to move the needle in a positive direction for her clients.

Prior to joining Thorn Run Partners, Ms. Roberts served as the Senior Director of Alliance Development for a nonprofit membership-based organization dedicated to championing medical research both in the public and private sector. In this role she worked closely with the organization’s 400+ members and partners to convene appropriate parties and to develop programs to advocate for a policy and regulatory climate that supports medical innovation.

Ms. Roberts grew up in Hamilton, Massachusetts and received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Boston College. She spent several years following college working in nonprofit fundraising in Boston before moving to Washington, DC. Ms. Roberts lives in Alexandria, Virginia with her family.

Jake joined Thorn Run in January 2022, bringing a diverse professional background in government relations roles for academic institutions, for-profit companies, and non-profit organizations. Jake advises clients on a variety of issues related to appropriations initiatives and securing federal funding for research and development (R&D), workforce development, and procurement matters. Jake also has experience and a history of success in securing site selection incentives for companies looking to expand or relocate their operations.

Prior to joining Thorn Run, Jake spent six years in several lobbying and consulting roles, including, most recently, as the Managing Director of Federal Affairs for an organization in DC. Jake’s other experience includes government relations roles at the University of Washington and PACCAR Inc. (Fortune 500 manufacturing company). Jake also served in the office of former Congressman Tom Petri (WI-6).

Jake graduated from the University of Washington with a bachelor’s degree in Economics and European History. Jake also earned a master’s degree in Economics from the London School of Economics. Jake currently resides in Washington, DC.

Gary Palmquist brings over two decades of experience as a lobbyist and Capitol Hill staffer to Thorn Run Partners. Drawing on his extensive network of bipartisan connections in Congress, Mr. Palmquist has a consistent track record of devising effective lobbying strategies and achieving successful results. A seasoned practitioner, he focuses his representation on healthcare, financial services, corporations, coalitions, and trade associations. Mr. Palmquist joined Thorn Run Partners in 2010 after serving at the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the nation’s leading small business advocacy organization. During his tenure at NFIB, he developed grassroots strategies, advocated for tax relief and healthcare reform, and engaged in lobbying efforts before Congress.

Prior to his work at NFIB, Mr. Palmquist held the position of Legislative Director for former Congressman Dennis Cardoza (D-CA), a senior member of the House Agriculture Committee and co-chair of the Blue Dog Coalition—a group of fiscally responsible House Democrats. In this capacity, he played a significant role in formulating alternative policies for the federal budget, tax reform legislation, trade agreements, and other key priorities of the Blue Dog Coalition. Mr. Palmquist previously worked for former Congressman Ken Bentsen (D-TX), a prominent member of the House Financial Services Committee. In addition to his responsibilities as Legislative Director, he contributed to the pro-growth policy initiatives of the centrist New Democrat Coalition, of which Congressman Bentsen was a leader. Mr. Palmquist also served as Legislative Director for former Congressman Bob Clement (D-TN), a long-serving member of the House Transportation and Budget Committees.

A skilled liaison bridging the business community and Capitol Hill, Mr. Palmquist’s pragmatic and bipartisan approach has earned him respect from both sides of the political aisle. He holds a B.S. degree from the University of Houston and a master’s degree from American Military University. When he is not in Washington, DC, Mr. Palmquist resides in Los Angeles with his wife Katie.

Phil Oliva is a strategic consultant with Thorn Run Partners (TRP).  He provides consulting services to TRP’s growing semiconductor practice and is focused largely on value proposition development and grant writing for clients.  He also assists with defense, energy and healthcare-related clients.

Phil is President of his own New York-based communications and business-consulting firm, Gipper Communications, where he assists start-up ventures and established businesses of all sizes with business strategy, marketing, communications, and public, media and government relations.

Prior to entering the consulting world, Phil spent over 20 years working in both the private and public sectors.  A speechwriter and Director of Regional Affairs for former New York Governor George Pataki, Phil also worked in the NYS Legislature, U.S. Congress and as Chief of Staff for the Westchester (NY) County Executive.  In 2016, Phil made a spirited but unsuccessful run for Congress in New York’s 18^th Congressional District.

In 2011, as the head of external affairs for IMS Health, the leading Connecticut-based healthcare data and analytics company, Phil led communications strategy and assisted with amicus recruitment in the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case – Sorrell v. IMS (6-3 favorable decision in IMS’ favor).

Phil received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Siena College and his Master of Business Administration from Rensselaer Polytechnic institute. Phil lives in East Fishkill, NY with his three children Philip, Daniela and Luke.

Casey joined Thorn Run Partners in January 2022, bringing with him an array of experience helping both non-profit and for-profit organizations with navigating and engaging with Congress, federal agencies, and state governments. Casey provides companies, universities, and other clients with project management, expertise, and analysis in a variety of areas, including federal appropriations; site selection; infrastructure development; research; defense; and renewable energy.

Prior to joining Thorn Run, Casey served as a Senior Research Analyst at a DC-based consulting firm. Casey graduated from the College at Brockport in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and a Bachelor of Arts in History. Casey currently resides in Washington, DC.

Harriet Melvin, a seasoned government and public affairs professional, joined Thorn Run Partners in January 2015 bringing over 25 years experience shaping public policy for a diverse group of leading corporations, coalitions and trade associations. With her extensive experience representing clients before the legislative and executive branches, Harriet is a results-oriented, legislative advocate with experience working in a bi-partisan manner.

Prior to joining Thorn Run, Harriet founded and ran The Capitol Group, a boutique federal government relations shop. Previous to that, she served as a partner for ten years at Quinn Gillespie & Associates, a leading government relations firm. Harriet has a skilled understanding of the private sector having served previously as the Director of Federal Government Affairs for two Fortune 500 companies and the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB). She began her Washington career on the staff of Rep. Charles Hatcher of Georgia.

Melvin’s professional experience also extends to public affairs. Her expertise includes “inside the beltway” corporate positioning integrating strategic planning, key employee advocacy, and political action committee counsel.

Harriet is active in political circles serving as a founding member of the Government Relation Leadership Forum. She has also served on the executive committee of the VIEW PAC (Value in Electing Women). President Bush appointed Melvin to the Presidential Review Board where she made recommendations for governmental employees to receive the Presidential Rank Award. Melvin has also provided counsel to the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) as a member of NRCC’s prestigious “House Incumbent Retention Group.”

Melvin is a graduate of the University of Georgia and serves on the Board of the University’s School of Public and International Affairs. She resides in Virginia with her husband and son.

A respected lobbyist, health policy analyst, and communications expert representing some of Washington’s most influential stakeholders, Shea McCarthy is a seasoned operator in the sphere of federal advocacy. As a Partner at Thorn Run Partners and lead coordinator of the firm’s multidisciplinary policy team, Mr. McCarthy advises clients on the intricacies of health care policy, develops sophisticated government relations strategies, and has successfully influenced federal laws.

To successfully move the needle in Washington, “opening doors” for clients is merely a prerequisite. By offering a deeply coordinated approach to advocacy — combining facets of technology, grassroots engagement, and communications in tandem with traditional lobbying — Mr. McCarthy and his team of experts actively position stakeholders for success. His experience in implementing campaign-style tactics has also been leveraged in the political arena, where he’s worked on the Digital Events team for Mitt Romney’s Presidential campaign and as Digital Director for a highly-competitive congressional race.

Before to joining Thorn Run, Mr. McCarthy worked on Capitol Hill in the office of then-Congressman Cory Gardner (R-CO). He is widely regarded as a thought leader in the health policy field, and his analysis has been featured in leading national and inside-the-Beltway publications such as Business Insider, STAT News, Inside Health Policy, Modern Healthcare, Morning Consult, and RealClearHealth.

A highly engaged member of the D.C. health policy community, Mr. McCarthy has served in many leadership roles including as a Board Member for the Society of Health Policy Young Professionals. A D.C. native, Mr. McCarthy received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame, where he majored in Economics and Computer Applications and graduated as a member of the economic honors society.

Joo Young joined Thorn Run as Vice President in January 2022.  She brings a unique background working in the government and non-profit sectors, which she utilizes in her engagement with clients from all over the country.  Joo Young focuses on strategic alignment of clients’ priorities with thoughtful ways to enhance their visibility in Washington, DC.

Prior to Thorn Run, Joo Young worked for a small government relations firm where she served as a Managing Director.  During her tenure she supported a diverse portfolio of clients in identifying and capturing more than $20M in federal and foundation funding for research, program and capacity building projects.  Projects range from large multi-institutional research on rare diseases to building capacity in communities to target critical services for children and families.

Joo Young also served as Director for the Gates Millennium Scholars Program (GMSP), funded by a $1.6B grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for several years before moving to the firm.  She oversaw the daily operations of the scholarship program with a focus on the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) populations in collaboration with her partner colleagues at the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) and the American Indian Graduate Center Scholars (AIGCS).  During her time with GMSP, the program disbursed more than $40M in last-dollar scholarship funding to outstanding students.

In addition, Joo Young has a demonstrated commitment to public service.  She started her career as a Legislative Assistant to California State Senator Tom Hayden.  Joo Young continued her service to the State of California while working for four different State Assembly Speakers in the California Legislature’s Office of Federal Relations to advocate for the issues of concern to the state.

Joo Young graduated from the University of California, San Diego with a degree in Political Science.  She currently resides in Los Angeles.

Greg Lankler joined Thorn Run in November 2019 to lead the firm’s national security and intelligence community practice.  After spending more than 20 years working in the U.S. House of Representatives and liaising with nearly every department of the federal government, Mr. Lankler has dedicated most of the last decade helping large and small defense contractors, startups, Fortune 500 corporations, non-profits, and other stakeholders navigate the often opaque congressional appropriations process.

Before joining the private sector, Mr. Lankler served for more than ten years on the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee.  During this time, he managed multiple portfolios including: the research and development, procurement, and special access programs for the Air Force, Central Intelligence Agency, and Special Operations Command; the information technology programs for the Department of Defense, Military Services, and Intelligence Community; and the acquisition programs of the Defense-Wide Agencies and the Office of the Secretary of Defense.  While on the Subcommittee staff, Mr. Lankler served four different chairmen during both Republican and Democrat majorities.

Mr. Lankler’s experience in appropriations matters extends well beyond issues of national security.  He has represented clients with interests before every one of the House and Senate Appropriations Committee’s twelve subcommittees and has a long-standing record of success in achieving client objectives through creative strategies.  His results are evident in funding and report language included in the annual appropriations bills, policy recommendations carried in authorization measures, and program manager priorities submitted annually in the President’s budget request.

Mr. Lankler not only possesses a thorough understanding of the appropriations process, but also a unique understanding of the Members and staffers whose viewpoints, goals, and decisions ultimately determine congressional appropriations and authorizations, federal acquisitions, and national security and domestic policy.  Prior to his time with the House Appropriations Committee, Mr. Lankler worked for Representative Bill Young (R-FL) from 1990 to 2001 and served as his Legislative Director for the five years prior to Mr. Young appointing him to the Defense Subcommittee in 2001.  During this time, he gained an in-depth understanding of the inner workings of congressional offices, the skills necessary to successfully influence individual Members of Congress, and experience advocating on behalf of constituent companies before the various federal departments and agencies.

Mr. Lankler earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Delaware.  He is a frequent guest-lecturer on the appropriations process for Georgetown University’s Government Affairs Institute and has spoken at the Air Force’s Understanding the Business-Acquisition Relationship Executive Seminar for Air Force acquisition personnel.