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 proven track record of bipartisan, bicameral legislative success.”

Kat brings science communication expertise, ocean policy experience, and a demonstrated history of getting things done to the ESP Advisors Team. She embraces complex issues at the intersection of our environment and economy, working towards lasting, pragmatic solutions by building bridges and maintaining relationships. Kat was most recently a Congressional staffer for Senator Roger F. Wicker (R-MS), the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, where she worked on bipartisan aquaculture legislation, commercial and recreational fisheries, unmanned maritime systems, illegal fishing enforcement, seafood trade, and more. Kat has specific expertise in offshore aquaculture and sustainable seafood and a broad understanding of other ocean policy issues. As a former educator, she brings to every project the ability to communicate scientific concepts to any audience and the ability to meet the unexpected with a smile. Kat holds a Master’s in Marine Biodiversity and Conservation from Scripps Institution of Oceanography and a B.S. in Environmental Science from the University of Virginia.

For more information on ESP Advisors, please visit www.espadvisor.com.

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Environment, Science, and Policy Advisors is a full-service, bipartisan firm that provides government relations and strategic communications from a team of policy veterans and public affairs professionals who are subject-matter experts on all things oceans. ESP Advisors works tirelessly to ensure clients have the insight they need and a seat at the table where decisions are made.

Haley Steinhauser

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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.

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Coffee

Otter

Maryland