People Archive - Compass Advocacy

Amanda Weber

As a Legal Assistant with Compass, Amanda works closely with our law team in the day to day operations, client intake and relations, assisting with legal documents and case preparation, and providing litigation support.

Though originally from East Stroudsburg, PA, Amanda was raised in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. She received a B.A. in Political Science with a minor in Communications from Bethany College in Bethany, WV before moving to D.C. where she is actively pursuing professional aspirations in the law. Prior to joining Compass, Amanda worked with various legal teams in WV, MD, and D.C. that provide services in estate planning and administration, litigation, and domestic abuse and equality/discrimination cases.

Amanda enjoys the outdoors with her husband Zach and playing frisbee with their dog Cooper, cheering for the Green Bay Packers, and spending time with friends and family at every opportunity.

Chelsea Trotter

Chelsea works as the Executive Assistant to Rob Garagiola and second key Principals with scheduling, client in-take, and other related administrative tasks. Chelsea also assists the Controller with invoicing, accounts receivable for all businesses, and employee reimbursement processing.

Chelsea received her B.A. in Modern Language and Community Service Studies from DePaul University in Chicago, IL and has spent most of her career in the non-profit sector, bringing eight years of administrative support experience to the Compass Team.

Originally from the British Virgin Islands, Chelsea enjoys visiting family on both sides of the Atlantic and the Caribbean with her husband and young son.

Elly Colmers Cowan

For nearly a decade, Elly has been lobbying at the state, local, and federal levels on a wide range of topics including tax credit policy, environmental and land use issues, and budget priorities. Prior to joining Compass, Elly advocated on behalf of historic preservation, smart growth, and land conservation non-profits, and she has forged strong relationships with General Assembly leadership and other key players during her time in Annapolis.

Her years of experience in all aspects of advocacy – from public policy development to coalition building to grassroots organizing- ensure a wholistic approach to lobbying for her clients.

A Baltimore native, Elly lives in the City with her husband, son, and three cats. When not working, she enjoys cooking, reading, and supporting small businesses in her neighborhood.

Katherine Bennett

As a Staff Assistant for Compass Advocacy, Katherine works closely with the both the Government Relations and Management teams by scheduling meetings and providing necessary office support. Katherine interfaces with clients during visits to the Annapolis office as well as during client intake. Day to day, Katherine works to ensure the office runs smoothly by answering phones and supplementing office logistics and procurement as necessary.

As a part of our public relations team, Katherine mainly produces social media content for clients. This requires her to learn the inner workings of our client’s operations and effectively communicate that to specific audiences, as well as create consistent branding. She also manages some of the administrative tasks for the team including prepping meeting materials and monitoring team goals.

Katherine received her B.A. in Political Science and Public Policy from St. Mary’s College of Maryland, where she also had the opportunity to intern for Maryland State Delegate Dana Jones. Outside of her work on the Compass team, Katherine spends much of her life on the water. As an Annapolis native, she grew up competitively sailing and coaching sailing, and continues to do so on weekends.

Addison Pruitt

Addison is a Principal of Government Relations and Director of Public Relations at Compass Advocacy. Wearing both hats, Addison connects the dots between government advocacy and brand strategy, helping clients on projects ranging from lobbying to logo design.

Government Relations

Prior to joining Compass in 2021, he served as the Communications Specialist for the U.S. Architect of the Capitol’s historic Cannon Renewal Project, where he coordinated messaging and outreach initiatives to House Members, staff, and key congressional stakeholders.

Addison also spent three years in the Maryland General Assembly as Chief of Staff to Delegate Darryl Barnes, Chairman of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland. In this role, he worked on legislation to improve equity, procurement, and funding opportunities for minority businesses and disadvantaged communities across the state of Maryland.

Public Relations

Aside from his political experience, Addison has helped several nonprofits and businesses in the Greater Washington Region, providing consulting services in branding, graphic design, website development, and multimedia. With a spirit for community and collaboration, he launched a creative pop-up event series in 2017 for young professionals to connect through arts and music.

Additional Background

Addison studied Marketing with a concentration in Product and Brand Management at Virginia Commonwealth University. He is a lifelong resident of Prince George’s County and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Alex Shull McKitrick

Alex has a decade of legislative, lobbying, and advocacy experience at the federal, state, and local levels of government. As a former Government Affairs Director for the Port of Baltimore, she has strong relationships with members in the Baltimore region of the Maryland General Assembly as well as Hogan Administration officials. Having worked for members of the House and Senate that represented Maryland’s Eastern Shore Alex brings unique, long-standing relationships in this rural jurisdiction. In addition, Alex manages the Delaware book for Compass’ Government Affairs practice. In Delaware, Alex works to advance client objectives within Leg Hall and at the local levels of government.

Alex has extensive background on business and tax policy, particularly with respect to issues that impact the transportation and logistics industry. She has experience in cannabis, energy, and civil justice policy and often assists clients in procurement pursuits in both Delaware and Maryland. Her ties to departments like transportation, natural resources, and information and technology in both states enable clients to easily get in front of decision makers ahead of sought-after procurements.

When not lobbying in the halls of Annapolis or Dover you can find Alex hiking, running, or growing something new in her garden. She has a strong sense of community and believes in giving back often and supporting the efforts of those doing good in her area.

Jen Kidwell

Jen Kidwell brings 8 years of experience working with families in a variety of settings to her work as a Wills and Trusts attorney. She views the legal documents that are commonly used to help families plan for the future as tools for investing in the relationships, stories, and causes that ultimately create a legacy. She prioritizes a values-based planning process, and takes time with each client to educate and counsel them through potentially challenging decisions. Though she works with clients at many stages of life, she especially enjoys working with families with minor children and using legal strategies to protect the opportunities and relationships that parents value for their children. Jen also enjoys working with small business owners and ensuring that their comprehensive estate plan takes into account their years of investing their time, money, passion, and expertise in their business.

Jen and her husband live in Montgomery County with their two young children and canine sidekick. She spends free time on the Sligo Creek trail, playing music, and getting muddy in the garden.

Kirsten Ostrom

Kirsten oversees all operational aspects of Compass Advocacy. She also manages the firm’s human resources needs, including compensation, benefit administration, and employee policies. Kirsten is also a member of the Compass finance team and conducts company-wide financial audits. In addition, she coordinates firm compliance, insurance, and risk management matters.

Previously, Kirsten was a File Clerk/Policy Analyst Support to the Maryland House Ways & Means Committee and has played key administrative roles in healthcare companies including Product Manager in Product Development & Management for a Behavioral Health and Wellness corporation, and Patient Care Coordinator for an Orthopedic surgical facility.

Additional Background

Kirsten continues to pursue her interest in medicine through research and attending lectures. She previously volunteered at the Johns Hopkins Pediatric Oncology unit, and her interest in cancer research especially continues. In her spare time, she enjoys outdoor adventuring and exploring nature, traveling, and cooking.

Morgan Mills

As Director of Government Relations, she offers insightful policy analysis and political strategy for our clients in Maryland and on the federal level, as well as assisting with ethics compliance for the government relations team. Morgan Mills joined the Compass Government Relations team in October 2021. Prior to joining Compass, she spent two sessions with Delegate Williams at the Maryland General Assembly, crafting policy, offering legislative support, and handling constituent services.

Born and raised in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, Morgan is a graduate of UMBC, where she studied Political Science.

When she’s not working, Morgan enjoys hiking with her dog, camping, and spending time with her family.

Robert J. Garagiola

A triple threat for Compass, Rob serves as a Principal for Compass Government Relations, President of Compass Public Relations and the Managing Member of Compass Law. With nearly 30 years of legislative, lobbying, and advocacy experience at the federal, state, and local levels of government, and over 20 years practicing law in D.C. and MD, Rob plays a leading role in managing the Compass leadership team and nurturing the firm’s enterprise growth and innovation.

Government Relations

An expert on energy, tax, business regulation, and procurement matters, Rob lobbies for clients in Maryland, Delaware, and Washington, D.C. As a former Maryland State Senate Majority Leader and State Senator for over a decade, Rob understands the inner workings of state government. Prior to becoming a State Senator, he spent close to a decade on Capitol Hill – both as a lobbyist and senior staffer for U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr., who is now the Ranking Democrat of the Energy & Commerce Committee.

Law Practice

Rob has represented legal clients in nearly every sector, ranging from accounting firms to physician practices, trade associations, and nonprofits. Rob advises clients on general business, employment, and commercial leasing matters, helping them form and grow companies, draft corporate governance documents, and provide counsel on various contract issues. He has been recognized as a Super Lawyer since 2016.

Public Relations

Having run for office at the state and federal levels, Rob has extensive media and communications experience. For over a decade, he has helped clients with various grassroots advocacy efforts to affect and shape public opinion on a range of issues. Rob has become adept at employing various grassroots tools, including phones, e-mails, text messages, and other platforms to advance client issues. He has also worked with clients to develop innovative strategies to convey their message before traditional media, digital media, and other venues.

Additional Background

Rob served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1995 to 2003 and received his jump wings in 2000. He is a member of various nonprofit boards, including those with a focus on the arts, healthcare, renewable energy, and public safety. He is married to Hannah Powers Garagiola, the founder of Compass Advocacy, and has five children and a Jack Russell Terrier named Oyster. In his spare time, he enjoys boating, traveling, reading, and cooking.

Practice Areas

Government Relations

Business Regulation
Energy
Healthcare
Procurement
Taxation & Fees

Public Relations

Communications
Grassroots & Political Campaign Strategy
Public Affairs & Coalition Building

Law

Business Law
Contracts & Commercial Leases
Employment/Labor Law