"Maybe it is just my legal training coming through," says MCA founder George N. Manis, when asked why he insists that all the company's business be conducted in accordance with the spirit as well as the letter of the law.

A stickler for detail, George draws on his years of legislative experience and extensive library of legal opinions to counsel clients on matters ranging from campaign finance laws to ethics.

An innovator, George was one of those who pioneered the use of grass-roots lobbying as a government relations tool in the State of Maryland. He also uses his trade association expertise to provide full service management to industry and professional groups like the Maryland Beer Wholesalers Association and the Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants. The importance of a strong team and teamwork were lessons George learned in his youth as a varsity basketball player for the University of Maryland. Today, he uses those lessons to provide a specialty for which MCA is renowned -- helping trade groups organize and direct their member services.

George has served as an Assistant States Attorney for Anne Arundel County and as a local director for the former Sovran Bank. He graduated from the University of Baltimore School of Law and the University of Maryland (College Park) where he lettered on the '50-'53 varsity basketball teams.

Michael F. Canning, APR

"The most successful lobbying campaigns are a marriage of both public and government relations," says Michael F. Canning, Sr., MCA's other founder.

When opponents of a legislative initiative in Annapolis, aimed at providing a financial safety net for dairy farmers, charged in the media that the measure would be a disaster for consumers, Delmarva milk producers turned to MCA. Using his lobbying and media expertise, Mike was able to convince both the public and lawmakers that the measure would help preserve the state's family farms without harming Maryland's consumers. The "doomed" measure passed in the closing hours of the legislative session.

Mike lobbies on behalf of MCA clients in both the Nation's Capitol and Annapolis. He also uses his management skills to run trade groups like the Maryland Sheriff's Association.

Mike perfected his craft over some thirty years in such positions as senior executive assistant to Maryland Governor Harry Hughes, public affairs director of the Maryland Department of Transportation, communications director of the Washington, DC office of the National Governors Association and assistant information officer for the Montgomery County Government.

Mike served as an Associate Judge of the Maryland Tax Court from 1983-1994. He holds both BA and MA degrees in public relations.

Nicholas G. Manis

"It must be in the genes," Nicholas G. Manis, the son of MCA's co-founder, says of his legislative and special event successes on behalf of clients like the Motion Picture Association of America.

In addition to being an accomplished lobbyist and legislative analyst, this MCA partner is also a successful entrepreneur. "There are business opportunities beyond advocacy that can profitably serve MCA's clients," Manis says. And, in business transactions involving activities from background checks to parking services, Nick has demonstrated his theory works.

Nick's business bent led him to found Manis & Wright Realty, a residential and commercial realty firm he grew from modest beginnings to a successful 40 associates company that was ultimately bought by Maryland's largest real estate company.

Nick is involved in a cornucopia of business and community activities that include organizations such as the Anne Arundel Trade Council, Annapolis Chamber of Commerce, the Maryland Hall for Creative Arts, and the University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center Board of Advisors. In 1998, he was presented the Louis L. Goldstein Award in recognition of his efforts on behalf of the Maryland Alcohol Beverage Industry. Nick was captain of the varsity lacrosse team and received a degree from the University of Maryland.

Van T. Mitchell

"The art of lobbying is people, policy and persistence," says Van T. Mitchell, the newest member of the MCA team.

A successful businessman and entrepreneur, Van brought those skills to the legislature and executive branches of State government. His keen insights and business acumen quickly strengthened his reputation as a "get it done" guy.

Van spent ten years as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, distinguishing himself as a member of the Economic Matters Committee; and developing expertise in the areas of workers' compensation, unemployment insurance and healthcare issues. In 2002, he was moved to the Appropriations Committee where he chaired the Health Subcommittee. In 2004, he was appointed by Governor Ehrlich as Principal Deputy Secretary for the Department of Health & Mental Hygiene, where he served until recently.

His lifelong commitment to his community is reflected by his work with both the Charles County Community College (now College of Southern Maryland) and the Civista Medical Center. He has worked diligently on the redevelopment of La Plata's business center since a tornado struck it four years ago.

Kathie Frissyn

A devotion to service - timely and thorough - is a virtue staffer Kathie Frissyn acquired while working for two chairmen in the Maryland House of Delegates and at a major trade association. This is just one of many traits Kathie uses to the advantage of MCA clients. A history buff, Kathie has also worked as a tour guide in the Annapolis historic district and at the US Naval Academy.

Patricia McDonald

Patricia McDonald manages the day-to-day activities for all the legislative tracking and information processes provided to our clients and she coordinates information from our staff to develop the legislative profiles available on our web-based system. She has become the 'jack of all trades' in the office, providing assistance to all clients when needed. Her abilities to adapt quickly and respond effectively have made her a valuable asset to the Firm and our clients. She brings with her a positive attitude, considerable skills and a strong work ethic.

Dianne Nolte

Dianne handles the accounting and financial management for the Firm and the several associations operated by firm principals. She has a Degree from Anne Arundel Community College and also attended classes at University of Maryland Baltimore County. She was instrumental in helping her husband Dennis start and grow Chesapeake Telephone Systems, Inc. from 1985 thru 1995. Her meticulous attention to detail and organizational abilities are an asset to Manis Canning & Associates and its clients.

Caryl Gibson

Caryl was hired to assist with legislative activities during the 2006 General Assembly session. She remained after the session and now works primarily on association programs. Caryl brings with her a wide variety experiences from Koon’s Ford of Annapolis, the Maryland Chamber of Commerce, the State Treasurer’s Office as well as working with numerous lobbyists. Her knowledge of and experience with the Maryland General Assembly and State government have made her a perfect fit for the Firm and a major asset for our clients. Caryl attended St. Mary’s College of Maryland and has taken additional classes at Anne Arundel Community College and University of Maryland University College.