THE TEAM
The Partners
The Pittsburgh Team
Christopher L. Petrone
Lynette R. Stevens
Anthony M. Costa
Alicia R. McGhee
The Harrisburg Team
William S. Dando
Megan R. Crompton
Michael Negra
John X. Gower
With 15 years of experience in management with Pittsburgh-based CONSOL Energy & CNX Resources, Tommy is a managing partner of Allegheny Strategy Partners. Prior to his work in the energy sector, Tommy served as a legislative aide to U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum. He remains active on the campaign trail as an energy advisor to presidential campaigns, as well as, serving on finance committees for state, local and federal candidates.
Recently recognized among his peers by Pittsburgh Business Times which included him in their Pittsburgh Power 100 list of the most influential business leaders, Tommy remains very active in the Region. He has served on the boards of the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce, the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce, and the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, the Independent Petroleum Association of America, National Mining Association, PA Coal Alliance, and Marcellus Shale Coalition.
Tommy resides in the North Hills of Pittsburgh with his wife Stacie and 3 children Rylee, Jackson and Reagan.
Tommy can be reached at tommy@alleghenystrategy.com
A third-generation businessman and public servant of more than 30 years standing, Joseph Scarnati was born and raised in Brockway, Jefferson County, where he began his career in his family’s food business.
After 20 years in the private sector, which included service on the Brockway Borough Council, Scarnati was elected in 2000 to represent the 25th Senatorial District, which comprises Cameron, Clinton, Elk, Jefferson, McKean, Potter and Tioga Counties and portions of Clearfield County.
His rural upbringing, education at Penn State’s DuBois campus, and private-sector work combined to give Scarnati a broad understanding of state issues and the needs of citizens in all walks of life. In the state senate, Scarnati focused heavily on economic development and free market solutions, with an eye toward job creation and became the go-to person when it came to getting things done in the senate and state government.
In 2006, Scarnati was elected in a three-way race as Senate President Pro-Tempore, a job that put him in command of the senate during some of the most crucial years in Pennsylvania history, including the state’s recovery from the Great Recession of 2008, important budget battles, and the expansion of the state’s energy industry.
In November of 2008, Scarnati became Pennsylvania’s 31st lieutenant governor following the death of Catherine Baker Knoll. He served the remainder of Knoll’s term, which ended Jan. 18, 2011.
As President Pro Tempore, Scarnati appointed senators to their respective committees in each legislative session, including chairs of the 28 senate standing committees.
He presided over the hiring of a new senate secretary-parliamentarian, chief clerk, caucus administrator and general counsel, as well as all hires to senate staff.
As chairman of the Senate Republican Campaign Committee, Scarnati oversaw the election of the largest Republican majority since 1958, and he has overseen and financed successful campaigns by dozens of Republican candidates.
His political and legislative reach was acknowledged even by his harshest critics, with one media outlet referring to him as “the most powerful senator in Pennsylvania.” He has been involved in the appointments of members of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, the Public Utility Commission, and the Liquor Control Board, as well as boards of trustees for state universities across the commonwealth.
With a broad understanding of the intricacies of the legislative and executive branches, as well as a range of public commissions and boards, Scarnati has played a role in a vast array of public policies and initiatives.
Scarnati resides in Brockway, Pa., with his wife, Amy. They have four children.
Joe can be reached at joe@alleghenystrategy.com
A founding partner of ASP, Nick spent the past decade as an attorney with one of Pittsburgh’s largest law firms, Burns White, where he assisted businesses from a wide range of industries with their litigation, general business, and advisement needs. He remains Of Counsel at the firm.
Named a 2014 Fast Tracker by the Pittsburgh Business Times, Nick takes a hands-on approach to understanding each client’s position within the framework of its business or industry.
Previously, Nick spent two years at the Allegheny County District Attorney’s office. He also interned in the office of the United States Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania, clerked in the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office, and worked at the Pennsylvania Senate.
Nick holds three degrees from the University of Pittsburgh, earning a Juris Doctor with a Health Law Certificate, a Master’s in Public Administration from the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Business Management.
Nick is also a partner in Varischetti Holdings, LP, a family-owned and operated organization consisting of several different businesses, including real estate investments, powder metal manufacturing, an oil and gas field services company, and waste industry consulting.
Additionally, Nick is a shareholder and director of Guardian Elder Care Holdings, Inc.. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of Emclaire Financial Corp. and its subsidiary, The Farmers National Bank of Emlenton, as well as a member of Varischetti Sports, LLC, which owns a minority interest in the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Nick is actively involved in the community as a member of the Board of Directors of the Frank Varischetti Foundation. He previously served on the Board of Directors for Pittsburgh Urban Magnet Project (PUMP), and was a Board Member and Chairperson for both Every Child Inc. and Pittsburgh’s Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority (ICA). Nick has also worked with the Greater Pittsburgh ATHENA Awards Committee and the Jack Heinz Society for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.He was on the Duquesne Club Board of Governors, the Manchester Bidwell Corporation and La Roche University Board of Trustees.
Nick and his wife Kristin reside in Shadyside with their young sons Strayer, Alden and Franco.
Nick can be reached at nick@alleghenystrategy.com
Chris Petrone joins ASP with over 12 years of experience working with the Building Trades from a government affairs capacity. He has built deep relationships with labor leaders, local and state legislators, administrators, and community leaders.
Prior to joining ASP, Chris served as the Legislative Director for the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 66. He worked closely with legislators from both parties on a wide array of issues including worker rights, enhancing local energy assets, addressing the significant needs of the Pennsylvania infrastructure, and promoting the revitalization of manufacturing in Western Pennsylvania.
Chris completed Harvard Business School’s Young American Leaders Program, which teaches broad, diverse coalition building to leverage regional assets for economic and social development. He also graduated from Leadership Pittsburgh, which brings together corporate, philanthropic, labor, and elected leaders from Southwestern Pennsylvania to address regional challenges and effectuate change for the betterment of the region. Chris was also named to the City and State 40 under 40 in 2022. He also served on the Shapiro/Davis Leadership Council during the administration’s historical campaign.
A graduate of Colgate University, Chris resides in Peters Township with his wife and four children.
Chris can be reached at chris@alleghenystrategy.com
Lynette Stevens is an associate at ASP where she is a member of the special projects practice group. She also owns Drive Marketing, LLC founded in 2010, a company focused on business development, strategic planning, marketing and event management. She has worked with large corporations such as EQT, GNC, CNX, as well as leading startups through the process of obtaining funding and generating the necessary marketing momentum to get off the ground. In her nearly two decades of experience, she has developed a strong network comprised of corporate relationships, community alliances, local media and vendors that encompass a strong team of partners across the region.
Throughout Lynette’s career, she’s worked with clients in a variety of industries such as energy, construction, technology, non-profits as well as in government affairs. Lynette has created and managed an array of events of all scopes and sizes. The Shale Energy Alliance annual events, PGA TOUR - Mylan Classic, Washington County Real Estate Expo, Men’s US Open at Oakmont Country Club, GNC Mark Wahlberg Launch, and many more.
Additionally, she is a board member for Appalachian Pipeline Association and Wounded Heroes Hunting Camp. She was also on the board of directors for Shale Energy Alliance for 7 years, an oil and gas advocacy organization she helped launch.
Lynette lives in the North Hills of Pittsburgh with her son. She is also very passionate about helping children and fosters through the Adoption Connections organization.
Lynette can be reached at lynette@alleghenystrategy.com
Anthony comes to ASP with a strong political upbringing and experience in business and government affairs consulting, in addition to extensive campaign knowledge. He most recently served as the Western Pennsylvania Coordinator for LT. Governor Mike Stack.
Through his work with the Lieutenant Governor’s Office, Anthony coordinated with the Board of Pardons and the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs to help facilitate Pathways to Pardons, a legislative forum that took place in 65 districts across the commonwealth and educated the public on the pardon system.
Anthony also brings work experience from the Allegheny County Executive’s Office under Dan Onorato, the 2010 Democratic candidate for Governor of Pennsylvania, and the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office. While employed with the County Executive’s Office, Anthony handled media relations, speech writing, and special events planning.
Anthony’s government relations engagement encompassed many issues local to the City of Pittsburgh, including the healthcare legislation, red-light camera legislation, and the Pittsburgh Penguins. Statewide, he was an integral part in the establishment of roll your own cigarette franchising services and operations, tracking point-of-sale customer trends.
Anthony has a young daughter and currently resides in Forest Hills.
Anthony can be reached at anthony@alleghenystrategy.com
Alicia McGhee is an associate at ASP where she also acts as the Executive Director of BOMA, Business Owners and Managers Association Pittsburgh.
Alicia began her career at the Beaver County Chamber of Commerce, working directly with the membership and planning all events large and small, from coffee meetings and galas to golf outings and legislative debates. From coordinating the debates, she launched in the political world and worked for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for over the last decade, assisting state representatives with the operations of their offices, management of their staff and planning outreach events to constituents. Through these positions, Alicia has created an extensive contact base, working with businesses, non-profits, politicians, media, and more.
Alicia is an active member of the Beaver Area Jaycees where she is Chairman of the Board and Co-Chair of the Annual Craft Festivals. She also acts as Chair of the Fundraising Committee for the Republican Committee of Beaver County. She also sits on the United Way of Beaver County Allocation Panel and is the In-House Commissioner for the Beaver Brighton Township Soccer Association. The Center in Midland is a very dear charity to Alicia, where she also sits on the Fundraising Committee.
Alicia resides in Beaver with her two children, Max and Macy.
Alicia can be reached at alicia@alleghenystrategy.com
Will joins ASP with nearly 20 years of experience in State Government that spans both public and private sector. His experience has afforded him extensive working relationships with Legislative members, leaders, and administration officials.
Prior to joining ASP, Will spent six years as the Director of Government Affairs for the Pennsylvania Coal Alliance, a Harrisburg-based trade association, where he successfully developed and executed Legislative, Regulatory, and Political strategies.
During his time in the public sector, Will served in multiple positions in the Pennsylvania State Senate over a span of 14 years that provided him a unique and incisive understanding of the Legislative process. Those positions included serving for eight years as Chief of Staff to Senator Richard Kasunic, the Senate Democratic Caucus Chairman. Prior to that, Will served as Executive Director of the Senate Democratic Policy Committee, the Democratic Executive Director of the Senate Game and Fisheries Committee, and a Legislative Assistant to the Democratic Chair of the Senate Labor and Industry Committee.
Will is a graduate of Penn State University. He lives in the Harrisburg Area with his wife and their two children.
Will can be reached at will@alleghenystrategy.com
Megan Crompton joins ASP with over 20 years of State Government and Lobbying experience. She began in State Government with the Ridge/Schweiker Administration in the Governor’s Office of Legislative Affairs and the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) and gained valuable insight into working with the Legislature and various State Agencies.
Megan then served nine years in the Senate of Pennsylvania as Legislative Director to Senator Tommy Tomlinson, where she worked on Legislative and Budget issues, coordinated media and public relations outreach and assisted with consumer protection and professional licensure issues. While in the Senate, Megan aided in the enactment of numerous bills including: authorizing table games and slot machines at casinos and racetracks in Pennsylvania; establishing the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act; requiring insurance coverage for colorectal cancer screening; and expanding the Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant (AFIG) Program.
Megan has established an outstanding network of relationships built on years of trust with an extensive array of elected and appointed officials, Government staff, and others who take an active role in public policy. She is widely viewed as an honest and effective advocate for hospitals, mass transit, utilities, and numerous other interests and causes across the State.
Megan has held a variety of positions with entities across central Pennsylvania, including serving as the President of her neighborhood HOA, and most recently was the campaign manager for a successful District Attorney campaign.
A graduate of Penn State University, Megan resides in Mechanicsburg with her husband and their two daughters.
Megan can be reached at megan@alleghenystrategy.com
Mike was nominated to the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board by Governor Tom Corbett in 2014 and Governor Tom Wolf in 2018. He was confirmed unanimously both times by the PA Senate.
During his time on the Board as the Minority Member of the three-person Board, his focus was on operational efficiencies, strategic planning, supplier and customer relations, supply chain vision, employee relations, store locations and layouts, and product selection. He helped create international relationships with wine associations in Italy and France with the goal of improved marketing and product availability. In addition, he supported wine, spirit and beer suppliers in the Commonwealth through internal and external communication and an understanding of their needs and concerns.
Mike was part of the team that led the LCB through the Act 39 changes that established a wholesale division, put wine in Grocery and Convenience stores, allowed direct to consumer (DTC) wine shipments to individuals from US and international suppliers and expanded PA-based distillery, winery and brewery business opportunities.
Mike has almost a decade of experience in navigating and understanding the complex issues of wine, beer,and spirits in PA and how they intersect with the legislature and special interest groups. He has significant relationships within the LCB and with the legislature. Without a doubt, he currently enjoys the standing of being the most knowledgeable former LCB official in the consulting world.
He was the liaison with the Senate and House Republican Caucuses for legislative and policy decisions, appearing before the Senate Law and Justice Committee, House Liquor Committee and both Appropriations Committees.
Other duties included financial review and budgeting, personnel matters, legal issues, adjudicating licensing matters presented to the Board, media relations and any other issues involving the industry of alcohol in the Commonwealth.
In front of the US Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations in 2003 Mike was the chief retail spokesperson for the Recording Industry Association of America’s (RIAA) testimony in their fight against copyright infringement. As President of Mike’s Video in State College, PA, he represented music retail stores on the panel Privacy & Piracy: The Paradox of Illegal File Sharing on Peer-to-Peer Networks and the Impact of Technology on the Entertainment Industry.
Mike has helped refurbish numerous Historic Theaters around the country including the State Theatre in State College, PA, providing feasibility studies, budgeting, architectural reviews and technical equipment consulting.
He is an avid wine collector and resides with his wife Wanda White in Centre Hall, PA.
Mike can be reached at mike@alleghenystrategy.com
John Gower joins ASP with several years of experience as a Congressional Staffer, Harrisburg lobbyist and Pennsylvania political consultant. Gower was named to City and State Pennsylvania’s 40 Under 40 in 2023.
Gower has deep experience in government and statewide politics. As a political consultant, he has closely advised many State Representatives, State Senators, two United States Congressman and most recently a Statewide Attorney General race. He has built deep relationships with legislators and staff throughout the halls of the Pennsylvania Capitol. John has represented clients in the utility and energy industry, gaming industry, tobacco, and manufacturing. He also has worked very closely with clients on economic development projects through various Commonwealth Financing Authority grants including the Multimodal Transportation Fund as well as The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP).
Gower previously worked for Congressman Dan Meuser as District Director after working on his successful Congressional Campaign in 2018.
Gower is a graduate of Lock Haven University, where he previously served on the Council of Trustees
Gower currently resides in Harrisburg.
John can be reached at john@alleghenystrategy.com
Zach Perry serves as State Director for West Virginia at ASP. He brings a wealth of experience in campaign management, government relations, and state associations. Prior to this role, Zach successfully managed campaigns for State Auditor and Attorney General-elect JB McCuskey, as well as assisting in Justice Tim Armstead’s election to the West Virginia Supreme Court.
In addition to his campaign expertise, Perry served as a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates, representing the 16th District. Following his legislative service, he worked with the West Virginia Health Care Association, where he excelled as Membership Development Director and Government Relations Assistant.
A proud fifth-generation West Virginian and graduate of Marshall University, Zach is deeply connected to the culture, people, and potential of the Mountain State. His vision for West Virginia’s future, coupled with his proven record of accomplishment, makes him a valuable asset to ASP and to his home state.
Zach currently resides in Charleston, West Virginia.
Zach can be reached at zach@alleghenystrategy.com