CHARTING A CLEAR COURSE IN WASHINGTON

CHARTING A CLEAR COURSE IN WASHINGTON

PRESS RELEASE: Former Wicker staffer joins ESP Advisors

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Kat Montgomery, former Sea Grant Fellow in the office of U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), joined ESP Advisors as a Policy Advisor this month. “I’m thrilled that Kat is joining the team,” Emily Patrolia, founder of ESP Advisors writes. “She is an expert on all things seafood, technology, science, and oceans and has a […]

Hitting the Ground Sprinting

Newly-inaugurated President Biden is moving quickly on a progressive agenda, including signing more executive actions in such a short period of time than any other president. If you’re having trouble keeping up, you are not alone! Biden is expected to sign some economic-focused executive orders today, including increasing food assistance and ensuring the previously approved […]

A Blue Senate?

Based on the early results from the Georgia Senate special election, it looks likely that Democrats will control the Senate in the 117th Congress. At 2am this morning Raphael Warnock was declared the winner against Senator Kelly Loeffler, and Jon Ossoff has a lead against Senator David Perdue, which is only expected to grow as […]

Ocean Laws: 2020 in Review

2020 was unprecedented in a lot of ways – and this includes the flurry of ocean and environment-related bills becoming law as we closed out the year and the 116th Congress. Below is a non-exhaustive list of bills we tracked this year that have (or are imminently expected to) become law: Looking ahead at 2021 […]

ESP Advisors Expands

We’re pleased to announce two new additions to the family as our firm and capacities continue to grow. Sarah Brenholt has a background in political science and University administrative support, and has spent the last three years helping to build the Stronger America Through Seafood coalition. Sarah is a policy whiz, seasoned federal advocate, and […]

What’s in the “Omnironabus”?

The Omnironabus (COVID relief + appropriations + energy package + WRDA) was signed into law by the President this week, despite his request for $2,000 in direct payments rather than the $600 in the bill. H.R. 133, the Omnironabus (as we call it) which includes all 12 appropriations bills, COVID relief, the biggest energy package […]

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