As a federal policy advocate, meticulous researcher, and problem-solver, Sarah Brenholt brings a diverse portfolio of experience and skill to the ESP Advisors team. Sarah has been a policy analyst and advocate at Henderson Strategies, Inc. and the Stronger America Through Seafood Campaign for over three years. Her unique ability to work in fast paced, time-critical environments with many moving parts allows her to consistently deliver wins for her clients. Whether it is taking a deep dive into a policy issue, prepping a client to testify at a Congressional hearing, or building support for an issue on Capitol Hill, Sarah approaches every opportunity with the same attention to detail and enthusiasm. Sarah began her career as an office manager for a political campaign, and later worked her way up the corporate ladder in management of transportation logistics in the private sector and in regulatory and administrative compliance at the University of Denver. Sarah holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Northern Colorado.  

Mark Haver, Policy & Communications Advisor

As a Policy Advisor at ESP Advisors, Mark Haver provides political insight, creative strategy, and project support to our clients. Previously, Mark was a Field Organizer for the Florida Democratic Party in the 2020 election, and served as an Ocean Leader with Sustainable Ocean Alliance for the past three years, most recently as the Inaugural Chair of the Youth Policy Advisory Council. Mark’s background in ocean and climate policy at the federal and international level, in national political campaigns, and as a youth leader provides ESP Advisor clients with a unique and fresh perspective. He graduated from Florida Southern College with degrees in Environmental Studies, Marine Biology, Political Science, and Political Communication.

Kat Montgomery, Policy Advisor

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.

COMMUNICATIONS TEAM

Haley Steinhauser, Director of Communications

Haley Steinhauser’s love for storytelling landed her in the field of Marketing and Communications where she has worked in startups for over a decade managing teams, leading strategic (internal and external) communications, developing brand strategy, and elevating executive team members into thought leaders. Prior to launching Hayward Collective and partnering with ESP Advisors, Haley led communications for multiple local political campaigns and directed corporate communication for various startups and nonprofits in a wide variety of industries. Companies inside Hayward Collective's portfolio include Sustainable Ocean Alliance, Vote.org, Purify Fuel, and more. After graduating from Regis University with a BA in English she moved from Colorado back home to Long Beach, California where she currently resides with her husband and dog. 

Cat Elia, Art Director

Cat Elia has been an in-house creative working in the corporate industry for over six years. As a senior graphic designer for an architectural firm, she has a keen eye for corporate design and vast editorial experience developing client-specific work and RFQ/P submissions. She specializes in marketing and brand development, unifying communication, graphic strategies, and client relations. Her passion for design, coupled with her goal of delivering clear visual information is the foundation to all her designs. Originally trained as an illustrator, sculpture and painter, she graduated from Boston University with a degree in Advertising and Communication, and is now based in Seattle, Washington.

James Kwon, Marketing & Communications Specialist

As the Marketing & Communications Specialist at ESP Advisors, James Kwon brings extensive knowledge of social media strategy, search engine optimization, website development, content marketing, and campaign management. Previously, James was the Public Affairs Coordinator at the Council of Korean Americans and served as a Policy Analyst at Hawaii Public Policy Advocates, LLC. His expertise has helped grow user bases and social media engagement three-fold over a period of one year and conduct a top-to-bottom redesign of websites in just under a month. Originally from Hawai’i, James is passionate about environmental and ocean policy and lived minutes from the beach. James holds a bachelor’s degree in International Studies from American University and is based in Washington, DC.