Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd and Capitol Advantage Announce New Government Relations Joint Venture Featuring Veteran State Government Experience
Theresa Kostrzewa, Founder of Capitol Advantage Associates, Inc., and Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A. are thrilled to announce the formation of HSB Advantage, LLC, a team of experienced governmental affairs and political consultants serving North Carolina and Washington, D.C.
From successfully navigating complex legislative issues to capitalizing on opportunities, HSB Advantage has a depth of experience to provide clients across industries with various services, including governmental relations, legislative activities, crisis management, procurement, economic development, regulatory affairs, public policy and issue advocacy.
"It is an exciting time for Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd and our clients," said Nick Nicholson, Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd's managing director. "We couldn't be happier joining with Theresa and Capitol Advantage to form HSB Advantage. Through this expansion, HSB Advantage will be able to provide clients with government relations services in North Carolina and Washington, D.C.”
Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd’s subsidiary Copper Dome Strategies, LLC provides a similar service in South Carolina.
“North Carolina is a premier venue globally for doing business. I am proud and excited to form HSB Advantage with Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd and look forward to continuing to support clients in engaging with North Carolina decision-makers,” said Kostrzewa.
Theresa Kostrzewa, Lisa Martin and William McKinney will lead the North Carolina-based HSB Advantage team. HSB Advantage will advise clients on legislative, policy and economic development matters at the local, state and federal levels.
HSB Advantage’s office is in The Dillon at 223 South West Street, the first mixed-use development of its kind in downtown Raleigh’s rapidly expanding, vibrant Warehouse District.
Theresa Kostrzewa is the Founder of Capitol Advantage. She has been an influential figure in the North Carolina political and governmental scene since she managed the campaign for the first Republican judge re-elected to statewide office in North Carolina history in 1992. She has worked extensively on technological, agricultural and franchise issues with the General Assembly. Her experience runs the gamut from representing regional and global clients, including Amazon and Smithfield Foods, working to legalize medical cannabis and passing the 2005 law to raise the cap on the alcohol content of beer (Pop the Cap). Throughout her career, Theresa has passionately and successfully represented her clients in North Carolina government. Theresa is on the Board of the National World War I Museum and the Fund for American Studies.
Lisa Martin is an accomplished advocate with a proven track record in government relations, with over two decades of experience navigating the public policy and legislative landscape. Prior to joining Capitol Advantage, Lisa served as Director of Government Affairs for a large statewide trade association. Lisa has successfully shaped impactful strategies and built meaningful relationships within the governmental and regulatory arenas throughout her career. She is dedicated to effective advocacy, strategic planning and fostering collaboration to yield results.
William C. McKinney represents clients in governmental, economic development and corporate matters in North and South Carolina. Before rejoining Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, William served as General Counsel to the Governor of North Carolina and Special Counsel to the Attorney General of North Carolina. Prior to entering law school, William worked in Washington, D.C. as a Foreign Service Officer with the United States Department of State. He has been inducted by the North Carolina Governor into the Order of the Longleaf Pine, the state’s highest honor. He is the co-author with John Shelton and Dale Volberg Reed of Holy Smoke: The Big Book of NC BBQ, now in its second edition. He serves on the board of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and Chairs the North Carolina-Catawba Certification Commission.
About Capitol Advantage Associates, Inc.
Capitol Advantage, founded in 2000 by Theresa Kostrzewa, helps clients pass beneficial legislation and kill bills, achieve budget appropriations and win contracts throughout state agencies. The Capitol Advantage team works with clients to set goals for success and uses their collective experience to strategize the path forward. For more information, visit www.cap-ad.com.
About Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A.
Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd provides business, litigation and financial legal services to local, national and international clients. With a history dating back to 1887, it is one of the largest law firms in South Carolina with more than 110 attorneys. The firm has offices in Charleston, Columbia, Florence and Greenville, South Carolina and Raleigh, North Carolina. For more information, visit www.hsblawfirm.com.
For Media Inquiries contact:
Keely Yates
Director of Marketing
Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd
kyates@hsblawfirm.com
803.540.7940
