Education and Non-Profits

The Livingston Group's unmatched background in Congressional appropriations and across the entire legislative process produces on-target results for college, university and museum clients. The firm works for a select group of non-profit and for-profit institutions assisting them in securing hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding to sustain their growth through research, physical expansion, and technological reach.

Higher education and research institutions face a wide range of issues before Congress and the Administration with the potential to impact every aspect of operations: overall budgets, expansion of libraries, conservation of priceless collections, regulatory policies governing student aid or distance learning, and even security aspects of student and faculty immigration status. The Livingston Group has strong working relationships with Members and staff on the authorizing and appropriating committees, the Department of Education and other sectors of the Executive branch involved with higher education and non-profit institutions.

Director: Marjorie Strayer -- Former Chief of Staff to New Mexico Congresswoman Heather Wilson who serves on the Armed Services and Energy and Commerce Committee. Also worked in the Washington State House of Representatives and was chief of staff to a former Washington state Congressman.

TLG Team //

Honorable Bob Clement -- Former eight-term Congressman from Tennessee’s fifth District. He served as a ranking member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Clement worked on the Railroad, Highways and Mass Transit; Aviation Subcommittees; and Water Resources Subcommittees. He also served on the House Budget Committee giving him significant insight into funding procedures in Congress. He made global contacts through his work on the International Affairs Committee. In his travels associated with the Tourism Caucus, he promoted trade and tourism for the U.S.

Honorable E. Thomas Coleman -- Former member of the House Education and Labor Committee and as Ranking Member, Post Secondary Subcommittee, had a significant impact on three reauthorizations of the Higher Education Act. He served on the University Council Committee on the Graduate School for Yale University and was a consultant to the NCAA Task Force on Gender Equity.

Jeff Ballabon -- A former Senate Commerce Committee counsel and Legislative Counsel for Senator John Danforth, Jeff previously served as head of public policy for media and information conglomerate Primedia Inc. He is a former Private Sector Chair of the Education Taskforce of the American Legislative Exchange Council.

Paul Cambon -- Founding Partner of The Livingston Group. Legislative Director for Congressman Livingston and Livingston's Associate Staff on Appropriations Committee from 1981 through 1999.

Martin Cancienne -- Mr.Cancienne will focus primarily on appropriations, agriculture, health and education matters, energy and environmental issues, and Corps of Engineers projects. His extensive background and experience on the local, state, and federal level brings valuable knowledge and understanding in these areas.

Terence Costello -- President of the Eagles Group, he provides federal and state government affairs services, including securing defense and energy-related research funding for a range of university clients. He is a George Washington University graduate.

Roger France -- As an 11-year veteran of the Appropriations Committee Associate staff, Roger served as the primary staff member for an Appropriations Committee "Cardinal" serving as his eyes and ears before three subcommittees. Roger's specific knowledge is especially important for those with issues ranging from energy research, Native American affairs, to local issues that affect the nation's capital.

Geoff Gleason -- Geoff Gleason has twenty-five years of Capitol Hill experience. Most recently, Geoff served as Appropriations Associate to Congressman Frank Wolf (VA), Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and State. Geoff spent ten as Chief of Staff for Congressman Jerry Solomon (NY), Former Chairman of the House Rules Committee. He also served as Chief of Staff to Congressman John Sweeney (NY), and on President Reagan's Transition Team.

Cathryn J. Kingsbry -- A legislative and government affairs consultant in education and non-profit issues, Cathryn began lobbying in 1999 for The Solomon Group, LLC, headed by the late Gerald B.H. Solomon (R-NY) former House Rules Committee Chairman. Worked at Pepperdine University's School of Public Policy and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Center for Public Affairs. Ms. Kingsbury has a Masters in Public Policy (International Relations and American Politics) from Pepperdine University.

Rick Legendre -- A Founding Partner of The Livingston Group with over 17 years of experience at the local and federal levels. Served as District Representative for Congressman Livingston, with responsibility for in-state issues. Experienced in public policy issues and marketing challenges related to educational services.

Bernie Robinson -- Served on Illinois Governor George Ryan's cabinet with responsibility for all federal affairs, including educational funding.

Chris Bennett Terrell -- Served as Director of Public Policy and Research for the non-profit, family-focused Washington Family Council and Lead staff for a senior member of the Education Committee (Washington State House of Representatives).

Representative Clients:

  • Aztec
  • Boys Town, USA
  • Case Western University
  • National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges
  • Thomas More College
  • Tulane University
  • University of New Orleans