CHARTING A CLEAR COURSE IN WASHINGTON

CHARTING A CLEAR COURSE IN WASHINGTON

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 happen were often out of reach. So, in March 2020, I founded ESP Advisors—alone, working from a makeshift desk in my living room, and uncertain whether this vision could become a reality.

What started as a one-woman operation has grown into a powerhouse firm that moves seamlessly between the worlds of ocean science and policy. Today, ESP Advisors is a trusted partner to some of the most impactful organizations in the ocean space. We’ve built an incredible bipartisan team, cultivated deep relationships with policymakers, and secured game-changing wins for our clients. Looking back, it’s astounding to see how far we’ve come in five short years.

What We Do—And Why We’re Different

ESP Advisors paves the way for ocean and coastal change-makers. We help organizations navigate the complex landscape of the federal government, educate decision-makers, and drive real policy outcomes that matter. Our work spans government relations, policy strategy, communications, and coalition building—individually tailored to ensure our clients’ voices are heard at the highest levels. 

Our team includes alumni from the offices of Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Roger Wicker (R-MS), House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-CA), Senate Oceans Caucus Co-Chair and Environment and Public Works Committee Ranking Member Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI, and the late Rep. Don Young (R-AK), former Dean of the House and longtime ocean champion.

But what truly sets us apart? Unlike traditional firms, we don’t just check the boxes of government affairs; we are double subject matter experts, deeply knowledgeable about both ocean science and federal policy and uniquely equipped to bridge the gap between those worlds. We bring expertise, trusted relationships, and a commitment to excellence that ensures our clients not only compete but lead.

We are strategic, effective, and—frankly—fun to work with.

Five Years of Impact

The proof is in the results. In just five years, ESP Advisors:

  • Secured over $500 million in funding for ocean and coastal initiatives
  • Successfully helped draft and pass 18 major laws benefiting our clients and the broader ocean community
  • Conducted over 800 meetings with congressional offices and government officials
  • Hosted more than 40 policy-focused briefings and networking events
  • Advanced policies that had been gridlocked for decades
  • Written over 180 weekly ocean policy newsletters to keep our clients up to speed on everything happening in Washington (which we just made free to all this year!)

Our clients don’t just hire us for what we do—they hire us for the results we deliver. As Dr. Gerhard Kuska of MARACOOS (our first client!) put it, “ESP Advisors is essential to our success.” That’s the standard we hold ourselves to, every single day.

Looking Forward

As I reflect on how much we’ve learned and grown in the last five years, I’m excited for the next five years of driving change, securing funding, and shaping policies that will define the future of our coasts and oceans.

Growth is what we do, personally and professionally. We are constantly evolving, refining our strategies, and expanding our reach. We push ourselves to be more efficient, more impactful, and more creative in our approach. And we are growing—bringing on new talent, strengthening our expertise, and ensuring that our influence in Washington continues to rise.

The next five years are sure to be challenging, but rest assured, we will be here, driving change, securing funding, and shaping policies that will define the future of our coasts and oceans.

ESP Advisors would be nothing but a dream without the hard work of our team and the support of our clients—allowing us to dive even more deeply into the issues and continue to increase our impact. To our team and our clients—thank you.

If you’re ready to take your ocean and coastal priorities to the next level, let’s talk. ESP Advisors isn’t just a firm; it’s a force. 

Here’s to the next five years of impact, innovation, and making waves in ocean policy.

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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