PRINCIPALS

JOSEPH B. WEBER

Joe Weber brings strong government relations and issues management experience to your team. As a respected general and strategic consultant with coast-to-coast experience, he has been responsible for the planning and implementation of dozens of public affairs campaigns and lobbying efforts.

Weber’s experience provides him with an extensive working knowledge of lobbying, interest groups, coalition development, grassroots lobbying, and ballot measure campaigns. His eclectic background brings a unique ability to work with Fortune 500 CEO’s and government relations professionals on diverse issues.

In addition to hands on political campaign experience in North Carolina, Ohio, California and Minnesota, Weber is most experienced in the workings of government. On Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. he served as Legislative and Communications Director to two Members of Congress, before returning to Minnesota serving as Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Arne Carlson.

GREGORY D. JOHNSON

Greg Johnson’s unique mix of political and business experience can serve the public affairs needs of corporations or trade groups unlike other public affairs professionals. His close personal service to a number of Minnesota’s current political figures puts Greg in a very small club of people with keen insight into the process and politics of government.

Greg, as special assistant to Governor Tim Pawlenty, quickly became a trusted confidant as Pawlenty realized the value of Greg’s counsel. Greg served Governor Pawlenty early in his first term, including the transition, and at a time when the State of Minnesota faced deficits among the highest in the nation. At the Governor’s side during these difficult times, Greg became a part of a close circle of advisers and remains so today.

Johnson also held key positions with the1998 gubernatorial campaign of then-Senator Norm Coleman and remains part of Sen. Coleman’s political family today. He also serves as a Director on the Board of North Star Mutual Insurance Company.

EDWARD A. GARVEY

An expert in energy, environment and climate change public policy, as well as electric, natural gas, and telecommunications utility regulation, Edward Garvey offers strategic and governmental relations consulting to select WeberJohnson clients on complex and diverse issues ranging from power grid/transmission to climate change; from rate case advice to environmental compliance; and from carbon footprint analysis to renewable project management.

As the Director of Governor Tim Pawlenty’s Office of Energy Security and Deputy Commissioner of Commerce in Minnesota, Edward led Minnesota’s policy development in the areas of energy, climate policy and telecommunications. Edward helped draft the November 2007 Midwestern Governors Association climate accord and energy platform and assisted Governor Pawlenty on his Securing a Clean Energy Future Initiative as chair of the National Governors Association.

Prior to his service to Governor Pawlenty, Edward was chairman of the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission and Director of the Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance.

Edward obtained a BA from the University of MN, a JD from the University of MN Law School and MBA from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul.

Edward served as the legislative assistant for energy and the environment for former US Senator Dave Durenberger in Washington, D.C. After a three year stint practicing law at the large Minneapolis law firm Gray Plant Mooty, Edward went back to work for Senator Durenberger in his Minnesota office to handle health care issues.

CHRISTOPHER J.TIEDEMAN

Chris is a licensed Minnesota attorney with an extensive grassroots political, communications and public affairs background. He has worked on behalf of political and corporate clients developing and executing grassroots teams in Minnesota, New Jersey, Texas and Oregon. His extensive contacts in Minnesota and around the country have lead to a series of successful PR and legislative grassroots ventures on behalf of clients seeking local, state and federal assistance. Chris has worked on Senator Norm Coleman’s past political campaigns and organized 3rd party assistance to assist the campaigns of both Senator Coleman and Governor Pawlenty.

Chris also served as the Director of Government Affairs for Center of the American Experiment, a Minnesota think tank, where he worked extensively in convert with business, social, political and other organizations which make up the critical part of any grasstops public relations or government affairs effort. Chris’ background and experience position him well to develop and execute grassroots plans within a team to execute direct lobbying and media strategies as well.