Gordon Thomas Honeywell Governmental Affairs Expands Washington State Lobbying Group

TACOMA, Wash., Jan. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Gordon Thomas Honeywell Governmental Affairs announced today that Cindy Zehnder and Al Ralston will join the firm effective January 5, 2010. Both will primarily focus on providing lobbying services to selected clients in Olympia, Washington.

Cindy Zehnder comes to the firm after recently retiring as Governor Christine Gregoire's Chief of Staff. In addition to serving in the Governor's top post, Cindy has a long and respected Washington State public service career. She has held many other positions including, Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives, CEO of TVW, and a Regent for the University of Washington.

Cindy was hired as a Vice President and will be responsible for the daily operations of the Washington State Governmental Affairs Division. In addition to her management duties, Cindy will represent a diverse range of clients in Olympia. "We are extremely excited that Cindy has decided to join our firm," said Tim Schellberg, President of Gordon Thomas Honeywell Governmental Affairs. "Cindy's impressive career and unique understanding of the state's executive agencies and legislature will further enhance our abilities to offer productive solutions to our clients," said Schellberg.

Al Ralston has also been hired as a Vice President. Al will primarily represent clients in Olympia. Furthermore, he will use his federal experience to represent selected clients in Congress. Al intends to use his experience to focus on clients related to transportation, finance, and business.

Al spent the last two years as President of the Washington Research Council, Washington State's premier public policy research organization. Al is best known by the state legislature and Congress as Boeing's long-time lobbyist. Al served in this position from 1986 through 2007. Prior to retiring from Boeing, Seattle Business Monthly noted that Al was "considered by many as the single most powerful lobbyist in Olympia" (Seattle Business Monthly, 2006). "Having Al Ralston as part of the Gordon Thomas Honeywell lobbying team is a major win for our clients and our firm," said Dale Learn, Vice President in charge of Gordon Thomas Honeywell's Washington, DC office. "The Washington State Legislature and Congressional delegation are very familiar with Al's successful record and reputation. His hiring further builds on our firm's ability to provide service to clients needing representation in both Washington, DC and Washington State," said Learn.

About Gordon Thomas Honeywell Governmental Affairs

Gordon Thomas Honeywell Government Affairs (GTH-GA) offers comprehensive professional consultancy services including governmental affairs, government research, and association management to a diverse client base. The firm operates out of three offices: Washington, DC; Tacoma, Washington; and Seattle, Washington.

Lobbying is GTH-GA's largest service area, covering all levels of government - local, state, federal, and foreign. In addition to providing services before a variety of different governments, GTH-GA has developed policy expertise on numerous subjects. Notable areas of expertise include Public Safety/Homeland Security, Technology, Biotechnology, Local Government, Utilities, and Transportation.

Tim Schellberg is the President of GTH-GA, and serves as the firm's managing partner. The firm has four Vice Presidents and a total staff of 17 employees. For additional information on Gordon Thomas Honeywell Governmental Affairs, their clients and personnel, see the following web link: www.gth-gov.com

SOURCE Gordon Thomas Honeywell Governmental Affairs