Team

Erich E. Mische erichmische@take08events.com (202)360-6620 Erich Mische brings more than 26 years of involvement with local, state, and national policy and politics. Mische’s extensive political career has had him leading the efforts of many successful campaigns on behalf of candidates for public office at every level of government. His ability to blend good public policy with a strong political background provides him with the tools necessary to successfully represent the needs of a wide spectrum of clients. Mr. Mische served as Chief of Staff to United States Senator Norm Coleman(R-MN) after holding positions as the Senator’s State Director and Senior Policy Advisor. Mr. Mische has been a long-time political and policy advisor to Norm Coleman, having first served as Coleman’s campaign manager during his successful bid for St. Paul Mayor in 1992. In 1996, Mr. Mische successfully guided Coleman’s transition from a conservative Democrat in one of the most high profile transitions to the Republican Party in the nation. In 1997, Mr. Mische managed Coleman’s re-election campaign for Mayor, successfully reelecting Mayor Coleman with 59% of the vote. Prior to the completion of Coleman’s last term as Mayor of St. Paul, Mr. Mische served as the Executive Director of the St. Paul RiverCentre and as Special Assistant to the Mayor for Emergency Preparedness. Apart from his work with Coleman, Mr. Mische has been heavily involved in local government within Minnesota. Mr. Mische has also served as a former White Bear Lake, Minnesota Councilmember, and has gathered considerable experience in the area of economic development, job creation and local and state government relations. In addition to his public service, Mr. Mische served as Executive Vice President of a Minnesota based communications and business relations consulting firm from 1997 through 1999. During that time he represented major clients that had substantial representation in Minnesota. Among many key accomplishments, Mr. Mische was also the lead strategist who helped bring the Minnesota Wild, a National League Hockey Team, to Minnesota. Some of the major events Mische has coordinated over the years have included "America's Smithsonian" travelling exhibtion, "Titanic:  The Exhibition" the Minnesota launch of "MediaOne" and numerous other public and private events and attractions.

Monica Notzon, Partner monicanotzon@take08events.com (703)684-9611 In 2003, Monica Notzon and Dana Graham Harris founded the Bellwether Consulting Group, a professional fundraising and consulting firm located downtown Washington D.C. Since its formation, Bellwether has become one of the most well respected professional fundraising companies in the area and continues to offer creative PAC fundraising strategies and full-service event planning to its clients. Prior to forming the Bellwether Group, Monica Notzon acted as National Media’s Director of Political Affairs, where she implemented a strong record of winning media and campaign strategy. Monica also served as PAC Director and National Field Director for the National Republican Congressional Committee.

Dana Graham Harris, Partner danaharris@take08events.com (202)431-4800 In 2003, Dana Graham Harris and Monica Notzen founded the Bellwether Consulting Group, a professional fundraising and consulting firm located downtown Washington D.C. Since its formation, Bellwether has become one of the most well respected professional fundraising companies in the area and continues to offer creative PAC fundraising strategies and full-service event planning to its clients.  Dana Graham Harris formerly served as the Finance Director for NRCC Chairman Tom Davis (VA-11), and was responsible for the successful launch and oversight of both national and state leadership PAC’s. Dana also previously served as the campaign director and fundraiser for Congresswoman Sue Myrick (NC-9) and was a member of the gubernatorial staff of Governor George Allen.     John Milne, Partner johnmilne@take08events.com (202)431-0294   John D. Milne has over thirty years of experience in government affairs. Mr. Milne formerly served as Director of Federal Government Affairs for 3M in Washington, D.C., where his responsibilities included a broad range of corporate issues including healthcare, pharmaceuticals, transportation, trade, tax and federal government contracting. Mr. Milne's 3M experience also includes government affairs and strategic planning at the state and local government level. He managed sales and marketing operations for 3M, marketing Traffic Control Material products in the highway safety market through contractors under the direct specifications of the U.S. Department of Transportation. As Marketing Director, Mr. Milne managed a team of approximately 400 consultants and developed sales valued in excess of half a billion dollars with state, federal and local governments. During his tenure at 3M, Mr. Milne developed extensive relationships with governors and state legislators, as well as members of Congress, the Executive Branch and the diplomatic and national business communities. These relationships allow Mr. Milne to communicate his clients' legislative and regulatory priorities to those in positions to effect change. During his career, Mr. Milne has served on numerous boards of directors, including those of the American Road and Transportation Builders Association, American Highway Users Federation, the Council of State Governments Advisory Board of the Century 21 Fund, the National Industry Advisory Board of the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators and BIPAC Project 2000. He was appointed by the Governor to serve on the Minnesota Lottery Board and the Transportation Study Board. Mr. Milne also served on the Minnesota High Tech Council and as chair of 3M's Marketing Council. Mr. Milne received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Wyoming. Al Shofe, Partner (202)256-0192 Shofe serves as Vice President of Government Affairs for Emergent BioSolutions Corporation.  Shofe has held numerous positions during his career, including that of Special Assistant to Minnesota Governor Arne Carlson and the political director of Carlson’s successful campaign for Governor in 1990.  Shofe has also served as Chief of Staff for Minnesota GOP Congressman Gil Gutknecht. Shofe also served as the head of Corporate and Regulatory Affairs, Middle East & North Africa for B.A.T. UK and Export, BAT Industries, London, United Kingdom 1996 – 2001.    Ryan Kelly, Director of Client Services ryankelly@take08events.com (651)491-2092 - cell (651)340-4848 - office Born and raised in Minnesota’s Capital City, Ryan C. Kelly brings a lifetime of experience, relationships, and a unique knowledge of the Twin Cities region that goes to work for clients on day one.         Mr. Kelly cut his teeth on numerous successful state legislative races in Saint Paul and further honed his political abilities when tapped to serve as campaign manager for Randy Kelly's, his father, successful bid to become Mayor of Saint Paul. Mr. Kelly served as a key transition advisor assisting Mayor-Elect Randy Kelly to organize a new administration.  During the transition he also assisted in the planning and execution of a week long Inaugural celebration complete with multi-event days, focus groups, community meetings, media events, dinners and gala.   Other local races drew involvement from Mr. Kelly, most notably the election of the first African American women to the Saint Paul City Council where he served as a political advisor and fundraiser.    Mr. Kelly has a detailed knowledge of local venues throughout the Twin Cites area.  In this role he planned, coordinated, and advanced over 200 separate fundraising events featuring such national figures as Former New York Mayor Rudi Giuliani, Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, Former New York Mayor Edward Koch, Governor Tim Pawlenty, and US Senator Norm Coleman.  Over a five year period Mr. Kelly helped raise over $1.7 Million in campaign contributions in increments of $500 or less.      Mr. Kelly has also built extensive relationships in the private sector, non-profit, and foundation communities while serving in a business development role for Park-Midway Bank, a Saint Paul owned and operated financial institution that’s primary focus is on small to midsized businesses with a commitment to improve the urban community.  In addition to being a part of Take ’08 Events Unlimited, Mr. Kelly also runs Synergetic Endeavors, LLC, a Minnesota based consulting firm that focuses on project management, business development and sales, fundraising, event planning, and investment capital. Mr. Kelly is a graduate of the University of St. Thomas.              Debra Anderson, Client Services debanderson@take08events.com Debra Rae Anderson was appointed as Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs in the White House during the first Bush Administration, reporting directly to Andrew Card. Ms. Anderson left the White House to serve in the cabinet of Minnesota Governor Arnie Carlson as Commissioner of Administration for the State of Minnesota. Her responsibilities included the management of over 800 employees and a budget in excess of one billion dollars. Prior to her tenure in the White House, Ms. Anderson served as a member of the South Dakota State House of Representatives, was elected to Speaker of the House in 1986 and was named Republican Legislator of the Year by the National Republican Legislators Association the following year. Ms. Anderson has served on numerous boards and commissions during her years of elected and appointed service, including the United States Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations, the National Legislative Leaders Foundation, the Executive Committee of the Council of State Governments, the State Issues Committee of the National Association of State Legislators, the Minnesota Board of Governmental Innovation and Cooperation, and Chair of the Minnesota Lawsuit Abuse Watch. Ms. Anderson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Jay Mahaffey, Housing Coordinator Office: 651.340.4848 Cell : 651.206.5266 With over 10 years of experience in sales and marketing, Jay has also been active in St. Paul small business ownership for the past 8 years. Mr. Mahaffey was involved with the sales and marketing of more than $60,000,000 of housing options throughout the Twin Cities market.  In addition to traditional housing sales, his firm was also was responsible for the management of a portfolio consisting of more than $50,000,000 in properties for rent and rent-to-own. Jay has built strong business and civil ties from having been an active member in numerous neighborhood committees, homeowner and business associations, chamber of commerce, and the young leader program with the Urban Land Institute. Angel Jacobson, Housing Coordinator Office: 651.340.4848 Cell : 651.206.5266 Angel is a life-long active resident of the capital city of St. Paul.  In addition to being part of Take ’08 Events Unlimited, Ms. Jacobson is also a partner in Summit Realty, a St. Paul based real estate brokerage that specializes in urban and suburban sales as well as the marketing of single family, multi family, new construction and high-density housing, land acquisition and property portfolio management. As a third generation real estate professional, Angel has been involved with the sales and marketing of more than $60,000,000 of housing options throughout the Twin Cities.  In addition to traditional housing sales, her firm was also responsible for the management of a portfolio consisting of more than $50,000,000 in properties for rent and rent-to-own Our Preferred Caterers will be Morrissey Hospitality. While Take'08 Events Unlimited will have many other options to choose from, we believe in the quality, expertise and value that Morrissey Hospitality brings to our efforts!