Two Gamble & Schlemeier Staff Members Join MDA Lobby Efforts
NIKKI STRONG (right), who will become a chief lobbyist for the MDA, is seen here speaking at a hearing at the Missouri State Capitol. Photo courtesy Nicole Gutierrez, Columbia Missourian. GRACE RILEY (below) will assist in MDA legislative projects as Governmental Affairs Liaison.
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or more than 35 years, Gamble & Schlemeier has served at the State Capitol as MDA’s contract lobby firm. That relationship began with Bill Gamble in 1987, which Jorgen Schlemeier joined in 1992. Through the years, other members of the firm have aided MDA advocacy efforts — most recently, Olivia Wilson, who was serving as a legislative liaison to MDA. In August Olivia joined the team of public policy advisors at Husch Black- well Strategies. While we wish her the best, we also are excited to announce two new Gamble & Schlemeier team members will consult with and lobby on behalf of the MDA.
NIKKI STRONG will serve as a con- tract lobbyist for the MDA. A native of Jefferson City, she developed her pas- sion for politics and government affairs after working on campaigns at a young age for her grandfather who served in the Missouri House and Senate for 18 years before his retirement in 1991. She is an experienced lobbyist with nearly 20 years advocating on behalf of clients on numerous issues including but not limited to healthcare, education, eco- nomic development, insurance, sports, medical malpractice, local government, transportation and construction. In 2008, she joined Missouri Health Care Association as its Director of Govern- ment Affairs. In 2013, she was promot- ed to Executive Director where she also
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continued her role as lobbyist and lead the Gov- ernment Affairs for the
Association. On January 1, 2024 Nikki expanded her career by joining Gamble & Schlemeier, bringing her wealth of experience and strategic insights to the firm. Before becoming a lobbyist in 2004, Nikki was a paralegal for more than 10 years. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administra- tion and resides in Jefferson City with her husband.
GRACE RILEY will serve as Governmental Affairs Liaison for the MDA. Grace is a central Missouri native, and in 2022 graduated with honors from Rhodes College in Mem- phis, Tenn., with a Bachelor of Science in neuroscience. Her first foray into advocacy was as an intern for Gamble & Schlemeier Governmental Consultants where she focused on public health pol- icy. While in college, she held a fellow- ship with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Global Pediatric Medicine. Grace specializes in public health and health equity research. In addition to her role and Gamble & Schlemeier, she works with Advocacy360, a grassroots development organization.
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