CHARTING A CLEAR COURSE IN WASHINGTON

CHARTING A CLEAR COURSE IN WASHINGTON

ABOUT US

we empower organizations to navigate the complexities of the federal government with confidence, clarity, and impact.

We are more than just consultants—we are strategists, advocates, and trusted partners who turn policy challenges into victories.

We amplify the voices of mission-driven organizations, securing the funding, legislative wins, and strategic influence they need to succeed. With deep bipartisan relationships, expert policy insight, and an unwavering commitment to our clients’ goals, we ensure that good ideas don’t just get heard—they drive real change.

Through thoughtful strategy, relentless execution, and a commitment to lasting impact, we help our clients transform their advocacy from reactive to proactive, from uncertain to unstoppable.

what our clients say

“Emily and her team always deliver 110 percent – whether it’s getting legislation and appropriations across the finish line, keeping us connected with the power players in DC, or building creative communications strategies, ESP Advisors is essential to our success.”
– Dr. Gerhard Kuska, Executive Director, MARACOOS

We could not have achieved our legislative goals without ESP Advisors’ deep relationships and strategic insight. Hiring this team was one of the best decisions I’ve made.”
– Senior Campaigns Director, Environmental NGO

“ESP Advisors brings the structure, clarity, and strategic insight that every government affairs effort needs. Their partnership has elevated our work, helping us stay focused, effective, and always a step ahead.”
– Kalle Masto, Director, Piscataqua Region Estuaries Partnership

“If you work on policy matters in Washington, D.C, there is no more important time to have organizational clarity and representation on the Hill from a firm like ESP Advisors, who provides its clients professional expertise, a clear organizational mission, and strategic multidisciplinary insights honed by experience and a dedication to client needs and national priorities.”
– Dr. Duane E. De Freese, Executive Director, Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program

“ESP Advisors’ proactive and strategic approach has been essential to our success — their deep expertise, unwavering support, and trusted guidance helped IOOS secure historic funding and navigate complex federal policy with confidence.”
— Kristen Yarincik, Executive Director, IOOS Association

“ESP Advisors elevated our presence in Washington, DC, further positioning MTS as the go-to voice in ocean technology policy with key leaders. Their strategic guidance and deep connections have been instrumental in growing our visibility, strengthening our reputation with policymakers, and delivering even greater value to our members.”
– Chris Ostrander, Chief Executive Officer, Marine Technology Society

OUR CLIENTS

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NEVER MISS A BEAT

712 H ST NE Suite 2343 Washington, DC
20002

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