Government Affairs & Policy

Maryland legislative strategy and government affairs —
from someone who has spent more than two decades doing the work.

Deep expertise in the legislative process. Working relationships across government, business, nonprofits, and the civic community. Available to organizations and leaders who need to move something forward in Maryland.

"I don't just understand the policy landscape. I know how to move things through it."

What This Work Is

Government affairs strategy grounded in how Maryland actually works.

Navigating Maryland's legislative and government affairs landscape requires more than access. It requires knowing how decisions are actually made — what a county executive needs to see, what a legislative committee is really asking, and what it takes to move something from concept to passage.

Pam has drafted that legislation, organized those coalitions, testified in those hearings, and secured that funding. She has also sat on the other side — helping elected officials solve real constituent problems, navigate complex policy tradeoffs, and build the relationships that make legislative work actually move. She brings both perspectives to every engagement.

"Policy without implementation is just paper. I've spent my career on both — understanding what needs to change and knowing how to move it through the systems that make change possible."

"The work is never just about the bill. It's about understanding the problem well enough to propose a solution that the system will actually accept."

The Background
Current
Legislative Liaison, Carroll County Government
Tracking 400+ bills annually, coordinating across departments, and sustaining relationships with legislators and state agencies
Legislative — Maryland General Assembly
Legislative Director to Senator Paul G. Pinsky, Senator Bobby Zirkin & Delegate Mary Ann Lisanti
2003–2008 & 2019–2022 · Drafted legislation, organized coalitions, testified before committees, and managed advocacy — including constituent services work — across education, health, and environmental affairs
Government Relations
Associate Executive Director & Director of Government Relations, Baltimore Jewish Council
Secured over $12M in public funding — including $10M+ from the Maryland state budget — for education and human service programs serving 50,000+ Maryland residents
County Operations
Council Administrator, Harford County
Chief Administrative Officer for the County Council — budget, staff, intergovernmental relations, and full operational leadership
Education
Master's of Public Policy
Education policy concentration · University of Maryland Baltimore County
How Engagements Work

What working with Pam actually looks like.

Legislative & Advocacy
Legislative Strategy

Bill tracking, drafting, and advocacy

Developing a legislative strategy grounded in how the General Assembly actually works — what gets traction, what doesn't, and why. Pam can draft legislation, identify the right sponsors, build the advocacy case, and manage the process through session. She currently tracks more than 400 bills annually in her Carroll County role.

Coalition Building

Stakeholder alignment and coalition management

Bringing the right organizations and voices into alignment behind a shared goal. At the Baltimore Jewish Council, Pam built and managed bipartisan coalitions of civic, nonprofit, and faith-based partners across statewide legislative campaigns. She knows who the decision-makers are listening to — and how to build a coalition that holds through a long session.

Testimony & Hearings

Hearing preparation and direct testimony

Drafting testimony, preparing organizational leaders to testify, and representing clients directly before legislative committees. Pam has testified before Maryland General Assembly committees and knows how to frame a position for the audience that actually matters in the room.

Representation & Funding
Government Relations

Ongoing government affairs representation

For organizations that need someone actively managing their relationship with state and local government — tracking legislation, attending hearings, building relationships with key officials, and keeping the organization informed and positioned throughout the session.

Funding Strategy

Public funding navigation and grant strategy

Identifying and pursuing state, local, and federal funding opportunities. Pam has secured funding across all three levels — including over $10M from the Maryland state budget — and knows the difference between what a grant application says and what it needs to say to succeed.

Strategic Counsel

Situation assessment and one-time strategy

Sometimes what's needed is a clear-eyed read of a situation from someone who's been inside it. Pam can identify what it will take to accomplish your goals and tell you honestly whether she can help.

Who This Is For

Organizations that need more than a lobbyist.

Someone who knows the system from the inside and can help you navigate it strategically.

Nonprofits & Advocacy OrganizationsNavigating state and local funding, legislation, and government relationships
Counties & MunicipalitiesManaging intergovernmental relationships and legislative priorities
Foundations & IntermediariesBuilding government partnerships and navigating public funding
Education OrganizationsPursuing legislative support and state agency relationships
Sports & Recreation OrganizationsPursuing facility funding, infrastructure grants, or policy advocacy
Organizations Facing a Specific ChallengeNavigating a bill, a funding opportunity, or a government relationship
Get Started

Start with a conversation.

Pam will tell you honestly whether and how she can help.