As legislative sessions kick off across the country, advocacy professionals must navigate diverse political landscapes, shifting priorities, and fast-moving policy developments. In this episode of Back in Session, hosts Ryan Stevens and Ryan DeMara sit down with Kristen Casimir, a government affairs expert who covers multiple states across the southeastern U.S.

Kristen shares her journey from campaign work to corporate lobbying, offering insights into what it takes to be an effective advocate across different state legislatures. She discusses the importance of relationship-building, the nuances of state-by-state policy differences, and how she stays ahead of emerging legislative trends.

Key Discussion Points:

🏛️ Understanding State-by-State Policy Differences: From Georgia’s crossover deadlines to Virginia’s bill limits, each state has its own unique political and regulatory landscape.

🤝 The Power of Relationships in Advocacy: Why having strong connections is essential, and how organizations like SGAC and NCSL help professionals stay ahead of policy trends.

🎤 From Campaigns to Corporate Lobbying: Kristen’s journey in government affairs and why gaining campaign experience could build key political skills.

⚖️ Challenges in Multi-State Lobbying: How to stay ahead of emerging trends and effectively manage advocacy efforts across different states.

🔍 Strategies for Staying Ahead: How government affairs professionals leverage trade associations, legislative tracking, and in-person networking to anticipate policy changes.