The CFM Government Affairs And Public Policy Team

Joel is a CFM partner who oversees the firm’s DC-based Federal Affairs team. He advocates for clients legislative and funding objectives before Members of Congress and the Executive Branch. Joel joined CFM in 2006 after serving as legislative director for former Congressman Brian Baird who represented Southwest Washington. He is a native of Crofton, Maryland and a graduate of Frostburg State University with a degree in accounting. Joel enjoys baseball, tennis and skiing. He also is a fan of karaoke and speaks fluent “carny”, the language used by traveling carnival workers to communicate without customers knowing what they are saying. Since 2015, Joel’s advocacy for The Bus Coalition has secured $8 billion in federal resources to invest in bus transit throughout the nation.  [Secret ambition: To be a contestant on Survivor.]

Kirby helps clients outline their federal priorities and projects, pursue funding opportunities and advocate on their behalf with Members of Congress and federal agencies. He has assisted CFM clients secure tens of millions in federal funding for Pacific Northwest projects.  Prior to joining CFM in 2017, Kirby worked as a legislative assistant for former Oregon Congressman Greg Walden, managing a broad portfolio of issues that include transportation, infrastructure, education, financial services, taxation, labor and housing. He successfully coordinated the introduction and inclusion of an amendment to the 2015 Surface Transportation bill that ensured bridges in the Columbia River National Scenic Area were eligible for federal transportation funding. He drafted and advocated legislation that restored Transportation Security Administration screening to small airports. Before going to DC, Kirby oversaw Walden’s Eastern Oregon field office responsible for 11 different counties. A native of Bend, Kirby earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from Baylor University and a master’s degree in public policy with an emphasis on transportation policy from George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government. He enjoys spending time with his family, exploring new sights and trying out new restaurants. Kirby is an unabashed Baylor Bear fan. [Secret ambition: To visit every continent]

David provides local, state and federal advocacy for CFM’s clients in Washington, with a focus on infrastructure, natural resources, international trade and waterway issues. He worked as Washington Senator Patty Murray’s Southwest Washington director prior to joining CFM in 2019. Previously, David served as a legislative assistant at the Washington State Legislature. He hails from Vancouver and earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from Washington State University in Pullman. David and his family enjoy traveling to tropical climates or visiting theme parks. He has a passion for cars and looks forward to the transition to electric vehicles. He also is fascinated by all things science fiction. [Secret ambition: To run for local or state office when his children are grown]

Page is based in Portland and Vancouver and advocates for CFM federal affairs clients. Page is an experienced advocate on transportation, housing, and infrastructure issues. She also has extensive experience in working with federal agencies such as the Army Corps of Engineers and National Marine and Fisheries. She worked at CFM from 2013 to 2017 and rejoined the firm in 2022. Page has worked in Washington, DC on Capitol Hill as well as in state congressional offices. Before joining CFM, Page worked for Washington Senator Patty Murray, former Congressman Brian Baird (WA-3), Congressman Earl Blumenauer (OR-3), former California Senator Barbara Boxer, former Congressman Mark Udall (CO-3) and former Congresswoman Elizabeth Furse (OR-1). Page earned her undergraduate degree in Politics and Government from the University of Puget Sound and a master’s degree in regional and community planning from the University of Oregon. She is an avid biker, hiker, golfer and reader who recently took up pickleball. [Secret ambition: To write the next great American novel.]

Michael advocates in DC for legislative and appropriations objectives of CFM’s municipal clients in the Pacific Northwest. He joined CFM in 2015 and moved to the Federal Affairs team the following year. Hailing from Carlton, Oregon, Michael (his colleagues call him Skip) earned his bachelor’s degree in political science and environmental policy from Oregon State University. Upon graduation, he began work with the CFM State Affairs team in Salem, representing public and private-sector clients and staffing local levy campaigns in the legislative interim. Michael is a devoted Portland Trail Blazers fan and enjoys golf, travel and hikes. [Secret ambition: To visit every continent in the next five years]

Kamron, based in Washington, DC, researches, writes and edits grant proposals on behalf of CFM federal clients. Prior to joining CFM, Kamron was a staff assistant for Washington Congresswoman Jamie Herrera Beutler. He also interned for the Internet Security Alliance, which focuses on cyber-security issues, while earning his graduate degree in international affairs from The Catholic University of America. Kamron is from the Pacific Northwest and graduated from Oregon State University with a bachelor’s degree in political science and economics. He is an Eagle Scout and enjoys hiking, spearfishing and playing board games. [Secret ambition: Hike the entire Pacific Crest Trail]

Katie Whittier represents CFM’s clients in Olympia, advocating their priorities before the Washington State Legislature. She brings a depth of experience in strategic communications and client advocacy developed over two decades working in public relations, political organizing and community engagement. Her career began with campaign work, including President Barack Obama’s 2008 primary race and U.S. Senator Patty Murray’s 2010 re-election. She went on to direct outreach in both Southwest Washington and King County for Senator Murray, after which she honed her communications skills serving in-house and in consulting roles to ports, cities, transportation agencies, workforce and economic development organizations, nonprofits and small businesses. An Idaho native, she holds degrees in Sociology and Music from the University of Idaho. She now lives with her husband and stepson in the South Sound region where she can easily escape to Mount Rainier National Park to hike, camp and gather inspiration. [Secret ambition: To own a retreat center on acreage with stunning views where burnt-out introverts can find the solitude we all crave.]

Tara is a Legislative Assistant with CFM’s Federal Affairs team. Prior to joining CFM, Tara was a Research Assistant for the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, predominantly assisting with the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024. She is a native of Forest Grove, Oregon and a graduate of Willamette University with a degree in politics, policy, law, and ethics. Tara enjoys watching live comedy, reading a good book, and going to the plant store. [Secret ambition: to take a Segway tour in every place she travels]

Kate assists the CFM partners in advocating for client objectives at the federal level, including supporting clients in grant applications and coordinating with Congressional and agency staff. Kate joined CFM after working as an advisor at the U.S. Department of Transportation, where she oversaw Secretary Pete Buttigieg’s briefing book and reviewed Departmental correspondence and grant packages. She was also an organizer on President Biden’s 2020 coordinated campaign and a research coordinator at Crooked Media. Now based in Washington, D.C., Kate grew up in Medfield, Massachusetts and graduated from Harvard University with a bachelor’s degree in History and Literature. Outside of work, Kate enjoys running, hiking, and doing crossword puzzles. [Secret ambition: to run the Boston Marathon]

Naseem helps clients navigate the federal landscape by identifying funding opportunities, shaping legislative strategies, and building relationships with key decision-makers in Congress and federal agencies. He brings nearly a decade of experience in federal transportation and public safety policy and has played a central role in securing more than $10 billion in federal investments for major infrastructure projects in Washington state and across the Pacific Northwest.

Before joining CFM, Naseem served as legislative assistant and policy lead to U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, where he played a key role in developing the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024. He led efforts to expand major grant programs like MEGA, INFRA, RAISE, PIDP, and the Rail Crossing Elimination Program, and worked closely with committees and agencies across the federal landscape.

A native of Olympia, Naseem previously managed field operations in Southwest Washington for Senator Cantwell’s 2018 campaign. He holds a degree from Washington State University Vancouver and lives in D.C. with his wife. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, Seattle sports, and quoting The Sopranos and The Wire. [Secret ambition: To someday teach a college course on policymaking]

Madelynn Sakay, a lifelong Washingtonian who has both state, federal and campaign experience, has joined CFM Advocates as a Legislative Associate in its Washington, D.C. office. Sakay brings a blend of public service and political experience to CFM and will support the growing federal practice. While studying at the University of Washington, she worked in Olympia to support four members of the Washington State Legislature and then interned for U.S. Senator Patty Murray and Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland, gaining hands-on experience in constituent relations, communications, and policy research. Before joining CFM, Sakay worked on several state and local campaigns, including serving as Deputy Campaign Manager for Julia Reed’s State Representative race and as Political Assistant on Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s gubernatorial campaign. A graduate of the University of Washington, Sakay studied Political Science and International Studies, and spent a semester abroad at Sciences Po in Paris, where she focused on multilateral diplomacy and international relations. Outside of work, Sakay is an avid traveler who enjoys exploring new cultures, history, and architecture—a passion inspired by her time in France. [Secret ambition: start a farm in Virgina and let my many adopted dogs take over.]

Dale is a CFM partner who oversees the firm’s Salem-centered State Affairs team. He advocates for clients on budget, health care, transportation, human services, water policy and child welfare issues before the Oregon legislature and state agencies. Dale joined CFM in 2014 after starting his career working for the Oregon Senate Judiciary Committee and lobbying for Oregon’s long-term care industry. He grew up in Salem and earned his bachelor’s degree from Emory University in Atlanta. Dale enjoys fishing, traveling and raising a young son with his wife. He is active in community affairs, playing a pivotal fundraising role for the newly completed Gerry Frank/Salem Rotary Amphitheater on Salem’s riverfront.  [Secret ambition: To open a pizza or bread-themed food truck or pop-up restaurant]

Waylon advocates as part of the State Affairs team for a range of clients with an emphasis on transportation, environmental, budget, taxation, water policy and social service issues. As an attorney and member of the Oregon State Bar, he assists on legal analysis and bill drafting. After a decade of experience in the state capital, Waylon joined CFM in 2020 after representing the Oregon Trucking Associations and serving as a member of the Oregon Department of Transportation’s government relations team that won legislative approval in 2017 of the largest multi-model investment package in the state’s history. He and his wife operated Expansion Media that managed political campaigns, from fundraising to digital media production. Waylon earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from Western Oregon University and took his degree from Willamette University’s College of Law while working at the legislature. A new father, Waylon and his expanded family are enjoying backyard barbecues, board games, chasing their toddler and catching up on sleep. For fun, Waylon and his wife enjoy hiking, camping and practicing survival skills they hope they will never need to use. [Secret ambition: To be a test pilot]

Ryann is part of the State Affairs team, focusing on budget, housing, education and environmental issues. She joined CFM in 2022 after working for Oregon House Speaker Dan Rayfield, starting when he was co-chair of the Joint Ways and Means Committee. Before that, Ryann worked for Rep. Paul Holvey and the Oregon League of Conservation Voters. She earned her bachelor’s degree in environmental science at Portland State University and played lacrosse for four years, the last year as team captain. Ryann and her husband, Sean, live in Wilsonville with their two dogs, Harper and Stella. She enjoys hiking, woodworking and Oregon beaches. During the pandemic, Ryann took an interest in baking, attempting to master boules and focaccia bread. [Secret ambition: Brew a Belgian sour beer from start to finish]

Jessica brings extensive relationships and knowledge in health care, human services, transportation, nonprofits and education to her role at CFM. She has served as a legislative staffer, lobbyist for a major industry association, legislative director and chief of staff for two Oregon House Speakers and in-house government affairs manager. Jessica rejoins CFM after working eight years for the largest private employer and health care entity in Oregon. She is a graduate of Pacific University and earned her master’s degree in healthcare management. Jessica is married with three children and lives in Sherwood where she serves on the Sherwood School Board. In her spare time, Adamson enjoys playing with her grandson, following her son’s marching bands and solving Wordle puzzles. [Secret ambition: To break a yet-to-be-determined Guinness World Record.]

Katie Whittier represents CFM’s clients in Olympia, advocating their priorities before the Washington State Legislature. She brings a depth of experience in strategic communications and client advocacy developed over two decades working in public relations, political organizing and community engagement. Her career began with campaign work, including President Barack Obama’s 2008 primary race and U.S. Senator Patty Murray’s 2010 re-election. She went on to direct outreach in both Southwest Washington and King County for Senator Murray, after which she honed her communications skills serving in-house and in consulting roles to ports, cities, transportation agencies, workforce and economic development organizations, nonprofits and small businesses. An Idaho native, she holds degrees in Sociology and Music from the University of Idaho. She now lives with her husband and stepson in the South Sound region where she can easily escape to Mount Rainier National Park to hike, camp and gather inspiration. [Secret ambition: To own a retreat center on acreage with stunning views where burnt-out introverts can find the solitude we all crave.]

Gary co-founded CFM in 1990 after a friendly spinout from Tektronix. He has been a federal and state lobbyist and now focuses on public affairs, including crisis communications. Gary began his career as a reporter and editor for daily newspapers before moving to DC to work as staff director for two Oregon congressmen. He returned to Oregon in 1982 to work for Tektronix as public affairs director. Gary grew up in a suburb of Denver and graduated with an English literature degree from Seattle Pacific University. He is an avid writer and enjoys traveling with his wife throughout Europe, especially in Italy. He was appointed to represent Washington County on the Tri-Met board of directors and Metropolitan Exposition-Recreation Commission. He earned a Silver Anvil, the “Oscar” of the public relations industry, for a successful, multi-year project to create a competitive energy market. [Secret ambition: To be a stand-up comic]

Norm offers strategic communications counsel on large, complex infrastructure and economic development projects that involve multiple jurisdictions, logistical challenges and big price tags. He joined CFM in 1999 as a partner after playing various leadership roles at the former Oregon Graduate Institute, including successful advocacy for state funding. Norm cut his public policy teeth working for Multnomah County Executive Don Clark. A native Portlander, he earned degrees from the University of Puget Sound and Portland State University before earning his PhD in history from the University of Illinois at Chicago, when he became a relentlessly disappointed Cubs fan. In 1994, Norm won a Fulbright Fellowship that enabled he and his wife to spend six months in Seoul, South Korea and eventually author a book about Korean environmental policies. He was a faculty member from 1983-2019 at the Pacific Northwest College of Art. Norm served two terms as president of the Westside Economic Alliance and chairs the board of the Wind & Oar Boat School, a reflection of his keen interest in sailing. [Secret ambition: To crew a sailboat in the Transpacific Race to Hawaii]

David provides local, state and federal advocacy for CFM’s clients in Washington, with a focus on infrastructure, natural resources, international trade and waterway issues. He worked as Washington Senator Patty Murray’s Southwest Washington director prior to joining CFM in 2019. Previously, David served as a legislative assistant at the Washington State Legislature. He hails from Vancouver and earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from Washington State University in Pullman. David and his family enjoy traveling to tropical climates or visiting theme parks. He has a passion for cars and looks forward to the transition to electric vehicles. He also is fascinated by all things science fiction. [Secret ambition: To run for local or state office when his children are grown]

Page is based in Portland and Vancouver and advocates for CFM federal affairs clients. Page is an experienced advocate on transportation, housing, and infrastructure issues. She also has extensive experience in working with federal agencies such as the Army Corps of Engineers and National Marine and Fisheries. She worked at CFM from 2013 to 2017 and rejoined the firm in 2022. Page has worked in Washington, DC on Capitol Hill as well as in state congressional offices. Before joining CFM, Page worked for Washington Senator Patty Murray, former Congressman Brian Baird (WA-3), Congressman Earl Blumenauer (OR-3), former California Senator Barbara Boxer, former Congressman Mark Udall (CO-3) and former Congresswoman Elizabeth Furse (OR-1). Page earned her undergraduate degree in Politics and Government from the University of Puget Sound and a master’s degree in regional and community planning from the University of Oregon. She is an avid biker, hiker, golfer and reader who recently took up pickleball. [Secret ambition: To write the next great American novel.]

Katie Whittier represents CFM’s clients in Olympia, advocating their priorities before the Washington State Legislature. She brings a depth of experience in strategic communications and client advocacy developed over two decades working in public relations, political organizing and community engagement. Her career began with campaign work, including President Barack Obama’s 2008 primary race and U.S. Senator Patty Murray’s 2010 re-election. She went on to direct outreach in both Southwest Washington and King County for Senator Murray, after which she honed her communications skills serving in-house and in consulting roles to ports, cities, transportation agencies, workforce and economic development organizations, nonprofits and small businesses. An Idaho native, she holds degrees in Sociology and Music from the University of Idaho. She now lives with her husband and stepson in the South Sound region where she can easily escape to Mount Rainier National Park to hike, camp and gather inspiration. [Secret ambition: To own a retreat center on acreage with stunning views where burnt-out introverts can find the solitude we all crave.]

Elena is CFM’s bookkeeper and the hand that pays bills and sends invoices to clients. She joined CFM in 2016 to achieve a better work-life balance after a successful and stressful career as a financial consultant for high tech start-ups and creative companies. Her bachelor’s degree is in business administration. Elena grew up in Cupertino, but moved with her family to Tualatin, Oregon after being drawn by the lush landscapes of the Silicon Forest. Outside the office, she enjoys spending time with her two children and friends, as well as gardening. A San Francisco 49er fan, she likes to watch professional, college and local sporting events. Elena is a runner for any cause like “good wine, chocolate or just to spend time with a friend”. She has been on the Leukemia Society Team in Training for more than 20 years. [Secret ambition: To travel to Spain and run in the 25^th Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon]

As the incoming Office Manager, Amanda serves CFM’s four offices in two states and DC. She manages policies and procedures, oversees the firm’s finances, renews business licenses and insurance and benefit plans, files monthly and quarterly lobbying reports, proofreads and submits proposal, and oversees the firm’s IT and website.

Amanda joined CFM with nearly 20 years of administrative and public service experience, starting her career in the district office of former Congressman Brian Baird, followed by 15 years at the City of Vancouver overseeing administrative processes in the Mayor and City Manager’s Office, and most recently serving as Executive Assistant to the Chief Revenue Officer for PeaceHealth.  Amanda is passionate about process improvement and modernizing the administrative systems that form the foundation of an organization’s success.

A lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest, Amanda earned her bachelor’s degree in mass communication and German from Linfield University.  Amanda lives in Vancouver, Washington, where she and her husband are raising their two young children and enjoying Little League games, Parks & Rec youth basketball, swimming lessons, and experiencing the richness of life through all of the ups and downs of parenthood. In her spare time, Amanda enjoys attending live performances, traveling, and exploring her hidden talents at trivia or karaoke night.

[Secret ambition: Retire to Inis Mor, Ireland, and open a bed and breakfast, complete with horse carriage (“trap and pony”) tours of the island.]