SGAC Celebrates 50 Years of Advancing State Government Affairs
Celebrating 50 years of leadership in multi-state government affairs, SGAC has united advocacy professionals across sectors to elevate the voice of business in state capitals. Since 1975, we've fostered connections, professional growth, and legislative insight - and we're just getting started. This timeline also features quotations submitted by past presidents and members, sharing their reflections and memories from SGAC's history.
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"After an incredible year celebrating SGAC's first 50 years, I'm honored and excited to serve as SGAC's next President. As we look ahead, I hope we'll each find meaningful ways to build bridges - whether that means inviting someone new to engage with SGAC, sharing your experiences and connections with those newer to our profession, or helping foster bipartisan relationships with legislative leaders. Together, we can strengthen our community and our impact. I'm so grateful for your support and am excited for what we will accomplish together."
Anika Hagenson Director, State Corporate Affairs & Public Policy 2025 - 2026 SGAC President |
2025 --Celebrated SGAC's 50th Anniversary. - Ran the "Lobby the Lobster" social media campaign, with visits to all 50 state capitals. - Received 50th Anniversary resolutions from state legislatures. - Launched a new logo, website, and Learning Management System |
2020 - 2024- Created virtual content and offered free trainings and networking events during the pandemic shutdown (including Summer Kick-Off, Late Night, Book Club, and other social gatherings.) - Held the virtual conference Convene, Connect, and Collaborate in place of the National Summit. - Expanded partner organizations to include the National Black Professional Lobbyists Association, National Foundation for Women Legislators, State Legislative Leaders Foundation, and American Council of Young Political Leaders. - Introduced the SGAC Community Program, offering free access to select webinars, social events, and the Jobline to professionals impacted by the pandemic; launched the Legislator Connect series. - Moved SGAC headquarters to a modern office space on the river in Old Town Alexandria. - Released a comprehensive Benchmarking Survey and launched a new conference app. - Introduced new membership tiers: Basic, All Access, and Honor Circle. - Revised SGAC's Mission, Vision, and Core Beliefs through a strategic planning process that also established new goals and tactics for the board, committees, and staff. - Launched the podcast series SGAC: The Lobby. - Expanded the app to offer year-round functionality, including a member-directory. |
"Hands down my favorite memory has been watching colleagues go from prospective members, to actual members, to LPC and Summit planners, to Committee Chairs to Board Members and beyond. I remember my mentors who encouraged me to immerse myself in all that SGAC has to offer and I hope I have been a good mentor to those who will lead the organization into the next 50 years. We are in a business of relationships and there is no better place to connect and meet colleagues who become lifelong friends and family than SGAC!"
Terra McClelland Director, State & Local Government Relations, McDonald's |
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"More than any other group SGAC is responsible for developing the tightknit community of state affairs professionals we have on the circuit. Whether it's sharing travel tips, asking for a lobbyist recommendation, or searching for a new position, SGAC is an association where you can connect with peers and build lifelong friendships."
Dave Christman Vice President, State Affairs National Beer Wholesalers Association |
2016 - 2019- Partner with iCivics to develop six new lesson plans for their Back-to-School campaign. - Held a town hall for members and conducted focus groups for legislators. - Introduced the Honor Circle member designation with benefits covering SGAC's major events. - Relocated to SGAC's first stand-alone office space. - Graduated the first full class from all levels of the Advanced Certificate Program. - Revised bylaws to include professional societies (trade associations with individual members) to join as members. - Redesigned the Professional Certificate Program and created an on-demand webinar library. - Celebrated the 10th Anniversary of the Professional Certificate Program. - Launched the Young Professionals Committee and established a Diversity and Inclusion Taskforce. |
2011 - 2015- First credit eligible sessions for the Professional Certificate Program were held during the Annual Meeting. - Expanded partner organizations to include the National Governors Association, Women In Government, and the National Black Caucus of State Legislators. - Created and launched a meetings app. - Offered free registration for the first attendee from each member organization to the SGAC Member Lunch. - Held the first half-day education & training seminars. - Introduced the Advanced Certificate Program as part of the State Government Relations Certificate offerings. - Celebrated SGAC's 40th anniversary with expanded programming and a gala with entertainment during the National Summit in Nashville, TN. |
"My time on the SGAC Board, Executive Committee and ultimately as President represents an absolute zenith of the lobbying career. But the lasting friendships made, and good times had (most of which I can remember!), are the true legacy. For both I am eternally grateful to and for SGAC!"
Jon Burton Head of U.S. Government Relations, RELX, Inc. |
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"Regardless of what stage in your career you are in as a state government affairs professional, SGAC is indispensable. Early on, the SGAC Partnership Organization program helped me navigate and propel my relationships with key partner groups such as NCSL and CSG, and 20 years later, SGAC still nets big benefits. Over the years, the peer networking with fellow SGAC members continually proves to be not only a demonstrable advantage, but a cornerstone of effectiveness in my role as a multistate lobbyist. For any state, on any issue, you can find an SGAC member expert or contact. To realize this, don't just join and watch - get involved. The best and most lasting benefits come from your own immersion in SGAC. I was fortunate to serve as President of SGAC in 2002 - 2003, and still absolutely rely on the SGAC "family" to drive my expanded responsibilities today. Start here, grow here, excel here - SGAC is THE difference."
Maureen Riehl Principal & General Counsel MultiState Associates Inc. |
2006 - 2009- Amended bylaws to create an Associate Member category for service providers and vendors. - Expanded regional event offerings for members. - Introduced philanthropic activities at SGAC meetings, including participation in a Habitat for Humanity project supporting New Orleans' 9th Ward Musicians' Village. - Collaborated with the Public Affairs Council on an SGR Benchmarking Report and its bi-annual Corporate Government Relations and Public Affairs Compensation Survey. - Hosted the first Holiday Hour for members and partners. - Launched the Professional Certificate Program. |
2001 - 2005- Created a comprehensive member database. - Responded to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. - Introduced a new SGAC logo and tagline "Promoting Partnerships and Professionalism" - Established an awards program to honor CSG Regional Leadership. - Moved SGAC headquarters from Washington, D.C. to Alexandria, V.A. - Hosted 30th Anniversary Gala with entertainment by Motown legend Lamont Dozier during National Summit in Las Vegas, NV. |
"I walked into my first LPC as a prospective member in 2000 and knew this was where we belonged. My best memories are with friends and colleagues at SGAC events. The photo was when I was elected SGAC President and was with two other great women presidents of SGAC - Jean Cantrell and Maureen Riehl."
Elizabeth Z. Bartz President and CEO State and Federal Communications, Inc. |
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"As we all face greater demands on creating value for our employers and the customers we serve, SGAC is more important than ever. From the excellent speakers who educate us on emerging trends and new legislative proposals, to the networking opportunities with state policy makers outside of the pressure of legislative sessions, to the certificate programs and partner opportunities - SGAC covers all the basis. My engagement with SGAC has afforded opportunities to shape the topics and speakers at SGAC Conferences and fostered countless relationships across industries that have helped me to achieve policy goals!"
Katrina Iserman Former SGAC President |
1996 - 2000- Renamed the State Government Education and Research Foundation to the State Government Affairs Council Foundation. - Created a scholarship for legislative leaders to attend the SGAC Foundation's Leaders' Policy Conference. - Created SGAC's Guiding Principles and Guidelines for Professional Conduct. - Established The American Advocacy Coalition (AOC) to increase public understanding of legislative advocacy. - Assisted NCSL in creating the Center for Advocacy & Governmental Ethics in Denver. - Expanded the membership with the inclusion of service provider members. - Expanded online offerings to include a Jobline and online conference registration. - Introduced the "Late Night" event following its successful debut at Buddy Guy's Legends in Chicago. - Hired Elizabeth Loudy as full-time Executive Director. |
1991 - 1995- Changed the organization's name from the State Governmental Affairs Council to the State Government Affairs Council. - Partnered with NCSL through the SGAC Foundation to launch the Leadership Institute, bringing together experienced SGR professionals and emerging legislative leaders. - Formed the Past Presidents' Committee to support projects such as Lobby Reform, which promoted understanding of the SGR profession. |
"In our profession coalition building is paramount. Bills neither pass nor are defeated without broad interests working together. I can think of no other organization where there is a greater opportunity for such partnership building." Josh Young American Chemistry Council Government Affairs Senior Director |
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"Without question, SGAC is the single most important organization for state government affairs professionals, offering unmatched opportunities for professional development and quality networking with peers and public officials. The secret sauce, though, is that it builds community - where colleagues often become lifelong friends."
Jean Cantrell Senior Advisor, State and Federal Communications, Inc. |
1986 - 1990- Published SGAC's first written annual report. - Featured key representatives from the Intergovernmental Affairs Department of the White House, U.S. Conference of Mayors, and ALEC at SGAC events. - Formed a new CSG subcommittee - The Private Sector Relations Subcommittee - which SGAC members and CSG Corporate Associates. - Directed the State Government Relations Institute (SGRI), the first professional development program for experienced SGR professionals, under Dr. Alan Rosenthal at Rutgers University. - Supported the establishment of NCSL's Foundation for State Legislatures. |
1982 - 1985- Established a formal policy of hosting members-only meetings twice a year for networking, professional development, and information exchange. - Held meetings with National Governors Association to explore the creation of a center focused on the Office of the Governor. - Organized liaison meetings with the National Conference of Lieutenant Governors and Council of State Governments. - Held the first Business Issues Seminar, now known as the Leaders' Policy Conference. |
"Serving as SGAC President was so rewarding. The relationships I built, the lessons I learned, and the opportunity to advocate alongside such passionate peers shaped not only my professional path but also my sense of purpose. SGAC has always been more than a coalition - it's a community, and I'm proud to have been a part of its legacy."
Theresa Flores Director, GAP Texas |
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"The State Government Affairs Council has been instrumental in shaping my career - both in my growth at Walmart and within the broader state government affairs industry. Through SGAC, I built a strong network of legislative contacts, allies, mentors, and friends who have supported and challenged me along the way. The professional development opportunities and connections I gained have sharpened my skills, broadened my perspective, and made me a more effective advocate. SGAC is a community that fosters growth, collaboration, and meaningful relationships, and I'm grateful for the role it has played in my career."
Gerard Dehrmann Senior Vice President Public Affairs & State and Local Government Relations, Walmart Stores, Inc. |
1980 / 1981- Adopted a long-range planning process to review and refine SGAC's mission. - Conceived and funded the State Government Education and Research Foundation (now the SGAC Foundation). - Designed the SGAC Business Issue Seminar to foster discussions between business and legislative leaders. - Launched new publications, including the SGAC News newsletter. - Held the first member forums. |
1975 - 1979- Officially incorporated the State Governmental Affairs Council in October 1975, holding its first meeting in Philadelphia with 40 founding members (growing to 56 shortly thereafter). Adopted a formal Code of Ethics. - Began appointing committee chairs from the general membership. - Retained a professional management firm to support SGAC operations and programs. - Partnered with NCSL to explore a centralized computer system for bill tracking and statutory research, established liaison with NCSL's new Assembly on the Legislature (AOL) and its committees, and created two advisory groups: a Curriculum Development Committee to enhance state legislative education and a Publications Advisory Committee to support NCSL's communications. |
"Today, more than ever before, it is important to remember that progress in governing and public policy is best achieved through compromise and mutual respect than through unyielding confrontation. That, to me, was demonstrated time and again through the relationships that were built and maintained by the interactions of SGAC members and the elected leaders of our 50 state legislatures. The friendships developed during those years have continued to this day."
Ernie LaBelle Retired, Past SGAC President |
