Amanda Weber

Amanda Weber became an integral part of the Compass team in 2022, assuming the role of Legal Assistant. In this capacity, she actively engages in day-to-day legal operations, client relations, document preparation, and provides crucial support in litigation matters.

Amanda holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Communications from Bethany College in West Virginia. Her passion for the legal field led her to Washington, D.C., where she embarked on her professional journey.

Prior to joining Compass, Amanda garnered diverse experience working with legal teams in West Virginia, Maryland, and D.C., specializing in estate planning, estate administration, litigation, and cases related to domestic abuse, equality, and discrimination.

Beyond her professional life, Amanda is an avid Green Bay Packers fan, finds joy in outdoor activities alongside her husband, Zach, and their dog, Cooper, and values moments shared with family and friends.

In recent and exciting news, Amanda and Zach celebrated the arrival of their first child, Amelia, marking a new and joyous chapter in their lives.

Chelsea Trotter

Chelsea works as the Executive Assistant to Rob Garagiola and second key Principals with scheduling and client intake. Chelsea is a member of the Finance Committee and 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. She brings years of administrative support to the Compass Team from professional experiences throughout the United States and abroad.

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

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, former Maryland state Senate Majority Leader Rob Garagiola serves as a Principal of Compass Government Relations and as the President of Compass Public Relations and Compass Law. With over 30 years of legislative, lobbying, and advocacy experience at the federal, state, and local levels of government, and nearly 25 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

As a former state Senator who served on the energy and health committees, including as Chairman of the Health Subcommittee and as Chair of the Joint Committee on Healthcare Delivery and Financing, Rob is an expert on energy, tax, healthcare, business regulation, and procurement matters, Rob lobbies for clients in Maryland, Delaware, and Washington, D.C. As a former elected official, he understands the inner workings of 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 top Democrat on the Energy & Commerce Committee.

Law Practice 

Rob is a business attorney and a business owner. He uses his legal and practical experiences to benefit his corporate clients and has represented clients on business law matters in nearly every sector, ranging from accounting firms to physician practices and restaurants to consulting firms, as well as 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 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

Ellen Davis

As Vice President of Administration, Ellen leads efforts on many different fronts in Compass’s offices. She directs all maintenance and upkeep in our two offices, including furnishing, engaging contractors, and acquiring supplies. Ellen also works closely with our IT contractors and employees concerning all technology needs. In addition, she works with the Vice President of Operations on human resource matters, with respect to employee sourcing, conducting interviews, hiring, and on-boarding. She directs the marketing committee for Compass, including website maintenance and brand development, event planning, composing newsletters, and advertising. Ellen also oversees the Staff Assistant position in our Annapolis office.

In addition to Ellen’s management roles, she Chairs the firm’s Sustainability Committee where she facilitates energy-saving practices, recycling measures, and sustainable systems for Compass as well as coordinating volunteer efforts in the community.

Prior to joining Compass in early 2020, she spent 5 years working seasonally in environmental education and adventure tourism. She has held positions such as ski rental tech, whitewater rafting logistics in Colorado, and a visitor services internship with the Fish & Wildlife Service in Michigan. She worked in the field as an educator on the Chesapeake Bay, as well as a group leader in Denali National Park where she led learning vacations across Alaska.

Originally from Harford County, Maryland, Ellen enjoys hiking and skiing with her husband, dancing the tango, and spending time outside.

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