CHARTING A CLEAR COURSE IN WASHINGTON

CHARTING A CLEAR COURSE IN WASHINGTON

ABOUT US

we empower organizations to navigate the complexities of the federal government with confidence, clarity, and impact.

We are more than just consultants—we are strategists, advocates, and trusted partners who turn policy challenges into victories.

We amplify the voices of mission-driven organizations, securing the funding, legislative wins, and strategic influence they need to succeed. With deep bipartisan relationships, expert policy insight, and an unwavering commitment to our clients’ goals, we ensure that good ideas don’t just get heard—they drive real change.

Through thoughtful strategy, relentless execution, and a commitment to lasting impact, we help our clients transform their advocacy from reactive to proactive, from uncertain to unstoppable.

what our clients say

“Emily and her team always deliver 110 percent – whether it’s getting legislation and appropriations across the finish line, keeping us connected with the power players in DC, or building creative communications strategies, ESP Advisors is essential to our success.”
– Dr. Gerhard Kuska, Executive Director, MARACOOS

We could not have achieved our legislative goals without ESP Advisors’ deep relationships and strategic insight. Hiring this team was one of the best decisions I’ve made.”
– Senior Campaigns Director, Environmental NGO

“ESP Advisors brings the structure, clarity, and strategic insight that every government affairs effort needs. Their partnership has elevated our work, helping us stay focused, effective, and always a step ahead.”
– Kalle Masto, Director, Piscataqua Region Estuaries Partnership

“If you work on policy matters in Washington, D.C, there is no more important time to have organizational clarity and representation on the Hill from a firm like ESP Advisors, who provides its clients professional expertise, a clear organizational mission, and strategic multidisciplinary insights honed by experience and a dedication to client needs and national priorities.”
– Dr. Duane E. De Freese, Executive Director, Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program

“ESP Advisors’ proactive and strategic approach has been essential to our success — their deep expertise, unwavering support, and trusted guidance helped IOOS secure historic funding and navigate complex federal policy with confidence.”
— Kristen Yarincik, Executive Director, IOOS Association

“ESP Advisors elevated our presence in Washington, DC, further positioning MTS as the go-to voice in ocean technology policy with key leaders. Their strategic guidance and deep connections have been instrumental in growing our visibility, strengthening our reputation with policymakers, and delivering even greater value to our members.”
– Chris Ostrander, Chief Executive Officer, Marine Technology Society

OUR CLIENTS

OUR CLIENTS NEW

Marianne Brisson

Marianne helps mission-driven organizations scale their impact through streamlined operations, project leadership, and strategic communications. She leads ESP’s day-to-day operations and ensures firm-wide success. Marianne previously served as Policy and Operations Advisor to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard.

FAVORITES

Hot latte with oatmilk

Nudibranch

Based in Oregon

Mike Henry

Mike Henry is a Washington, D.C.-based science and technology policy leader focused on weather, water, and ocean advocacy. He has shaped federal science policy through roles at UCAR, NASA, and the American Institute of Physics, and began his career on the Senate staff of Sen. Ben Cardin.

FAVORITES

Green Tea

Blue Crab

Based in DC

Pamela Day Tapscott

Pamela Day has over 25 years of experience on Capitol Hill. As Chief of Staff for the late Congressman Don Young (R-AK), father of many initiatives and laws that govern ocean resources today, Pamela managed the annual appropriations process and oversaw 16 original bills that were signed into law.

FAVORITES

Cappuccino

Yeti crab

Based in DC

Rachael DeWitt

Rachael DeWitt’s expertise spans from freshwater to ocean conservation and policy. She most recently worked for Ocean Conservancy on its government relations team, covering issues including Arctic conservation, fisheries, climate, ocean energy, deep-sea mining, and shipping. On Capitol Hill, Rachael worked for Representative Jared Huffman (D-CA) on ocean policy issues. Previously, she served as Executive Director of the Skaneateles Lake Association in upstate New York.

FAVORITES

Flat white

Juvenile boxfish

Skaneateles, NY

Angelo San Pablo

Angelo is an ocean policy professional with experience in federal agency engagement, congressional advocacy, and aquaculture. He most recently supported senior leadership and congressional affairs at NOAA Fisheries. Angelo has worked across public and private entities in the seafood space and has shared his experiences when advocating for ocean policy priorities in the climate space.

FAVORITES

Mocha Latte with Oat Milk

Blue Whale

Washington, DC

Caroline Roche

Caroline brings sharp policy instincts and a passion for coastal resilience to ESP Advisors. At the White House Council on Environmental Quality, she supported both the freshwater and ocean policy teams. Most recently, she worked on communications and government affairs for Restore America’s Estuaries, deepening her expertise in habitat protection and federal engagement. Caroline holds a dual degree in Political Science and Fine Art from George Washington University.

FAVORITES

Unsweetened Iced Green Tea

Beluga Whale

Based in DC

Austen Stovall

Austen Stovall’s background is in coral reef ecology, nature-based solutions, and coastal management. She most recently worked for Representative Jared Huffman (D-CA-02) on his oceans and fisheries portfolio. Austen holds a master’s degree in coastal science and policy from UC Santa Cruz.

FAVORITES

Iced oat milk latte with coconut syrup

Corals

Based in DC

Kat Montgomery

Kat draws upon her ocean policy expertise and years of experience managing projects, programs, and teams to catalyze success for ESP Advisors and our clients. Most recently, Kat served as staff for Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), former Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

FAVORITES

Cappuccino with sugar

Seahorse

Based in Virginia

Emily Patrolia

Emily Patrolia founded ESP Advisors to address the need for sophisticated government and public affairs services in the community she holds dear. Emily uses her advocacy and congressional experience and deep understanding of environmental science to lead the firm in all its endeavors.

FAVORITES

Cappuccino

Yeti crab

Based in DC