Lynn Deary President, Founder

Lynn Deary has been professionally involved in following Pennsylvania state government for more than 20 years. She began her legislative career in 1992 when she became a partner in the Pennsylvania Letter, a hard copy subscription newsletter which reports on Pennsylvania government for business interests. The Pennsylvania Letter provides the state's most influential business leaders with decision-making intelligence on committee meetings and hearings along with the legislative actions taken by the General Assembly.

In early 2000, Lynn recognized the need for legislative information to be provided electronically and in real time, leading her to found Pennsylvania Legislative Services (PLS) in 2001. Since the company’s inception, Lynn has developed PLS into a comprehensive non-partisan reporting service covering Pennsylvania state government from both a legislative and media perspective. Over the course of its ten-year history, PLS has grown from three clients to more than 2,000. PLS services corporations, universities, statewide and national trade associations, hospitals, medical schools and health care institutions, the state General Assembly, current and past administrations, law firms, public utilities, and many others.

Lynn is widely recognized as a unique innovator in monitoring state government operations. She is a member of the Harrisburg Chamber of Commerce, West Shore Chamber of Commerce, PA Association for Government Relations, and an affiliate member of Pennsylvania Newspaper Association. She 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). She 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 continues to focus on growing PLS into an even more diversified information service that leverages the talents of PLS’s team of employees to develop new systems and services that will give clients the best advantage possible.

To contact Lynn, click here.

 

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Rebecca A. Kann Vice President of Legislative Systems

Rebecca joined PLS in February 2003 and is highly involved in nearly every function of PLS. Responsible for managing the information found in the Capitol Toolbox bill tracking system, Rebecca ensures the quality of legislative information. As the longest-tenured employee of PLS, Rebecca has covered many years of both House and Senate Floor sessions, as well as 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 briefly served on the research staff of the House of Representatives working with the State Government Committee. She conducted research and assisted in analyzing bills and amendments, preparing bill summaries and drafting legislation. 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 working at the Pennsylvania Bar Association in Harrisburg.

Rebecca originally hails from New Jersey and enjoys live 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 Vice President of PLS

Kimberly joined PLS as an intern the day after she graduated from college and was hired full time later that year, taking over as editor of the Pennsylvania Letter. She now serves as Managing Vice President of PLS, ensuring that the company’s daily operations function seamlessly. She also oversees PLS' growing reporting team and is editor of the Pennsylvania Letter and Capitol Recap.

Kimberly brings a wealth of political and public policy knowledge to PLS from her past experiences working and volunteering at the local, state, and federal levels of government. Her experiences have taught her, beyond a doubt, that all politics truly are local.

Her political experience began in the Washington, DC, office of Maine Congressman John Baldacci. While interning in Washington, DC, she researched issues, wrote speeches, and managed constituent correspondence. Kimberly later returned home to Maine and volunteered on a successful Maine State House campaign. During her final semester of college, Kimberly was a Bipartisan Management Committee fellow, where she worked full time with the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Local Government Committee. During her time with the committee she assisted in writing legislation and summarizing bills. She also wrote and defended an original piece of legislation, which would have legalized no-excuse absentee voting.

A native Mainer, Kimberly grew up in the small town of Freedom and moved to Pennsylvania to attend Dickinson College, where she earned a B.A. in Political Science. She now lives in Mechanicsburg with her Siberian Husky/Basset Hound mix, Bo; Maine Coon cat, Casey; and lap-loving cat, Daisy. Kimberly enjoys reading, hanging out with her pets, rollerblading, driving Mini Coopers, and following politics. Although a fierce Mainer, she does not like lobster!

Kimberly 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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Eric A. Failing Vice President of Development, Sales and Marketing

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 Mechanicsburg. He is a published author, an unabashed Yankees and Arsenal 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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Briana Carr Senior 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 Eye Opener Editor, 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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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.

 

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Tony Wissler Director Information Technology

Tony joined PLS in October 2010. He has over ten years of Information Technology experience with a very strong background in .NET Application Development as well as Microsoft Windows Server and Network administration and support.   Tony has earned numerous industry related certifications such as Microsoft’s Certified Systems Engineer and Microsoft’s Certified Technical Specialist to name a few.

Being a consultant for the previous five plus years has allowed Tony to work on a large number of projects in a wide range of industries that include state and local government, health care, automobile as well as retail and e-commerce.  He has worked for one of Microsoft’s leading .NET professional service firms and partners as well as working directly with Microsoft Consulting Services as a sub contractor on a number of projects.

Tony still enjoys playing video games as well as rooting for the Philadelphia Eagles and counting down the days to Halloween.  He lives in the West Hanover Township area with his beautiful wife Karla, daughter Emily, Emily’s ‘blankie’ and two sons Nicholas and Adam.

To contact Tony, click here.

 

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Virginia Danieley Legislative Information Specialist

 

 

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Catharine Conner Client Services Representative