CHARTING A CLEAR COURSE IN WASHINGTON

CHARTING A CLEAR COURSE IN WASHINGTON

NOAA’s FY27 Budget Would Redefine the Agency’s Role

The Administration’s FY27 budget request for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) proposes $4.54 billion in discretionary funding, a reduction of roughly $1.09 billion, or about 19 percent, from FY26 enacted levels. While that topline decrease is significant, the broader story is how the proposal reallocates resources. The FY27 request largely builds on structural […]

50 Years of the Magnuson-Stevens Act 

Fifty years ago today, the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act was signed into law by President Gerald Ford. For those working and living in the world of fisheries, everything traces back to one landmark piece of legislation. But what is the Magnuson-Stevens Act (MSA), and how does it advance American fishery management today?  A […]

Introducing our new Policy Fellow: Q&A with Angelo San Pablo

Angelo San Pablo is an ocean policy professional with experience in federal agency engagement, congressional advocacy, and seafood policy. He most recently supported senior leadership and congressional affairs at NOAA Fisheries. Get to know him below! Where does your interest in the ocean come from?  When I was a kid, my parents took me to […]

Introducing our new Senior Policy Manager: Q&A with Rachael DeWitt

Rachael DeWitt’s expertise spans freshwater and ocean conservation and policy. She most recently worked on Ocean Conservancy’s government relations team, covering issues including Arctic conservation, fisheries, climate, ocean energy, deep-sea mining, and shipping. On Capitol Hill, Rachael worked for Representative Jared Huffman (D-CA-02) on ocean policy issues. Previously, she served as Executive Director of the […]

Introducing our New Senior Policy Advisor: Q&A with Mike Henry

Mike is a Washington, D.C.–based science and technology policy leader and government relations professional who has focused his career on advocacy for weather, water, and ocean science. His work in this space began when he served as legislative staff for Sen. Ben Cardin of Maryland. The remainder of his career is bookended by two chapters, […]

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

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

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

Green Tea

Blue Crab 

Based in DC

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

Angelo San Pablo

Angelo San Pablo is an ocean policy professional with experience in federal agency engagement, congressional advocacy, and seafood policy. He recently supported senior leadership and congressional affairs at NOAA Fisheries, and he also has climate experience spanning coordination and finance.

FAVORITES

Mocha latte with oat milk

Blue whale

Based in DC

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

Rachael DeWitt

Rachael DeWitt’s expertise spans from freshwater to ocean conservation and policy. She most recently worked for Ocean Conservancy on its government relations team, covering issues including Arctic conservation, fisheries, climate, ocean energy, deep-sea mining, and shipping. On Capitol Hill, Rachael worked for Representative Jared Huffman (D-CA) on ocean policy issues. Previously, she served as Executive Director of the Skaneateles Lake Association in upstate New York.

FAVORITES

Flat white

Juvenile boxfish

Based in NY

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

Angelo San Pablo

Angelo San Pablo is an ocean policy professional with experience in federal agency engagement, congressional advocacy, and seafood policy. He recently supported senior leadership and congressional affairs at NOAA Fisheries, and he also has climate experience spanning coordination and finance.

FAVORITES

Mocha latte with oat milk

Blue whale

Based in DC

Rachael DeWitt

Rachael DeWitt’s expertise spans from freshwater to ocean conservation and policy. She most recently worked for Ocean Conservancy on its government relations team, covering issues including Arctic conservation, fisheries, climate, ocean energy, deep-sea mining, and shipping. On Capitol Hill, Rachael worked for Representative Jared Huffman (D-CA) on ocean policy issues. Previously, she served as Executive Director of the Skaneateles Lake Association in upstate New York.

FAVORITES

Flat white

Juvenile boxfish

Based in NY

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

Green Tea

Blue Crab 

Based in DC

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