Lobbyist Hannah Garagiola is the president of Compass Advocacy, a lobbying group she founded in 2018 that has offices in Annapolis, Rockville and Dover, Delaware. Her clients include the Maryland General Assembly, local governments throughout Maryland, Fortune 500 businesses, trade associations and more.
She is the former deputy chief of staff to the late Thomas V. Mike Miller, the former Maryland Senate president.
What is the most valuable habit you have developed?
The most valuable habit I’ve developed is definitely taking time for myself. It prevents burnout and allows you to better enjoy what you do. Early in my career, I hardly ever did that and now that I have more responsibility and two small children, I really have to take time to unwind. Whether it is to spend time with friends, date nights, working out, cook leisurely or get away, I am better and fresher when I can gain perspective from a mental break.
What is the biggest challenge facing government leaders in Maryland?
Government officials have to balance the various important priorities for the state. Whether it is great schools, a clean environment, less traffic, public safety or literally hundreds of other crucial issues, leaders in the state need to figure out how to manage those competing interests.
View the full list here.
This past weekend, Addison was awarded by the Maryland Legislative Black Caucus at the Chairman’s Farewell Reception for his service to the caucus. Addison previously served three years as Chief of Staff for Legislative Black Caucus Chairman, Delegate Daryl Barnes.
The reception was a part of the 27th Annual Legislative Weekend hosted by the Maryland Black Caucus Foundation at Live Casino & Hotel.
We are so proud to have Addison on our team!
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 son, and three cats. When not working, she enjoys cooking, reading, and supporting small businesses in her neighborhood.
The Maryland General Election this year is a rare opportunity to see the “big four” up for election: Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Comptroller, and Attorney General. With a new gubernatorial administration comes opportunity for increased legislative movement. Select legislators could move into the administration, allowing for some committee shakeups.
In Delaware, all seats are up for re-election due to redistricting. Compass will keep a pulse on contentious races that could impact the composition of the leadership in the General Assembly. This is not an election year for Governor Carney, so we do anticipate general consistency in the make up of the Administration.
District of Columbia will also hold their General Election on November 8th. We expect to see a few new faces in the coming year. Compass is monitoring contentious At-Large race between Kenyan McDuffie and Elissa Silverman.
This election lends the Compass team an opportunity to facilitate working relationships from freshman delegates to Governors’ offices, while strengthening the relationships we currently hold.
We will hold a call on November 9th to deliver a live update from our government relations team about election results in Maryland, Delaware, and D.C.
The 2023 Session will bring a significant change to the state budget process. Prior to 2023, once the Governor submits the operating budget to the General Assembly in January, the legislature could only make cuts. They could not add money to the budget and could not shift money from one program to another. Beginning in 2023, the legislature will be able to add money to sections of the operating budget, as long as the Governor’s overall level of spending is not exceeded. The Governor maintains some power as they will be able to veto these individual budget actions. This creates additional advocacy opportunities should money not make it into the Governor’s proposed operating budget.
The Compass Government Relations team is here to help you navigate these changes. Contact us today!
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.
Maryland
With a decade of experience in legislative, lobbying, and advocacy roles, Alex has built strong relationships within the Maryland General Assembly, particularly in the Baltimore/Annapolis region, and on the Eastern Shore. Her long-standing relationships enable Alex to effectively advance client goals at both the state and local levels. Her expertise spans across several key policy areas, including business, tax, health, and transportation. Alex’s deep connections within Maryland’s transportation, natural resources, technology, and health departments ensure that clients gain early access to critical decision-makers. Additionally, she has extensive experience helping clients navigate procurement opportunities at both the state and local levels.
Delaware
In addition to her work in Maryland, Alex manages Compass’ Government Relations’ practice in Delaware. She plays a pivotal role in helping clients navigate the legislative and procurement processes in Dover and Wilmington. Alex’s deep understanding of Delaware’s policy landscape, combined with her extensive network within Legislative Hall, makes her a valuable resource for advancing client objectives. Her work in Delaware spans several sectors, with particular expertise in energy, health, and procurement-related matters.
Pennsylvania
Alex’s experience also extends into Pennsylvania, where she assists clients with procurement pursuits and legislative advocacy. Her strong ties in Harrisburg within the Shapiro Administration and the legislature to key state departments allow her to help clients stay ahead of valuable procurement opportunities and track crucial policy matters. Alex’s strategic approach in Pennsylvania ensures that clients can effectively engage with decision-makers across state and local levels.
Additional Background
When she’s not in the halls of Annapolis, Dover, or Harrisburg, Alex enjoys hiking with her husband, James and Labrador Retriever, Annie. A strong advocate for community engagement, she believes in giving back and supporting local initiatives that make a positive impact.
