Dennis Hart, President
State Street Associates (NJ)

In November of 2016 Dennis Hart became the President of State Street Associates, a private government relations and lobbying firm. With over 45 years of both government and private sector experience working in Trenton, NJ Dennis was recently listed as number 40 on the Top 100 Policy Makers Power List by InsiderNJ. His career has included nearly 30 years of staff and senior management positions at the NJ Department of Environmental Protection including positions of Assistant Commissioner for Environmental Regulation, Director of Water and Drinking Water programs, Executive Director of the Environmental Infrastructure Trust financing authority as well as the State Drought Czar.  He then spent six years in government affairs in the Utility and Transportation Construction Association prior to his current roles.

Dennis serves as a Trustee of the New Jersey Society for Environmental, Economic Development, was Chair of the City of Trenton Transition Team for the Trenton Water Utility and Co-Chair of Senator Robert Smith’s Natural Resource Damage stakeholder project. Dennis was appointed by the NJ Board of Public Utilities as the industrial and commercial sector representative on the Energy Efficiency Advisory Group. He has served on education advisory boards for several New Jersey colleges and universities. He has testified numerous times in Congress and at the New Jersey Legislature and is a much sought after speaker, including discussions on CSPAN and various television programs. Dennis has been recognized on numerous lists of the most influential people in New Jersey in regard to environmental issues, manufacturing, and governmental affairs.

Dennis has a BS in Biology from Juniata College and an MA in Administration from Rider University and is a 2002 graduate of the Leadership New Jersey Program.

Edward Waters, Vice President
State Street Associates (NJ)

Ed brings more than 25 years of experience in New Jersey state government and government affairs, having worked extensively with both the Legislative and Executive branches while developing a strong expertise in public policy, advocacy, and strategic affairs.
Prior to joining State Street Associates, Ed served as Legislative Director for the 8th Legislative District offices of Martha Bark and Francis Bodine and Larry Chatzidakis, where he played a key role in developing and advancing the district’s legislative agenda and advising elected officials on a broad range of policy matters.
Earlier in his career, Ed served in the New Jersey Senate Majority Office under Senate Presidents Donald DiFrancesco and John Bennett as Deputy Director, and in the Senate Minority Office under Senate Minority Leader Leonard Lance. He began his public service career as Legislative Liaison for the New Jersey Commerce and Economic Growth Commission, where he helped advance economic development initiatives and facilitate engagement between the agency and the Legislature.
In addition to his state government experience, Ed has held numerous municipal and county leadership positions. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Evesham Township Municipal Utilities Authority and as a Trustee of the Rowan College at Burlington County Board of Trustees. His previous public service includes membership on the Evesham Township Zoning and Planning Boards, as well as service on the Burlington County Institute of Technology Board of Education.
Outside of his professional and public service roles, Ed remains actively involved in the community and serves as Treasurer of the Marlton Youth Soccer Committee.

Richard DiCriscio,
Government Affairs Lead
State Street Associates (NJ)

Rich DiCriscio serves as the Government Affairs Lead for State Street Associates (SSA), where he supports SSA’s state legislative and regulatory advocacy on behalf of our clients.
Rich is a government relations and public affairs professional with deep roots in South Jersey and more than a decade of experience navigating New Jersey’s political and policy landscape. Prior to joining SSA, he served as chief of staff to Assemblywoman Andrea Katz (D-8), leading legislative strategy, policy development, stakeholder engagement, and office operations. In that role, he worked closely with legislative leadership, state agencies, advocacy organizations, and business interests on issues impacting South Jersey and the state as a whole.

Previously, Rich served as legislative director for New Jersey’s 2nd Legislative District, advising Assemblymen Vince Mazzeo and John Armato, and has also worked as a consultant and campaign manager. At SSA, Rich brings a practical, results-driven approach to advocacy, client engagement, and advancing clients’ priorities.

Dennis Walsh, President, Government Relations
Bravo Group (PA)

Dennis Walsh offers a comprehensive understanding of public affairs and a vast network of key Pennsylvania policymakers. One of Harrisburg’s most effective lobbyists, Dennis served as secretary for legislative affairs for Gov. Tom Ridge and previously was chief of staff to former senator and later Attorney General Mike Fisher. He also ran government affairs for the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce and the Insurance Federation of Pennsylvania, and was the National Association of Manufacturers’ district manager. Post-Ridge administration, he was in government relations with Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney. Dennis is on the Capital Region Economic Development Corp.’s board and president of Bravo Foundation. He is a University of Dayton graduate.

Lauren Barr, President, Energy and Regulatory Practice Lead
Bravo Group (PA)

Effecting change and seeking challenge have fueled Lauren Barr's career in government relations. As our energy practice lead, she combines her deep knowledge and relationships in the public and private sectors to head advocacy efforts on public policy issues impacting the energy industry. Her career has spanned the corporate and public sectors, including roles in the state Legislature and executive branches, the PA Public Utility Commission and as manager of government affairs for the Duquesne Light Co.

Mallerie Stromswold, 
Government Relations Specialist
Bravo Group (PA)

As a former Montana state representative and an advocate for business, Mallerie leverages deep legislative expertise and a talent for consensus-building to support Bravo’s government relations portfolio. Previously, Mallerie served as government affairs manager and event coordinator for the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business & Industry. She also has held roles with the Montana Water Court, a global business development firm and in voter engagement initiatives. While in college, the Montana native was elected as the youngest member of the Montana state House. Mallerie attended Penn State’s World Campus and holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Montana State University.

Chris Duryea, Managing Partner
Statewide Public Affairs (NY)

Chris Duryea is Managing Partner of Statewide Public Affairs, a top New York government relations and public affairs firm based in Albany With more than 25 years of experience in legislative advocacy, regulatory affairs, and coalition building, Chris has vast experience advising businesses and trade associations in advancing their policy priorities and navigating complex government challenges across New York State. His expertise includes permitting and environmental regulations, workforce and labor issues, taxation, energy policy, and local government affairs—issues that directly impact the pool, spa, and outdoor living industries.

Chris has extensive experience working with state and local code-development organizations, and the development, adoption, and implementation of building, safety, and energy codes that affect residential and commercial construction. Drawing on his experience in both the public and private sectors, he helps industry stakeholders understand regulatory trends, engage effectively in the policy-making process, and advocate for practical solutions that support business growth while protecting public safety.

A veteran of the U.S. Navy submarine service, Chris is recognized for his strategic approach to advocacy, his deep understanding of New York government, and his ability to build coalitions that achieve meaningful results for industries and associations across the state.

Sign up for NESPA GRAC Updates

NESPA GRAC Home Page