46 Comments » - Watching - Monday, Dec 15, 25 @ 11:11 am: If you have a big issue as well as many smaller issues, the go to lobbyist has become Marc Poulos. He is omnipresent in the Capitol and an energy level that is unmatched. He and Dave Sullivan are the best team in the building. Their accomplishments are unmatched. Marc is the clear choice. For in house, I will go to the biz community and nominate Mark Denzler. He represents the IMA so very well. - For the little guys - Monday, Dec 15, 25 @ 11:12 am: Best Contract Lobbyist: Dave Lowitzki Dave is always hustling for his portfolio of social service organizations. He always has his finger on the pulse of the Capitol and seems to be everywhere at once. Best In-House Lobbyist: Niyah Kelly Niyah might be the hardest working lobbyist in Springfield. She is often the first lobbyist at the railing and the last to leave, building lasting relationships with legislators from both sides of the aisle. She is a natural builder, always looking for ways to build connections between organizations. She also is generous with her knowledge and experience, helping newer legislators (like myself) get calibrated with the ways things work in the Capitol. - Uncle Merkin - Monday, Dec 15, 25 @ 11:24 am: No contract lobbyist had a more impactful year than Marc Poulos. From finding a solution to transit that also created a multi-billion-dollar capital plan at the Tollway, to energy, to pushing Medical Aid in Dying across the finish line, he was a force this year. Couple that with the fact that he is as good a guy to the people across the table from him as the ones on the same side, and there is nobody better down there. Poulos and Sullivan are doing things the right way. For in-house, Michael Henry at ComEd is knowledgeable, reliable, and a good guy to work with. He did well for ComEd this year. - Broken Heart - Monday, Dec 15, 25 @ 11:36 am: With all due respect to Marc Poulos, we just lost an amazing contract lobbyist in Gerry Reyes. He worked tirelessly for his clients for over 30 years. Represented an array of clients from representing the City of Chicago, to the Cook County States Attorney, to PHRMA, to Ameren and dozens in between. He was always available to mentor other lobbyists and staffers and he was a great friend to many. Gerry tragically lost his life in an accident yesterday and leaves behind his three children Christian, Chloe, and Eva Luna and his wife Susana. I’d like to see some support here for Gerry from all his friends. - Prayers - Monday, Dec 15, 25 @ 11:41 am: Prayers for Jerry and his family. So tragic. He was a great guy. - Southside Markie - Monday, Dec 15, 25 @ 11:43 am: Contract Lobbyist: Bill Filan. Doesn’t always get his due because he’s a work horse, not a show horse. He’s the consummate professional and the consummate gentleman. He delivers by having the unique ability to be both tenacious and courtly at the same time. In-House Lobbyist: Dave Feller from the Cook County Sheriff. Another work horse. He does a great job making sure that a lot of not-so-flashy legislation reflects the Sheriff Office’s day-to-day operational needs. His effectiveness comes from his being an all around good, reasonable person. - Former suburbanite - Monday, Dec 15, 25 @ 11:51 am: Best contract lobbyist: John Amdor. He’s incredibly committed to the causes he lobbies for, with the public good at heart. He builds strong relationships and is a fixture in Springfield, always bringing a positive spirit to the Capitol. Best in-house lobbyist: Nick Boyle. Nick is an incredibly hard worker and built relationships on both sides of the aisle to successfully negotiate and lobby Dignity in Pay, a bill that proved controversial and complicated at times. Nick is super passionate about disability justice and has staked out difficult positions with poise and integrity. We need more advocates like Nick whose heart are truly in it. - Mike Wazowski - Monday, Dec 15, 25 @ 11:56 am: In-House: Keenan Irish with the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association. He’s really made them a true player in the business community at the capital, as well as just being a upstanding guy. Contract: Aaron Holmes. His first year in this position showed that he is very effective in any role he’s in! - Suburbs - Monday, Dec 15, 25 @ 11:58 am: Dave Feller is a great choice. He works hard and co hosts a great party. Marc Poulos is the choice this year. Every big issue had his key involvement. Transit would not have gotten done without Poulos and the Governor sitting down directly and negotiating it. He was the key to it. Energy needed his help. And his efforts to keep Hollywood rolling in Illinois was outstanding. And I’m sure he was instrumental on others. And his partner Sully is an all time best! - People’s Republic of Oak Park - Monday, Dec 15, 25 @ 12:00 pm: Contract- Poulos. Transit was no easy lift and the way he managed every interest group was a master class. Add the end of life, tollway capital funding, and generally fighting for labor he is a GOAT. I would go as far as to say the Golden Horse Shoe shouldn’t just go to him but be named after him in perpetuity. In-House- Adrienne Alexander. A staple in the statehouse but her work right now on the Chicago Budget is huge. She does the job of 4 people and does it better than anyone. - AnonyMau5 - Monday, Dec 15, 25 @ 12:33 pm: Best Contract Lobbyist: Shannon Miller Bellini. She has the know-how, experience, and connections that matter as a contract lobster. She is a friend to many in both chambers and both sides of the aisle. Shannon does an outstanding job representing the interests of her clients across a wide variety of issue areas. She is a hard-charging and relentless advocate for her clients as well as a trusted ally for legislators and lobbyists alike. And a wonderful dance mom and coach on top of it all! Best In-House Lobbyist: It has to go to your friend and mine, Scott Humbard. For decades now, Scott has been a leading voice on energy policy in Illinois and across the nation. From his time on staff working on dereg to his many years at Exelon and Constellation Energy, Scott has truly been the “Chairman of the Board.” IYKYK. Congratulations to Scott Humbard for his decades of service to Illinois and here’s to good friends, good bourbon, and good fishing. - Damien Kojan - Monday, Dec 15, 25 @ 12:48 pm: Bassem Kawar- In house lobbyist. Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights. Given the moment we faced, Bassem and ICIRR members passed a slate of impressive victories in response to the attack our state faced. - The Fifth Deputy Governor - Monday, Dec 15, 25 @ 12:51 pm: Contract lobbyist - Marc Poulos. I’m sure it gets old seeing the same name, but the transit bill simply does not happen without his constant involvement; add in his work on the energy omnibus, medical aid in dying, as well as a few others, and it becomes nearly impossible to think of someone who had a more impactful year in Springfield. In-house lobbyist - second to Adrienne Alexander. She does great work in both Springfield and Chicago. - Socially DIstant Watcher - Monday, Dec 15, 25 @ 1:05 pm: Point of clarification: do in-house lobbyists include liaisons? I thought that was a different category. - Rich Miller - Monday, Dec 15, 25 @ 1:06 pm: ===do in-house lobbyists include liaisons=== No - Stephanie Kollmann - Monday, Dec 15, 25 @ 1:23 pm: Contract - ELAINE NEKRITZ. I have to assume that anyone who has ever worked with her as either a legislator or as a lobbyist has deeply appreciated her intelligence, wisdom, fairness, courage, work ethic, and honesty. She asked tough questions and took tough votes at a time when independence was a liability. As a lobbyist who does not grandstand, her more recent work has been less public but has continued to be effective and principled. As she has grown Nekritz Amdor Andersson, it has retained the hallmarks of her thoughtful and committed approach to public policy. In-House - SHARLYN GRACE. For decades, elected officials have needed far more info than they have been able to receive from trial-level defense attorneys - public defenders in particular - in order to understand how law and policy are impacting adults and children accused of a wide variety of offenses. In addition to providing/coordinating/supervising more of this representation than ever before, Sharlyn led the charge on behalf of both the Illinois Public Defender Association and Law Office of the Cook County Public Defender to ensure that people who cannot afford an attorney will have representation at the state level *in perpetuity,* via IL’s first-ever State Public Defender. Because my office conducted research into defense practices, I could go on too long about IL’s crisis of adequate representation. In short: the fact that IL’s system has been statutorily calcified since the 1940s - before the Supreme Court recognized the right to public defense and before the Civil Rights movement - demonstrates the depth and breadth of change that is needed. Devising a path toward addressing that challenge while aligning the interest and will of a wide range of stakeholders across multiple branches and levels of government and various coalition members while centering the needs of clients was a massive and incredibly difficult task. Throughout years of countless internal and external meetings on the topic in general and about the FAIR Act in particular, I never saw Sharlyn dismiss someone’s concerns or fail to push a difficult but important issue as far as it could go. I can’t imagine anyone else in the state who could have been as able to convince stakeholders to take a chance on the first significant defense system change any lawyer or judge will have experienced throughout their entire careers. In getting the FAIR Act across the finish line this year, Sharlyn has made concrete, positive, permanent change on the entire field of public defense in our state and, most importantly, for millions of future Illinoisans entitled to have their Constitutional rights protected. - NCL - Monday, Dec 15, 25 @ 1:25 pm: Contract- Poulos. He’s simply the best at what he does. Smart, articulate, trustworthy and knows so much about so many things. He literally makes magic happen in Illinois. - Stephanie Kollmann - Monday, Dec 15, 25 @ 1:28 pm: Allllll of those words and I managed to leave out the reason I nominated Elaine Nekritz this year: moving KEY transit and energy bills (countless exclamation points here) - seen on scene - Monday, Dec 15, 25 @ 1:33 pm: Contract lobbyist: Matt O’Shea. Calm demeanor. Steeped in knowledge of multiple issues. Very patient and understanding of what it takes to bring the sides together. So good that he’s accepted to both the Irish and Italian caucuses. In house: Feller. He knows everybody and is liked and respected. Works his tail off, and keeps us up to speed not only on the issues important to the Sheriffs office, but also which dive bars in the city serve a mean Manhattan. - SweetLou86 - Monday, Dec 15, 25 @ 1:37 pm: Contract: John Amdor. Just an absolute joy to work with. Knowledgeable, fierce advocate for his clients and seems to have his finger in just about every big bill that moves in Springfield. In-House: Martin Klein at MALDEF. Just had a stellar year writing and moving several pieces of legislation protecting immigrant’s civil rights. All while representing an organization that sued the current speaker and senate president just a few short years ago! - Change Agent - Monday, Dec 15, 25 @ 1:56 pm: Contract: Elaine Nekritz - When I’m fumbling around in a discussion, it’s always such a relief when she shows up and I can think “Oh good, the grown ups are here now.” Over the years, she has made countless contributions to make our criminal legal system just a bit less harmful. And this year those contributions are dwarfed by her work on transit and energy. In-House: Sharlyn Grace from the Cook County Public Defender’s Office was able to get bipartisan support for the FAIR Act. Bipartisan support for any bill in 2025 is a feat. Bipartisan support for a bill that’s a follow-up to the Pretrial Fairness Act is a miracle. - Outside observer - Monday, Dec 15, 25 @ 2:10 pm: Contract: Courtney Nottage. Genuine, kind, tireless and under the radar. - Clare Van Wetering - Monday, Dec 15, 25 @ 2:39 pm: In-house is Mark Denzler. He’s a workhorse, knows his way around better than almost anyone, and manages to keep getting more effective every year. Contract is Marc Poulos, because his fingerprints are all over some bills that took some major coalition-building to get through, plus he was the hand that guided compassionate death legislation when people have been trying to get that done for decades. I’ve been impressed by how quickly he can become an expert on totally new topics and industries. And he always has cool shoes, lol - Red Line Rambler - Monday, Dec 15, 25 @ 2:41 pm: Contract Lobbyist: Mike Houlihan - There is no one that knows their stuff better than Houli! A true professional who you can always rely on. Houli is a true insider who always has his finger on the pulse. One would say Mike is a major “policy wonk” as he always gets tied up reading legislation. In House: Dave Feller - Mr. Dave Feller is everywhere! He knows the game better than anyone. A true Springfield lobbyist. - Anonpls - Monday, Dec 15, 25 @ 2:42 pm: In-house: Dave Feller. Always around and accessible. His reputation precedes him. Contract: Connor McDermott. Great guy. Good family. - Dog with a Bone - Monday, Dec 15, 25 @ 2:45 pm: Best Contract Lobbyist is Matt O’Shea. He is far-and-above the best at working both sides of the aisle and never gives up on an issue. He was a former Village Manager, Chief of Staff even served briefly in the Senate and brings each of the acquired skill sets to every issue. Best In-House is Patrick Hostert at HFS. He deals with an incredible volume of legislative requests and is knowledgeable about Medicaid, which is one of the most complex issues within state government. - In the weeds - Monday, Dec 15, 25 @ 2:57 pm: Seconding all the noms for Elaine Nekritz for best contract lobbyist! Elaine is really tireless and her expertise in her issue areas cannot be beat. Another terrific quality Elaine possesses is that she treats everyone with respect–from those of us newer under the dome to the longest serving electeds. A class act and a highly effective advocate. For best in-house lobbyist, I second the nomination of Martín Klein at MALDEF! He’s a lawyer’s lawyer in a lot of ways (like, the crucial constitutional analysis ways), and it can be hard to find balance in legislative negotiations if you’re in that world. But Martín gets it done and was central to the passage of both the safe schools bill and most parts of the immigration omnibus passed during veto. Tough bills and great work! - Policy wonk - Monday, Dec 15, 25 @ 2:58 pm: Contract lobbyist: Marc Poulos. This shouldn’t even be close. Marc delivered in every corner of the building this year. He was instrumental in pushing the transit funding fix across the finish line, he brought labor together behind the energy bill when it mattered most, he kept the Medicaid Aid in Dying negotiations constructive, and he protected the Film Tax Credit so the studios stayed busy and those jobs stayed in Illinois. He has one of the sharpest policy brains in Springfield and is the rare lobbyist who can move complicated technical issues while keeping both sides at the table. Nobody had a bigger or more diverse impact this year. In-house lobbyist: Mark Denzler (IMA). Denzler was in everything this year and remains one of the most effective in-house operators in Springfield. Consistent, credible, and always at the table. - PodiumDrawer - Monday, Dec 15, 25 @ 2:58 pm: Contractual: Matt O’Shea – Matt is involved, in one way or another, in nearly every major issue at the Capitol. He has exceptional institutional knowledge, having held almost every role in the building. Honest, kind, and tireless in his work, Matt always takes the time to recognize others for their contributions and is willing to lend a hand to anyone. His combination of Irish charm and talent allows him to persuade someone effortlessly, often before they even realize it’s happening. In-House: Ojars Berzins – He may be new to lobbying, but Ojars has spent considerable time around the Capitol and brings both experience and expertise to his role with the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition. He is one of the nicest guys under the dome, highly knowledgeable in energy policy, and played a key role in securing a significant win for ICJC this year in the energy package. - The Opinions Bureau - Monday, Dec 15, 25 @ 3:02 pm: Contract lobbyist- There can be no choice other than Elaine Nekritz. Her leadership of advocates in passing a transformative transit reform and funding bill is the capstone on her career as a district office staffer, legislator, and lobbyist. Her diligence and patience are legendary. She’s taken the time to show the ropes to countless new members, lobsters, and staff over the years. As she heads off into a well-deserved retirement, there will be a massive hole in the fabric of Springfield. In-House: Sharlyn Grace with the Cook County Public Defender’s office is a fearless advocate for justice. Her dedication to her principles is well-salted with an ever-sharpening political pragmatism. Passing the FAIR Act this year is the most visible example. She knows the right things to give on in negotiations and every bill she’s involved in is better off for it. - Tom - Monday, Dec 15, 25 @ 3:10 pm: I, too, think Gerry Reyes should get the award this year. Gerry was a speculator mentor to many minority lobbyists and always brought his A game to help his clients. He wasn’t flashy and didn’t work on flashy bills per se, but was always winning. He knew the fundamentals of winning. Feller is an excellent choice. That man is unconventional but can make a friend quicker than JBT on cheesecake day. - 4 percent - Monday, Dec 15, 25 @ 3:38 pm: Marc Poulos is lights out with his fingerprints on nearly every major issue including the transit bill. He’s engaging, charming, nice to all and has the best sport coat collection in the Capitol. I’d note Scott Humbard who recently retired after thirty years. He worked on electric deregulation as a staffer and parlayed it into an incredible career where he ultimately led national public affairs for a huge energy company but Illinois was ground zero. He was engaged in all three major energy bills. - IllinoisBadger - Monday, Dec 15, 25 @ 3:43 pm: Contract lobbyist: Elaine Nekritz - she’s extraordinarily effective at standing up for her principles and winning, while being kind. This was demonstrated on the energy and transit bills this year; two of the most consequential bills passed. It was also her last year under the dome, so it seems like a good time to honor her. In house - Martin Klein (MALDEF) - If you’re looking for an expert who does the research and masters all the details, but can also give a legislator who doesn’t need that the basic 3 talking points, Martin is a great pick. In 2024 and for most of Spring 2025, IL passed no legislation that was favorable to immigrant communities. At the last minute during Spring session Martin and others got the Safe Schools Act passed, and followed up with additional immigrant protections in the fall. A masterclass. - Annonin' - Monday, Dec 15, 25 @ 3:45 pm: Andrew Kretschmar is developing a good following and starting to rile a few big wigs — a fun development. Denzler always good for the big folks — someone has to do. - SweetLou86 - Monday, Dec 15, 25 @ 3:48 pm: I’m changing my vote for contract lobbyist to Elaine Nekritz as well (I’m sure John won’t mind). A stellar career capped off by two huge bills in transit and energy. - Lurker - Monday, Dec 15, 25 @ 3:48 pm: Best contract lobbyist: Samantha Brill is consistently behind the scenes working on some of the most important issues in the state house. She does not always get the credit, but does a lot to ensure that issues move and she represents her clients well. Best in house: Khadine Bennett moved mountains with the Medical Aid in Dying bill, successfully shepherding an incredibly complex issue through a field of land mines. She is always composed and kind during what can be a stressful process. - A+ Team - Monday, Dec 15, 25 @ 3:49 pm: My votes in this category are for the lobbyists who worked on the medical aid in dying bill. It’s an important issue for my family and I wished we had it available when my dad died. It’s going to be a big deal for many people in IL Best contract: Marc Poulos and Dave Sullivan: First off, they were involved in almost every big bill this session, but they worked really hard on this bill. They work on the big issues that fancy clients pay them to work on and they also work as hard on the issues important for the clients who maybe get the discount rate, and that was on full display with this bill. Best In-House: Khadine Bennett with ACLU. I don’t know if I should nominate her for this category or the do-gooder category, so if this isn’t right one, I can nominate again. She worked on that bill non-stop and didn’t give up until the very end, and by the very end, I mean until it was voted on. She did the lobbying work, testified in committees, and drafted and negotiated a very controversial bill. She’s always respectful, polite, a hard worker, strategic and never gives up-things you want in an effective lobbyist. - Ohtani rules - Monday, Dec 15, 25 @ 3:58 pm: For contract lobbyist, I always root for the little guy, so I vote for Matt O’Shea. He never stops working and can be exhausting at times, but he has a heart of gold and leaves it all on the field. He’s an inspiration to all those who start on the bottom, who didn’t have it handed to them. He earned it and his work puts him head and shoulders above the rest. In house has to be Chris Lowery. He kept the trains running on time for the house Dems, and now does the same in his current role. He can do everything from draft technically challenging legislation to planning a party for hundreds with attention to detail as his highest priority. He’s a true professional. - Wildcat - Monday, Dec 15, 25 @ 4:06 pm: Contract-Marc Poulos Marc played a key role in getting major legislation like energy and transit over the finish line this session. Without Marc’s leadership I don’t see these bills getting passed. He is also accessible to everyone and will take the time to talk anyone about the legislation he is working on. There is no one better than Marc. - AP - Monday, Dec 15, 25 @ 4:28 pm: I would nominate Sam Tuttle as the best contract lobbyist and Maralea Negron as the best in-house lobbyist for their work to pass Karina’s Law. This legislation will save thousands of lives across Illinois! - Kennedy, Patrick - Monday, Dec 15, 25 @ 4:39 pm: Contract - Jim Brosnahan, maybe him getting the award will let everyone know he has a practice. The guy has more background on issues and where things stand then half the Capitol. In House- I’ll take A Alexander from AFSCME. I’ll take her on my team every day. An All-Star!!! - SKI - Monday, Dec 15, 25 @ 4:44 pm: Best Contract Lobbyist - Elaine Nekritz. Did not give up the fight on a new energy bill & a transportation bill, both in the same year. Friendly and helpful to colleagues around the rail, and willing to help others as she is able. Truly a class act. In House - Dave Feller. I think Tom said it best “makes friends faster than JBT on cheesecake day”, but he also works with those friends to find support for the legislative goals of the Cook County Sheriff. He will talk with supporters and opponents alike to refine bills into decently crafted laws. Well respected and well liked, definitely a winning combination. - DaleyDouble - Monday, Dec 15, 25 @ 5:01 pm: Contract Lobbyist: Mona Martin. She was Third House Speaker for a reason. Well respected and trusted. She’s been around forever, and she knows her stuff. Loved to see her get the spotlight at the luncheon this year. In-House Lobbyist: Crystal Olsen with Advocate Health Care. She had a huge year, enabling a billion dollar investment from her org, including the first new hospital built on the South Side in more than a century with dozens of electeds supporting. No easy feat. - Fan - Monday, Dec 15, 25 @ 5:11 pm: The best contract team is unquestionably Poulos and Sullivan. They are such different people but such a great team. Both are so hard working, diligent and talented. Since Dave has won so many times, I nominate Marc. It’s truly impressive how much he gets done. He doesn’t just work hard, he succeeds. For best in house I would say Tim Drea. His efforts on behalf of labor are unmatched. - Transit - Monday, Dec 15, 25 @ 8:24 pm: One of the biggest issues of the last couple of years has been transit. There are lots of people who helped make it happen. But let’s look at those last 48 hours. When the Governor got personally involved in the negotiations, who did his team bring in to close the deal with JB? With whom did the Governor meet with for hours to negotiate a final agreement? Marc Poulos! That alone qualifies him for the Golden Horseshoe. But that’s only a part of it. Marc was key in most of the other big issues also. He and Dave Sullivan are a great team. They are stars. For in house, I commend Rob Karr for his tireless efforts for Retailers. - Cruisejan - Monday, Dec 15, 25 @ 9:56 pm: Marc Poulos & Dave Sullivan have formed a highly effective partnership that consistently drives excellence. As noted, Dave’s past impressive achievements have laid the groundwork to solely nominate Marc for his outstanding performance throughout the years. His profound impact has been widely recognized by earlier comments, thanks to his tireless efforts to deliver results. I would like to point out his willingness to guide others sets him apart, illuminating the path for those around him. With unwavering dedication, Marc invests considerable time mentoring clients and fellow lobbyists and staff, sharing valuable insights on building alliances and navigating complex regulatory environments. His unrelenting passion and steadfast commitment inspire remarkable success, fueling 100% dedication, every hour, every day. Marc is a class act! Scott Humbard definitely a great choice! 30 year career still at the top of list! Started as a staffer quickly becoming a standout who became a well respected lobbyist. He could navigate the toughest challenges in the energy sector staying calm, cool and collected. TrackBack URI Anonymous commenters, uncivil comments, rumor-mongering, disinformation and profanity of any kind will be deleted. Name/Nickname - Required (required) E-mail - Not required (not required) URL - Not required