ERIC E. MARTINS
Managing Director
Eric is a highly accomplished senior executive, consultant, attorney, lobbyist and board member with 20 years of success in public policy, politics, law, government, healthcare, financial services, transportation and the nonprofit sector. He previously held a position as an associate at Drinker Biddle & Reath where he helped start the government relations and lobbying group.
In 2017, Governor-elect Phil Murphy selected Eric to serve on the Human Services Committee for his transition team. During that same year, he was nominated by Kentucky State Senator Jimmy Higdon and commissioned by Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin to become a Kentucky Colonel.
In 2004, Eric was nominated by New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey to serve on the South Jersey Port Corporation’s Board of Directors, which is responsible for the development of port facilities in South New Jersey. Eric was reappointed in 2008 by Governor Corzine and again in 2017 by Governor Chris Christie.
In 2018, Eric was appointed to the Advisory Board of the Burbank International Film Festival.
Eric is also a founding member of the Board of Directors for the NYC Fashion Manufactures Alliance of Design Educators and Save the Garment Center in New York City; a position he’s held since 2008.
In 2007, Eric was selected by the American Council of Young Political Leaders, a bi-partisan not-for-profit international exchange organization, as a delegate to Vietnam for a two-week political exchange program. Eric joined six other young political leaders from the U.S. to study Vietnam’s political system, engage in dialogue on international issues, and forge professional relationships. He’s also participated in international trade missions, including trips to the Netherlands, China and the United Arab Emirates.
Eric was appointed in 2007 by New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine to serve as a member of the Economic Growth Council to assist with statewide economic development policies.
Eric is a former Committee Chairman for the Mercer County College Board of Trustees Advisory Committee and a former member of the Board of Trustees for the Arts & Business Partnership of Southern New Jersey. He’s served on the boards of the Mercer County Workforce Investment Board, the Mercer County Economic Development Committee and Junior Achievement. Eric was appointed by Assembly Majority Leader Paul DiGaetano in 2002 to the New Jersey Council of Local Mandates and served as Vice Chairman until 2004.
EDUCATION
Eric received his J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and is a graduate of The College of New Jersey.
TED CHRISTIAN
Director
Ted brings a diverse background from over 20 years of professional experience in the business, governmental, and political arenas. He currently oversees DMGS business matters in Philadelphia, PA, New Jersey, and Washington, DC, emphasizing political and grassroots consulting. Before joining DMGS, Ted was a Principal at GSP Consulting, a predecessor to DMGS. He led their operations in Southeastern PA and New Jersey.
Ted has worked on political campaigns on the local, state, and federal levels in numerous states, including New Jersey, where he once served as Executive Director at the New Jersey Republican State Committee. He has also worked for a national political party organization and served as a political appointee at the U.S. General Services Administration, the federal government’s procurement and acquisition agency. In addition, Ted has worked for several major private-sector organizations that include Comcast, IBM, and New Jersey-based ADP.
Ted served as State Director for the Trump Campaign in Pennsylvania in 2016, helping win the state for a Republican Presidential candidate for the first time since 1988. Ted was also responsible for running the Delegate races during the primary and served as the Floor Whip during the Republican National Convention. He also served on the Trump Presidential Transition team, Trump for America and was a member of the 2016 Electoral College serving as Secretary. Ted returned to the Presidential campaign for the re-election campaign in 2020 as Senior Advisor in Pennsylvania.
Ted received a B.A. from William Paterson University in Wayne, NJ, and an M.A. from Rowan University in Glassboro, NJ. He currently serves as the Chair of the Pennsylvania Republican Party’s Commonwealth Club. Ted is also a former Commissioner on the Delaware River Port Authority and has previously served in appointed positions on the Pennsylvania Workforce Investment Board and the Bucks County Redevelopment Authority and on the Transition for PA State Treasurer Stacy Garrity.
KATHLEEN L. DELAND
Director
Katie DeLand brings over twenty years of experience in both public service and government affairs. Katie began her foray in public services when she was selected to serve as a Congressional Page for the U.S. House of Representatives while in high school for Congressman John Boehner, who later became Speaker. Upon her return to Ohio, Katie managed her first Ohio Statehouse campaign and worked as a House Page & legislative aide for now State Auditor Keith Faber before entering the private sector.
EXPERIENCE
Katie joined DMGS in 2007 and manages the Ohio office and operations. Her background has allowed for a varied expertise, but she specializes in higher education, public safety, economic development, and social service policies. Katie has been successful in advocating for community project funding to support important and critical projects across Ohio. Her policy successes are equally as valuable, with specific work in higher education, economic development, workforce training, and non-profit regulations. Further, Katie has developed great experience in multi-state lobbying, working and managing projects in states across the Midwest, South and New England.
Katie is active in politics and was appointed to the Ohio Republican Party’s State Central Committee representing the 12th Senate District in 2017, and served as the Assistant Treasurer for the Ohio Republican Party until 2022. Katie is also one of the youngest county chairmen in the state, serving as the Darke County Republican Party Chair since 2020. She is a graduate of the JoAnn Davidson Ohio Leadership Institute and is one of three female founders of Ohio Women Lead Right, a statewide organization dedicated to supporting conservative women. Locally, she sits on the Board of Directors for the Darke County Chamber of Commerce, serves as Chairman of the Darke County Chamber’s Legislative Committee, and is the secretary for both the North Star Community Association and St. Louis Catholic Church Parish Council. Katie lives in Western Ohio with her husband and five children.
EDUCATION
Katie received a B.A. in English and Business Writing from The Ohio State University.
DOMINIC MAGNOLO
Executive Director
Mr. Magnolo is a proficient, successful professional in the government healthcare IT solutions space with a background in politics & government affairs that provides a unique perspective for meeting client needs while understanding political realities that impact decision makers.
EXPERIENCE
Dominic has served in various capacities in the executive branch of NJ State government along with appointed positions to various Boards and Commissions. He left state service in 2012 after a career that spanned over 28 years across the Departments of Treasury, Corrections and Human Services. From 1998 to 2012 he was with the Department of Human Services serving as Special Assistant to the Commissioner. In 2002 he began work at the Department’s Division of Medical Assistance & Health Services (Medicaid) where he managed Government Affairs, Medicaid recoveries, Public Records.
In January 2012 Dominic joined Xerox State Healthcare as Vice President for Government Healthcare Solutions (GHS) for NJ, PA, CT, DE and RI. He was responsible for the expansion of existing business and identifying new state government business opportunities; screening Requests for Proposals (RFP); leading bid proposal teams; identifying strategic partners; and winning new business. During his tenure at Xerox, Dominic closed deals totaling $134M including $30M in new business and grew the NJ GHS account from $32M to $49M.
In May 2015 Dominic joined Phoenix Ventures LLC as Director of Business Development where he was responsible for developing strategic business relationships for potential partnerships, navigating complex government sales cycles, identifying opportunities and driving growth for companies transitioning into or expanding in the public sector. His primary focus was on government healthcare including Medicaid & Medicare, healthcare analytics, and information technology.
Dominic was the longest serving Chairman of a NJ County Board of Elections, serving on the Mercer County Board from 1994 to 2012. He was appointed and re-appointed to the Board by six Governors of both parties. He also served as Chairman of the Mercer County Board of Social Services, President of the Trenton City Ward Commission and is active in various community organizations.
EDUCATION
Dominic received a Master’s Degree in Governmental Administration from the University of Pennsylvania and his Bachelor’s Degree from the College of New Jersey.
MIKE P. PEHUR
As the Development Finance Director at DMGS, Michael Pehur brings over 15 years of experience in economic development financing and project management. Michael is responsible for providing consulting strategies for real estate, business, and municipa l clients. He primarily works to identify grants, loans, tax incentives, and other public financing programs available for complex development projects.
Previously Project Finance Coordinator at Allegheny County Economic Development (ACED), Michael facilitated project financing and managed the technical components of various funding programs. At ACED, Michael managed over $55 million of Federal and State contracts. He facilitated project financing for site preparation, public infrastructure, environmental remediation, transit-oriented development, commercial redevelopment, and general business development assistance within Allegheny County. His work included manynotable projects that have generated vast economic impact on the region, including Dick’s Sporting Goods Headquarters, Clinton Commerce Park, Westport Development, Monroeville Convention Center, and McCandless Crossing. He served as the primary manager of the County Tax Increment Financing (TIF) program, including project approval, deal structure, and continuing administration of active Districts. As part of this responsibility, Michael also authored the first-ever evaluation of the ACED TIF program.
Before his time with ACED, he served as Special Projects Coordinator with Fay-Penn Economic Development Council, where he coordinated business retention and expansi o n efforts in Fayette County, PA. There he provided assistance, such as site location and financial incentives, to companies located in or relocating to Fayette County and administered various aspects of the Keystone Opportunity Zone Program, the Fayette Forward Strategic Plan, the Fayette Enterprise Community, and the Fayette County Water and Sewage Project.
Michael is nationally recognized as a leader in the economic development finance industry . He received certification as an Economic Development Finance Professional from the National Development Council. As a Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA)member, Michael is a frequent speaker on TIF and other development finance programs/policies. He supports CDFA’s efforts to provide education, resource development, and research on development finance as part of the CDFA Pennsylvania Financin g Roundtable Advisory Committee and CDFA/EPA Brownfields Technical Assistance Program. Michael was appointed to the CDFA Board of Directors at the 2013 Annual National Development Finance Summit and serves as Chair of the Governance Committee. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Regional Development Funding Corporation, a non-profit SBA lender in Southwestern Pennsylvania (Past Board Chair).
EDUCATION
University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public & International Affairs, Master of International Development – Development Planning and Sustainability
Washington & Jefferson College, Bachelor of Arts – Economics & Political Science
RYAN STEVENS
EXPERIENCE
Ryan brings a diverse background in government and politics to DMGS. He is currently based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where he focuses on multi-state government affairs, business development and grassroots consulting strategies. In his role with DMGS, Ryan has assisted clients with government affairs, grassroots consulting, and business development strategies and efforts in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Michigan, Georgia, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Delaware, Virginia, Tennessee, Los Angeles, Texas, and more. Ryan also assists clients with legislative tracking in all 50 states and is the co-host of “Back in Session,’ a DMGS podcast focused on exploring various state-level policies and legislation shaping our nation, one state at a time.
In 2024, Ryan was name to the Central Penn Business Journal’s (CPBJ) “Power 100” list, honoring him as one of the top leaders in the region among various fields, including law, finance, education, government, health care, business, and nonprofits.
Additionally, in 2023, Ryan was named to the CPBJ’s “2023 Lobbyist Power List,” recognizing him as one of the top government affairs professionals in Pennsylvania.
In 2022, Ryan was named to City & State PA’s “40 Under 40” list, recognizing him as one of the rising young professionals in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The list recognizes the most prominent leaders in Pennsylvania government, advocacy, labor, business, academia and media who are under the age of forty.
Prior to joining the Duane Morris team, Ryan served as the District Director for state Representative Sheryl Delozier in Cumberland County for three years. In this role, he was tasked with managing outreach in the district office and working hand-in-hand with local elected officials and other community stakeholders. He was also instrumental in conducting legislative research and working in a bipartisan manner with the Criminal Justice Reform Caucus. Ryan also served as Rep. Delozier’s designee on the Board of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.
Previously, he served as the Deputy State Director and Regional Field Manager at the Republican Party of Pennsylvania where he specialized in grassroots organization and outreach.
Ryan is a former member of the East Stroudsburg School Board, having been the youngest elected official in Monroe County’s history at the time of his election in 2013.
EDUCATION
Ryan is a 2014 graduate of East Stroudsburg University where he received a B.A. in Political Science with a minor in German. He currently resides in Harrisburg with his wife, Amanda.
JOHN C. ZANG
John currently serves as a Senior Policy Analyst at Duane Morris Government Strategies, in Washington, D.C. In this role, he excels at building and nurturing relationships with congressional staff and policy professionals, ensuring support for clients’ comprehensive legislative agendas.
John works with clients across all practices and sectors to develop and implement government affairs strategies tailored to each client’s unique needs. Recognized for his excellent communication skills, John effectively conveys clients’ positions on legislative and regulatory affairs to government agencies, interest groups, and elected officials, establishing strong advocacy networks on their behalf. John’s deep understanding of federal and state policy complexities allows him to analyze and articulate complex concepts to policy stakeholders. John also plays a critical role on the Grant Strategies team, providing valuable grant monitoring, development, and writing services for local, state, federal, and private grant projects.
Before joining DMGS, John actively engaged in political campaigns, including serving as the Operations Director for Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Christine Donohue in 2015 and working for Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf’s campaign in 2014.
John graduated cum laude with a J.D. from the American University Washington College of Law in 2023, where he was also a member of the American University Law Review. He earned his B.A. in International Politics from The Pennsylvania State University in 2013.
John also serves on the board of the Government Relations Association, which focuses on advancing the government relations profession.
SHARON SEYLER
Deputy Director
Sharon Seyler is the DMGS New Jersey Government Affairs Deputy Director.
Sharon has more than 20 years of experience in county government and the NJ School Boards Association. Sharon served 16 years as a legislative advocate for the New Jersey School Boards Association, advocating for NJ School Board members in public education. Sharon also worked for ten years in county government as a Cape May County Chosen Freeholders Board public information officer.
Sharon has expertise in the legislative process and has strong relationships with state and federal legislators. Sharon’s skills consist of legislation, non-profit, policy analysis, strategic communication, and public administration.
Sharon attended Atlantic Cape Community College in Mays Landing, NJ, earning an Associate degree in General Studies. Sharon also studied at Thomas Edison State University in a combined Bachelor’s/Master’s Program for Organizational Leadership and Communications.
THOMAS JAY ELLIS
Managing Director, Government Affairs
Thomas Jay Ellis is Managing Director of Pennsylvania Government Affairs for DMGS in its Philadelphia office. Tom also serves as Special Counsel to Duane Morris LLP in its Corporate Practice Group, concentrating in municipal finance. Tom previously spent 24 years with Ballard Spahr LLP as a partner in its Public Finance Group. He has worked on a variety of tax-exempt financings, primarily with Pennsylvania local government and authority issuers, as well as colleges and universities. Tom was unanimously elected chairman of the Board of Commissioners in Montgomery County, Pa., in 2006. He held that position until January 2008 and was vice chairman of the board from 2004 to 2005. In 2008, Tom was the Republican candidate for state treasurer in Pennsylvania. Prior to his election to the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners in 2003, he served on the Cheltenham Township Board of Commissioners from 1990 to 2002. He previously served as a member of the Cheltenham Township Planning Commission and Cheltenham Township Citizens Advisory Committee and on the Board of Directors of the Moss Rehabilitation Hospital. He has also served on the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Association of Bond Lawyers and Independence Blue Cross.
EXPERIENCE
The Montgomery County Board of Commissioners appointed Tom to a five-year term on the Board of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), beginning on September 1, 2001. He was reappointed to a second five-year term in 2006.
EDUCATION
Tom is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania (B.A., summa cum laude, 1982), where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, and the University of Pennsylvania School of Law (J.D., cum laude, 1985), where he served as editor of the University of Pennsylvania Law Review and was a member of the Order of the Coif.
RYAN DEMARA
Deputy Director of Public Affairs
Ryan has several years of political and legislative government experience. He is based in the greater Philadelphia area, where he assists DMGS clients with government affairs, grassroots consulting services, business development, and the firm’s marketing efforts. Ryan has assisted clients in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Michigan, in addition to legislative tracking and monitoring in all 50 states.
Before joining DMGS, Ryan served as the Political Director for Bartos for U.S. Senate, leading the campaign’s political operations and grassroots organizing efforts. He previously served as a Regional Field Director for the Republican Party of Pennsylvania and later as the statewide Pennsylvania Voter Registration Director for the Republican National Committee during the 2020 election cycle. In this role, Ryan oversaw grassroots operations that led to unprecedented gains in Pennsylvania Republican voter registrations. Ryan has experience working in the Pennsylvania legislature and as a Regional Director for a U.S. Senate campaign in 2018.
Ryan also served as the Campaign Manager for Dave Sunday’s successful 2024 Attorney General Campaign, the first Republican victory for the office since 2008.
Additionally, Ryan is the Vice Chair of the Pennsylvania Young Republicans and is a 2018 graduate of Villanova University, where he received a B.A. in both Political Science and Communications.
Stay In Touch