Government Affairs + Compliance Advocacy

When it comes to advocating for reasonable laws and regulations that encourage economic development and job creation, savvy business and trade associations must play both offense and defense. To do so, these organizations need strong advocates who know how to navigate such issues.

Tony has been advising companies and associations of all sizes for nearly 20 years, providing thoughtful counsel on practical, political, and legal considerations. He serves companies that range from small “mom-and-pop” shops to Fortune 15 companies and national trade associations. And even before joining Kegler Brown, Tony built relationships for more than a decade as a member of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce’s Governmental Affairs team.

Along with serving as treasurer of the firm’s Political Action Committee (PAC), Tony manages Kegler Brown’s 50-state lobbying compliance practice area. This practice provides government affairs counsel and compliance services to companies advocating for prudent reforms to administrative and legislative changes across the U.S. with state, Washington D.C., or regionally based lobbyists.

Association Management

Tony also serves in a general management role for coalitions, alliances, and associations, both public and private. In this capacity, he offers guidance on a variety of operational and fundraising issues, helping to navigate budget discussions, drive membership, staff committees, build website materials, implement policies, and more, and acting on behalf of the association in talks with vendors and other external groups. With his ability to drive organizations towards their goals, Tony has created numerous successes for multiple groups. For example, under Tony’ management, one non-profit trade association has seen its revenue increase by a third and its membership by twenty percent, while another community foundation that Tony helped form has grown to over one million dollars in assets.

State Unemployment Reforms + Human Resource Counsel

Among businesses and both state and national trade associations, Tony is a recognized leader, bringing about significant reforms to Ohio and other states’ unemployment programs, as well as Ohio’s civil justice system. He developed and coordinated the Ohio Chamber’s advocacy for the most comprehensive reforms to Ohio’s Fair Employment Practices Act since its creation. In addition, Tony counsels companies on best practices within the workplace, risk management strategies for state-funded and self-insured entities, and legislative and administrative changes that impact a company’s bottom line.

Tony works closely with human resource management professionals across Ohio and in Washington, D.C., through his service as the Director of Government Affairs on the Ohio State Council of SHRM. He is also the Executive Director for UWC and the National Foundation for Unemployment Compensation and Workers' Compensation, which is focused on unemployment and workers’ compensation, focused on federal policy in Washington, D.C. as well as all 50 states, and regularly reports on changes in laws and regulations nationwide. His experience is strengthened by his extensive relationships with local and state chambers of commerce, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).