Our Associates

Jennifer Schaus
Event Planning & Management

Jennifer has planned, managed, and hosted one of Washington, DC’s signature events for over 8 years at The John F. Kennedy Center drawing sell-out crowds of over 200+ attendees, corporate sponsors and major federal government agencies.  She organizes industry forums and conferences for government contractors and other industry groups, embassy delegations, chambers of commerce, associations and non-profits.  Events can range from small focus groups, specialized guided panel discussions to larger auditorium style formats and trade show settings.  Services include consultation on event agenda, format, venue selection, event listing and promotion, registration and more.

Ms. Schaus holds a B.A. from Towson University, a Certificate in Executive Leadership from Cornell University and has completed the Leadership Accelerator from UC Berkeley. She regularly volunteers as a business mentor and/or instructor at 1776, Capitol Post/Bunker Labs, Washington DC Economic Partnership, Virginia PTAP – Procurement Technical Assistance Center, Towson University Incubator, Women In Technology, and The Veterans Business Outreach Center.

Tim Hindes
Marketing, Communications, & Social Media

Tim has presented regionally and nationally on topics surrounding social media, marketing, and branding, and has worked with some of the country’s top brands throughout his career. As a strategist, he applies qualitative and quantitative data to develop recommendations, action plans, and comprehensive blueprints, focusing on impact and investment. As a creative, Tim builds the tools for implementation, incorporating methodic principles of design and psychology.
With a career spanning sales, marketing, strategy, nonprofit administration, communications, and entrepreneurship, Tim has a complete perspective on economic development through a marketing and communications lens. As the former Director of Marketing for the Pittsburgh Technology Council, he provided the foresight and direction to enhance the electronic marketing efforts of the PTC, while creating the organization’s social media campaigns and strategy from scratch.
Tim’s proven leadership practices and campaigns are still the skeleton of current efforts of the organization, which were recognized by ASAE, receiving the Gold Circle Award for electronic communications. He also received the BSA President’s Award for Marketing for a strategic regional marketing campaign targeted at youth programs.
In addition to Tim’s marketing and communications experience, he also has extensive experience in grant writing, aligning funding opportunities with client needs and orchestrating millions of dollars in successful grant proposals for organizations.

Trish Jones Mondero
Organization Strategy and Support

Trish began her career as a newspaper reporter and, after moving to Washington, DC, became a Capitol Hill press secretary, and later transitioned her skills to helping associations manage their internal and external communications, including traditional and social media campaigns. Her work in the association industry now spans 20 years and includes managing associations’ governance, planning large and small events, and developing new ways to attract and retain members.
Trish also has specific experience in identifying and developing germane, but non-traditional, partnerships and alliances. For example, as former executive director of the Foundation for Youth Opportunities, Trish developed partnerships with Monster.com, Hyundai, and Hilton Worldwide to support students and establish career pathways.
Trish received her BA degree from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana with majors in journalism and political science.

George McElwee
Lobbyist

George has over 17 years of experience to having worked in both the public and private sectors.

George provides government relations support and guidance on a wide range of legislative and regulatory issues. George has served as chief lobbyist to the Organization for International Investment (OFII) representing more than 160 U.S. subsidiaries of leading global companies. As Vice President, Public Policy & Government Affairs, George was responsible for advising association members and policy makers on Buy America, Corporate Inversions, Corporate Tax, International Trade Agreements, and Tax Treaties. George strategically expanded OFII’s advocacy presence with Congress, the Administration, and state and local governments. Working with Congressmen Kevin Brady (R-TX) and Jim Moran (D-VA), George established the first congressional caucus devoted solely to promoting the benefits of foreign direct investment in the United States – the American Global Investment Caucus.  From 2005-2013, George served as Chief of Staff to Congressman Charlie Dent (R-PA), implementing the Congressman’s overall legislative, communication, and political vision and winning five consecutive Congressional elections. While working for Congressman Dent, George developed and executed a long-term strategy to secure a seat on the coveted House Committee on Appropriations. Congressman Dent currently serves as Chairman of the Military Construction and Veteran Affairs Subcommittee.

With a reputation of bipartisanship and diligent service, George was elected in 2009 by his peers to serve as President of the House Chiefs of Staff Association—a bipartisan association of almost 500 current chiefs of staff and committee staff directors. George held the position for three years, becoming the longest serving president in the association’s 36-year history.

Prior to working for Congressman Dent, George spent five years as Director, Federal Government Affairs for the American Financial Services Association (AFSA), a national trade association representing the consumer credit and finance industry, and on the staff of former Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA).

A commissioned officer in the United States Navy Reserve, Lieutenant McElwee is a public affairs officer assigned to U.S. Navy Chief of Information (CHINFO), Pentagon and serves as the Flag Aide to the Vice Chief of Information.

George holds a Master of Arts in Strategic Security Studies from the College of International Security Affairs at the National Defense University, a Graduate Certificate in PACs and Political Management from the Graduate School of Political Management at the George Washington University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania.

Keith Pemrick
Lobbyist

Keith has over 16 years of experience to having worked in both the public and private sectors. He provides government relations expertise, including advice and support on a wide range of legislative and regulatory issues. Keith served as Director of Environment & Energy Programs for the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), leading the private engineering industry’s pursuit on Capitol Hill and within the Administration of robust and innovative water infrastructure funding and an “all of the above” energy strategy. During negotiations and passage of the Water Resources & Reform Development Act of 2014 (WRRDA), Keith won the inclusion of Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) for the first time in the Clean Water Act State Revolving Fund (CWSRF), as well as engineering contracting-out language and levee liability protections.

From 2000-2012, Keith served on the staff of Congressman Tim Holden (D-PA), with the final seven years as Legislative Director. In this position, he advised the Congressman in all legislative areas, assisted in the development of policy positions and legislative initiatives, and managed and supervised the Congressman’s legislative staff. Working for a Democrat in a majority-Republican district, Keith forged relationships in both parties to advance Congressman Holden’s efforts to best represent his constituents’ interests. Keith holds a Master of Arts in Public Management from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from American University in Washington, D.C.

David Caliguiri
Lobbyist & Membership Services

David has more than 20 years of experience in government, public affairs and strategic communications. He successfully managed the political campaigns of Senator Jay Costa, Jr. and Mayor Tom Murphy and was an integral part of Pittsburgh First’s campaign for a PA state gaming license. He spent 4 years as a lobbyist with the law firm of Eckert Seamans where he represented clients before local and state governments. David is an active member of the Pittsburgh community and sits on the boards of the Carnegie Science Center, the Downtown YMCA, Academy Charter School & Junior Achievement where he was recently awarded Junior Achievement’s Alumni Award for 2012. He is a graduate of Syracuse University and the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. David lives in Squirrel Hill with his wife Katy and three kids, Maxwell, Ellie & Sam.