CHARTING A CLEAR COURSE IN WASHINGTON

CHARTING A CLEAR COURSE IN WASHINGTON

Empowering ocean and coastal change-makers to shape impactful federal policy

We know the science, the policy, & the people. Let’s get to work.

ESP Advisors is a consulting firm that transforms clients’ federal policy advocacy from reactive to proactive, from uncertain to unstoppable.

WHY HIRE ESP

our services

Full Engagement: Comprehensive government relations management, including legislative advocacy, funding strategy, and reputation-building

Limited Engagement: Advisory support for organizations with smaller goals, providing strategic counsel and relationship-building assistance

Strategy Support: Non-lobbying guidance focused on policy insights, strategy sessions, and updates on federal developments

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ABOUT US

At ESP Advisors, we don’t just advise—we get results. Our team combines deep policy expertise, strong bipartisan relationships, and a strategic mindset that ensures our clients don’t just participate in the process—they shape it.

Our proven track record includes:

Rebuilding and Strengthening Advocacy Efforts

When we took over an advocacy campaign, the effort was on the verge of collapse. Their bill was poorly positioned, had the wrong champions, and key congressional offices were refusing to take meetings. Within six months, ESP Advisors rewrote the legislative strategy, rebuilt relationships with Congress and the industry, and secured bipartisan support for a new consensus bill.

Staying Off the Chopping Block

Amid a turbulent period when many similar programs were being defunded or dismantled, ESP Advisors’ long-term strategy paid off. We had spent years cultivating relationships with key decision-makers and consistently communicating the value of our clients’ work to a bipartisan audience. So when a proposal to cut our client’s priority programs reached top officials in the administration, it was swiftly rejected—they understood the impact of the programs and recognized them as an ESP priority, keeping them off the chopping block.

Gaining Traction Across the Aisle

Realizing they had no Republican congressional champions, a client came to ESP Advisors for help. Leveraging our trusted relationships, we quickly identified and built connections with new Republican allies. Within the first few months of the year, those champions introduced the client’s bill, led a successful effort to boost their funding, and sent a letter to the White House urging administration support.

Securing Record Funding Increases

ESP Advisors spotted an opportunity in a massive legislative package that was coming together in Congress. Our team proactively analyzed the client’s needs, crafted a funding request, and strategically positioned our client in the congressional debate over what to include in the package. The result? Five times more funding than they had ever received before.

Elevating Our Clients as Thought Leaders

Before working with ESP Advisors, a client struggled to get noticed in Washington due to a lack of focus, messaging, and connections. Within months, we had positioned them as a trusted resource on Capitol Hill, securing testimony in a hearing, speaking roles at congressional briefings, input on major legislation, and direct engagement with the White House. They are now the go-to voice in DC for their industry.

RECENT NEWS AND ANALYSIS

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BROWSE NEWS & ANALYSIS

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Brandon Elsner

Brandon Elsner is a government affairs professional with extensive experience shaping federal policy in oceans, science, environment, and infrastructure. He most recently directed federal strategic services at Waggoner Engineering, helping communities secure significant federal funding for water, transportation, and economic development projects. Brandon previously held senior advisory roles at NOAA and the White House Council on Environmental Quality and was a Legislative Assistant for Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS).

FAVORITES

Thai Boba Tea

Orca

Greater DC area

Marianne Brisson

Marianne helps mission-driven organizations scale their impact through streamlined operations, project leadership, and strategic communications. She leads ESP’s day-to-day operations and ensures firm-wide success. Marianne previously served as Policy and Operations Advisor to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard.

FAVORITES

Hot latte with oatmilk

Nudibranch

Based in Oregon

Monaliza Manalinding

Monaliza has over three years of experience supporting small businesses professionals and managing fast-paced administrative operations. She brings strong skills in client relations, scheduling, and marketing support, ensuring efficient workflows and exceptional service across all facets of the firm.

FAVORITES

Ginger Tea

Sea turtles

Davao City, Philippines

Sarah Keartes

Sarah brings a decade of media relations and science communication expertise to her role at ESP Advisors. Before joining ESP, she reported on marine and coastal science for outlets including National Geographic News, PBS Digital Studios, and Hakai Magazine.

FAVORITES

Iced tea

Scalloped hammerhead

Based in Oregon

Cat Elia

With over a decade of experience bringing clients’ visions to reality, Cat specializes in marketing and brand development. As both a designer and artist, she excels in visual storytelling and graphic strategy.

FAVORITES

Iced coffee with milk

Frog fish

Based on the West Coast

Caroline Roche

Caroline brings sharp policy instincts and a passion for coastal resilience to ESP Advisors. At the White House Council on Environmental Quality, she supported both the freshwater and ocean policy teams. Most recently, she worked on communications and government affairs for Restore America’s Estuaries, deepening her expertise in habitat protection and federal engagement. Caroline holds a dual degree in Political Science and Fine Art from George Washington University.

FAVORITES

Unsweetened Iced Green Tea

Beluga Whale

Based in Washington, DC

Austen Stovall

Austen Stovall’s background is in coral reef ecology, nature-based solutions, and coastal management. She most recently worked for Representative Jared Huffman (D-CA-02) on his oceans and fisheries portfolio. Austen holds a master’s degree in coastal science and policy from UC Santa Cruz.

FAVORITES

Iced oat milk latte with coconut syrup

Corals

Based in DC

Kat Montgomery

Kat draws upon her ocean policy expertise and years of experience managing projects, programs, and teams to catalyze success for ESP Advisors and our clients. Most recently, Kat served as staff for Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), former Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

FAVORITES

Cappuccino with sugar

Seahorse

Based in Virginia

Emily Patrolia

Emily Patrolia founded ESP Advisors to address the need for sophisticated government and public affairs services in the community she holds dear. Emily uses her advocacy and congressional experience and deep understanding of environmental science to lead the firm in all its endeavors.

FAVORITES

Cappuccino

Yeti crab

Based in DC

tttttttt

We are a small but mighty team working to build a culture that leans into vulnerability, clarity, integrity, and transparency. Open communication, collaboration, and relationship building are of the utmost importance to our team. While our work is hard-charging and relies on exceptional attention to detail and deadline management, we remain dedicated to the wellbeing of our staff. Our goal is to ensure our team members are fulfilled both personally and professionally.

PAMELA DAY TAPSCOTT

Pamela Day has over 25 years of experience on Capitol Hill. As Chief of Staff for the late Congressman Don Young (R-AK), father of many initiatives and laws that govern ocean resources today, Pamela managed the annual appropriations process and oversaw 16 original bills that were signed into law.

FAVORITES

Coffee

Otter

Maryland