Board of Directors

Alan Knapp, President and Acting Treasurer

Alan Knapp is the Founder and Managing Principal of Avison Strategies, LLC, where he helps inform business and policy direction involving employee benefit programs and their measured outcomes on wealth, health, and wellbeing for individuals and the organizations that serve them. He also is the Founder and CEO of CareeResilient, LLC, a third-party administrator and B2B2C employee benefits company focused on professional development and career protection insurance benefits.

Alan has over two decades of experience as a public affairs and government relations professional, and is also an entrepreneur and successful writer. He previously founded the consulting firm Avison Strategies, LLC, as well as career development company, CareeResilient. He writes a monthly professional newsletter, Knapp Knowtions, providing thought leadership on workplace culture, benefits, and future of work policies.

Alan began his career serving for over ten years in senior positions on Capitol Hill for former Reps. Ted Poe (R-TX), Nick Smith (R-MI), and Fred Upton (R-MI). After leaving Capitol Hill, he led government relations departments for the Partnership for 21st Century Skills and the National Cooperative Business Association.

In addition to serving as President of GRA, he previously formed and chaired GRA’s Future Leaders Committee, where he worked with over 150 colleges and universities nationwide to provide government relations pathways and valuable scholarship programs to deserving at-need students, funded through organizing GRA’s annual charity golf tournament. Alan is also on the board of directors for the Institute for Career Transitions, a nonprofit based in the Boston area and advises them on advocacy that generates strategies, support, understanding, and collaboration for professionals facing challenges in career transitions.

Alan earned an MPA in public affairs and administration from Michigan State University and a B.A. in Political Science from Western Michigan University. He is active in his alumni associations and believes in mentoring young professionals.

Outside of work, Alan spends time with his two daughters and their golden retriever, Wrigley. He is active in his church, passionate about history, travel, and fitness, and plays baseball, golf, and tennis competitively.

Alan serves as chair of GRA’s Executive Committee, Budget and Finance Committee, and it’s select Professional and Future Leaders Committee.

James Hickey, Founder and Past President

James Hickey is Vice President for Government Affairs for Day & Zimmermann, a family of companies dedicated to accelerating customer success by delivering trusted services and products to both its commercial and government clients. Day & Zimmermann, in business since 1901, is the 53rd largest privately held, family-owned business in the US. It employs 24,000 professionals and conducts over $2.7 billion in annual revenues by providing industrial, defense and workforce solutions. Day & Zimmermann is headquartered in Philadelphia.

Mr. Hickey has been the VP of Government Affairs and head of the Washington office of Day & Zimmermann since 2004. Prior to that, he worked for the Raytheon Company for 14 years, leaving as Director of Congressional Affairs. He originally came to Washington in 1986 serving first for a Member of the House of Representatives (Congressman Herb Bateman; VA-1) from 1986-89 where he handled a portfolio that included defense, foreign affairs, and intelligence issues, and then served as staff in the Senate (Senator Pete Domenici) in 1990 where his portfolio was primarily defense and energy authorization and appropriations.

Jim has regularly taught Government Relations and Congressional Affairs over the past 25 years and has been a speaker on the topic for several seminars and conferences worldwide. He resides in northern Virginia with his wife Cindy and son Ethan Hunter.

Omar Franco, Vice President

Omar Franco heads Becker’s Federal Lobbying Practice in Washington, D.C. He currently represents a wide variety of clients including Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, higher education institutions, trade associations, non-profit organizations, and municipal governments. A recognized leader in the field, Franco was named a “Top Lobbyist” by the National Institute of Lobbying & Ethics (NILE) in 2024 and 2020 and has been featured as a “Hired Gun” on The Hill’s annual list of Top Lobbyists since 2018.

Omar originally came to Washington in 2003 when he was named Chief of Staff for Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), and held this position for over four years, managing the Congressman’s Washington D.C., and district operations and counseling the Congressman in federal appropriations, health care, transportation, higher education and issues dealing with Hispanics and the state of Florida. During his tenure, Omar was granted Top Secret security clearance by the U.S. Department of Defense and assisted in founding the Congressional Hispanic Conference and the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute.

Omar serves as chair of GRA’s Membership and Outreach Committee.

Matt Reiter, Secretary

Matt Reiter is Principal at Capitol Associates, Inc., a lobbying and policy analysis firm focused on healthcare policy. Since joining CAI in 2014, Matt primarily works with corporate and non-profit organizations representing healthcare providers on legislative and regulatory policy. Matt brings valuable association leadership experience to GRA, including from his time as a Board Member and Chair for the Society of Health Policy Young Professionals, D.C.'s premier networking organization for young professionals in health policy. Matt is a graduate of American University, where he earned B.A. degrees in Law and Society as well as Philosophy.

Matt serves as chair of GRA’s Professional Ethics and Standards Committee.

Paul Kelly, Officer

Paul T. Kelly is President of Capitol Advocacy & Government Affairs, LLC, a bipartisan government relations firm founded in 2018. He is also a consultant to The Livingston Group, the lobbying firm founded by former House Appropriations Committee Chairman Bob Livingston. With over 30 years of experience in Washington, Mr. Kelly is credited with numerous legislative and regulatory achievements. A highly effective spokesman before Congress, the Executive Branch and the media, he is expert in all areas of government advocacy and political affairs.

Mr. Kelly has represented policy positions for a range of interests including healthcare professionals, hospitals and health systems, pharmacies and pharmacists, pharmaceutical manufacturers, global retailers, small businesses, Fortune 500 companies and many others. In addition, he has led lobbying and advocacy programs for: The Federal Group; the National Association of Chain Drug Stores; the Retail Industry Leaders Association; the American Dietetic Association and the American Chiropractic Association. During college, graduate school and early in his career he held various positions in the United States Congress.

His volunteer work has included serving on the Board of Directors for: the Washington Industrial Roundtable; the American League of Lobbyists; the Association of Government Relations Professionals; and the Congressional Award Foundation -- a charity created by Congress to recognize leadership and initiative in America’s youth.

Kelly earned a Master of Arts in American Government from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Lynchburg (Virginia). He was also awarded the Professional Lobbying Certificate from the American League of Lobbyists. A lifelong Virginian, he and his wife live in Falls Church, Virginia. They have two adult children.

Paul serves as chair of GRA’s Nominating Committee and it’s select Identity and Messaging Committee.

Lydia Borland, Officer

Lydia Borland has more than 30 years of public and private sector experience in international business and government relations, but she approaches each project with the enthusiasm and energy of an eager novice. Her success record on behalf of clients speaks for itself, that is why LBIS clients prefer this boutique firm over larger firms.

Lydia helps identify investment opportunities and organize political fundraising campaigns, including Turkish American Political Action Committee (PAC) fundraisers. Lydia played an important role in establishing the Turkish American PACs, which have empowered Turkish Americans in the political arena. She advocates on behalf of US-Turkish relations and Turkish companies. She assists in growing the Congressional Turkey Caucus and provides strategic direction for lobbying contract. Members of Congress and congressional staff regularly reach out to her for guidance on issues affecting the region.

LBIS has also advocated on behalf of other groups in Washington DC. Borland has a keen understanding of how US policy can reflect the views of businesses and the non-profit community. She is currently President of LB International Solutions, LLC, an international consulting firm, which provides consulting services to The Gephardt Group, The Livingston Group, and other companies. She has also been a Washington Representative for a military aircraft parts supply company, and a lobbyist with the Embassy of Turkey since 1989.

Borland served as Washington Representative for the Turkish-U.S. Business Council (TAIK/DEIK) from 2000-2007 and Deputy Executive Director of the U.S. Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce for several years. In addition to Turkish, Borland speaks fluent Spanish, Italian, Azerbaijani, and French. She earned a B.A. in International Affairs from George Washington University and an M.B.A. in Finance from Virginia Polytechnic Institute.

Borland has successfully created and managed campaigns to secure financial assistance and favorable legislation for U.S. and non-U.S. clients. She facilitates international business development for U.S. companies and for non-U.S. companies in the U.S. Additionally, she has experience in trade promotion and market development, helping businesses identify and partner with international companies. She currently is working to develop international trade and investment between Native American tribes and Italian or Turkish companies.

Borland established and manages political PACs to support members of Congress and candidates who support client issues. She meets with political candidates to evaluate their positions and advocate on issues and organize fundraisers for members of Congress and candidates. She has an extensive network in Congress, the Administration, the diplomatic community, and business circles.

Before establishing LB International Solutions, Borland was executive director of Caspian Group LLC between 2001 and 2013. She managed Caspian Group clients and contractors. She lobbied the Natural Resources Committee for the successful passage of H.R. 2326, a bill sponsored by Congressman Tom Cole titled: Indian Tribal Trade and Investment Demonstration Project Act of 2011. The bill would facilitate economic development by Indian tribes and encourage investment by Turkish enterprises. The issues it sought to relieve were addressed in other passed legislation.

Monte Ward, Officer

Monte Ward is President of Advanced Capitol Consulting - a company dedicated to assisting its clients in achieving their legislative and regulatory goals through government relations and advocacy services. Monte provides strategic counsel in the areas of government relations, trade association representation, political fundraising for members of Congress and political action committees and grassroots advocacy.

Prior to joining Advanced Capitol Consulting, Monte served as Vice President of Federal Affairs for the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies, the largest property/casualty insurance trade association serving over 1,300 member companies. In this capacity he was responsible for all of the association’s federal legislative affairs and the day to day operation of their Washington DC office. Monte’s Washington DC experience began on Capitol Hill where he worked as a staff assistant for Congressman John J. Rhodes, III (AZ), a legislative assistant for Congressman Jay Dickey (AR) and a legislative director for Congressman Michael Forbes (NY).

Monte is married to Jennifer, and they have five boys. He is a basketball and baseball coach and a former leader in the Boy Scouts of America. Monte also serves on the board of the Hoops for Youth Foundation.

Carrie Bachner-Mullins, Officer

Carrie Bachner-Mullins has devoted her career to serving others and to protecting the United States. As an entrepreneur, Carrie founded two small businesses. In 2010, she began a federal contracting firm called Mission Concepts, and in 2014, she started her own national security consulting firm, Bachner Group, where she has guided the firm into woman, minority and veteran-owned small business status. Due to the specialized nature of her work, Carrie is also a certified and trained facility security officer (FSO) and maintains a secure environment for employees, vendors, and her firm’s visitors.

Carrie’s understanding of Congress, the Executive branch, and the federal procurement process makes her a valued and trusted advisor to Fortune 500 Companies, senior government leaders, and elected officials. Carrie advises her clients on government relations and helps them successfully navigate federal and private sector contracts.

Carrie spent four years at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Legislative Affairs where she served as the career senior legislative advisor to the Under Secretary of Intelligence and Analysis/Chief Intelligence Officer, Charles E. Allen. At DHS she worked closely with Congress to elevate issues of concern to the Intelligence Community, DHS, and local law enforcement. She also worked closely with the DoD and other civil agencies that had a role in national and homeland security, and represented to Congress the DHS’s cyber security, emergency communications, and risk management initiatives.

Carrie was a Commissioned Officer in the US Air Force with tours in the continental U.S., Latin America, and the Caribbean. Carrie is a graduate of the University of North Florida with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and earned a master’s degree in public administration from the H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship at Nova Southeastern University.

Carrie currently serves in Washington DC as an appointed commissioner on the Advisory Board for the Mayor’s Office of Veteran’s Affairs where she advocates for veterans’ needs. Recently, she was appointed as a Board Member to Rivada Networks where she continues to advise their executive leadership and stands committed to the long-term interests of the organization’s success. Carrie also volunteers her time in the areas of literacy and homelessness for the Junior League of Washington and is a Key Founding Member to Pathways to Housing. For special holidays and events, she volunteers at Sixth & I Historic Synagogue in Downtown D.C.

To increase awareness of the history of the Intelligence Community, Carrie donates to and advocates for the International Spy Museum.

In her leisure time, she enjoys cycling, fishing, boating, running marathons, and motorcycling. Carrie is also a licensed private pilot and lives in both the District and the Sunshine State with her husband and son.

Luke Harms, Officer

Luke Harms serves as director of government relations and leads Whirlpool Corporation’s Washington, D.C. office, where he is responsible for federal and state advocacy to promote legislation and policies that improve the regulatory environment and competitive position for the company. He also has responsibility for international trade policy and global government affairs.

Prior to Whirlpool Corporation’s merger with Maytag in 2006, Harms led Maytag’s state government affairs activities and served as the manager of Maytag’s federal political action committee (PAC), the Maytag Corporation Dependability Fund. He also coordinated regulatory affairs on behalf of Maytag subsidiaries The Hoover Company and Dixie-Narco, Inc. Before joining Maytag, Harms was a Legislative Assistant for former Congressman Jim Nussle of Iowa, where he served on the communications team, helping to develop the Congressman’s constituent outreach strategy. He received a BA in political science from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa.

Luke serves as chair of GRA’s select Content and Creation Committee.

Jay Sweeney, Officer

Jay Sweeney is the founder and president of Global Prospects LLC and is an expert on government affairs, international trade and economic and political issues. Mr. Sweeney is well-versed in the U.S. Congress, the White House and the international diplomatic community. For over 30 years, he has helped clients address policy priorities in Washington and in capitals around the world.

Prior to creating Global Prospects LLC, Mr. Sweeney served as a private-sector consultant for some of Washington’s most respected international trade and government affairs consulting firms, serving clients in agriculture, biotechnology, consumer products, financial services, health care, information technology and the textile and apparel industry. He has also worked with foreign governments on public and private sector projects.

He has been published in top Washington periodicals such as the Legal Times’ Tech Counsel magazine. Mr. Sweeney holds a Bachelors degree from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, a Masters degree in East Asian Studies from Georgetown University and is a former Visiting Fellow at Taiwan’s National Cheng Chih University.

Ron White, Officer

Ron White joined the Electric Cooperative community in November of 2016 as an executive member of Southside Electric Cooperative (SEC) and serves in the role of Vice President for Governmental and Regulatory Affairs responsible for representing SEC in all legislative and regulatory matters and being a vital and trusted resource for legislators at all levels of government in the development and implementation of energy policy while building meaningful and mutually beneficial relationships.

Prior to joining SEC, Ron served as District Director and Military Liaison for Virginia Congressman J. Randy Forbes and most recently as Director of Government and External Affairs for Virginia State University. A 21 year United States Army veteran, Ron holds a BS Degree, U.S. Military Academy at West Point; MA in Business, Bowie State University; MS in Leadership, Capella University; Army Command and General Staff College; Air Command and Staff College and the Strategic Studies Army War College; National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Executive Management Internship Program at the University of Wisconsin, Certification In Public Policy (NILE) and Graduate of The Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership at The University of Virginia. He is a current and active member of Veterans In Energy, American Association of Blacks in Energy, National Institute for Lobbying and Ethics (NILE), as well as the National Black Professional Lobbyists Association.

After his service as an active-duty Army officer, Ron continued to serve his community and his Country as a Civilian Aide to The Secretary of The Army for Virginia’s Capital Region and currently serves as a volunteer Deputy Sheriff for Chesterfield County, Virginia. Ron and his wife Kathleen also serve as volunteers for the Epiphany Prison Ministry that ministers to incarcerated young men and women.

Jay Brannam, Officer

Jay Brannam is the Executive Director for the Munitions Industrial Base Task Force (MIBTF). As the Executive Director, Jay is responsible for planning, leading, and coordinating the activities, operations, and finances of the MIBTF. He advocates on behalf of the policies and programs that support the ammunition industrial base.

Prior to joining the MIBTF, Jay held several positions of increasing responsibility in industry and government. He joined ATK, later Orbital-ATK, as the Senior Director, Washington Operations for 12 years. Prior to ATK, Jay worked for 17 years in government service in positions that included: Pentagon Liaison for PEO Ammunition; Senior Policy Analyst with the Office of the Executive Director for Conventional Ammunition; and at the Marine Corps Systems Command he served as the Senior Ground Combat Analyst, Director Program Analysis and Evaluation, and as an Assistant Program Manager for the Program Manager for Ammunition. Jay holds a B.A. in Economics from George Mason University, and an M.S. in Systems Management from Capitol College, and a Certificate in Management from Darden School of Business.