We use our expertise, experience and skills to help your business or institution achieve success at the federal level.

Meet The Team

• 

  Joanna Acocella

  Chief Operating Officer

  

  Joanna Acocella

  Chief Operating Officer

  Joanna Acocella, a seasoned executive with three decades of experience in public affairs and government relations, currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Crossroads Strategies. Her extensive background as a longtime client of the firm uniquely positions her to provide invaluable support to its professionals, oversee brand management, and contribute to the strategic growth of the organization.

  Before joining Crossroads, Joanna held the position of Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Aventiv Technologies, where she spearheaded government affairs, public relations, and regulatory affairs initiatives. She has deep expertise in the field of education, having previously led Washington operations for both Apollo Education Group and College Loan Corporation. She also accumulated nearly a decade of experience in various roles at Sallie Mae.

  Joanna’s academic journey began at The University of Chicago for her undergraduate studies, and she later pursued her legal education at the University of Notre Dame Law School.

  Email: jacocella@crshq.com

• 

  Sam Adcock

  Executive Vice President

  

  Sam Adcock

  Executive Vice President

  Sam Adcock is an Executive Vice President at Crossroads Strategies, LLC.  Sam primarily advocates for clients in the national security, federal procurement, and transportation policy areas, providing strategic counsel, and direct advocacy to the legislative branch.

  Before joining CRS, he spent two decades as a senior executive in the defense and aerospace industry.  His varied roles included head of Government Affairs, and Strategy and Business Development.  In his final role, he served as General Manager of helicopter production for Airbus Helicopters.  Sam was recognized as one of the “Top Corporate Lobbyists” by the Hill Newspaper for six consecutive years.

  He began his professional career as a Presidential Management Intern with the Department of Navy. Following the Navy, he served in various roles in the United States Senate, including Policy Director for a Senator, as well as the Director of Defense and Security Policy for the Senate Majority Leader.

  In 1998, he was appointed to serve on the Department of Defense Long-range Airpower Panel.  From 2002-2006 Sam served on the Defense Science Board, an Advisory Committee to the Department of Defense.  In 2015, he was an unsuccessful candidate for election to the U.S. House of Representatives.

  Email: samadcock@crshq.com

• 

  Salim Alameddin

  Executive Vice President

  

  Salim Alameddin

  Executive Vice President

  Salim Alameddin is an Executive Vice President at Crossroads Strategies, where he represents clients across a range of industries before legislative and executive branch officials. His work focuses primarily on foreign trade, energy and environment, federal lands, and technology policy. He also provides strategic guidance and customized issue monitoring, leveraging a deep network among congressional staff and executive branch officials to advance client priorities.

  In recent years, Salim has helped deliver significant client victories, including the enactment of semiconductor manufacturing incentives, the establishment of a National STEM Teacher Corps, and intellectual property protections in the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. In 2021, he also led a successful legislative and public affairs strategy that resulted in unanimous congressional authorization for a Congressional Medal of Honor monument on federal land in Washington, D.C.

  Prior to joining Crossroads Strategies, Salim worked in both chambers of Congress for then-Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn and Representative Will Hurd, assisting on issues including tax policy, healthcare, and international trade.

  A Texas native, Salim frequently helps clients engage the Texas delegation and the Gulf Coast region. He is active in federal campaigns and has worked extensively at the intersection of state and federal government affairs.

  Salim grew up in Sugar Land, Texas, and earned a B.A. in Political Science and History from the University of Alabama.

  Email: salameddin@crshq.com

• 

  John Breaux Jr.

  Principal

  

  John Breaux Jr.

  Principal

  John Breaux, Jr., joined Crossroads Strategies as a Principal in 2020. He brings with him broad political experience in campaign management, public relations and lobbying at the state and federal level.

  John began his career at Public Strategies, Inc., managing multi-state grassroots campaigns for Southwestern Bell (AT&T) and the Texas Telephone Association. He transitioned to federal lobbying, joining the Cellular Telephone Industry Association (CTIA), to lobby on behalf of the wireless industry and the successful passage of the Telecommunications Act of 1996. Later he joined with former Senator J. Bennett Johnston (D-LA) at Johnston & Associates and continued to represent telecommunication and energy clients on deregulation issues.

  In 2008, John partnered with former Senators John Breaux (D-LA) and Trent Lott (R-MS) to form the Breaux Lott Leadership Group which eventually became part of Squire Patton Boggs. The firm represented a wide variety of clients in the energy, defense, telecommunication and healthcare industries.

  John attended Tulane University and George Mason University and holds a B.A. degree in Political Science and International Studies.

  Email: jbb@crshq.com

• 

  John Breaux Sr.

  Principal and Director

  

  John Breaux Sr.

  Principal and Director

  Senator Breaux led a long and distinguished career in the US Congress. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 1972 at the age of 28 – at the time of his election, he was the youngest member of Congress. He represented the 7th District of Louisiana for 14 years before being elected to the United States Senate in 1986. Senator Breaux was a widely recognized bipartisan leader in the Senate, and in 1993, was appointed by his Democratic colleagues to the post of Chief Deputy Whip, a position he held until his retirement. He also held a number of key Senate committee positions.

  A senior member of the Finance Committee, Senator Breaux served as the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Social Security and Family Policy. He also held positions on two other Finance subcommittees, the Subcommittee on Health Care and the Subcommittee on Taxation and IRS Oversight. Senator Breaux also served on the Senate Commerce, Science and Technology Committee, where he was a leader on telecommunications and transportation issues, along with his work on fisheries and ocean policy.

  Email: sleger@crshq.com

• 

  Scott Brenner

  Principal

  

  Scott Brenner

  Principal

  Scott Brenner is Principal at Crossroads Strategies, LLC. Scott advocates for clients in the transportation industry, providing strategic advice on working with Members of Congress and the Administration.

  Before joining Crossroads, Scott served in senior positions in Congress, the Administration, and the private sector.  Scott served in the House Committee on Ways and Means, where he worked on tax and trade policy, and in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, where he successfully pushed through legislation authorizing the nation’s highway and aviation programs.  Scott received a presidential appointment to serve as a senior executive at the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the Department of Transportation. Scott also was asked to help stand up the Department of Homeland Security after 9/11. 

  In the private sector, Scott has a proven track record in creating and implementing public policy strategies at the state and federal level.  Scott is a regular guest commentator for transportation and aviation safety issues on network news programs.  Scott serves on the Board of the Washington Aero Club, the primary professional association for aviation industry policy makers in the Nation’s Capital.

  Scott is a graduate of the University of Nevada.

  Email: sbrenner@crshq.com

• 

  Wally Burnett

  Principal

  

  Wally Burnett

  Principal

  Wally Burnett assists Crossroads Strategies’ clients with matters ranging from the federal appropriations and budget process to Native American programs, procurement, and transportation policy.  He advocates for and advises companies and organizations in the aerospace, technology, communications, housing, national security, and transportation industries.

  Prior to Crossroads Strategies, Wally consulted for two other firms.  He was a cofounder of Capitol Strategies before its merger with Crossroads and was the COO of Denny Miller Associates for 12 years.  In those roles, Wally coordinated the firms’ lobbying activities and led advocacy efforts for multiple Fortune 100 clients.

  Before consulting, Wally served as Staff Director of the Senate Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee through seven budget cycles, managing the formulation, floor strategy, and conference deliberations for the $50 billion annual transportation funding bill.  Before the Senate Appropriations Committee, Wally served in the Department of the Navy as an Assistant General Counsel for Financial Management and Special Assistant to the Secretary of the Navy; and in the Department of Transportation as DAS for Budget and Programs and Special Assistant to the Secretary for Strategic Planning.

  Wally received a J.D. from the University of Michigan and a B.A. in Economics from Stanford University.

  Email: wburnett@crshq.com

• 

  Lauren Chandler

  Vice President

  

  Lauren Chandler

  Vice President

  Lauren Chandler is a Vice President at Crossroads Strategies, where she provides political and legislative support to help clients achieve their advocacy goals and build strong relationships with key stakeholders. She works on developing strategies for clients and plays a key role in managing the firm’s appropriations efforts across different client sectors.

  Since joining the firm as an Associate in June 2022, Lauren has contributed through her work in legislative outreach, content creation, and client communications. She has been an integral part of supporting a bipartisan group of lobbyists to drive client results, bringing a solid understanding of policy issues and federal processes to her efforts. 

  Lauren earned her Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy from the University of Mississippi in May 2022, where she was involved in the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College and the Trent Lott Leadership Institute.

  Email: lchandler@crshq.com

• 

  Jason Gleason

  Principal

  

  Jason Gleason

  Principal

  Jason Gleason is a Principal at Crossroads Strategies, LLC where he plays a leading role in driving the firm’s energy and environment practice and advancing its engagement with the House Democratic Caucus. With over 20 years of experience in Congress and government affairs, Jason specializes in developing and executing advocacy strategies that secure federal funding, influence legislation, and shape regulatory outcomes for associations, non-profit organizations, and corporate entities.

  Before joining Crossroads in 2018, Jason served in both the House and Senate, including as Chief of Staff to a member of the influential Energy and Commerce Committee. He has since helped clients advance key priorities through landmark legislation such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act.

  Jason is known for his strategic insight, deep policy knowledge, and ability to build lasting relationships with policymakers. His work has helped deliver millions in funding, tax incentives, and other benefits to clients, and he is recognized as a trusted advisor who anticipates challenges and identifies opportunities in an evolving political landscape.

  He holds a B.A. in History from Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, VA.

  Email: jgleason@crshq.com

• 

  John Green

  Chairman

  

  John Green

  Chairman

  John is Chairman and Co-founder of Crossroads Strategies, LLC, a multidisciplinary federal government relations firm based in Washington, DC.  During his 21 years in the advocacy community, John has successfully achieved policy changes in virtually every field of federal advocacy, notably in technology policy and resources issues.  Prior to his work at Crossroads, John co-founded Federalist Group, LLC.  Federalist Group was acquired by Ogilvy Public Relations and grew to be one of the top five government relations firms in Washington. 

  John has been involved in public policy and politics at the federal level for two decades.  He began his career working in the United States Senate, where he handled policy and administrative matters for the Assistant Majority Leader and eventual Majority Leader of the U.S. Senate.  Additionally, he has served as a campaign manager for a successful congressional campaign, national finance chairman for multiple U.S. Senate campaigns, and a senior advisor to a presidential campaign. 

  John holds a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies from the University of Mississippi.

  Email: jgreen@crshq.com

• 

  Stewart Hall

  Founding Principal

  

  Stewart Hall

  Founding Principal

  Stewart Hall is CEO & Managing Partner of Public Policy Holding Company, LLC, which he co-founded in 2014, and Founding Principal of Crossroads Strategies, LLC (CRS).

  Stewart began his career as Legislative Director to Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL) from 1992-1996.  During this time, Stewart acquired a substantial background in defense policy, appropriations, financial services, and Senate procedure.  In 1999, he co-founded Federalist Group, LLC as his first private sector venture.

  Under his guidance as CEO, Federalist Group was ultimately acquired by Ogilvy Public Relations, a WPP company, and in 2005 doubled in size during the four years after the transaction under his continued leadership.

  In 2010, Stewart co-founded CRS, and in 2014, CRS merged to form PPHC – the first full-service organization dedicated to synthesizing all disciplines of the public policy economy in a multi-brand, horizontally integrated company.

  Stewart is a graduate of the University of Alabama and earned an MA and Ph.D. in Government from the University of Virginia.

  Email: shall@crshq.com

• 

  Shay Hancock

  Advisor

  

  Shay Hancock

  Advisor

  Shay Hancock is an Advisor to Crossroads Strategies, LLC.  Shay works with clients in the Energy and Environment, Health Care, Transportation, National Security, Technology, Tribal, and State and Local Government sectors, providing strategic advice on working with Members of Congress and the Administration.

  Shay has more than 25 years of experience working with organizations impacted by the federal government.  During his tenure on Capitol Hill, Shay served as a Legislative Assistant to Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), currently the third ranking member of the Senate Democrat leadership, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and a member of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.  He also served as a Legislative Assistant to Representative Adam Smith (D-WA).

  A native of “the other Washington,” Shay received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science/Economics from the University of Washington in Seattle.

• 

  Brittany Hernandez

  Principal

  

  Brittany Hernandez

  Principal

  Brittany Hernandez joined Crossroads Strategies in 2021. With over 15 yearsof policy experience, she advises clients in sectors across the firm’s entire portfolio, providing strategic counselon their engagement with Congress, the Administration, and external stakeholders.  

  Brittany primarily works with clients in the health care and transportation sectors. As a trusted leader in the health policy space, Brittany has led numerous multi-stakeholder coalitions focused on issues including access to care and coverage, public health programs, federal health research, and more. She advises clients on strategy related to securing government funding opportunities and provides guidance to executives on navigating complex policy issues. 

  She spent over eight years in the office of Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), where she led policy related to Memphis’s complex transportation industry in her role as Rep. Cohen’s lead staffer on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Brittany was also responsible for Rep. Cohen’s health care portfolio, concentrating on policy aimed at improving the health of Memphians and supporting its innovative health care industry.

  Brittany departed Capitol Hill to lead federal affairs on health care access and quality for March of Dimes. She then served as the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s head of policy and advocacy, where she was responsible for launching MDA’s government affairs operation and leading its work with Congress and the Administration. Brittany received a BA in History and Political Science from the University of Memphis.

  Email: bhernandez@crshq.com

• 

  Cheryl Jaeger

  Principal

  

  Cheryl Jaeger

  Principal

  Cheryl Jaeger joined Crossroads in 2023.  With over two decades of experience, Cheryl is well known for her substantive health care policy knowledge, strategic counsel, and ability to creatively address client priorities with real results.  

  She began her 15 year Hill career as a legislative aide to former Congressman Christopher Cox and then transitioned to serve as a professional staff member on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

  After her Committee experience, Cheryl advised the House Republican leadership team on health care policy for nine years, one of the longest serving leadership aides.  She was a senior policy advisor to former House Majority Leader Eric Cantor and former Senator Roy Blunt when he served in House Leadership.

  Since departing public service, Cheryl has successfully advocated for Fortune 500 companies, start-up companies, patient organizations, and trade associations at a previous firm prior to joining CRS.  

  Cheryl has been recognized as a leader in the rare disease space with Rare Voice award in 2014. She serves on the National Advisory Board of the Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center.   Cheryl received her B.A. from the University of Virginia and her Master of Public Policy from Georgetown University.

  Email: cjaeger@crshq.com

• 

  Mathew Lapinski

  CEO

  

  Mathew Lapinski

  CEO

  Mathew Lapinski is CEO of Crossroads Strategies, LLC.  Mat represents a broad spectrum of clients across multiple practice areas. With nearly two decades of advocacy experience, he is an expert in navigating Washington’s federal legislative and regulatory institutions.

  Beginning as a lobbyist for health care and insurance interests, Mat now covers a broad array of policy disciplines, including financial services, energy, health care, trade, education, and technology.

  Called one of Washington’s most persistent lobbyists, Mat has spent his entire career dedicated solely to managing the legislative and regulatory process.  He is adept at developing and implementing advocacy campaigns for corporate, association, and non-profit clients.  He also provides risk management advisory services to clients seeking to better understand the impact of government action on business.  

  He has led client representations related to the largest federal interventions of the last 20 years, including the response to the 2008 financial crisis, the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, and the ongoing response to COVID-19. 

  Prior to joining Crossroads, Mat was a Principal of the public policy practice at Dentons and part of the lobbying team at the American Property Casualty Insurance Association. 

  Mat is a 2002 graduate of Georgetown University.

  Email: mlapinski@crshq.com

• 

  Stephanie Leger

  Executive Vice President

  

  Stephanie Leger

  Executive Vice President

  Stephanie brings 25 years of legislative policy experience in public, private and non-profit sectors to CRS.

  Starting her career with Senator John Breaux, she rose to Legislative Counsel primarily focused on energy issues before moving to the private sector. Returning to public service, Leger served as the Director of Louisiana’s D.C. office for Governor Kathleen Blanco and worked closely with state, local and federal governments in the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. She also served as Deputy Projects Director for Senator Mary Landrieu helping secure funding for numerous projects in Louisiana through the appropriations process. Leger left the Senate to work for Securing America’s Future Energy, a non-profit focused on energy security, as Senior Director.

  Since 2012, Stephanie has focused primarily on energy issues first working for and then representing a large domestic independent oil and gas exploration company.

  A graduate of Louisiana State University, Stephanie holds a J.D. from the Catholic University Columbus School of Law.

  Email: sleger@crshq.com

• 

  Chet Lott

  Principal

  

  Chet Lott

  Principal

  Chet Lott is a Principal at Crossroads Strategies, LLC where he supports the public policy and business development needs of clients across a broad set of issues. With a particular focus on his business background, Chet works to ensure our clients build strategic and impactful relationships with members of Congress and other elected officials.

  Prior to Crossroads, Chet partnered with former Senators John Breaux (D-LA) and Trent Lott (R-MS) to form the Breaux Lott Leadership Group which eventually became part of Squire Patton Boggs. Chet has also advised clients at The Livingston Group and Lott & Hopkins.

  With decades of experience as a multi-unit franchise owner, Chet has led diverse teams and fostered a culture of growth by staying at the forefront of industry trends and government regulation. He has utilized this personal experience to assist organizations on issues as far reaching as aviation, defense, insurance, energy, health care, telecommunications and gaming.

  Chet holds a B.A. degree in Public Administration from the University of Mississippi. Outside of work, he is an FAA certified private helicopter pilot, avid equestrian and a prolific musician, using his music to raise funds for communities in need. Chet has served as a board member of The Headley-Whitney Museum, Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital and the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation as well as a member of the American Coaching Club of New York.

  Email: clott@crshq.com

• 

  Trent Lott

  Principal and Director

  

  Trent Lott

  Principal and Director

  Senator Lott represented the people of Mississippi in Congress for 35 years and is one of a handful of officials to have held elected leadership positions in both the House of Representatives and Senate. During his 16 years in the House and 19 years in the Senate, he worked closely with seven presidential administrations and was regarded as a savvy coalition builder and dealmaker. Senator Lott joined the House in 1973, representing Mississippi’s Fifth Congressional District. From 1981 to 1989, he served as House Minority Whip, the second-ranking Republican in the House. 

  In 1995, Senator Lott was elected Senate Republican Whip, giving him the distinction of being the only person to hold that position in both the House and Senate.  He served as both Senate Majority and Minority Leader from 1996 to 2003.

  Email: jroberts@crshq.com

• 

  Reggie A. McCrimmon

  Senior Vice President

  

  Reggie A. McCrimmon

  Senior Vice President

  Reggie A. McCrimmon is a Senior Vice President at Crossroads Strategies, LLC, where he advocates for clients in tech, commerce, health care, financial services, and workforce policy before Congress and the administration. Previously, Reggie worked at Google, managing a global public policy portfolio focused on content and consumer safety. Before Google, he was with Twitter’s US federal public policy and philanthropy team, he played a pivotal role in managing legislative policy agenda, managing crisis response, and engaging third-party stakeholders and organizations.  Reggie has also held consulting positions, assisting a wide range of corporate clients in navigating the political landscape. 

  In Congress, Reggie served as the Director of Member Services and External Affairs for the Congressional Black Caucus under Chairs G.K. Butterfield and Cedric Richmond. He also served as President of the Congressional Black Associates. 

  Reggie holds a B.A. in Political Science from North Carolina Central University and resides in the DC area. 

• 

  Ben McMakin

  Executive Vice President

  

  Ben McMakin

  Executive Vice President

  Ben McMakin is an Executive Vice President at Crossroads Strategies, LLC.  Ben provides strategic guidance to clients in the Energy and Environment, Transportation, Trade, National Security, Technology, and State and Local Government sectors, helping design and implement comprehensive engagement plans with Congress and the Administration.

  Ben spent almost 20 years on Capitol Hill and has represented public and private sector clients, as well as non-governmental organizations for more than 15 years.  On Capitol Hill, Ben served as the Legislative Director to Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), the third ranking member of the Senate Democrat leadership, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Chair of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.  He also worked for Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), the Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, and several other members of Congress.

  Prior to joining Crossroads Strategies, Ben was a Principal at a Washington, D.C. law firm.  Ben previously led the Government Relations practice group for the firm and helped start and lead a firm-affiliated consulting group.

  Ben graduated from the University of Oregon with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science.

  Email: bmcmakin@crshq.com

• 

  Chris Miller

  Principal

  

  Chris Miller

  Principal

  Chris Miller is a Principal at Crossroads Strategies, LLC, where he uses his expertise to advocate for clients across critical issue areas, including Trade, Foreign Relations, Energy & Environment, Transportation, Homeland Security, and Tribal Governments. His work on trade policy during the first Trump administration was crucial in guiding clients through complex legislation to secure favorable outcomes, and in the second administration he is focused on key tariff and trade issues.

  Chris began his career on Capitol Hill, working in both the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives. He was Chief of Staff to Representative Dave Reichert (R-WA), then a senior member of the Ways and Means Committee. Prior to that Chris held positions with Senior Republican members of the Senate Commerce, Finance, and Foreign Relations committees as well as Republican members on the House Transportation and Infrastructure and Homeland Security committees.

  Chris is known for his hands-on approach, integrating into clients’ teams to fully understand their needs, providing tailored advocacy.

  He holds an MBA from Washington State University and a BS in Business Marketing from Oregon State University.

  Email: cmiller@crshq.com

• 

  Hunter Moorhead

  Principal

  

  Hunter Moorhead

  Principal

  Hunter Moorhead is a Principal at Crossroads Strategies. Prior to joining the firm in 2010, Hunter served in the Mississippi Congressional delegation offices of Congressman Mike Parker and U.S. Senator Thad Cochran. In addition, Hunter spent nearly six years as staff for the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations.  

  Hunter also served on staff for the White House National Economic Council (NEC). As Special Assistant to former President George W. Bush, Hunter provided policy oversight and direction for agricultural and energy policy. He helped develop the Administration’s 2008 Farm Policy proposals and “Twenty in Ten” energy policy.

  Today, Hunter provides direct client lobbying and political strategy for CRS clients. Due to years of exceptional client service, Hunter retains clients across the agricultural, financial services, health, and telecommunications policy arenas, helping them achieve real successes. 

  In addition to advocacy activities, Hunter is actively engaged in federal and state elections. The ability to build and maintain political relationships is key to executing successful advocacy operations.

  A native Mississippian, Hunter earned his B.S. degree in Agricultural Economics from Mississippi State University.

  Email: hmoorhead@crshq.com

• 

  Marc Numedahl

  Principal

  

  Marc Numedahl

  Principal

  Marc Numedahl is Principal at Crossroads Strategies, LLC.  Marc advocates for clients in the National Security industry, providing strategic advice on federal procurement, defense, veterans, homeland security, and intelligence community policy and programs.

  Prior to joining Crossroads, Marc served as Legislative Director to Congressman Dave Loebsack (D-IA), who served on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the House Armed Services Committee.  Marc also served as the Military Legislative Assistant to Congressman Rick Larsen (D-WA).  Marc was the primary staff lead for the Congressman Larsen’s efforts on the House Armed Services Committee’s Panel on Challenges to Doing Business with the Department of Defense. 

  Before working on the Hill, Marc served as Special Assistant to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manufacturing and Industrial Base Policy.  He advised on all matters relating to the defense industrial base, including industrial capabilities and assessments, defense industry mergers, acquisitions and consolidation, and preservation of essential industries and technologies.

  Marc holds a master’s degree in National Security Studies from George Mason University.  He received his B.A. in Political Science and Religious Studies from Wartburg College.  He also attended the Defense Acquisition University, focusing on government contracting, federal budgeting and acquisition policy.

  Email: mnumedahl@crshq.com

• 

  Lila Osman

  Associate

  

  Lila Osman

  Associate

  Lila Osman joined Crossroads Strategies as an Associate in July 2023. Lila attended the University of Mississippi where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy in May of 2023. While attending the University, Lila was a member of the Lott Leadership Institute and the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College. During her senior year, Lila served the university in the capacity of Student Body President.

  Email: losman@crshq.com

• 

  Lucy Panza

  Executive Vice President

  

  Lucy Panza

  Executive Vice President

  Lucy Panza is an Executive Vice President at Crossroads Strategies, LLC. Lucy primarily advocates for clients in the judiciary, tech, appropriations, and immigration policy areas, providing strategic counsel to clients as well as direct advocacy before Congress.

  Before joining Crossroads, Lucy spent three years at Amazon on the political affairs team. There, Lucy focused on outreach to Senate Democrats and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus on a wide range of issues, including competition and antitrust, workplace health and safety, tax, immigration, telecommunications, postal and delivery logistics, sustainability and environmental corporate responsibility, diversity in media and film, customer privacy issues, and more. Lucy was also proud to help lead Amazon’s Political Action Committee and political giving strategy. 

  Lucy began her career in the United States Senate, first with Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and then with Democratic Leader Charles E. Schumer. She first joined Leader Schumer’s team as Counsel when he was serving on the Senate Judiciary Committee, where she focused on immigration, domestic violence, and terrorism victim issues, and then in the leadership office, where she led on these issues on behalf of the Leader and the entire caucus. During her time in the Leader’s office, Lucy was proud to play a critical role in passing dozens of pieces of legislation, ranging from government funding bills to new immigrant green card provisions, to the Violence Against Women Act reauthorization, to a bevy of new laws compensating victims of terror. Lucy also helped to shepherd the caucus through two government shutdowns.

  Lucy holds a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center and a B.A. from New York University. She is a proud immigrant from Argentina and resides in Maryland with her family.

  Email: lpanza@crshq.com

• 

  Ivelisse Porroa-Garcia

  Senior Vice President

  

  Ivelisse Porroa-Garcia

  Senior Vice President

  Ivelisse Porroa-García joined Crossroads in 2023. During her Capitol Hill career, she worked for Senator Barbara Boxer (CA) and Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25), who ultimately appointed Ivelisse as Policy Director of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.

  During her six-year tenure under Congressman Ruiz, Ivelisse helped secure passage of dozens of pieces of legislation and advised him on appropriations, homeland security, judiciary, and the NDAA. She was also the lead staffer for two of his subcommittee assignments on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and managed his bipartisan Congressional Burn Pits Caucus. As Policy Director of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, she worked with the Black Caucus and the Asian Pacific American Caucus to shape numerous policy priorities. Ivelisse also served as the President of the Congressional Hispanic Staff Association.

  Before joining Crossroads, Ivelisse consulted for a lobbying firm, where she represented Fortune 500 multinational corporations. She is currently the Vice-President of the Hispanic Lobbyists Association and is an Advisory Board Member of the veteran non-profit Burn Pits 360. 

  A native Spanish-speaker, Ivelisse was born and raised in Lima, Peru, where she studied Law at Universidad de Lima. Ivelisse holds a BA in Political Science from the University of California, Los Angeles.

  Email: iporroagarcia@crshq.com

• 

  Jennifer Roberts

  Executive Assistant to Senator Trent Lott

  

  Jennifer Roberts

  Executive Assistant to Senator Trent Lott

  Jennifer Roberts is the Executive Assistant to former Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott and has been working with him since 2015.

  Prior to working with Senator Lott she worked for the late Thomas Hale Boggs, Jr. from 1998 to 2014.

  Email: jroberts@crshq.com

• 

  Jackson Stuteville

  Senior Vice President

  

  Jackson Stuteville

  Senior Vice President

  Jackson Stuteville joined Crossroads Strategies, LLC as a Senior Vice President in 2025. 

  Before joining Crossroads, Jackson served as the Congressional Liaison for the Office
  of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Mission Capabilities, where he provided unique insight and strategic counsel to senior leaders engaging with Congress, managed briefing requests from the congressional defense committees, and worked to advance a number of vital legislative priorities pertaining to defense innovation.

  Jackson also previously represented the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma as the Tribe’s sole Federal Government Affairs representative in Washington, DC. There, he established new and enduring relationships between the Tribe and key federal officials, worked to advance the Tribe’s expansive policy agenda, and helped advocate for millions of dollars in urgent appropriations following the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in McGirt v. Oklahoma (2020).

  Jackson also has experience working in the office of former Representative Kendra Horn (D-OK) and within the Foreign Affairs, Defense and Trade Division of the Congressional Research Service.

  Jackson holds a B.A. in Political Science and an M.A. in International and Area Studies, both from the University of Oklahoma. He is a citizen of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. Jackson and his wife, Audra, reside in Washington, DC.

• 

  Jason Van Pelt

  Executive Vice President

  

  Jason Van Pelt

  Executive Vice President

  Jason Van Pelt is an Executive Vice President at Crossroads Strategies, LLC.  Jason primarily advocates for clients in the health care industry, providing strategic advice on working with Members of Congress and the Administration.

  Jason began his career in Washington serving in various capacities on the staff of former Congressman Ed Whitfield of Kentucky from 1996 to 2003.  Working at Merck (2003-2014) and Novartis (2014-2017), Jason spent over 13 years as an in-house federal advocate.  He was responsible for identifying critical legislative opportunities and threats to the company, analyzing their potential impact, ensuring the timely development of appropriate policy positions, and developing and implementing strategies to advocate for and achieve the desired results.  He focused primarily on health care, tax, and congressional oversight.

  Jason graduated with a B.A. in Foreign Affairs from the University of Virginia and a J.D. from the College of William & Mary School of Law.  He serves on the board of the Congressional Award Foundation, Congress’ official charity.

  Email: jvanpelt@crshq.com

• 

  Kaya Van Pelt

  Office Greeter

  

  Kaya Van Pelt

  Office Greeter

  Kaya joined Crossroads Strategies in September 2018 as a rescue from the Asan, South Korea animal shelter.  A near constant presence in the office, she undertakes multiple roles—Office Greeter, Head of Security, Chief Morale Officer —although none is pursued with more enthusiasm than Director of the Human Food Waste Reduction Program.

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  Stephen Voljavec

  Senior Vice President

  

  Stephen Voljavec

  Senior Vice President

  Stephen Voljavec joined Crossroads Strategies as a Senior Vice President in 2025.

  Previously, he served as Legislative Director for the Vice Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, Vern Buchanan (R-FL). Stephen acted as the chief advisor to the Chairman of the Health Subcommittee on Ways and Means, driving legislative strategy on health policy, veterans’ affairs, and appropriations. He worked to establish the bipartisan Congressional Preventive Health and Wellness Caucus to advance policies on prevention, early detection & treatment, Food as Medicine, and military readiness.

  Before that, Stephen was a Legislative Assistant for Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), playing a pivotal role on matters related to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation. He also spearheaded initiatives on national laboratories, cryptocurrency, quantum technology policy, NCAA reform, drone policy and the CHIPS and Science Act.

  A Georgia native, Stephen earned a B.A. in Political Science with a Minor in History from the University of Mississippi. He and his fiancée, Mary Katherine, reside in Washington, D.C.

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  Todd M. Weiss

  Principal

  

  Todd M. Weiss

  Principal

  Todd has spent the better part of his career in the public policy arena as an advocate for multiple corporations and trade associations within the financial services public policy arena.  

  Todd is well known in Washington advocacy circles as a determined and dedicated representative of his clients’ interests, and a skilled legislative tactician. 

  With a wide set of bipartisan relationships in the House and Senate and unique insights into the inner workings of policy creation, Todd represents the outcome-based advocacy that defines the Crossroads team.

  Beginning his career in the United States Senate as an aide to former Senators Rick Santorum and Tim Hutchinson, Todd is widely recognized as one of the most effective policy advocates in the Washington community.  Prior to joining Crossroads, Todd served in the public law practices of SNR Denton and Arent Fox. 

  Todd is a 1994 graduate of Hobart and William Smith College.

  Email: tweiss@crshq.com