Bill McBride

Director

State of Michigan, Washington D.C. Office

Bill McBride was appointed by Governor Rick Snyder in January 2010 as the Director of the State of Michigan Washington D.C. Office. In this role, Bill develops and executes Michigan's state-federal relations program serving as a liaison between elected and appointed officials at various levels and branches of government in the United States and the international community.

Bill serves as Michigan's primary representative for national association such as the National Governors Association, the Republican Governors Association and other public and private trade groups.

Previously, Bill spent three decades in public service to the State of Michigan serving as Deputy Chief of Staff for Governor John Engler and as Chief of Staff for two Michigan Members of Congress.

Bill's experience in federal and state government, coupled with his policy coordination background, coalition building skills and commitment to Michigan help align federal policies with Michigan state priorities.

Bill received his B.A. degree in American Studies and Communication from Michigan State University and his M.A. degree in International Commerce and Policy from George Mason University.

Dan DeSimone

Director

State of Connecticut, Washington D.C. Office

Dan DeSimone was appointed by Governor Dannel Malloy in March 2011 as the Director of the State of Michigan Washington D.C. Office. In this role, Dan works with Connecticut's Congressional Delegation and coordinates Connecticut's federal legislative and policy work on behalf of Governor Malloy.

Previously, DeSimone was the Director of the State of Oregon's Washington Office, where he offered strategic advice to Governor Ted Kulongoski and other state officials to achieve policy goals for Oregon and the northwest region. He helped the state navigate major policy issues including the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the Affordable Care Act, and the Dodd-Frank Financial Services reform. DeSimone worked closely with Oregon's Congressional Delegation to push state-specific priorities in Washington, including projects such as the pivotal West Coast Governors Agreement on Ocean Health, and a major bi-state transportation project - the Columbia River Crossing.

Prior to his work for the State of Oregon, DeSimone was the Director of the Office of Federal Relations for the National Association of State Treasurers where he advised State Treasurers on developing federal policy goals. From 2001-2003, DeSimone spent two years as the Assistant Director at the Government Finance Officers Association, helping to implement the Government Finance Officers national policy agenda and working with various committees to build best practices and stronger public policy. He was also a legislative aide to a midwestern Congresswoman.

DeSimone graduated from James Madison University and lives in Washington D.C.