About Crossroads Strategies

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

Meet the Team

Crossroads Strategies, LLC (CRS) is a bipartisan, multi-disciplinary federal relations, advocacy, and advisory firm based in Washington DC.  Founded in 2010 by longtime advocacy industry veterans, CRS offers a comprehensive suite of services ranging from congressional affairs to agency and regulatory lobbying.  Leveraging the skills and knowledge of over 25 practitioners with broad and diverse professional backgrounds, CRS offers direct advocacy services, strategic intelligence, political risk management, and government procurement consulting services.  At CRS, we are committed to anticipating and managing policy challenges in partnership with our clients so that potential challenges never evolve into real-world problems.

Actions of the federal government have ramifications across the entire country, affecting organizations of all types and sizes from Fortune 100 companies to local governments to small non-profits. As a result, engaging and managing the federal policy apparatus is critical to sustained business and institutional success. Businesses, professional and trade associations, and public and private institutions of all sizes are increasingly realizing the necessity of making themselves known to policymakers to better engage on matters of importance and manage their reputation within the federal space. That’s why over 100 clients ranging from some of the world’s largest corporations and associations to smaller public institutions trust the CRS team.

The CRS client service culture maintains a collaborative environment and eschews the siloed work structure typical of many federal affairs firms. All of our partners and associates engage on matters that are relevant to our entire client list. The full CRS team works together to ensure that every client need is met, whether that means creating access to particular policy makers or acquiring policy/political intelligence important to their unique interests. CRS is also committed to an integrated offering that brings public relations and influence assets to bear on complex client matters in addition to traditional lobbying. Given the evolving nature of managing policy outcomes in Washington, CRS has stayed at the forefront of integrated influence campaigns by designing, managing, and implementing these multi-layer efforts on behalf of clients.

On a broad spectrum that ranges from technology issues to financial services, the CRS team has the expertise, experience, and skills to define and provide any level and type of federal engagement program for your business or institution.

We invite you to learn more about our team members and the depth of experience and service you can rely on as a valued CRS client.

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

Senior Vice President

Salim Alameddin

Senior Vice President

Salim Alameddin is a Senior Vice President at Crossroads Strategies. Salim represents clients across numerous industries before legislative and executive branch officials and staff, focusing on foreign trade, energy and environment, federal lands, and tribal matters.

In addition, Salim provides strategic guidance and tailor-made issue monitoring resources to clients in a wide array of legislative and regulatory fields, applying a deep network among congressional staff to hone in on clients’ specific concerns and priorities.

Prior to joining Crossroads Strategies, Salim worked in both Chambers of Congress for then-Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn and Representative Will Hurd, where he assisted on issues including but not limited to tax policy, health care, and international trade.

A Texas native, Salim also assists clients in engaging his home state delegation and the broader Gulf Coast. He is active in campaigns for federal office in the region and has worked extensively at the intersection of clients’ state and federal government affairs.

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

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

Executive Vice President

Scott Brenner

Executive Vice President

Scott Brenner is an Executive Vice President 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

Senior Associate

Lauren Chandler

Senior Associate

Lauren Chandler joined Crossroads Strategies as an Associate in June 2022. Lauren attended the University of Mississippi where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy in May of 2022. While attending the University, Lauren was a member of the Lott Leadership Institute and the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College.

Email: lchandler@crshq.com
Jason Gleason

Executive Vice President

Jason Gleason

Executive Vice President

Jason Gleason is an Executive Vice President at Crossroads Strategies with expertise in many areas such as energy, environment, and the tech sector. He thrives in solving complex problems that require difficult political and policy decisions. Jason has helped clients develop and implement advocacy strategies to secure federal funding from numerous agencies, advance legislation on challenging issues, and build longstanding relationships with key decision-makers. He helps lead Crossroads’ engagement with the House Democratic Caucus.

Jason joined Crossroads Strategies in 2018 after nearly two decades of service in the House and Senate. As Chief of Staff for Congressman John Sarbanes (D-MD), Jason helped secure the Congressman’s assignment on the prestigious Energy and Commerce Committee. He advised the Congressman throughout the committee’s consideration of the Affordable Care Act, as well as comprehensive climate change and energy legislation. Jason also served on the staff of former Senator Paul Sarbanes (D-MD). During that time, Sarbanes chaired the Senate Banking Committee and authored the landmark Sarbanes-Oxley law. Jason led the Maryland Congressional Delegation’s successful 2005 BRAC campaign, bringing tens of thousands of high-tech and intelligence jobs to the state.

Jason graduated from Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, VA with a B.A. in History.

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

Executive Vice President

Brittany Hernandez

Executive Vice President

Brittany J. Hernandez is an Executive Vice President at Crossroads Strategies, LLC. She primarily works with clients in the health care, transportation, and state and local government sectors.

Brittany joined Crossroads Strategies in March 2021. She began her career in the office of Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), where she led policy related to Memphis’s thriving transportation industry in her role as Rep. Cohen’s lead staffer for his assignment 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 complex health care sector.

After more than eight years with Rep. Cohen, Brittany departed Capitol Hill to lead federal affairs on health care access and quality for March of Dimes. She most recently 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. As a trusted leader in the health care policy space, Brittany has led numerous multi-stakeholder coalitions focused on issues including access to care and coverage, newborn screening, federal health research funding, and more.

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
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

Executive Vice President

Chris Miller

Executive Vice President

Chris Miller is an Executive Vice President at Crossroads Strategies, LLC. Chris advocates for clients in a range of industries, including Energy and Environment, Trade and Foreign Relations, Transportation and Homeland Security, and Tribal Governments.

Prior to joining Crossroads Strategies, Chris served as an Executive Vice President at Capitol Strategies and Vice President at Denny Miller Associates, where he represented multiple clients ranging from Fortune 100 companies, Federally Recognized Tribes, State and Local Governments, and non-profits.

Chris began his career working in both the U.S. Senate and in the House of Representatives. Most recently, Chris served as Chief of Staff to former Representative Dave Reichert, a senior member of the Ways and Means Committee. He started with Representative Reichert as Legislative Director, where he was an adviser for energy and trade policy and was the principal staff for the Homeland Security and Transportation and Infrastructure Committees. Chris’ first positions on Capitol Hill included serving Senator Gordon Smith (R-OR), Senator Tim Hutchinson (R-AR), Representative Jennifer Dunn (R-WA), and Representative Gary Miller (R-CA).

Chris received a Master of Business Administration from the Carson College of Business at Washington State University and a Bachelor of Science 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

Executive Vice President

Marc Numedahl

Executive Vice President

Marc Numedahl is an Executive Vice President 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
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.
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
Kern Williams

Vice President

Kern Williams

Vice President

Kern Williams joined CRS as a Vice President in May 2022. He works primarily with clients in the defense, energy, infrastructure, and aerospace sectors. Kern joined CRS from McGuireWoods where he supported its Federal Consulting team as a Research Associate.

Kern served in several roles in the office Sen. Doug Jones (D-AL) including policy work on the Senate Armed Services Committee. Kern additionally aided the Senator’s advocacy on behalf of Alabama’s veteran and military family populations.

Kern is a native of Homewood, Alabama, and began his career around politics as a U.S. Senate page for Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL). He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Email: kwilliams@crshq.com

About Crossroads Strategies

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

Meet The Team

Joanna Acocella

Sam Adcock

Salim Alameddin

John Breaux Jr.

John Breaux Sr.

Scott Brenner

Wally Burnett

Lauren Chandler

Jason Gleason

John Green

Stewart Hall

Shay Hancock

Brittany Hernandez

Cheryl Jaeger

Mathew Lapinski

Stephanie Leger

Chet Lott

Trent Lott

Ben McMakin

Chris Miller

Hunter Moorhead

Marc Numedahl

Lila Osman

Lucy Panza

Ivelisse Porroa-Garcia

Jennifer Roberts

Jason Van Pelt

Kaya Van Pelt

Todd M. Weiss

Kern Williams