CHARTING A CLEAR COURSE IN WASHINGTON

CHARTING A CLEAR COURSE IN WASHINGTON

OUR TEAM

Navigating this world takes finesse, strategy, and strong relationships. We’re here to help.

Federal policymaking is a black box. And even if you know how it works, it’s difficult to keep up with who’s who in the ever-changing landscape of Washington, D.C.

Our bipartisan team includes alumni from the offices of Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Roger Wicker (R-MS), House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-CA-02), and the late Rep. Don Young (R-AK-At Large), former Dean of the House and longtime ocean champion. We move seamlessly between the ocean science and policy worlds and have trusted, genuine, and lasting relationships with policymakers in DC.

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EMILY PATROLIA

Chief Executive Officer & Founder

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Kat Montgomery

Chief Operating Officer

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Caroline Roche

Policy Associate

Pamela Day Tapscott

Senior Policy Advisor

Mike Henry

Senior Policy Advisor

Marianne Brisson

Operations and Marketing Manager

INTERESTED IN JOINING OUR TEAM?

CAREERS AT ESP

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