CHARTING A CLEAR COURSE IN WASHINGTON

CHARTING A CLEAR COURSE IN WASHINGTON

White House Proposes Drastic NOAA Cuts, Threatening Weather and Ocean Science

On Friday, April 11, an internal memo from the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) revealed a proposal to significantly restructure the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), slashing its budget by approximately $1.7 billion—from $6.1 billion to $4.5 billion. The draft plan for the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) President’s Budget includes cutting […]

Five Years of ESP Advisors: Elevating Ocean Priorities In Turbulent Times

Five years ago, I took a leap of faith. After years of witnessing the ocean community struggle to capture the attention it deserved in Washington, I knew something had to change. The need was clear: ocean and coastal organizations required high-level advocacy and strategic government relations, but the resources, expertise, and relationships to make that […]

Introducing our New Fellow: Q&A With Claudia Deeg

Please join us in welcoming Claudia Deeg as our 2025 Spring Policy Fellow! Claudia was most recently a Knauss Sea Grant Fellow with Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and on the Environment & Public Works Committee where she co-managed a portfolio including oceans, plastics, environment, and agriculture issues. She has a background working in public interest […]

Congress Controls the Purse Strings, but Can the President Decide Not to Spend the Money?

There’s a battle brewing between President Trump and Congress over who really controls the federal budget. In some of Trump’s first executive orders of his second term, he called for a pause on the disbursement of particular funding already appropriated by Congress. And Trump’s pick for Budget Director, Russell Vought, said during his nomination hearings […]

New Ocean Laws Flying in on the Lame Duck

As the clock ticks down on 2024, Washington has entered the infamous “lame duck:” that curious time when outgoing lawmakers either scramble to cement their legacies or quietly fly to new ponds. The term lame duck describes the period between a November election and the start of new Congress in early January—and the moniker is […]

Seafood Swims into the Senate Farm Bill

A freshly baked Farm Bill landed on the legislative table this week, introduced by Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow (D-MI). The Farm Bill focuses on America’s food systems, and while its title evokes visions of crops and cows, a growing component of these systems relies on ocean and coastal resources.  The Farm Bill authorizes the […]

Path to Ocean Policy: Q&A With Leigh Habegger

Leigh Habegger is the most recent addition to the team at ESP Advisors. She has more than a decade of experience in the ocean and fisheries space, most recently serving as the Executive Director of Seafood Harvesters of America. Having spent time on the Hill and in the private and nonprofit sectors, Leigh has extensive […]

VIDEO: Bridging Science and Policy

Election Day is finally here, bringing with it a swirl of emotions and possibilities. The policy landscape mirrors the ocean—ever-changing, sometimes turbulent, but always flowing.  ESP Advisors Founder and CEO Emily Patrolia recently joined COMPASS Science Communication Director of Strategic Engagement and Co-Executive Director Heather Mannix for a conversation about the importance of science in […]

Mike Henry

Mike Henry is a Washington, D.C.-based science and technology policy leader focused on weather, water, and ocean advocacy. He has shaped federal science policy through roles at UCAR, NASA, and the American Institute of Physics, and began his career on the Senate staff of Sen. Ben Cardin.

FAVORITES

Aperol Spritz

Blue Crab 

Based in DC

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

Based in Maryland

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

Based in 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 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

Based in Maryland