Meet Your Team
C & G Strategies, LLC is not just your traditional lobbying firm. What sets C & G Strategies apart is not the “us” – at C & G Strategies, it’s about you. Our team works collaboratively with clients to put them in the best possible position to succeed. And while there are no guarantees, our professionals have an impressive record of success for clients.
Launched in January 2024, the former Dentons Cohen & Grigsby public affairs group teamed up with Pittsburgh-based Caliguiri Group to form a new Pennsylvania communications and government relations firm. Based out of its Harrisburg office on Pine Street, C & G also has a presence in Pittsburgh.
Our team includes seasoned professionals who are veterans in public affairs and use their unique backgrounds, bipartisan connections, and governmental experience to benefit clients across Pennsylvania.
Kimberly Hileman
Co-Founder/Chief Operating Officer
Kim started her career in government as a congressional aide before segueing into government relations. She is well-known for her in-depth experience and track record in successfully implementing funding strategies for economic development projects. In addition to her efforts to secure state and local grants and incentives, Kim has specific expertise and experience in the administration of the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) as she previously served as an RACP consultant to the Office of the Budget. Kim’s expertise working with clients across all industries has included partnering with private developers, non-profit organizations, municipalities, and colleges and universities.
Andrew Paris
Senior Policy Director
Involved in state government for over 20 years, Andrew brings a vast skill set to the table including government relations strategy development, research and analysis, lobbying, legislative drafting, beverage alcohol policy, economic modeling, transportation policy, gaming policy, and higher education policy. Prior to joining Dentons Cohen & Grigsby and its successor firm C & G Strategies, Andrew served as research director for a political campaign, a legislative liaison for a state row office, executive deputy director of policy and planning within the state executive branch, executive director of the State Tax Equalization Board (STEB), and the founder and principal of Four Lights Research Solutions.
Don Smith
Senior Policy Director
With over a decade of experience in government relations, Don has honed his skills in legislative and regulatory tracking, research, firm communications, and lobbying. His clients have ranged from Fortune 500 companies to non-profit organizations. His roles have provided him opportunities to spearhead grassroots campaigns, shape legislative agendas, direct political action committee initiatives, and lobby. He also previously served in lobbying and government relations roles in statewide associations.
Rob Vescio
Co-Founder/Chief Financial Officer
With over two decades of executive experience, Rob’s career has placed him at the highest level of local and state government. As a public affairs professional, he has shaped public policy and legislation for clients in non-profit organizations, for-profit companies, trade associations, unions, and more. Rob provides individualized services that support clients’ specific needs and has successfully represented clients in a variety of sectors. Whether navigating state or local government, facilitating introductions with decision makers, working with stakeholders, or developing and executing strategies, he is focused on allowing each individual client to meet their goals.
David Caliguiri
Co-Founder/
Managing Partner
With more than 25 years of experience in government, public affairs, and strategic communications, David comes from The Caliguiri Group, a firm he founded in 2011. After successfully managing several political campaigns, David was also an integral part of Pittsburgh First’s campaign for a Pennsylvania state gaming license. Prior to launching his own firm, David was a lobbyist representing clients before local and state governments. He is an active member of the Pittsburgh community and sits on the boards of several nonprofit organizations serving the region.
Tony Crisci
Co-Founder/
General Counsel
Tony has dedicated his entire career to government relations, representing a variety of corporations and non-profit organizations from across the Commonwealth. An effective advocate, his experience and reputation helps make connections between his clients and policy makers. Tony is an active and well-respected participant in the legislative process in Harrisburg. Tony is known for his tireless work ethic and his ability to bring together stakeholders on any issue to find commonalities and work together. His expertise lies in government relations, legislative strategy, political action committee (PAC) regulation, and lobbying regulation. Tony is also a frequent continuing legal education (CLE) presenter.
Amie M. Downs
Senior Vice President of Communications
Amie’s 25 years of experience in communications and government includes 12 years in an executive leadership position reflecting significant responsibility for establishing and implementing goals, policies, procedures, strategic direction, and engagement initiatives. In her roles with local, county and state governments, she has navigated complex environments, developed and maintained strong bipartisan relationships, and interacted effectively with journalists in local, state, and national outlets. Amie thrives on challenges and is skilled at handling media relations, crisis communications, message development, communications plans, coordinated media and public service campaigns, and public announcements. She is well known for her collaborative work with both internal and external stakeholders and has a proven ability to convey highly complex information in clear, compelling ways. Amie’s experience in launching initiatives and creating procedural and organizational processes also serves clients well.
Nello Giorgetti
Senior Vice President of Government Relations
In his 25 years as a lobbyist, Nello has developed significant experience in the legislative process. As a government affairs professional, his greatest accomplishments have included passing the Medical Cannabis law in Pennsylvania, working on funding for a new arena, passing City of Pittsburgh fiscal bailout, and ensuring provisions in the gaming law for a constant stream of funding for the Pittsburgh International Airport. Nello focuses on working collaboratively with his clients and keeping them informed throughout the process. He prides himself on being honest with clients and ensuring that their expectations are realistic. He has successfully represented clients in the non-profit, government, development industry, and issue advocacy sectors.
Michelle Vezzani
Operations Manager
With more than 20 years of experience as both a paralegal and legal assistant, Michelle is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Public Affairs Group as well as managing the client and firm lobbying expense reporting, client PAC campaign, and expense reporting. A vital part of the C & G team, Michelle previously served in operations roles with Dentons Cohen & Grigsby, Cohen & Grigsby, and Buchanan Ingersoll. She is a former mayor and council member in Dravosburg Borough. She and her husband own two businesses together and will soon be opening a retail shop for first responders, in the very near future. When not working, she is learning to play the guitar and spends her time golfing and enjoying life.