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Track: Government Relations

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 the Chair 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

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.

Morgan Mills

Morgan brings a deep understanding of political landscapes, policy issues, and an unwavering commitment to effective advocacy. She offers insightful policy analysis and political strategy for our clients in Maryland and on the federal level, navigating the intricacies of varying levels of government to champion the interests of our clients.

Government Relations

During her time with Compass, Morgan has spearheaded initiatives across various levels of government, from the federal arena to the State level to local governments in DC and Maryland. Whether advocating for legislative changes, forging strategic partnerships, coalition building, or mobilizing grassroots efforts, Morgan is dedicated to driving impactful outcomes for our clients.

She has experience across a broad range of legislative issues including civil justice, cannabis, youth services, healthcare, and non-profits.

Prior to joining Compass, she spent two years gaining invaluable experience in Delegate Williams’ office, gaining firsthand insight into the legislative process, and developing a keen understanding of policymaking.

Public Relations

Aside from her lobbying efforts, Morgan also assists clients navigate coalition building, communication, and political campaign strategies to help shape public opinion on an array of topics. She has assisted several non-profits and businesses get through to key-decision makers through various grassroots campaigns, substantially impacting legislative decisions.

Born and raised in Anne Arundel County, Morgan lives in the Annapolis area with her fiancé and dog. When not working, she enjoys hiking, 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 Boom. 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

Team Spotlight: Rob Garagiola

Posted on by Compass Advocacy

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 ten years, 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 Chairman of the Energy & Commerce Committee. In addition, he has experience lobbying in Baltimore City and Frederick County. Rob also lobbies before the Delaware General Assembly, DC City Council, and in the halls of Congress.

A triple threat for Compass, Rob serves as a Principal for Compass Government Relations and Compass Public Relations and as the Managing Member for 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.

Services Spotlight: Procurement

Posted on by Tyler Bennett

Compass Government Relations helps dozens of clients obtain contracts with state and local governments in MD, DE and D.C.; However, navigating state and local procurement can be daunting task. It is not just about submitting a bid and signing on the dotted line. A robust government relations strategy can help develop more targeted business pipelines through identifying future opportunities, developing relationships with stakeholders, and holding discussions well ahead of any blackout periods.

Compass guides our clients through the process of conducting business in the public sector. We open the right doors and provide strategic advice that wins our clients contracts. We help clients work through the state and local levels, public school systems, university systems and Maryland’s unique Board of Public Works, a panel composed of the State’s governor, treasurer, and comptroller that votes on all state contracts over $250,000.

Tyler Bennett

Tyler has been lobbying in Annapolis for over eight years on a wide range of issues including procurement, tax policy, environmental issues, public funding, and more. He has robust experience assisting clients as they navigate procurement opportunities at both the state and local levels. His experience includes companies in the information technology, energy, utilities, and gaming space. Additionally, Tyler also has experience across a broad range of legislative issues including budget, taxes, civil justice, youth services, Chesapeake Bay recovery, and historic preservation.

Prior to representing clients before the Maryland General Assembly and throughout the rest of the State, he worked for Senate President Thomas V. “Mike” Miller, Jr. where he staffed the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee. Tyler has used his time working with the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee, learning the ins and outs of the state budget process to leverage the relationships he built to represent and help clients secure millions in both state operating and capital budget funding, as well as positioning procurement clients to expand their public sector footprint.

He is a proud graduate of West Virginia University where he studied political science and economics. A lifelong Marylander, he currently resides in Baltimore City. When he’s not walking the halls of Annapolis, you can typically find him on the golf course.

Hannah Garagiola

Founding Compass Advocacy in 2018, Hannah Garagiola has shaped the Compass brand into a political powerhouse for government and public relations, spanning Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Delaware. Hannah leads Compass as the founder and President of Compass Government Relations and Compass Public Relations. As a private sector lobbyist for 16 years, she understands the intersection of public policy, political messaging, branding, and grassroots advocacy.

Government Relations

Known for her political savvy, understanding of policy issues, and energetic approach, Hannah directs a bipartisan team with a proven track record of commonsense solutions to business matters before the Maryland General Assembly and local governments across Maryland. Hannah’s practice also includes lobbying before the D.C. City Council and Mayor’s Office. Advocating on behalf of fortune 500 businesses, major energy developers, infrastructure companies, and large trade associations, Hannah’s clients are afforded access at the highest levels to meet their organization’s needs. As Deputy Chief of Staff to the late Maryland Senate President, Thomas V. “Mike” Miller, Jr., Hannah’s public sector role gave her the experience, institutional knowledge, and concrete relationships with decision-makers to be effective for clients seeking results. Her work has been featured in the Washington Post and The Baltimore Sun.

Public Relations

Aside from her lobbying expertise, Hannah has also helped clients navigate media, communication, and political campaign strategies to educate decision-makers. As Deputy Chief of Staff to the late Maryland Senate President and staff to the Maryland Senate Democratic Caucus, Hannah honed her skills on various political campaigns over multiple election cycles. As a veteran on statewide and national campaigns, Hannah uses her skills to help clients educate policymakers on complicated issues by employing multi-faceted grassroots and grasstops tactics to meet client needs.

Additional Background

In February 2022 and in 2023, Hannah was named one of the 40 most powerful leaders in government and lobbying in Maryland by The Daily Record. In April of 2022, Hannah was named one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women. She has also been awarded by The Daily Record as one of the state’s Leading Women as well as a Very Important Professional (VIP).

Hannah is married to former State Senator Rob Garagiola, and they have two young children together and a Jack Russell named Boom. A former collegiate sailor, Hannah can be found cruising the Severn River with her family when she isn’t working. She also enjoys cooking, entertaining, and travel.

9-8-8

Posted on by Compass Advocacy

It’s here! 988 is officially available nationwide to call or text from anywhere in the country during a mental health crisis. You can learn more about what changes with 988 (and what doesn’t) here: nami.org/988

Our client, NAMI, has been fundamental in the creation of 988. We are so grateful for their continued advocacy for such important issues!

HB 293 (Del. Lewis Young)/SB 241 (Sen. Augustine) – Behavioral Health Crisis Response Services 9-8-8 Trust Fund

Mental health crises and suicides can be devastating for individuals, families, and communities. When someone experiences a mental health crisis and doesn’t receive the care they need, they can end up in emergency rooms, on the streets, involved in the criminal justice system, or in the worst case, they could lose their life. A ‘round the clock crisis hotline can be the first line of defense in preventing these tragedies and an essential part of any continuum of care for mental health crises. HB 293 designates 988 to be the phone number for Maryland’s suicide prevention and behavioral health crisis hotline and establishes a sustainable funding source to support existing behavioral health crisis call centers in Maryland.

This legislation was supported by a broad coalition of stakeholders. It passed and received supporting appropriations of $10 million to help launch the program. Sustainable funding will be the next hurdle to ensuring the success of 9-8-8 in future years.

Maryland Primary Elections 2022

Posted on by Hannah Garagiola

Though this summer’s 2022 Primary election had some unpredictable twists and turns, the General Election winners are a bit more predictable if one is to believe the polling. Here is a quick recap of the State’s 3 state-wide elections:

GOVERNOR

In the Governor’s race on the Republican side, the ever-popular, Governor Hogan’s hand-picked successor, Commerce Secretary Kelly Schulz decidedly lost over Trump-backed, right-wing candidate Dan Cox. This shows that the primary voter in the Republican primaries tends more toward the right rather than the center. Governor Hogan has called Dan Cox a “QAnon whack job” and announced he would not be voting for him. It is widely accepted in political circles that this means the winner of the Democratic Primary, Wes Moore, is heavily favored in the General election. Moore, a combat Veteran and best-selling author, defeated Comptroller Peter Franchot and former DNC Chairman Tom Perez. Because Maryland is tied with California as one of the most democratic states in the country, and because the election of Cox leaves the Republican party divided, it certainly appears Wes Moore will be the next Governor of Maryland. Wes Moore has tapped former State Delegate Aruna Miller as his running mate for Lt. Governor while Dan Cox has tapped law professor Gordana Schifanelli to join him on his ticket.

ATTORNEY GENERAL

A similar trend occurred on the Republican side of the Attorney General’s race. The party nominee is Michael Peroutka who ran on a hyper-conservative platform. He will face Congressman Anthony Brown in the General Election. Brown handily defeated Katie O’Malley in the primary who is a former Judge and First Lady of Maryland. Maryland has not elected a Republican Attorney General in 70 years.

COMPTROLLER

Rising-star Delegate Brooke Lierman decidedly beat her Democratic Primary opponent Bowie Mayor Tim Adams. She will face Republican Harford County Executive Barry Glassman in the fall. Glassman, who has a reputation for working across the aisle, is looking to distance himself from the other state-wide candidates on the Republican side.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

All in all, it looks like there will be about 40 new Senators and Delegates being sworn in for the General Assembly of 2023. The Democrats are expected to maintain super-majorities in both the House of Delegates and the State Senate.

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