Abigail Middleton – MANAGER, COMMUNICATIONS & MEDIA

amiddleton@hbwresources.com

Abigail Middleton supports HBW’s communications, public relations, and advocacy efforts through media outreach, strategic content development, and market research.

With experience in public relations, digital content creation, and policy-focused communications, Abigail brings a strong, well-rounded skill set to manage and build client relationships while driving impactful results.

Her background in the fast-paced public relations and public affairs world, combined with her passion for brand storytelling, enables her to deliver clear, compelling messages that connect with audiences.

Abigail holds a Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communications from Elon University, with a minor in Professional Sales.

Zach Kent – SENIOR DIRECTOR, STATE GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS

zkent@hbwresources.com

Zach Kent is Senior Director of State Government Affairs at HBW Resources, where he supports the firm’s state level advocacy, outreach, and strategic engagement efforts across Ohio and the Midwest. In this role, he supports HBW’s client portfolio, strengthens relationships with policymakers, energy regulators, and industry stakeholders, and contributes to business development initiatives. Kent also serves as the Executive Director to Consumer Energy Alliance’s Midwest operations.

Prior to joining HBW, Kent served as a spokesperson and led local government affairs and community relations for Encino Acquisition Partners, a multibillion-dollar upstream energy producer. His background in internal and external communications, combined with hands-on experience in corporate external affairs, provides HBW clients with a well-rounded perspective across the upstream, midstream, and downstream segments of the oil and gas industry.
Kent brings extensive leadership experience through service on more than half a dozen boards, including, but not limited to, local chambers of commerce, community improvement corporations, and energy advocacy organizations.

Earlier in his career, Kent was Director of Public Affairs at Strategic Public Partners, advising clients on public affairs strategy and advocacy campaigns, with a focus on energy. He has also worked on numerous local, state, and federal political campaigns throughout Ohio, including serving as Statewide Political Director for former Ohio Supreme Court Justice Judi French.

Kent holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Ohio University and is based in Columbus, Ohio, where he resides with his wife.

Bridget Condon – SENIOR DIRECTOR, FEDERAL & STATE GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS

bcondon@hbwresources.com

Bridget Condon is a seasoned public affairs and government relations professional with more than a decade of experience navigating federal, state, and local government systems. She has built her career at the intersection of public policy, regulatory engagement, and community impact—regularly collaborating with legislative bodies, regulatory agencies, and elected officials to advance complex policy initiatives.

Condon’s experience includes corporate government affairs, legislative policy work, economic development, and statewide industry advocacy. She began her public service career working for Congressman Steve Pearce—recently tapped by the White House to lead the Bureau of Land Management—before advancing into roles with the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, Sandoval Economic Alliance, and the Legislative Education Study Committee. Most recently, she served as Director of Public Relations & Government Affairs for Swire Coca-Cola across New Mexico and Arizona.

A committed civic and community leader, Condon serves on several boards, including the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central New Mexico. She was named the 2025 Member of the Year by the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce and was recognized as one of Albuquerque Business First’s 40 Under Forty honorees. Condon holds a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Public Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, both from the University of New Mexico.

Bridget brings to her new role a proven ability to translate complex policy issues into actionable strategies, navigate regulatory systems with precision, and build durable partnerships across government, business, and community sectors.

Adah Marvin – MEMBERSHIP AND SALES MANAGER

amarvin@hbwresources.com

As the Membership and Sales Manager, Adah Marvin supports client and member outreach, strategic efforts, and economic research and reporting. After three years interning with HBW in government affairs and communications, Adah brings a strong understanding of the energy industry and a collaborative approach to outreach, relationship-building, and strategic planning.

With a degree in Economics from Texas Christian University, Adah also contributes to the team’s research and reporting efforts, helping to make sense of market trends and economic developments. She is passionate about connecting with clients and members, supporting their needs, and helping the organization grow through thoughtful communication and insight.

Ashley Ward – DIGITAL ASSET AND COMMUNICATION MANAGER

award@hbwresources.com

Ashley Ward is an experienced freelance photographer and multimedia creator with over six years of expertise in digital content production and management. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of North Texas, which has shaped her ability to craft compelling narratives and develop impactful content strategies.

Specializing in visually compelling storytelling, Ashley elevates brand presence and drives audience engagement through her work. Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, and WordPress, she combines technical expertise with a strong understanding of SEO optimization and analytics to create data-driven digital strategies.

With a passion for innovative storytelling, Ashley excels at developing content that resonates across diverse platforms. Whether behind the camera or at the editing desk, she is dedicated to delivering high-quality multimedia solutions that inspire, inform, and leave a lasting impression.

Jeff Ostermayer – SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND COMMUNICATIONS

jostermayer@hbwresources.com

Jeff most recently served as managing director of public affairs at the Edison Electric Institute (EEI), a major trade association for investor-owned electric companies, where he focused on advocacy on policies impacting the electric power industry. Previously he served as lead communication specialist at Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) where he worked on communications activities regarding regulatory, energy storage, power delivery, and sustainability issues.

Before joining FPL Jeff served as senior director of media relations at EEI. Jeff has also served as senior director of media relations for the National Association of Manufacturers.

He has extensive experience on Capitol Hill with U.S. Reps. Mark Foley and Tom Rooney. He also helped to successfully lead Rep. Rooney’s first campaign for the U.S. House.

Additionally, Jeff served in the Bush Administration as assistant press secretary at the Department of Homeland Security.

Jeff is an active member and a graduate of Leadership Florida. He holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Auburn University and an MBA from the University of Maryland Robert H. Smith School of Business.

David Holt – MANAGING PARTNER

dholt@hbwresources.com
(713) 524-2622

David Holt has more than 30 years of experience working for state and federal agencies and Congress and directing outreach and advocacy efforts. David founded HBW Resources in 2005 to provide counsel and guidance to companies regarding governmental and industry energy initiatives, including issues related to energy security, exploration and production, advanced technologies, air quality, and refining. HBW’s core expertise is implementing and managing expansive energy-specific advocacy campaigns to generate a full complement of stakeholder, media and grassroots support for thoughtful, positive energy development.

Previously, David served as Vice President of Government Affairs for Hart Energy Services; Senior Legal and Energy Counsel to Chairman James E. Nugent of the Texas Railroad Commission; Counsel to the House Judiciary Committee; and in the Public Affairs and Media Office of the U.S. Department of State under President George H.W. Bush.

David also currently serves as President of Consumer Energy Alliance, a trade association that focuses on expanding the dialogue between the energy sector and the rest of the economy. With more than 550,000 members nationwide representing every sector of the U.S. economy, CEA is the leading voice for sensible energy and environmental policies for consumers, bringing together families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers and manufacturers to support America’s environmentally sustainable energy future.

David regularly authors columns and appears in national media outlets. He is a frequent speaker at national energy forums, has testified before Congress and is regularly sought out by policymakers and business leaders for his energy policy insight.

David serves as a founding Board Member of the Consumer Energy Education Foundation and a member of the Board of Trustees of the St. Anne Catholic Foundation.  He is an attorney.  David lives in Houston with his wife Maureen and three children.

Andrew Browning – PARTNER

abrowning@hbwresources.com
(303) 228-9462

Andrew Browning heads HBW’s Denver office where he provides strategic counsel, issues management, grassroots, and advocacy expertise to oil and gas, utility, renewable energy, government, and manufacturing clients.

With experience in both the private and government sectors, Browning has worked at the nexus of energy policy and politics for over 25 years. He was previously Director of Government Relations at Methanex – the world’s largest methanol producer and distributor –  and a White House appointee to the U.S. Department of Energy during the Clinton administration where he served as a special assistant in the Office of Fossil Energy.

Andrew is one of principal founders and President of the Western States and Tribal Nations (WSTN) Natural Gas Initiative. WSTN is a unique 501(c)(4) public/private partnership between Western states, counties, sovereign tribal governments, and natural gas industry stakeholders with a focus on building comprehensive and effective regional collaboration under a formal MOU to advocate for and develop local and global markets for Rockies natural gas. The MOU is signed by the States of Utah, Wyoming, New Mexico, Baja California, Mexico, the Ute Indian Tribe and the counties of western Colorado.

Andrew served as an adjunct professor in the Energy Management Program at Norway’s Bodø Graduate School of Business at University of Nordland, which is a collaborative program with the International Institute of Energy Politics and Diplomacy (MIEP) at MGIMO University in Moscow, Russia.

Andrew holds an M.A. in International Affairs with a focus on Energy and Environment and International Economics from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and a B.A. in Political Science with a minor in Economics from the University of Texas-Austin.

Michael Whatley – PARTNER

mwhatley@hbwresources.com
(202) 429-6868

Michael Whatley works with a wide range of companies and trade associations in the energy and transportation sectors helping them with policy making, communications and strategic engagement with Congress, federal Departments and Agencies and State Governments. Michael's proven campaign and government expertise assist HBW’s clients to achieve their goals.

Michael previously served as Chief of Staff for Senator Elizabeth Dole (R-NC), Subcommittee Staff Director and Chief Counsel for the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Energy and Counsel to the U.S. Senate Republican Conference Secretary Paul Coverdell (R-GA).  Prior to his service in Washington, Whatley clerked for The Honorable Robert D. Potter, U.S. District Court Judge, Western District of North Carolina.

He holds a J.D. and Master’s degree in Theology from the University of Notre Dame, a Master’s degree in Religion from Wake Forest University and a B.A. in History from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Marc Brown – EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, GOVERNMENT RELATIONS AND ADVOCACY

mbrown@hbwresources.com
(603) 777-7176

With over 20 years of business, advocacy, and government affairs experience, Marc Brown advises HBW clients on energy, telecom and water policies and regulations at the state level, with a particular focus on New England.

Prior to joining HBW, Marc was Executive Director of the New England Ratepayers Association, a non-profit social welfare organization that advocated for policies, regulations, and projects that lower the costs of regulated utilities – electricity, natural gas, telecoms and water – to consumers. Marc has testified on energy and telecom policies before local, state, and federal bodies; intervened in dockets before state utility commissions, and successfully filed petitions before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Marc has advised candidates for public office on energy, education, and small business regulations; and represented the pharmaceutical industry, manufacturers, technology companies, real estate developers, and trade associations at the state level. His past work also includes a stint at one of the most prominent non-profit public advocacy organizations in Washington, D.C., developing grassroots campaigns focused on tax, education and energy policy.

He holds a BA in Government and Politics from George Mason University and lives in New Hampshire with his wife and three children.

Mike Butler – GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS, PA

(412) 448-6851

Michael serves as a Strategic Advisor to HBW Resources. Michael has spent the past 17 years working in and around politics and government in Pennsylvania and neighboring states. This experience prompted him to launch Grant Forbes, LLC, specializing in government relations and business development. Since launching Grant Forbes, LLC, he has used his extensive network and governmental knowledge to assist a broad array of clients, including AM LLC, Brownsville Area Revitalization Corporation, The Efficiency Network, Surtreat, Three + One Advisors, Shelly Lyons Communications, and Steel City Media.

During his career in politics, Michael served as the Finance Director for the successful re-election effort of United States Senator Bob Casey.  Additionally, he served as District Director for Congressman Jason Altmire and Finance Director for Dan Onorato’s gubernatorial campaign. His campaign work was recognized by PoliticsPA list as a Top Operative. He has worked on campaigns at every level from local races to statewide races; including successful campaigns for city council, state house, county judicial, Congressional, Senate, and Gubernatorial.

Additionally, he has served as Mid-Atlantic Executive Director for Consumer Energy Alliance since 2013. His expertise and insight on energy issues have garnered significant media coverage as his editorials have been picked up in many publications, including the Baltimore Sun, Harrisburg Patriot-News, Newark Star-Ledger, Philadelphia Inquirer, and Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

He holds a B.A. from Dickinson College and a JD/MPIA from the University of Pittsburgh.

Kevin Doyle – EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, GOVERNMENT RELATIONS AND ADVOCACY

kdoyle@hbwresources.com
(904) 806-1714

Kevin Doyle is the Vice President of State Affairs for HBW Resources and specializes in state policy and advocacy strategy for a variety of clients across industries and sectors. He has direct oversight over the Southeastern United States for HBW Resources but works across the country for clients and on initiatives for the firm.

Kevin’s professional experience includes federal, state, local and international levels of government and politics, having worked for U.S. Senators Mel Martinez and Connie Mack, the White House, U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao, the Florida House of Representatives and on political campaigns in the U.S., England and New Zealand.

Kevin served under two Florida governors as the Chairman of CareerSource Florida, the state’s workforce system. He has also served on the Board of Directors for Enterprise Florida, the state’s economic development agency.  Kevin’s clients include Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, non-profits, business associations, policy initiatives and campaigns. He is based in Jacksonville, Florida, and also works out of our Tallahassee office.

Lee Forsgren – OF COUNSEL

lforsgren@hbwresources.com
(202) 916-5556

Lee Forsgren provides legal and policy guidance in the areas of the Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, Water Infrastructure, Endangered Species, natural resources, energy, environmental policy, transportation, oil pollution, space systems, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, and federal appropriations. He assists corporations, industry associations and tribal organizations in their relations with Congress, the Executive Branch, and state governments.

Lee has returned to HBW Resources after almost four years as the Deputy Assistant Administrator for Water at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  Before originally coming to HBW Resources, he was a partner with Nossaman LLC/ O’Connor and Hannan LLP, Assistant Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, majority counsel for the U.S. House of Representatives Water Resources Subcommittee, counsel to the Subcommittee on Lands and Forestry, and assistant to Congressman Don Young (R-AK) and Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT). He also served the Bush-Cheney Transition Team on transportation and environmental issues. Lee holds a B.A. in Marine Transportation and Nautical Science from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and a J.D. from George Mason University School of Law.

Jaycob Garcia – DIRECTOR, COMMUNICATIONS AND ADVOCACY

jgarcia@hbwresources.com
(713) 337-8802

Jaycob Garcia is the Director of Communications & Advocacy for HBW Resources, where he provides support and substantive direction for HBW’s clients, with a specific focus on grassroots communications, creative development, website and marketing support, advertising, and reporting. He works closely with HBW’s Government Affairs team on outreach to local, state, and federal elected officials; leads the development of creative materials for tribal and minority outreach; provides strategic counsel on regulatory issues; and oversees HBW’s creative development and design team. He has helped develop and grow numerous campaigns for HBW’s clients.
He also serves as Vice President of Communications for the National Hispanic Energy Council (NHEC).
Prior to joining HBW Resources, Jaycob served as Campaign Coordinator for Railroad Commissioner Jim Wright; held leadership roles in consulting, state legislative, and federal congressional offices; and has worked on numerous campaigns across the State of Texas.

Maria Tellez – MANAGER OF STATE AFFAIRS

mtellez@hbwresources.com

As Manager of Government Affairs, Maria Tellez supports stakeholder engagement, policy analysis, and advocacy strategy for HBW’s clients across state and local levels. With experience in legislative research, communications, and event coordination, Maria helps drive effective government relations efforts through strategic outreach and informed insights. Maria recently completed her Bachelor of Arts in International Studies at Texas A&M University where she was a participant in the Public Policy Internship Program.

Billie Rae Gillas – MANAGER OF FINANCE, ACCOUNTING and HR

brgillas@hbwresources.com
(713) 337-8801

Billie Rae Gillas leads finance and human resources operations of HBW Resources. A longtime Alaskan, Billie Rae worked in the offshore seafood processing industry as a human resources professional for a succession of start-up corporations: Oceantrawl, Supreme Alaska Seafoods, Cold Sea Intl., and Atlantic Frost Seafoods.

Previously, Billie Rae spent three years as a legislative aide in the Alaska House, as the primary district constituent liaison for former Speaker of the House Gail Phillips. Prior to moving to Texas, Billie Rae spent five years as Finance/Membership Director for the Resource Development Council for Alaska.

Billie Rae holds a Master’s of Science in Organization and Leadership from Capella University as well as a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology from Western New Mexico University. Billie Rae enjoys volunteer endeavors including the Galveston Lions Club and AARP Foundation’s TaxAide program.

Matthew Gonzales – DIRECTOR, STATE AFFAIRS

MGonzales@hbwresources.com
(505) 203-3028

Matthew Gonzales is the Southwest State Affairs Director for HBW Resources with direct oversight of New Mexico, West Texas, Colorado and Arizona. He specializes in state policy and advocacy strategy focused on natural resource development across industries and sectors.

Matthew has over a decade of experience as a natural resources and public policy advisor, with expertise in developing successful procedural and legislative strategies that get clients the advocacy results they want. Matthew’s previous roles include Vice President of Government Affairs & Public Relations for the Association of Commerce & Industry of New Mexico, Director of the New Mexico Good Neighbor Program for the New Mexico Oil & Gas Association, Village Administrator for the Village of Cimarron and Government Affairs Director for New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau. Most recently, Matthew played an integral role in helping shape and negotiate key pieces of agriculture and natural resource legislation including the Pecan Buyers Licensure Act of 2018, the Healthy Soil Act of 2019, the Hemp Manufacturing Act of 2019, the Produced Water Act of 2019, the Water Data Act of 2019, and others.

As State Affairs Director for the Southwest, Matthew monitors all state activities affecting HBW’s clients and leads the firm’s lobbying activities in Santa Fe, Denver and Phoenix. Matthew is actively engaged in efforts to shape energy, environment, and natural resource policy development through educational outreach and direct advocacy.

Matthew is an Air Force veteran that served overseas in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. He is currently in his second term as a Council Member for the Village of Cimarron and he has served on the Cimarron Municipal Schools' Board of Education. He is a Member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and a Life Member of the VFW. Matthew has a home in the Sangre De Cristo Mountains of Northeast New Mexico where spends his free time fly fishing and exploring with his rescue pit bull, India.

Kaitlin Hammons – SENIOR DIRECTOR, STRATEGIC ENGAGEMENT AND CAMPAIGNS

khammons@hbwresources.com
(202) 429-4931

As HBW’s Senior Director of Strategic Engagement and Campaigns, Kaitlin Hammon's the organization's campaign portfolio and day-to-day campaign operations. Kaitlin specializes in managing hyper-local campaigns and has directed numerous local campaigns for the largest renewable provider in the United States.

Before joining HBW, Kaitlin served as a Legislative Assistant in the Texas State Senate, monitoring legislation, conducting research, and legislative and policy analysis on various issues with committees such as Veterans’ Affairs and Natural Resources. Kaitlin began her career working on numerous political campaigns at the state and local levels in Texas and was responsible for inspiring public support and building political support to ensure campaign success.

Kaitlin grew up in Beaumont, Texas, giving her a unique understanding of energy from a local perspective. She holds a B.A. in Political Science from Lamar University.

Bryson Hull – VICE PRESIDENT, STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS and ADVISORY

bhull@hbwresources.com

(202) 429-4362

Bryson Hull creates and executes communications strategies that help HBW’s clients break down barriers to business objectives, fend off crises or unfair attacks to reputation, and engage successfully with financial and other specialized audiences. Bryson is consulted for his counsel and proven ability to swiftly analyze – and extract clarity from – unpredictable, complex or volatile situations.

He brings a global geopolitical perspective, energy expertise and an insider’s knowledge of how journalists think, earned during his 18 years of reporting and writing about politics, business and wars on assignment in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and North America. He has made multiple radio and TV appearances, authored thousands of articles, spoken on or hosted panel discussions, delivered public testimony to legislators and defended client reputations in high-stakes arenas including formal state investigations.

His current and past engagements include Fortune 500 clients in energy, agriculture, finance and manufacturing, and his portfolio includes running multiple campaigns, serving as a spokesperson, engaging with journalists friendly or hostile, managed crises and corporate reputations, and developed strategic reports to help drive policy dialogues and educate stakeholders. Still a journalist at heart, Bryson seeks out the stories, details and facts to help clients win – and brooks no journalistic misconduct or bias on his watch.

For most of his journalism career, Bryson worked for Reuters News in Houston, Nairobi and Colombo, where he served as a bureau chief and country manager. His reporting put him in frequent contact with heads of state, CEOs, and sensitive cultural environments, and took him into hostile environments like Afghanistan, Iraq and Somalia, where he learned how to thrive under extreme pressure while keeping his cool. Bryson has also worked for the Associated Press and Bloomberg, and got his start as a police reporter in newspapers in Texas and his native Connecticut. A father of three, he holds a Bachelor of Science from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism and speaks Spanish and Swahili.

Kristin Marcell – SENIOR DIRECTOR, MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS

kmarcell@hbwresources.com
(215) 595-7046

With two decades of experience in public affairs and communications, Kristin Marcell is an experienced public relations executive with a demonstrated history of delivering high-quality results at the top levels of the government and private sector. She provides communications counsel and service to HBW Resources’ clients, with a focus on media relations, issues management, research and messaging, and executive media training.

Prior to joining HBW, Kristin served as the communications director and primary spokesperson for the Law School Admission Council. She also spent 10 years working for two global PR agencies, leading communications campaigns for clients, including several high-profile energy and environment organizations, utilities and corporations.

She brings to HBW a strong background in press relations and an impressive list of top-tier media contacts, including at The Wall Street Journal, Associated Press, The New York Times, Reuters, Bloomberg, U.S. News and World Report, POLITICO, Fox News, and CNBC, among others.

Previously, Kristin was the communications director of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration at the U.S. Department of Transportation, where she served as the official spokesperson and directed the Agency’s communications program.

Kristin was also the director of external affairs for the former Chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Resources, Richard Pombo, General Electric’s Political Action Committee manager in their Washington, D.C. corporate office, and served as a legislative staffer to a congressman in the U.S. House of Representatives.

A native of Pennsylvania, Kristin holds a Master’s in Public Policy from the George Washington University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the Pennsylvania State University.

Maddie Milam - SENIOR DIRECTOR, STATE AFFAIRS

mmilam@hbwresources.com
(662) 801-4061

Maddie Milam serves as Senior Director, State Affairs at HBW Resources, where she leads state-level government affairs activities across the country with a focus on energy, utility regulation, permitting, and infrastructure. She supports clients through strategic engagement with policymakers, regulatory bodies, and industry stakeholders and manages state operations for Consumer Energy Alliance in the Midwest. Maddie advises on legislative and regulatory developments, builds coalitions, and implements advocacy strategies that advance innovation, infrastructure investment, and sustainable growth.

Prior to joining HBW, Maddie led state and local engagement at the Edison Electric Institute (EEI), where she represented investor-owned electric companies before national organizations and played a key role in building bipartisan coalitions, designing grassroots advocacy strategies, and advising companies on policy and regulatory trends across all 50 states.

Earlier in her career, Maddie served as Director of Member Initiatives at the National Republican Congressional Committee and held senior operations roles in the U.S. House of Representatives, including with Speaker John Boehner. Her background spans both the legislative and campaign arenas, equipping her with deep insights into government processes and political strategy.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and History from the University of Mississippi and has completed executive education programs at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business.

Maddie is based in Nashville and remains active in several professional organizations, including the Mideast Labor and Management Public Affairs Committee.

Ryan Scott – VICE PRESIDENT, RISK MANAGEMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING

rscott@hbwresources.com
(713) 337-8804

Ryan Scott is Vice President for Risk Management and Sustainability Reporting for HBW Resources. Ryan specializes in working with clients to better understand and achieve their goals by identifying risks that exist outside of a company’s core operations. He has developed advocacy strategies and materials for his clients to engage with governments and conducts comprehensive assessments and analyses of non-technical, enterprise-wide risk factors, as well as for specific projects.  The focus of Ryan’s practice is to help clients understand and mitigate non-technical risks so they can focus on their core operations and competencies.

Ryan works with clients to develop an ESG reporting discipline that enables them to do more than simply check the box by focusing on risk identification/mitigation key operational metrics.

Prior to his time at HBW, Ryan worked at Deloitte and Touche’s Strategy and Operations Consulting practice. While there, he worked with clients such as Bristol-Myers Squibb, developing and delivering financial reporting and legal training to an executive team. Serving GMAC, he conducted a bank evaluation and application process to assist its conversion from a state bank into a bank holding company, allowing the client to access crucial TARP funds during the Financial Crisis of 2008.

Ryan received a B.A. in Economics from the University of Southern California, and a JD – MBA from Case Western Reserve University in Ohio.

Meghan Thacker – VICE PRESIDENT, FEDERAL AND STATE AFFAIRS

mthacker@hbwresources.com
(504) 874-0005

At HBW, Meghan Thacker helps drive productive outcomes for clients on the federal, local, and state government levels. With over 12 years of natural resources policy experience on Capitol Hill working for members of the Louisiana delegation and Senator Steve Daines from Montana, Meghan has a unique ability and expertise to diversify and build coalitions across geographies to advance client goals. She holds key relationships with federal, state, and local officials and industry stakeholders across the country.

During her time on Capitol Hill, she worked on behalf of elected officials to organize and advance their policy and public affairs initiatives from the ground up, including restoration and economic recovery of the Gulf Coast following the Deepwater Horizon disaster, hardening public lands from catastrophic wildfires, restoring and rebuilding rural water infrastructure for rural and tribal areas, improving wildlife habitats, enabling conservation projects and enhancing outdoor recreation opportunities for local communities. Meghan also served as Executive Director of the Senate Western Caucus.

Meghan brings specific expertise that can advance client goals in public land, agriculture, and conservation policy.

On behalf of elected officials and clients, Meghan has led legislative and policy changes pertaining to the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act, the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Mineral Leasing Act, National Forest Management Act, Indian water rights settlements, the Land and Water Conservation Fund, the Great American Outdoors Act, hydropower permitting, and many other laws related to energy, public lands, minerals, and conservation.

After leaving the U.S. Senate, Meghan in 2020 served as President of Big Sky Bluewater Strategies, her own government relations consulting business, where she supported clients in Louisiana, advancing economic incentives for Gulf of Mexico energy producers, and outfitters and guides in Montana during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meghan lives in her hometown of New Orleans and serves clients throughout the Gulf and western regions on behalf of HBW Resources. She is a graduate of the University of Georgia’s School of Public and International Affairs with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.

Jillian Tindell – MANAGER, GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

jtindell@hbwresources.com
713-337-8802

As Manager of Government Affairs, Jillian Tindell is responsible for the research, analysis and support for HBW’s clients, with specific focus on federal and state legislative and policy positions via federal and state outreach. Additionally, she also provides support for projects including regulatory and legislative initiatives in key states. Jillian recently completed her Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Minor in Communications at Texas A&M University. She has worked on multiple political campaigns at the state and federal level throughout her time in college.

Ellie Plummer – GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS MANAGER

eplummer@hbwresources.com

As the Government Affairs Manager, Ellie Plummer is dedicated to assisting with research and analysis, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy support in order to produce meaningful work.

With experience spanning government affairs, public relations strategy, and digital content creation, Ellie has strong skills that allow her to support clients. Ellie is passionate about the intersection of communication, advocacy, and storytelling, and she strives to deliver impactful work that resonates with both clients and communities.

Ellie holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations at the University of Texas at Austin, and completed her degree with a Business minor and a Business Development and Professional Sales minor.

Alisa Weldon – EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, COMMUNICATIONS

aweldon@hbwresources.com
713-337-8812

For the past 23 years, Alisa has successfully owned and operated her own company WELL+DONE DESIGN, where she has been instrumental in brand building, strategy development, public relations, meeting facilitation, and community engagement. Her extensive 30-year career and portfolio include innovative and impactful work for such renowned clients as Whole Foods, DELL, JEEP, H.E.B. Central Market, Microbiome Labs, Propane Education Research Council, and many nonprofits like Make-A-Wish Foundation, Human Rights Campaign, and TurnItGold.org.

She has consistently driven impactful results, not just in reach and thought leadership but also in enhancing the bottom line. As a seasoned designer, creative leader, and entrepreneur, she excels in strategizing and consulting with companies across diverse industries to tackle their creative challenges. Her approach consistently centers on harnessing positivity to connect people and propel projects to success.