Lynn Deary President

Over the last decade, few people have attended as many PA General Assembly committee meetings, public hearings and floor debates as Lynn Deary. She has become a familiar figure around the PA State Capitol Building, keenly observing the contentious, chaotic and sometimes comic occurrences that characterize the legislative process. Widely regarded as a reliable source for accurate, unbiased and up-to-date legislative information, Lynn has monitored and reported on legislative developments as part of the Pennsylvania Letter since 1993. More recently, she joined with Paul Eyer to pioneer innovative legislative information products such as E-WARN, Pennsylvania's premiere and only early warning legislative amendment alert service.

Lynn brings extensive management and entrepreneurial experience to the company. In 2003, Lynn bought out her partner in the Pennsylvania Letter, combined it with the services of E-WARN and then built PLS from the ground up. Incorporating current client suggestions and needs, she designed an over the Internet system to follow Pennsylvania state government that is unique, user friendly and very detailed and comprehensive.

In 2004, PLS added the Commonwealth Clips, a Pennsylvania focused news and media tracking service, and in January 2007 PLS PressPass was launched, which is a unique press service developed in-house by the PLS Team.

Prior to coming to Pennsylvania, Lynn was Canadian and East Coast Sales Manager for a large international printing corporation. Earlier in her career, she founded, built, expanded and eventually sold off the largest gaming supply business in Texas.

Lynn holds a Master's Degree from Penn State, and an undergraduate degree, with honors, from the University of Mexico majoring in foreign languages (yes, she speaks Spanish) and has been a teacher of English as a Second Language, French, and Spanish. Lynn's bilingual skills have enabled her to serve as a translator in judicial proceedings and other court-related matters. Her extensive "south of the border" experience has also led her into the group travel and convention business throughout Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.

Lynn, as founder of PLS, is charged with overseeing the strategic and operational aspects of the company along with its long-term growth and expansion.

Lynn grew up in New England and lived many years along the Cape Cod Canal - so seafood and the beach are two of her favorite things. She now makes her home in Mechanicsburg.

Lynn is a member of the Pennsylvania Newspaper Association (PNA), the Pennsylvania Association for Government Relations (PAGR), the Newsletter and Electronic Publishers Association (NEPA) and serves on the legislative committees of the West Shore Chamber of Commerce (WSCC) and the Harrisburg Chamber.

To contact Lynn, click here.

Rebecca A. Kann Director of Information Systems

Rebecca joined PLS in February of 2003 and is truly the nerve center of our whole operation. She is highly involved in obtaining, analyzing and maintaining the Capitol Toolbox bill tracking and information system. She covers floor sessions live for the Capitol Toolbox and also attends committee meetings and press conferences.

Rebecca has a Bachelors of Science in Public Policy from Penn State University. She received her Associates Degree from Harrisburg Area Community College. Before coming to PLS, Rebecca served in the House of Representatives on the Republican Research Staff, working with the State Government Committee. She conducted research and assisted in analyzing bills and amendments, preparing bill summaries and drafting of bills. Prior House experience includes the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Legislative Fellowship Program, where she gained knowledge in both the House and Senate operations. She also spent more than three years at the Pennsylvania Bar Association in Harrisburg.

Rebecca originally hails from New Jersey and enjoys music, the beach and traveling. She lives on the West Shore with her husband Dan and 2 dogs, Fritz and Parker.

To contact Rebecca, click here.

Kimberly Collins Managing Editor

Kim joined PLS in May 2003 as an intern out of college and was hired full time in October of that year, when she took over as Editor of the Pennsylvania Letter. She brings a wealth of political and public policy knowledge to PLS from her experiences at the local, state and federal levels of government. Her experiences have taught her, beyond a doubt, that all politics truly are local.

Kim began her political experience in the office of Maine Congressman John Baldacci. While interning in Washington D.C., she researched issues and managed constituent correspondence. Kim later returned to Maine and volunteered on a successful Maine State House campaign. Most recently, Kim drafted legislation and bill summaries as an intern with the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Local Government Committee in the Republican Caucus.

Kim grew up in the small town of Freedom, Maine and moved to PA to attend Dickinson College, where she earned a B.A. in Political Science in May 2003.

She now lives in Harrisburg with her husband, Nate, and two cats. Kim enjoys reading, animals, and following politics. Although a fierce Mainer, Kim does not like lobster!

She is a member of the Pennsylvania Newspaper Association and the Newsletter and Electronic Publishers Association.

To contact Kim, click here.

Steven Cline Commonwealth Clips Editor, Legislative Reporter

Steven joined PLS in 2004 as Editor of the Commonwealth Clips, PLS’ news and media service. He also handles some Legislative Reporter duties as well.

Steven brings a strong background in politics and state government to the position. During the 2002 election cycle, Steven was a Field Director for a State House Campaign Committee. As Field Director, he had a wide range of responsibilities, including campaign fund-raising, organizing campaign events, serving as a liaison between local and state parties, and coordinating volunteer activities. Prior to that, Steven served as a volunteer on a gubernatorial campaign.

Steven graduated with a B.A. in Political Science in May of 2002 from Clarion University. While at Clarion, he was actively involved in numerous campus activities and local politics. He was a founding member of the Clarion Young Democrats, which organized and hosted activities including voter registration drives and local and state government campus events.

Currently residing in the Midtown area of Harrisburg, Steven is originally from New Castle, Pennsylvania, and enjoys reading, sports, and being outdoors. He is a devoted Pittsburgh sports fan, especially the Steelers.

Steven is a member of the Pennsylvania Newspapers Association.

To contact Steven, click here.

Lindsay Andrews Legislative Information Specialist, Trainer

Lindsay joined PLS in 2004 and serves as a Legislative Information Specialist. She has a solid knowledge of political affairs and an enthusiasm to participate in state government. Her primary responsibilities include legislative bill tracking and following Senate session activity. She also attends committee meetings.

A graduate of Michigan State University in May of 2003 with a B.A. in International Relations, Lindsay began her experience as an intern at Greenlee Partners in Harrisburg where she covered committee meetings, conducted legislative research, and aided in the preparation of political fundraisers. She became immersed in the governmental process through a love of research, writing, and daily interaction with a variety of people working in and around the Capitol. Prior to that, Lindsay worked as a research assistant to a labor relations lawyer in East Lansing, Michigan during her college career and also served as an income tax assistant for the IRS.

A loyal Spartan, Lindsay supports of all Michigan State’s sports teams and is also a fan of the Philadelphia Eagles. She enjoys spending time with her three sisters and her friends, reading, traveling, and meeting people whenever she has the chance! She is a member of the Pennsylvania Newspaper Association.

To contact Lindsay, click here

Eric A. Failing Director of IT

Eric joined PLS in March of 2005. He brings a strong background in policy and legislation as well as association and small business management. Prior to joining PLS, Eric served as the Executive Director for the Maryland-National Capitol Homecare Association where he was responsible for advancing all aspects of the association including legislative and regulatory representation, affinity development programs, and marketing. In addition to representing businesses before government officials in Annapolis, the District Council and Congress, Eric has also represented interests before the Pennsylvania General Assembly. He began his career in politics working for a Pennsylvania State Senator before switching branches to work for the Administration.

Eric has Bachelor of Art degrees in Political Science and English Literature from West Chester University and a Juris Doctorate from the Widener University School of Law. He is an avid fly fisherman and hunter and can generally be found in a creek or on the game lands during his free time. Eric lives in Mechanicsburg with his fiancée Brenda and son Alex. Eric is a member of numerous organizations including the Pennsylvania Newspaper Association, Trout Unlimited, Mechanicsburg Sportsmen and Pheasants Forever.

To contact Eric, click here

Jeff Cox E-WARN Editor & Legislative Reporter

Jeff joined the staff at PLS in November 2005, bringing over 30 years of experience in state government. He takes over as editor of E-WARN and will also be part of our PLS legislative reporting staff.

Prior to joining PLS, Jeff served as the Legislative Liaison for the Pennsylvania Department of State and as Director of Government Affairs for the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors. An Altoona native, he began his career as District Administrative Assistant to Senator Robert C. Jubelirer.

Jeff enjoys reading, especially American history, and touring Civil War battlefield sites with his son. He served as a volunteer historical interpreter for eight years at the Eisenhower National Historic Site in Gettysburg and he has written several book reviews for Civil War magazine. Jeff resides in Shippensburg with his wife, Mary, and his son, John.

To contact Jeff, click here.

Mike Howells Associate Editor & Special Projects Coordinator

After spending four months with PLS as an intern, Mike formally joined the company in January 2006 as a legislative information specialist and IT manager.

A graduate of Gettysburg College, Mike brings a political science degree and experience in writing, editing and information technology to PLS. While at Gettysburg, Mike wrote for the Gettysburgian, and worked as a Student Technology Liaison, providing IT solutions for both students and professors. In May of 2005 he traveled to Belgium as part of a research team to study the Brussels Cross, a thousand year-old relic housed in the Cathedral de Saint-Michel in the heart of the capital.

Born and raised in St. Albans, England, Mike moved to New Jersey and now lives in the town of his alma mater, Gettysburg. He is a published author and enjoys sports, movies, music, and traveling.

To contact Mike, click here.

Deb Hannon Director of Training and Sales

Deborah joined PLS in September 2006 to work as the Director of Sales and Training. A graduate of Concordia College, New York, she has a Bachelor’s degree in Education and has extensive experience in public speaking and computer training.

Prior to joining the staff at PLS, Deborah was the Lead Technical Training Developer for the House Republican Caucus where her duties were to design, implement and conduct computer training sessions for all Republican House Members and staff. She also spent five years working for the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) where she traveled throughout the country training small businesses on the programs in order to become more competitive in the loan servicing market.

Having grown up on the beaches of Long Island, Deborah loves to swim and sail. In her free time, she is working on her Interior Design certification. Deborah moved to Pennsylvania in 1993 where she now enjoys life in the mountains with her loving husband Sean and their two beautiful children Aaron and Ashley. She is a member of the Pennsylvania Association for Government Relations.

To contact Deborah click here.

Ryan Harris
Commonwealth Clips Assistant

Ryan joined PLS in January of 2007, as Assistant Editor of Commonwealth Clips. He graduated cum laude from The Ohio State University in June 2002 having majored in Communication with a minor in Sociology and Criminal Justice. Ryan has a distinguished background in media and promotion. He signed with Universal Records as a recording artist in November of 2004. In addition to playing guitar, Ryan was responsible for marketing, promotion and web content. Ryan also builds freelance web pages with a colleague.

Briana Ryder Legislative Information Specialist

Briana joined PLS in August 2007 as a Legislative Information Specialist. Originally a mid-state native and graduate of Trinity HS, she has returned to the capital area after living in Washington, DC since 2002.

Briana holds a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Politics with a minor in Philosophy from The Catholic University of America. Enthused to be in the heart of the nation’s leaders, Briana worked as an intern for Pennsylvania Congressman Tim Holden on Capitol Hill. While interning she received great experience working with constituents and researching pressing issues in Pennsylvania. After graduating with honors, Briana secured a job working as a Director with a prominent political technology company in Washington, DC.

In the summer of 2007, she decided to return to her hometown of Camp Hill where she now resides. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and sports. She is an avid Eagles and Notre Dame fan, and especially can be found celebrating her Irish heritage at every chance she gets.

She belongs to the Mu Theta Chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha and is an active member with the National Federation of Democratic Women.

To contact Briana, click here.