WHY HIRE US

Why Hire a Federal Advocacy Team That Specializes in Your Work?

Oceans and coasts are shared resources that cross federal, state, and local boundaries—and their management is shaped largely by federal laws, policies, and leadership. From permitting and regulations to research funding and disaster response, the federal government plays a pivotal role in how these resources are managed, used, and understood.

At first glance, Washington, DC can look like gridlock. But like the ocean, beneath the surface is a steady flow of activity that shapes national priorities every day.

Engaging in federal policy doesn’t mean getting stuck in partisan deadlock. The high-profile bills that dominate headlines don’t tell the full story. In fact, most ocean and coastal legislation passes with broad bipartisan support—but only after sustained, strategic effort behind the scenes.

If you’re leading an important initiative—whether it’s securing funding, shaping policy, or amplifying your industry’s voice in Washington—you bring the passion, expertise, and vision. But the federal process can be daunting: shifting priorities, evolving power dynamics, complex bureaucracies, and key decision-makers who are hard to reach. You take meetings, but momentum stalls. You put in time, but progress feels elusive.

That’s where ESP Advisors comes in.

We take the weight off your shoulders, transforming your advocacy from a frustrating guessing game into a highly effective, targeted strategy. With us, you don’t have to navigate the chaos alone—we become your trusted guide, your advocate, and your partner in success.

What It’s Like to Work With ESP Advisors

When we’re on your team, you’ll experience a fundamental shift in how you engage with the federal government. Here’s what it feels like to work with us:

  • Polished & Prepared: You walk into congressional, agency, and White House meetings confident and prepared. Every talking point is sharp, every request is clear, and every meeting is set up for maximum impact. You focus on your mission—we handle the logistics, messaging, and strategy.

     

  • Insider Access: You stop feeling like an outsider in Washington. Through our relationships and reputation, we open doors that others can’t. Key policymakers take your calls, committees start considering your priorities, and suddenly—your issues are on the agenda.

     

  • Strategic Precision: You no longer waste time on ineffective efforts. We identify what’s actually possible in the legislative landscape, ensuring your time and resources are spent on strategies that work.

     

  • Policy Traction: You achieve real wins. Not only will we raise awareness and build key relationships, we’ll secure funding, pass bills, and change policies.

     

Contact us to get started.

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