California’s leading integrated
government and public affairs firm.

Jared is one of the state’s best at bridging the gap between science, policy and politics. His clients benefit from his exceptionally high level of public policy expertise, government and public relations skill and strategic business acumen.

Prior to Axiom Advisors, Jared led California Strategies’ extensive environmental and energy practice for more than 18 years. His strategies and client services led to Capitol Weekly identifying him as “one to watch” in public affairs, citing his work in developing the firm’s renewable energy portfolio. Jared’s expertise has focused on issues affecting land use, environmental policy, renewable energy, climate change, alternative fuels, development, mitigation, water supply, water quality, and local, state and federal permitting.

By employing his knowledge of government and an understanding of stakeholders’ perspectives, Jared is able to consistently guide clients towards successful solutions, including:

• Managing financing and strategic efforts within the energy sector, particularly renewable energy.

• Working with the venture capital and private equity community to assess value and align public policy with company growth

• Attaining critical permits for energy and land development projects

• Assisting emerging technology companies with environmental policy, permitting and business development

Jared served in both terms of the Clinton Administration at the Department of the Interior and in the National Park Service. During his tenure, he received recognition and awards for his work on new wilderness designations and the creation of new national parks and monuments, endangered-species issues, historic preservation and conservation easements, and tax incentives legislation. Specifically, he worked to pass the California Desert Protection Act and defended Congressional scrutiny of the reintroduction of wolves in Yellowstone National Park, a heralded endangered species recovery.

Jared also worked with the Conservation Land Group, where he developed support within state and federal agencies and the legislature for conservation acquisitions. Working with local land trusts and conservation organizations, he facilitated a number of conservation easement transactions. Jared also worked on a number of large acquisitions in California, including the Stornetta Ranch on the Northern California Coast

Jared also ran the California 12th Senate District campaign, where he managed day-to-day activities, strategy, research, scheduling, and candidate preparation. His political work also includes successful state and local efforts on behalf of presidential and gubernatorial campaigns and key roles on both statewide and local ballot initiatives.

Jared completed coursework for a doctorate at the University of California, Davis and has a B.A. in both Political Science and Environmental Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he was recognized as one of the Environmental Studies Program’s outstanding students.

Jared lives in Santa Barbara with his wife and three children. He has offices in both Santa Barbara and Sacramento and works on projects throughout the State of California.

Drawing on an in-depth understanding of California policy and politics, Cassie’s combination of government and private sector expertise uniquely equip her to provide strategic guidance for Axiom Advisors’ clients on a wide range of state legislative and administrative and local government issues. Recognized repeatedly as one of Capitol Weekly’s “Top 100” most powerful influencers in California politics, and one of Comstock’s Magazine’s 2021 “Ten Extraordinary Women Shaping Our Future” Cassie’s influence extends beyond the Capitol to the Sacramento Region and across the state. Having served as Senior Policy Advisor to California Governor Gray Davis and on the legal staff of the Office of Science and Technology Policy in The White House, Cassie easily navigates the Legislature and Administrative agencies and has a sharp understanding of what it takes for organizations to succeed both in California and across the nation.

As a lawyer and lobbyist, Cassie has represented energy, alternative transportation, land development, food and beverage, consumer products, technology, healthcare and other business interests, as well as local, statewide and national environmental and women’s advocacy non-profits. She is a recognized policy expert in environmental and land use law, including implementation of the state’s evolving body of climate change legislation, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and Proposition 65, among other issues.

Cassie has an established practice lobbying on behalf of technology, clean energy, and sharing economy companies. Respected by colleagues and decision makers for her policy intellect and political pragmatism, Cassie is at the forefront of Capitol debates on how to foster an entrepreneurial culture while addressing concerns over whether new and emerging firms are regulated adequately.

Before she began lobbying full time, Cassie was an attorney at the law firms of Landels Ripley & Diamond and Farella Braun & Martel, where she advised clients on energy, air, water, hazardous waste and materials, and land use laws and regulations. She also provided strategic counsel for large brownfield projects and represented clients in administrative proceedings and negotiations regarding siting, permitting and decommissioning of industrial and energy facilities. Prior to that, Cassie was policy and program director for the California Council for Environmental and Economic Balance.
Cassie holds a bachelor’s degree from Wesleyan University and a law degree from Stanford Law School. She is a member of the State Bar of California, the State of California’s Lower American River Advisory Committee and past chair of the Board of the Sacramento Valley Conservancy.

Over a career spanning more than three decades advising some of the nation’s best known public officials, fastest growing job creators and most impactful political campaigns, Jason has synthesized traditional persuasion tactics with modern online and analytical techniques to help secure some of the most transformational political outcomes in America’s largest and most consequential state.

For this reason, he has been named to California Weekly’s prestigious Top 100 list of the “most powerful movers and shakers in California politics and public policy” 15 years in a row. 

Under Jason’s co-leadership, Axiom has become California’s fastest growing public affairs and government advocacy firm, supporting clients as diverse as Centene, Cox Communications, Fanatics, Meta, and the National Football League. 

Before Axiom, Jason served as a Partner at California Strategies LLC, where he worked as a public affairs and communications strategist, with a specialty in health care issues. His clients included major health-care organizations, telecommunications and content production companies, professional sports franchises and statewide ballot measure campaigns. 

He also served as a senior strategist for the California Senate Democrats. Before joining California Strategies, Jason was Director of the Sacramento office of global public relations company Burson Marsteller.

Jason also previously served as Senior Communications Advisor and Chief Speechwriter to Governor Gray Davis, as well as senior roles in both the State Senate and State Assembly. He was also Co-Director of a Gubernatorial Transition.

A native of Indiana, Jason launched a career in political campaign management at the age of 13, when he helped run his mother’s campaign for State Senate. Jason is an attorney licensed to practice law. He attended Princeton University and Indiana University School of Law.

He lives in Sacramento with his wife, stylist Mary Gonsalves Kinney, daughters Stella and Violet, and sons Dashiell and Kingston. He enjoys collecting vintage sports cards and consuming low-class reality television (mostly Bravo).

Dustin is a trusted consultant and advisor with more than a decade of experience in political strategy, public policy, and government and public affairs. He specializes in the strategic development and implementation of policies across legislative, public affairs, issue advocacy, ballot measure and statewide and local candidate and issue campaigns.

Dustin provides strategic consulting and direct advocacy services to professional associations, Fortune 500 corporations, political campaigns, coalitions, independent expenditure committees, and labor and business organizations. Dustin has managed state and local campaigns in California on issues including cannabis taxation, education, and healthcare.

Prior to joining Axiom Advisors, Dustin was a principal at Main Street Strategies, a legislative and public affairs company specializing in emerging issues. Dustin served as the Deputy Campaign Manager for the Yes on Proposition 64 campaign – the 2016 ballot measure that legalized the adult use of marijuana in California.

Dustin previously consulted on or managed several successful campaigns at one of the state’s leading campaign management firms and served as a Senior Consultant for the Speaker of the California State Assembly.

Prior to his work in the political arena, Dustin owned and operated small businesses in California and Colorado.

Dustin graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz with a degree in political science. He splits his time between Sacramento and Manhattan Beach with his wife Lauren.

As a fourth-generation public servant to California, Kevin has a multidimensional background in statewide policy and politics and has gained the institutional knowledge needed to navigate the complex political landscape of this state.

Kevin began his public service career in the California State Senate, where he worked for the Senate Majority Leader on a broad array of topics including agriculture, water, and energy. He provided support for oversight and investigative hearings involving complex policy issues, which he now helps his clients navigate.

Prior to Axiom Advisors, Kevin spent three years at California Strategies, where he focused on renewable energy and environmental projects.

Before joining California Strategies, Kevin spent five years serving as Policy Director for then Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom, focusing on energy, natural resources, economic development, higher education, and other policy issues. Kevin also represented Lt. Governor Newsom on the California Coastal Commission, the California State Lands Commission, and the Ocean Protection Council where he was responsible for strategic guidance on statewide policies and budgets.

A native Californian, Kevin earned a Bachelors of Science degree in business management from Santa Clara University, and a Masters in Public Administration from the University of Southern California.

Kevin is based in the firm’s Sacramento office.

Jill is a partner at BMWL and a strategist who helps businesses, public agencies and nonprofits reach their policy and business goals. With more than twenty years in public affairs and communications, she helps organizations work through complex community, political and regulatory issues to build trust, shape policy and get things done.

Jill has led efforts that moved housing projects forward across the Bay Area, changed policies to support families and small businesses, and expanded access to childcare, education and transportation. She’s worked with clients including Google, Genentech, Sutter Health, UCSF Medical Center, the County of Santa Clara, the Contra Costa Transportation Authority, SEIU, the Silicon Valley Community Foundation and the Bay Area Council.

Her work often centers on helping large companies and institutions find common ground with the communities where they operate. She believes the best outcomes happen when everyone at the table feels heard and respected.

Before joining BMWL, Jill worked in New York City government as chief of staff to a City Council Member and as director of external affairs for the Manhattan Borough President’s Office. She studied Political Science at Emory University and lives in Oakland with her family.

Sam is a governmental relations and strategic communications professional with more than 40 years of experience in local, state and national politics. Sam utilizes his years of experience to manage BMWL & Partners’ public affairs and lobbying business on behalf of clients including land-use and development, cultural institutions, hi-tech, energy providers, telecommunications, business associations, and neighborhood groups.

He specializes in putting together public affairs strategies that include building relationships with the community and navigating the corridors of city halls, county governments, regional regulatory authorities or the State Capitol. Prior to co-founding BMWL, Sam worked at Pacific Gas & Electric Company as a key strategist in government and community relations. In addition, he worked for Congressman Philip Burton, Congresswoman Sala Burton, Senator Joe Biden, Lt. Governor Leo McCarthy, and public relations firm Barnes Clark Inc. Sam’s work in public affairs has earned him the prestigious Silver Anvil Award from the Public Relations Society of America.

A fifth-generation San Franciscan, Sam lives with his wife in a home eight blocks from where he grew up. He graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, with a Bachelor of Arts in political science. A nationally recognized activist in the Jewish community, Sam’s passions outside of his family and friends include Israel, the San Francisco Giants and photography. Sam is an appointee of President Biden to the US Holocaust Memorial Museum Council, serves on the national boards of Democratic Majority For Israel (DMFI), and as the Chair of the Advisory Council for Bay Area Jewish Action (BAJA).

Mark is an award-winning creative director and public policy strategist with 25 years of experience as a journalist, media relations executive, political consultant, and creative director for commercial and political media. Mark’s work earned the firm more dozens of “Pollie Awards” from the American Association of Political Consultants for television, direct mail, and logo and sign designs. Mark has spent several years assisting labor unions such as SEIU International, SEIU 1021, SEIU 721, SEIU 521, SEIU 221, UHW, and CSEA with communication programs and elections.

Mark previously worked as the principal strategist for the San Francisco business and labor communities. Before co-founding BMWL & Partners, he was executive director of the Committee on Jobs, a coalition of CEOs of San Francisco’s largest corporations. He has directed hundreds of successful ballot measure campaigns and issue advocacy efforts. Mark served as Executive Director of Governor Schwarzenegger’s California Commission for Jobs and Economic Growth, which developed the state’s economic development advertising and organized the state’s five successful international trade missions.

Mark lives in the Castro District of San Francisco with his wife. He has three sons, is a prolific bass player and knows where to get the spiciest food in the Bay Area.

John has successfully led more than 200 public affairs, communications, and outreach campaigns over the last 30 years. As a chief strategist at BMWL and Partners, he has directed hard-fought victories for a wide range of clients in land use, healthcare, transportation, gaming, public infrastructure and education.

Known for managing programs with discipline and focus, John employs a variety of skills garnered from years of public affairs, issue, and political campaigns throughout the country. He is well-regarded for using high-impact techniques that move people to take action and help his clients win. John has been very successful in helping businesses, labor, and nonprofits achieve their government relations goals and has one of the best win records in the state. Through his work, John has developed relationships with key leaders in local, regional, state and national government.

John has had a deep practice in health care, transportation, development, infrastructure, and education. Before co-founding BMWL, John founded Whitehurst Campaigns in 1990 after working in several capacities in political consulting. His first professional political campaign was for Gary Hart for President in 1984, where he learned to organize in Iowa, Pennsylvania and California. John holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from American University.

John loves all things Italian — from traveling to Italy to enjoying Italian food and wine. Currently, he is learning how to play the guitar.

Norlyn brings years of government experience and public policy knowledge to Axiom Advisors.

In 2017, Norlyn was appointed by Governor Brown, and continued to serve Governor Newsom until 2020, as the Executive Director of the Health Professions Education Foundation (HPEF).  She supported HPEF’s mission of improving California’s health professions workforce shortage and providing underserved communities with access to culturally competent and diverse healthcare professionals.  Under Norlyn’s leadership, HPEF awarded $6.4 million in scholarships and loan repayment awards to 256 students and working health professionals in underserved communities.  In addition to public funding, Norlyn worked with a statewide Board of Trustees of healthcare and education leaders appointed by the Governor, Senate pro Tempore and Speaker of the Assembly, to secure significant private grant funding of $33.2 million to support HPEF’s scholarship and loan repayment awards.

Norlyn has also served as a Senate Fellow in the Capitol Fellows Program for then-Senator, and now U.S. Representative, Mark DeSaulnier.  Norlyn served four years as a legislative staff member for the Chair of the Assembly Business and Professions Committee, Assemblymember Susan Bonilla. In this role, Norlyn managed health, budget and education issues and collaborated on policy and budget issues with stakeholders, including government agencies, and healthcare, human services, consumer and education interests and advocates.

Norlyn served as a Sierra Health Foundation Leadership Fellow in Class XIV that was led by the Institute for Population Health Improvement at University of California Davis. Norlyn is also published in Arts=Education: Connecting Learning Communities in Los Angeles under the University of California Press for her contribution “Dancing for Health.”

Norlyn earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a master’s degree from Drexel University in Philadelphia.

Norlyn lives in Sacramento and enjoys spending time with her family and dog, Niles.

Alessandra joined Axiom Advisors in 2024 and brings over a decade of experience providing comprehensive administrative and project support to business leaders across diverse sectors. Her background includes roles as Executive Assistant, Office Manager, and Project Coordinator, developed within both dynamic Fortune 500 environments and smaller, specialized firms. Alessandra has a proven track record of streamlining operations and providing critical support, most recently serving as an Executive Assistant to C-suite leaders and Office Manager for a land use consulting firm. A native of Santa Barbara, she contributes a local perspective and strong work ethic to her role at Axiom Advisors.

Prior to joining Axiom, Autumn represented the 62nd District in the California State Assembly for seven years. Her economically and ethnically diverse district was home to some of the world’s most successful technology and aerospace companies, several of the region’s most popular beaches, Los Angeles International Airport, Los Angeles Air Force Base, and the Sofi Stadium

While in the legislature, her successes included: negotiating the extension of California’s Cap & Trade market system which has become a model for the rest of the country and the world to mitigate the harmful effects of climate change while transitioning to a clean energy economy, and convening the bipartisan Lifting Children and Families Out of Poverty Task Force with the goal of reducing child poverty across the state. Additionally, she was appointed to the Domestic Violence Advisory Council to advance policies that support the safety and security of all domestic violence victims and was also appointed to the State Allocation Board, which implements and administers a $42 billion voter-approved school facilities construction program.

She also authored landmark wildfire legislation which protects Californians from unexpected electricity costs while also creating a fund to address future wildfire liabilities. The same year, she was acknowledged as a key influencer in the healthcare policy arena, as part of the Sac Bee’s ongoing series on critical figures in Sacramento.

Autumn is the daughter of former Chair of the Air Quality Management District William Burke and former Los Angeles County Supervisor, Assemblywoman and U.S. Congresswoman, Yvonne Braithwaite Burke. Autumn’s election to the legislature marked the first time in California history that a mother and daughter both served in the State Assembly.

Autumn was Chair of the Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation. She also served as the Chair of the Assembly Select Committee on Career Technical Education and Building a 21st Century Workforce, and was a member of the Assembly Committees on Accountability and Administrative Review, Health, Utilities and Energy, Banking and Finance. She also previously served as Vice-Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus.

Mollie brings over a decade of energy policy experience to Axiom Advisors. Before joining Axiom in 2024, Mollie served as Director of Policy & Regulatory at PearlX Infrastructure, a solar and storage company focused on developing projects for multi-family housing. Mollie also served as the Western States Public Policy Manager at ChargePoint, where she oversaw electric vehicle charging policy and developed legislative and policy campaigns across a multi-state region. Prior to that, Mollie held multiple roles of increasing responsibility in the public and government affairs functions at Chevron.

Mollie has a BA in Politics from Bates College and Masters in Public Administration from the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law.

A native of Santa Barbara, CA, David joined the Axiom Advisors team (SB) in the beginning of 2021 as Project and Operations Manager. He attended University of Colorado at Boulder for undergraduate and University of New Mexico for graduate studies with a concentration in Organizational Communication.

David has been a professional artist for over 15 years working in a variety of media including aerosol & acrylic painting, pen & ink drawing, digital imaging & photography. His passion for art and technology led him to create a website design business that provided support across a variety of platforms for a diverse clientele.

Maddie is a public affairs and legislative professional who draws on her experience in government, campaigns and policy research to help clients navigate complex issues, engage communities and advance meaningful change.

Originally from just outside Richmond, Virginia, Maddie’s interest in public service was shaped early on by a civically minded family and a childhood spent near Washington, D.C., where policy debates were part of daily life. After discovering California during summers working in the Sierras, she moved to San Francisco soon after graduating and has been committed to serving communities across the state ever since.

Maddie began her career in policy research, first as an Associate at Crossroads Consulting in Washington, D.C., and later as a Research Analyst at the Virginia Commission on Youth, contributing to statewide reports on youth mental health treatment.

She went on to serve as a Field Representative in the California State Assembly, advising on district issues affecting more than 400,000 constituents and managing complex casework in coordination with state agencies. Before joining BMWL, she managed the Yes on Proposition M campaign in San Francisco: leading field strategy, coalition-building across 30+ organizations and drafting ballot arguments that helped secure the measure’s passage with 68% voter support.

Maddie holds a B.A. in Government from William & Mary, graduated cum laude and completed UCLA Extension’s Paralegal Certificate program. She is passionate about good governance, civic engagement and advancing opportunity through the intersection of law, policy and economics.

Outside work, she can be found running along the Embarcadero, exploring new wine bars in Russian Hill or unwinding with an episode of reality TV.

Silvio’s substantive and technical expertise and deep political relationships have been honed over more than a decade representing some of the most influential companies and trade associations active in California.

His political and public policy experience provides his diverse clients with unique expertise and extensive success, whether advocating offensively or defensively before the California legislature, the Governor’s Office, or regulatory agencies. An engineer by training, Silvio applies his technical expertise to develop winning solutions to some of the state’s most technically complex issues.

Prior to joining Axiom Advisors, Silvio lobbied for one of Sacramento’s longest standing lobbying firms representing manufacturing, healthcare, building and safety clients, to name a few.

He began his career in Sacramento serving as the Vice President for the California Building Industry Association (CBIA), representing thousands of member companies including homebuilders, land developers, trade contractors, architects, manufacturers, engineers, designers, suppliers and industry professionals in the homebuilding, multi-family and mixed-use development markets. In this capacity, Silvio was responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Association’s legislative and regulatory priorities and strategy at local governments across California, at the State Capitol and in Washington, D.C. Mr. Ferrari covered issue areas including local government, transportation, water, land use, affordable housing to school facilities, ADA, building standards, energy efficiency, and natural resources, among others.

In his early years, Silvio worked for both public and private land developers and builders overseeing dozens of projects including industrial, retail and multi-family developments; including working for a world-renowned structural engineering firm specializing in earthquake design and safety. His unique technical background, private sector experience, and time running one of the most successful and well-respected Government Affairs programs in the state make him a critical asset to Axiom Advisors’ clients.

Silvio holds an M.S. in Green Building and a B.S. in Civil and Structural Engineering from UC Davis, is a LEED accredited professional, and holds a certificate in Green Building and Sustainable Design.

Mike serves as the Chief Financial Officer of Axiom Advisors, overseeing all finance and accounting functions while acting as the primary liaison with the firm’s lenders, investors, and independent auditors. With over 30 years of experience in finance and accounting, he has successfully led privately held companies through strategic exits and has completed over 100 M&A transactions.

Throughout his career, Mike has played a pivotal role in scaling businesses, leading significant growth while developing and implementing accounting systems to support expansion. His expertise includes integrating IT, tax, and controllership functions to create a scalable financial infrastructure. He was also a key member of the team that took a company public, bringing valuable experience in navigating the complexities of an IPO.

Before joining Axiom Advisors, Mike held key financial leadership roles, including Chief Financial Officer at Sierra Mountain Group and Kids Care Dental Group, as well as Chief Accounting Officer at Waste Connections, Inc.

Mike is a Certified Public Accountant with an active license in California and holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Ferris State University. He currently resides in Sacramento.

Sabrina holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Policy Analysis with a concentration in Politics from Pomona College. Prior to joining Axiom as a Legislative Assistant, she interned for a member of Congress from the California delegation in Washington D.C. At the state level, Sabrina completed an internship in the district office of a California State Senator in the San Gabriel Valley. Her policy background also includes roles in the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Legislation and Congressional Affairs and the Claremont McKenna College Policy Lab. 

A Maryland native, Sabrina now resides in Sacramento.

Lisa channels her experience running her own East Bay political consulting firm into her work managing the complex process of producing award-winning direct mail campaigns, collateral materials and digital advertising in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Lisa has been with the firm since the beginning. She has shepherded many hundreds of client projects through the creative process, ensuring timely, cost-efficient and accurate delivery of campaign objectives.

A native of Chicago, Lisa’s background includes working on local, state and national campaigns around the country before settling in Northern California. Before joining BMWL, she managed several successful state Assembly races and local ballot measures.

Lisa attended Indiana University in Bloomington, IN. She fills her free time volunteering at her daughter’s schools, fostering formerly feral cats, hiking in the East Bay hills, cooking delicious food, coaxing an assortment of fruits and vegetables out of her garden, and reading far too many books.

Juan is a political campaign, advocacy and community engagement professional who relies on his varied campaign and official side experiences to build real, long-lasting relationships and effective management for BMWL and its clients.

Raised in Phoenix, Juan’s love and interest in politics and public affairs stemmed from observing the disproportionate laws and policies affecting his communities.

Juan got his start on campaigns with some of the most essential statewide campaigns since 2020, including Senator Kelly’s Senate campaigns, Harris-Walz Presidential campaign and Governor Hobbs' re-election campaign. He also worked for Phoenix Mayor Gallego as a Policy Advisor, helping tackle some of the toughest issues, like housing, homelessness and public health, in the nation’s 5th largest city.

Juan holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a minor in Global Studies from Arizona State University. Outside of work, you can catch him working out, playing sand volleyball or enjoying time with his dog, Ivy.

Margaux specializes in community engagement, policy advocacy and political strategy. She brings over 15 years of experience in public policy, government affairs and civic engagement to advise clients who are navigating complex political, bureaucratic and regulatory landscapes. With a career that spans senior leadership roles in San Francisco City Hall, high-stakes campaign management and grassroots coalition building, Margaux has a proven record of converting public will into lasting policy outcomes.

Prior to joining BMWL, Margaux served as Chief Community Officer at TogetherSF, where she led citywide coalitions and advocacy campaigns that resulted in over $120 million in funding for mental health, public safety and addiction treatment. She also held key roles in the San Francisco Mayor’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development and served as Chief of Staff to Supervisor Mark Farrell, where she led landmark initiatives such as Francisco Park and the Shared Schoolyard Project. At BMWL, Margaux leverages this depth of experience to help clients bridge the gap between community impact and public policy, delivering strategic counsel rooted in on-the-ground insight.

Margaux has a degree in Political Science from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and lives in San Francisco.

Mike has been active at a high level in all aspects of California legislative, regulatory, electoral and political matters since the early 1990’s when he worked in house for two large statewide trade associations.

In 2000, Mike formed his own advocacy and consulting firm, Knudsen & Associates (K & A) a boutique lobbying firm, that specialized in high level California legislative and regulatory problem solving and advocacy.  During that time, Mike represented a wide array of California business interests including large national companies and some of California’s premier companies, industries and large employers. Mike joined Axiom Advisors as a Principal in 2026.

Considered one of the leading California financial services and insurance lobbyists, Mike is regularly consulted about and engaged to work on hard to win and have to win issues for clients. Mike has a reputation for hard work, high ethical standards, candor, good faith engagement, humor, and results. Some of the issues he has been most actively involved in include: insurance, mortgage finance, banking, financial regulation, Fintech, access to capital, corporate governance, privacy, liability reform, employment, transportation, food service, newborn testing, wildfire and home preservation and general business matters. Mike has spoken and written widely on many aspects of California politics, legislation and regulation.

An honors law school graduate, Mike has been admitted to the California, Arizona and Nevada bars. After graduation from law school, Mike clerked for the Nevada Supreme Court and then practiced law with a large Sacramento law firm before moving into government relations and legislative and regulatory advocacy. His law practice included commercial and construction litigation and appellate advocacy. He was also a registered NFL and CFL players’ agent early in his career.  He has served as an outside general counsel for a large statewide trade association. Mike also served for many years as an adjunct professor of law at the University of Pacific’s McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento, California where he taught Negotiations and Settlement.

Daniel is a political campaigns, partnerships and communications professional who relies on his varied experiences to build strong relationships and drive targeted messaging for his clients.

Hailing from the Peninsula but raised in San Diego, Daniel’s interest in politics and public affairs has been driven by the stark inequalities he has observed as a Californian and by the strong example set by his civic-minded family of lawyers and teachers.

Daniel got his start in the private sector working on behalf of small and medium-sized tech startups while at a public relations firm in San Francisco and then while growing the NBA’s video games and live streaming partnerships business in New York.

Like many, he pivoted to politics full-time following the 2016 presidential election and has since worked on progressive campaigns across the country at almost every level of government, including Beto for Texas, Pete for America, Biden-Harris 2020, and most recently, Senator Catherine Cortez-Masto’s decisive re-election to the United States Senate.

Daniel holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Stanford University. Outside work, he can be found obsessing over the Giants, 49ers and the NBA, hiking, reading or at the movies.

Nicole brings more than a decade of experience spanning government, finance, and technology.

She began her career in Washington, D.C., in the office of Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, where she worked closely with stakeholders across government, advocacy organizations, and industry on federal policy, budget appropriations, and international affairs.

Nicole later joined Gates Ventures, the executive office of Bill Gates, where she coordinated strategic communications and government relations for philanthropy, energy, and global health.

She has also worked with leading venture capital and private equity firms, including Ribbit Capital, Thoma Bravo, and Acrew Capital. In these roles, she helped drive firm-wide initiatives and engagement with investors, founders, and industry leaders in technology and financial services.

Nicole holds bachelor’s degrees in International Relations and History from California State University, Chico.

With her outstanding writing skills and deep commitment to social justice, Cam is an invaluable asset to BMWL and its clients.

Born and raised on the Peninsula, Cam’s love for writing and politics was instilled in her at an early age by her father and grandfather. Her family’s deep commitment to social justice and equality inspired her to pursue a career in public affairs and politics.

Cam is a contributing author for BlackPast.org, a highly respected journal that celebrates the accomplishments of African American activists. Through her writing, Camryn has explored the histories of some of the most influential figures in the civil rights movement. She further fueled her interest in politics through her work with Congresswoman Jackie Speier, where she gained invaluable experience in local government work and constituent services.

Cam earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Oregon, where she majored in political science and minored in history while earning the distinct honor of being inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. Her academic background has provided her with a strong foundation in political theory, policy analysis, and research methods, which she draws upon daily at BMWL.

Outside of work, Cam enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, and discovering new places to eat in San Francisco.

Sel is a skilled accountant with extensive experience supporting both nonprofit and for-profit organizations. She brings a strong foundation in financial management, audit coordination, payroll, and process improvement, with a focus on accuracy, compliance, and operational efficiency.

With over eight years in the field, Sel has worked closely with leadership teams to streamline accounting systems, improve month-end close processes, and support organizational growth through clear financial insights. Her nonprofit experience has also given her a deep understanding of mission-driven work and the importance of transparency and accountability in financial reporting.

Sel holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from California State University, Sacramento, and brings a practical, solutions-focused approach to every project.

A seasoned professional in the State’s capitol, Chris has more than three decades of experience delivering winning results to clients and stakeholders across issue areas. Chris often includes media and public relations strategies in concert with legislative advocacy to provide successful outcomes for clients.

Prior to joining Axiom Advisors, Chris was a Senior Associate at California Strategies, where he worked on projects with winning results for his clients.

Chris served for four years as Deputy Secretary for Legislation at the California Natural Resources Agency, where he was the Agency’s lead legislative liaison with the Legislature and stakeholders on environmental, energy and natural resources related issues. In this capacity, Chris managed and directed multiple legislative units within the Agency, including the California Energy Commission, the Department of Parks and Recreation, the Department of Water Resources and the Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Department of Conservation. During his tenure, he worked closely with sister agencies and departments, including the California Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Toxics and Substances Control, and the California Public Utilities Commission.

Chris was instrumental in developing the Administration’s legislative proposals to reorganize the state’s energy responsibilities and served as the lead negotiator in the Legislature on those matters. His work resulted in the successful development and enactment of legislation to decrease marine and inland oil spills as well as the creation of the California Department of Resources, Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle).

With experience briefing the highest levels of state government and industry leaders, Chris is poised to represent his clients through the toughest battles.

Prior to serving at the Natural Resources Agency, Chris spent 20 years serving in various capacities in the California State Legislature, including serving as chief of staff for three legislators.

A native Californian, Chris graduated with a B.A. in Government at Sacramento State University and served in the United States Navy, including a one-year stint at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California, learning Russian.

Meg joined Axiom Advisors in 2022 after graduating from the University of California Berkeley in 2021, where she was a program co-director at the Public Service Center and earned the prestigious Travers Undergraduate Scholarship in Ethics and Politics.

Prior to joining Axiom, Meg interned for Assemblymember Ken Cooley (D-Rancho Cordova) where she worked closely with the district office field representative in constituent correspondence and outreach. Meg also interned with Stone Advocacy, where she was responsible for tracking legislation and policy research.

Meg was a volunteer on Vice President Kamala Harris’s 2016 campaign for the United States Senate.

Meg lives in Sacramento and spends her spare time with her two cats and two dogs.

Vanessa joined Axiom Advisors in 2019, after working on statewide political campaigns for fifteen years, including the Voters First Act – Proposition 11 in 2008 and the California Citizens Redistricting Commission – Proposition 20 in 2010. Vanessa also managed campaign budgets and expenditures for Proposition 29 (2012) and Proposition 56 (2016). Prior to joining Axiom Advisors, Vanessa worked at Redwood Pacific Public Affairs where she served as office manager for seven years and provided support to campaign clients. Vanessa lives in Sacramento with her husband and children.

Molly brings a wealth of experience in operations, public relations, and communications to her role as Director of Operations. In this capacity, she oversees the company’s business operations and human resources, playing a critical role in shaping the systems and processes that drive the organization’s rapid growth. Prior to her current role, Molly was with grassroots advocacy firm, Direct Impact, where she honed her expertise in strategic operations and stakeholder engagement.

She resides between Sacramento and Phoenix.

Ben brings nearly two decades of experience at the intersection of California’s Legislature and regulatory agencies. He has built a career advancing complex policy and regulatory initiatives in energy, natural resources, environmental safety, and infrastructure—earning a reputation as a trusted strategist and communicator.

Before joining Axiom Advisors, Ben served as Chief Policy and Planning Advisor at the California Department of Conservation, where he advised the Director, the California Natural Resources Agency, and the Governor’s Office on oil and gas production, mining, land conservation, carbon sequestration, watershed management, and the state’s energy transition. He previously managed safety oversight of California’s investor-owned utilities at the Public Utilities Commission, leading teams of engineers and analysts in evaluating wildfire and safety risk mitigation proposals, shaping statewide safety policy, and advising the Commission on enforcement matters.

Earlier in his career, Ben spent seven years in the State Legislature, serving as Legislative Director, Communications Director, and Policy Consultant to lawmakers in both the State Assembly and Senate. He also held executive leadership roles at the Department of Conservation and the Natural Resources Agency, where he managed legislative affairs, regulatory development, and stakeholder engagement on high-profile environmental and energy issues.

Appointed to senior roles by both Governors Brown and Newsom, Ben is known for his ability to navigate the intersection of politics and policy. He has a strong track record of successfully negotiating with legislators, advocates, nongovernmental organizations, and industry stakeholders to resolve challenging policy issues in legislative, regulatory, and administrative arenas.

Ben holds a Master’s degree in Geography from UCSB, where his research focused on public attitudes and knowledge about climate change. He lives in Sacramento with his wife, Lisa, and sons Milo and Harvey.

Ali is a passionate marketing and communications expert who creates workflow efficiencies and anticipates needs. She supports the BMWL team to ensure projects are completed at optimum efficiency. Her experience managing marketing campaigns, DTC operations, and executive and administrative responsibilities throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Napa Valley wine industry taught her adaptability and the importance of clear communication across all aspects of a company’s operations.

A Bay Area native deeply influenced by her divorced, gay mother’s dedication to social justice, Ali’s passion for advocacy grew with every protest for fair pay or equal rights she accompanied her mother to. After graduating from college and spending an enlightening summer in Europe, Ali embarked on a career in the wine industry, where the COVID-19 pandemic prompted her to reflect on her true passions. Seeking to align her work with her values, Alison joined BMWL campaigns as a project coordinator.

With a keen interest in Bay Area politics and policy-making, Ali is committed to deepening her knowledge while continuing her advocacy work on behalf of underserved communities. Her favorite quote, “Be the change you want to see in the world,” encapsulates her unwavering dedication to effecting positive change.

BIO NEEDED

Rhys is a Sacramento-based strategist who specializes in navigating the most complex regulatory and political hurdles in California. Leveraging over two decades of experience at the highest levels of government, including ten years within Gavin Newsom’s senior leadership circle, Rhys provides clients with the institutional knowledge required to negotiate the intersection of private enterprise and public process.

Most recently, Rhys served as Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Newsom, where he steered the Governor’s priorities across the executive branch, and leading state efforts to prepare for global events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympics while navigating California’s strategic partnership with the Trump Administration in a dynamic intergovernmental environment.

Prior to that, he was tapped within the Governor’s Office to oversee a portfolio encompassing half of the state’s policy and operational agencies, driving the Administration’s leadership in California’s most demanding debates in energy, climate, infrastructure, and public safety. Rhys was a consistent guiding force in the architecture of seven consecutive state budgets, and he devised and delivered on strategies that secured approvals for critical public interest infrastructure projects from California’s notoriously independent and opaque regulatory boards.

A veteran of crisis management in high-consequence environments, Rhys was also a central figure in leading the Newsom Administration throughout the state’s emergencies, ranging from the COVID-19 pandemic to civil unrest, and earned a reputation for maintaining strategic clarity and flexibility in complex and volatile environments. This expertise is backed by deep regulatory experience; he has served on California’s most powerful permitting entities, including the California Coastal Commission and the State Lands Commission.

Rhys has also worked in the state legislature, served in senior roles for two State Senate leaders, and has held leadership positions in statewide ballot initiatives and gubernatorial campaigns. Originally from the United Kingdom, he worked for the British Government in Whitehall and the Houses of Parliament, before emigrating to California in 2009. Rhys became a U.S. citizen in 2020 — a milestone he marked by helping to draft the state’s first emergency proclamation of the pandemic shortly before his naturalization ceremony, and punctuated by rushing back to an emergency meeting of the Governor’s Cabinet immediately afterwards.

He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from British universities and lives near Sacramento with his wife and four children.

Anthony is a principal at Axiom Advisors and a veteran California strategist, communicator with more than three decades of experience at the intersection of politics, media, and public affairs. He previously founded Grizzly Bear Media, where he advised campaigns, advocacy organizations, and public leaders on communications strategy, messaging, and crisis management.

From 2021 to 2024, York served as Senior Advisor for Strategic Communications to Governor Gavin Newsom, helping lead statewide communications strategy for the governor's office. Before joining the Newsom Administration, he served as Vice President of Strategic Communications for the California Medical Association, guiding communications efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prior to his work in strategic communications, Anthony spent more than 20 years as a political journalist and editor. He covered the Schwarzenegger and Brown Administrations for the Los Angeles Times and held senior editorial roles at Salon.com, Capitol Weekly, and California Journal, earning a reputation as one of California's most knowledgeable observers of state politics and government.