I founded ESP Advisors in 2020 to elevate ocean and environmental priorities through sophisticated, bipartisan government relations and strategic communications. As CEO, I lead the firm in all its endeavors, focused particularly on strategic development for our firm, our clients, and our partners.Our science and policy backgrounds, strong networks, and connections with key leaders in the federal government ensure our clients drive progress across the aisle on issues that matter.Our firm works to energize the community, policy leaders, and the public so that ecosystems and economies get the attention and funding they need to thrive.

We envision a world where science helps people and nature thrive together.Compass achieves this vision by preparing scientists to become agents of change. We invest in science leaders that reflect the diversity of society as a whole, creating inclusive, safe, and empowering spaces for learning and transformation. With strategic skills, connections, and support, scientists can advance just, equitable solutions to climate change and biodiversity loss.Since 1999, Compass has supported over 8,000 scientists to communicate about their work and engage beyond lab and field. We’ve connected them with journalists, policymakers, and community leaders across the United States, when and where it matters, ensuring science has a seat at the table.Our community is our strength. We work within and across a consciously-woven network spanning disciplines, ideologies, sectors, and fields. From our unique vantage point, we spot and open doors that lead to new partnerships and solutions, bringing scientists and communities together to co-create the future.

Advised clients ranging from Fortune 50 companies to small coalitions on natural resource regulations, supply chain management, and environmental and ocean policy. Worked primarily in the agriculture, food, and trade policy space but also provided sustainability insight for clients in fields ranging from insurance to energy.

Design, manage, and execute strategic engagement with US and international governments to further Paul Allen’s conservation and oceans health priorities, especially on illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing.* Create and maintain relationships in Congress and with NOAA, DoD, DHS, State Department, and other agencies. Guide conversation, legislation, and hearing topics in the executive and legislative branches surrounding illegal fishing and highlight conservation issues as national security concerns. * Provide research and writing content for key policy and think tank publications. Write speeches for Vulcan’s Executive Leadership Team.* Strategize and execute on international engagement for Vulcan’s illegal fishing technology platform, maintain and further relationships in governments and with contractors with over 18 countries and international bodies. * Meet with heads of state, present at international conferences and workshops, secure government partners.

Advance policy and priorities of Senators Thune and Sullivan in the full Commerce Committee and the Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard Subcommittee. * Draft and advance legislation through the Commerce Committee and Senate, including the Weather Bill (S. 570; now P.L. 115-25), fisheries bills (including S. 61 regarding the Dungeness Crab fishery; now P.L. 115-49), and reauthorization of the Sea Grant, Marine Debris, Digital Coast, and Harmful Algal Bloom programs, among others. * Engage with stakeholders, interest groups, and constituents to effectively address policy problems on the ground. Negotiate with House and Senate colleagues, Republicans and Democrats, and Executive Branch leadership to build consensus on complex issues. * Plan, organize, and execute full committee and subcommittee hearings as well as briefings and roundtables. Advise Chairmen Thune and Sullivan on hearings and legislation, including Marine Sanctuaries, human trafficking in seafood supply chains, Marine Debris, and Magnuson-Stevens Act Reauthorization. * Build relationships with Agency leaders and staff, reviewing issues ranging from fisheries management and enforcement, satellite updates, new research, fleet recapitalization, and port safety.

Designed and executed government relations strategy for the Mid-Atlantic region of the Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS), which brings together universities, federal and state agencies, NGOs, and private companies to create operational ocean data that supports fishermen, ship operators, emergency managers, and offshore energy operators. * Managed education, advocacy, and government relations for MARACOOS, including developing government relations strategy in concert with IOOS and NOAA leadership, advocating frequently with the 20 Senators and 109 Representatives in the region, and showcasing the benefits MARACOOS provides to constituents. * Spearheaded new partnerships with private sector to create value-added products with MARACOOS data. * Wrote and designed outreach and education material and annual reports on the impact of MARACOOS funds.

Responsible for planning events and booths at conferences, create and publish outreach material both physical and web-based. Help support stakeholder relationships.

Led the creation of tools containing operationalized data in comprehensive systems tailored for specific marine industries including ports, offshore energy, and marine aquaculture. * Created partnerships and facilitated opportunities for the weather forecasting start-up in the marine field. * Innovated with data-driven solutions to reduce complex weather- and water-related inefficiencies in marine industries and generate revenue for the company.

Managed one of the Center’s most public and highly used tools to address coastal flood risk. Designed and provided technical support as well as trained users and presented to large audiences. * Generated user-friendly, interactive applications and maps for citizens to assess flood risk with highly technical and accurate data. * Trained emergency managers, planners, and community members in Rhode Island to use the tools. * Created educational apps that combine maps, photos, and information to communicate coastal flood risk. * Collaborated closely with directors of the state coastal permitting agency, the Department of Environmental Management, and municipalities to create a cohesive, state-wide response to coastal flooding. http://www.beachsamp.org/stormtools/

Synthesized academic articles in succinct memos to support marine policy staffers in RI and DC; answer constituent concerns.

Managed a team of graduate and undergraduate researchers including hiring and training to use boat and equipment, conduct surveys, and code and run statistics on data. * Published two articles in peer-reviewed science journals, third pending

Designed creative outreach tools for Nortek to promote ocean science and their observing technology.

Write and design newsletter, write articles, manage networking, plan events