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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.
As founder of PLS, Lynn 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.
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Rebecca A. Kann
Director of Information Systems |
Rebecca joined PLS in February of 2003 and is truly the nerve center of PLS's 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 a 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.
Rebecca is a member of Women in PA Government Relations (WPGR).
To contact Rebecca, click here.
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Kimberly Hess
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 now oversees PLS' growing reporting team and is editor of Capitol Recap as well. Kim 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.
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 midtown Harrisburg with her Maine Coon cat, Casey. Kim enjoys reading, animals, rollerblading 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.
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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.
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Lindsay Andrews
Legislative Information Specialist, Trainer | |
Lindsay joined PLS in 2004 and serves as a Legislative Information Specialist and Trainer. She has a solid knowledge of political affairs and an enthusiasm to participate in state government. Her primary responsibilities include legislative bill tracking, following Senate Session activity, attending committee meetings, and training clients on how to use the PLS system.
A 2003 graduate of Michigan State University with a B.A. in International Relations, Lindsay began her experience as an intern at Greenlee Partners in Harrisburg where 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 reading, working out, attending sports events and spending time with friends and family. Lindsay lives in Susquehanna Township with her husband, Tom, and their dog, Marley.
To contact Lindsay, click here
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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 Trout Unlimited, Mechanicsburg Sportsmen, Ducks Unlimited and Pheasants Forever.
To contact Eric, click here
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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 the 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.
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Mike Howells
Associate Editor & Special Projects Coordinator |
Mike has been with PLS since the autumn of 2005, and currently serves as Associate Editor and Special Projects Coordinator. Engaged in the day-to-day reporting and political coverage PLS is prized for, Mike is also responsible for a number of company-wide initiatives - notably the highly successful blog, FYI by PLS. He also coordinates PLS's internship program.
A graduate of Gettysburg College, Mike brings a political science degree and experience in writing, editing and new media to PLS, as well as a knack for thinking outside the box.
Born and raised in St. Albans, England, Mike moved to New Jersey and now lives in midtown Harrisburg with his cat, Daisy. He is a published author, an unabashed Yankees fan, a VW enthusiast, a music lover and always enjoys traveling. Mike is a member of the Pennsylvania Newspaper Association, the Specialized Information Publishers Association, and the Blues Society of Central Pennsylvania.
To contact Mike, click here.
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Deborah 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.
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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.
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Matt Hess
Legislative Reporter |
Matthew Hess joined PLS in September 2008 as a Legislative Reporter. He is a resident of Harrisburg and a Bishop McDevitt graduate.
Matt graduated from California University of Pennsylvania where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations. He was an active member of the Cal U of PA chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America. Matt was Treasurer for two years and his responsibilities included creating an annual budget, and organizing fundraisers and charity events. He received the “Distinguished Graduating Senior” award given by the Communications department.
Prior to PLS, Matt gained legislative experience with three internships with the National Federation of Independent Business. During his tenure at NFIB, he assisted the state director and assistant director with a variety of legislative, political, and grassroots projects. His responsibilities included writing general news releases and articles for the NFIB website, researching issues of interest to NFIB members, and drafting member communications.
Matt enjoys spending time with family and friends and reading. He is a passionate Philadelphia Eagles fan.
To contact Matt, click here.
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Alex Roarty
Capitol Bureau Chief |
Alex joined PLS in March of 2009 as the newsroom bureau chief, a roving reporter dedicated to fleshing out the Capitol’s big stories.
Alex covered Pennsylvania politics for two years before joining PLS. He worked as an intern for the Pennsylvania Legislative Correspondents Association in the summer of 2007 before taking a position as the politics and government reporter for The Sentinel in Carlisle, PA. In May of 2008, he became the Harrisburg correspondent for PolitickerPA.com, a startup Web site from the New York Observer Media Group dedicated to covering every nook and cranny of the state’s political scene.
Alex graduated from Lehigh University in 2007 with a degree in journalism and English. He lives in midtown Harrisburg and is an avid soccer, NBA basketball and Pittsburgh Steelers fan who can occasionally be seen gulping for air as he jogs along the Susquehanna River.
To contact Alex, click here.
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Phillip Copley
Assistant Director of IT |
Phillip joined PLS as the Assistant Director of IT in April of 2009 after a three-month internship. He brings to PLS a diverse background including information technology, small business ownership, political campaign and policy experience.
Phillip’s campaign experience includes everything from the PA House to the President. Prior to joining PLS, he served as the Central-West Victory Director for a 2008 presidential campaign, in charge of volunteer recruitment and training for a total of seven counties, including the cities of Johnstown, Altoona, and Harrisburg.
To contact Phillip, click here.
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Jason Gottesman, J.D.
Legislative Reporter |
After being a summer intern with PLS in 2008, Jason formally joined the staff in January 2010 as a legislative reporter.
Jason received his B.A. in Political Science from the University of Montana in 2006 and, in 2009, his J.D. from the Widener University School of Law—Harrisburg cum laude, where he is also a graduate of the Widener Law and Government Institute.
During his undergraduate work, Jason was a member of both the Political Science and History Honors Societies. While at Widener, Jason proudly served as Internal Managing Editor of the Widener Law Journal and is published in the areas of Federal Civil Procedure and Pennsylvania Administrative Law. He was also a member of the Moot Court Honor Society and the James S. Bowman American Inn of Court.
Jason enjoys golfing, hunting, fishing, and foosball. He is also a diehard Philadelphia Phillies fan.
To contact Jason, click here.