The Frederick News-Post, Md., Political Notes column

Aug. 15--A Frederick resident with years of experience lobbying and working in Annapolis is starting her own firm next month.

Katie Nash, a partner in Greenwill Consulting Group, will form a new public affairs and advocacy firm, Greater Good Maryland, beginning Sept. 11.

The firm will focus on community and economic development, education and public outreach and issue advocacy, according to a news release.

Nash said Thursday that creating her own lobbying firm was the natural next step in her career, given her years of experience in Annapolis and working throughout the state.

She added that most of her clients will probably be nonprofits or local government entities statewide. Nash also works with Frederick County Professional Firefighters and Paramedics Local 3666, the county's professional firefighter union.

She said it's too early to say what issues she will focus on for next year's legislative session, but Nash does believe that nonprofits are starting to have more influence in state politics.

"Over the last 16 years in my time in Annapolis, the nonprofit community has had an increasing voice in policy being made," Nash said.

She chose the name Greater Good Maryland to illustrate the need to make the state a better place for its citizens, both through Annapolis and local governments.

"I think it's always challenging and scary when you start a new business. ... It's certainly going to be an adventure, but for me it's a risk I was ready to take," Nash said.

Nash has served on the boards of various state and local nonprofits, including the United Way of Frederick County and the Maryland Government Relations Association.

She ran for the city of Frederick'sBoard of Aldermen in 2013, and also briefly worked for Frederick County Public Schools before a viral tweet correcting a student's spelling of the word "tomorrow" resulted in her termination in January 2017.

Concerning her upcoming lobbying work, Nash said she's got a lot of work to do, but is excited to start.

"I won't be the top-earning lobbyist, but I'll be a happy one," she said.

Del. Pippy appointed to council assessing juvenile justice

Del. Jesse Pippy (R-District 4) has been appointed a group that will assess juvenile justice laws statewide.

Pippy was appointed to the Juvenile Justice Reform Council by Speaker Adrienne Jones in June, according to the official appointment letter. He said the group's work will be a "heavy lift," as they review state statutes concerning juvenile justice.

"These are all the things that prosecutors and local agencies that support youth. ... They all use these laws to do business, so to speak," Pippy said.

The council's role is laid out in legislation passed during this year's session. According to that bill, the group, which includes three state senators, three state delegates, a member from the state attorney general's office, state public defender's office and numerous other state officials.

The council is tasked with submitting an interim report of recommendations to Gov. Larry Hogan's office by the end of the year, and a full report by the end of 2020. Pippy said the council's recommendations would be used to shape future legislation.

He added the main challenge is recommending changes that help juveniles and reduce recidivism rates, but also ensure public safety in local communities statewide. His mother, Lissette, worked years ago as a social worker in Alexandria, Virginia, he said.

She helped young people find employment opportunities along with other services, he said.

"I bring the side that I am an advocate for young people ... but at the same time, ensuring public safety," Pippy said of his mom's work and how that will guide him on the council.

Follow Steve Bohnel on Twitter: @Steve_Bohnel.

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