Peter A. Gleason, Esq.

Chairman, Bridge Educational Foundation Partner, Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Nicholson Graham, LLP

Peter Gleason has over 15 years of government relations expertise. Peter served in Pennsylvania Governor Mark Schweiker's Cabinet as Secretary for Legislative Affairs. In that capacity, he advised the Governor, the Governor's senior staff and fellow cabinet secretaries on legislative, regulatory and policy matters affecting all agencies under the Governor's jurisdiction. In addition, Peter has legislative experience in the PA House of Representatives, PA Department of Labor and Industry, and the U.S. Congress. Currently, he is a partner at Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Nicholson Graham and represents a diverse client base, including companies in industries including manufacturing, rail freight transportation, emerging growth and high tech, health care and financial. His is a native of Johnstown, PA and currently lives in Hershey, PA with his family.

The Honorable William Keller

Member, Pennsylvania House of Representatives Democrat, Philadelphia County

A lifelong resident of South Philadelphia, Representative Bill Keller is a six term incumbent state legislator representing the neighborhoods of South Philadelphia that border the Delaware River and Port facilities. He is widely credited for his leadership on the issue of school violence and forcing the School District of Philadelphia to institute a stricter code of student conduct and a new “zero tolerance” policy that mandates the quick removal of violent and disruptive students from the classroom.

Robert T. “Rick” Wooten

Principal, Malady & Wooten

A native of Philadelphia and a current resident of Radnor Township, Delaware County, Rick Wooten has 25 years of extensive experience in Pennsylvania state government. For over 10 years, Wooten served as assistant general manager of Southeast Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) where he was the Authority's chief liaison on federal, state and local government issues. Prior to his lobbying career, Rick spent time as a high school teacher and secondary school administrator in the Philadelphia region.

Anthony C. Aliano, Esq.

Chief of Staff Office of House Majority Leader Sam Smith

A native of Susquehanna County, Tony Aliano has over a decade of distinguished service with the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. During the first 5 years of his tenure, Tony served as a Research Analyst to the House Education Committee, assisting with issues like athletic oversight, school choice and accountability.  Currently, as Chief of Staff, Tony is jointly responsible for most operating aspects of the House of Representatives, including Caucus and legislative agendas, as well as session schedules. In addition, he is actively involved in state budget negotiations, member and media relations, and the development of the policy initiatives.

James J. Tricolli

Managing Director, Fixed Income Banking RBC Capital Markets

With over 16 years of investment banking experience, James Tricolli serves as managing director for RBC Capital Markets, Fixed Income Banking Group. James oversees their east cost operations and is responsible for developing financial programs for large government entities such as the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, the City of Philadelphia and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. He resides in Haverford, PA with his wife and two children.

Dennis A. Giorno

Associate, Malady & Wooten Government & Legislative Affairs

Dennis has over 11 years experience in Pennsylvania government relations and grassroots outreach. For over five years, Dennis served as executive director of the REACH Alliance; Pennsylvania's leading school choice advocacy organization. During Dennis' tenure, REACH secured passage of the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program, which has been hailed as a national model for providing parents with choices in their children's education and funding innovative programs in public schools. Dennis is a native of Northeast Philadelphia and currently resides in Harrisburg, PA.

John J. Dougherty

Vice President, Philadelphia AFL-CIO President, Philadelphia Mechanical Trades Council

Born and raised in South Philadelphia, John began his tireless commitment apprenticeship with I.B.E.W. Local Union 98 in 1981. During his tenure as an electrician, he assumed various positions within the Union. In 1993, he was elected business manager of Local Union 98, IBEW at age 33, the youngest business manager in the history of the Union, a position that he still maintains. Currently, he is president of the Philadelphia Mechanical Trades Council, vice president of the Philadelphia Building Trades Council, and vice president of the Philadelphia AFL-CIO.

Dwight Dumler

Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, Rent-A-Center

Mr. Dumler became Rent-A-Center, Inc.’s Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, in Plano, Texas, in July 2008. His responsibilities include oversight and management of the company’s legislative and public relations initiatives. Prior to that, Mr. Dumler was Rent-A-Center’s Vice President and Assistant General Counsel since he joined the company in January 2002.

Before coming to Rent-A-Center, Mr. Dumler spent two years as Associate General Counsel for Rent-Way, Inc. in Erie, Pennsylvania and was responsible for overseeing compliance for the rental-purchase operation with 1125 stores in 42 states.

From April 1997 to June 1999 he was Staff Attorney with Thorn Americas, Inc. and Corporate Counsel for American Auto Finance Services, Inc., both in Wichita, Kansas.

Mr. Dumler began his law career at Morrison & Hecker, L.L.P. in Wichita, Kansas in August 1993 where his practice focused on product liability defense, employment practice defense, general commercial litigation and property tax.

Before entering the legal profession, Mr. Dumler spent six years with the Wichita Police Department as a patrol officer and then detective.

He received his B.B.A Finance at Wichita State University and his Juris Doctor at Washburn University School of Law in Topeka, Kansas.

John T. Durbin

President, Durbin Associates

John Durbin has over 27 years of public service in Pennsylvania 's legislative and executive branches. John served as executive director of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission for eight years. During his tenure as CEO of the Turnpike, John introduced a new toll collection system (E-Z Pass), an Advanced Traveler Information System, and the Turnpike's first website, in addition to adopting a 10-year capital spending plan — the first such planning initiative in the Commission's history. Currently, John serves as president of Durbin Associates, Inc., provides consulting services, government and corporate relations support, and assists clients with the development of productive business strategies.

Carol Stewart

Vice President , Government Affairs Advance America, Cash Advance Centers, Inc.

Carol Stewart has been with Advance America as Vice President of Government Affairs since 2001.  She came to Advance America from the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, where she had served as Vice President for Public Policy and Chief Lobbyist since 1999.  From 1996 to 1998 Dr. Stewart was Executive Assistant for Education Policy in the SC Governor’s Office, where she was a senior policy advisor to Governor David Beasley.  From 1990 to 1995 she was Research Director for the South Carolina House Education and Public Works Committee.  Dr. Stewart was Superintendent of the Department of the Juvenile Justice School District from 1995-1996 and previously served as an educator and administrator in the SC public school system.  Dr. Stewart received her BA degree from Florida Atlantic University and her Masters degree and Ph.D. in Education from the University of South Carolina.

Natalie Nutt

Executive Director, Bridge Educational Foundation

Natalie is a founding member of Bridge Educational Foundation and brings unparalleled experience in non-profit fundraising and administration expertise to the Foundation. Natalie began her career as a fundraiser and event planner for the Republican Party of Pennsylvania. She then served as assistant state director to the nation's largest small business lobbyist, The National Federation of Independent Business. In this capacity, she advanced the small business legislative agenda, managed statewide grassroots activities and developed the organization's political action committee. In addition, Natalie served as executive director of Bravo Educational Foundation, where she was instrumental in its establishment, as well as development and management of its corporate outreach program. Bravo Educational Foundation was the fifth largest scholarship organization in Pennsylvania during her tenure. Natalie resides in Hershey, PA with her husband and daughter.

Kelly Gerdes

Director of Scholarship Programs, Bridge Educational Foundation

Kelly is a founding member of Bridge Educational Foundation, serving as the Foundation's director of scholarship programs. Kelly's experience includes working as an associate at one of Harrisburg's largest public affairs firms. Kelly was a vital part of the firms' grassroots lobbying efforts and daily client satisfaction and management. In this capacity, she was also instrumental in the firms' educational foundation, overseeing the daily administration of scholarship applications. During Kelly's tenure, the firms' educational foundation was one of the largest in the state. Kelly currently resides in Mechanicsburg, PA with her husband and daughter.

J. Randolph Cheetham

Regional Vice President Public Affairs for CSX Transportation

Randy is the Regional Vice President Public Affairs for CSX Transportation covering the Northeast Mid-Atlantic Region, comprised of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Quebec.  His responsibilities include government relations, lobbying the legislatures, community relations, media relations, and corporate philanthropy. 

Randy is a graduate of the Elizabeth McDowell Lewis College of Business at Marshall University.  He previously worked as District Representative and Development Director for Congressman Nick J. Rahall, II.

Honorable Mario Civera, Jr.

Member, Pennsylvania House of Representatives Republican, Delaware County

Mario J. Civera, Jr. currently serves as the Republican Chairman of Appropriations Committee of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives where he has been a member since 1980, representing the 164th Legislative District.  Mario hails from Upper Darby in Delaware County Pennsylvania where he was born and raised.  Prior to being elected Appropriations Chairman Mario was Republican Policy Chairman, Republican Caucus Secretary, and Chairman of the Professional Licensure Committee.

Gregory M. Lane, Esq.

Greg is a native of Harrisburg and currently works for Aegis Security, Inc. with primary responsibility for this insurance holding company’s strategic planning.  After a ten year career in various accounting and finance positions with Price Waterhouse LLP in Boston and then Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. in Miami, Greg returned to the Harrisburg area to further his education at the Dickinson School of Law of the Pennsylvania State University, graduating in 2005.