Meet LeadingAge Ohio’s Lead Advocacy Team

LeadingAge Ohio has contracted with Barnes & Thornburg LLP for lobbying and grassroots advocacy services. Working with LeadingAge Ohio are David Paragas, partner in Barnes & Thornburg’s Columbus and Washington, D.C. offices, and Bridget E. McAuliffe, lobbyist in their Columbus office. Meet the lead advocacy team of LeadingAge Ohio and feel free to call on them for assistance with grassroots efforts, governmental affairs questions and other advocacy-related items:

David Paragas: David Paragas is a partner in Barnes & Thornburg LLP’s Columbus, Ohio, and Washington, D.C., offices, where he is a member of the firm’s Governmental Services and Finance Department. Prior to joining Barnes & Thornburg LLP, Mr. Paragas practiced with Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP. While there, he served as managing partner of the firm’s Columbus office; co-chair of the firm’s Public Law Practice group and Economic Growth and Development team; and principal of the firm's subsidiary, Public Policy Advocates. Mr. Paragas represents clients on policy matters before the Ohio General Assembly, Executive Agencies and state departments. He has more than 20 years of legislative, political, lobbying and legal experience, including serving as a former senior aide to two Ohio Senate presidents. He has advised numerous statewide, legislative, judicial, and local campaigns, including various candidates for the Ohio Senate. He has handled virtually all facets of campaigns, such as polling, issue development and grassroots organization. As a consultant, Mr. Paragas has also been involved in statewide and local ballot initiatives, including gaming and anti-smoking issues. Mr. Paragas received his B.A. in international business from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1983. He earned his J.D. from Capital University Law School in 1990. Mr. Paragas was named one of Columbus’ “Forty Under 40” and has been included in Best Lawyers in Columbus 2008 and 2009 by Columbus Business First. He was also listed in Ohio Super Lawyers® in 2005, 2008, 2009, 2010, and selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2006-2010. Mr. Paragas is involved in a number of civic and professional organizations, and currently serves as a trustee to United Way of Central Ohio and chair of its Public Policy Committee; serves as a board member and former chair of Flying Horse Farms; and is on the board of governors for Capital University Law School. In addition, he is a member of the Asian American Bar Associations of Ohio and Central Ohio; the Columbus Bar Association and its Managing Partners Diversity Initiative Advisory Board; the Ohio State Bar Association; the Ohio Lobbying Association; and the Advanced Logistics Council of the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce. He is admitted to practice in the states of Ohio and Illinois. David’s contact information is: david.paragas@BTLaw.com; (P) 614-628-1407; (F) 614-628-1433; Address: Fifth Third Center, Suite 1850, 21 East State Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215-4219.

Bridget E. McAuliffe: Bridget E. McAuliffe is a lobbyist in Barnes & Thornburg LLP’s Columbus, Ohio office, where she is a member of the firm’s Governmental Services and Finance Department. Prior to joining the firm, Ms. McAuliffe was a senior legislative consultant at Benesch Friedlander Coplan & Aronoff, LLP. While there, she was responsible for direct lobbying services at the state and local level for various key clients, including pharmacies and pharmaceutical benefit managers, insurance, healthcare, technology, energy and manufacturing clients. She has assisted clients with government procurement opportunities, biennium and capital budget strategies, legislative consulting, bill analysis, issue management and political action committee (PAC) fundraising strategies. Ms. McAuliffe has provided comprehensive grassroots programs and media strategies for clients to assist with public policy efforts. She also has overseen the development of Web site and communications for lobbying clients, including weekly legislative updates, client advisories and customized reports for individual clients. Ms. McAuliffe has nearly 15 years of experience in the marketing and communications industry. She previously was managing owner of a marketing company and served in various capacities with two different advertising firms. She received her B.S. in natural resources from The Ohio State University in 1995. Ms. McAuliffe has been deeply involved in professional organizations, including with the Columbus chapter of the American Marketing Association where she served as president and vice president of membership. She also has been involved in the Columbus chapter of the Foundation Fighting Blindness and as secretary and development committee member of Prevent Blindness Ohio. Contact information for Bridget is: bridget.mcauliffe@BTLaw.com; (P) 614-628-1415; (F) 614-628-1433; Address: Fifth Third Center, Suite 1850, 21 East State Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215-4219.