"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, Baltimore Ravens, Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants and Pfizer.

In addition to being an accomplished lobbyist and legislative analyst for more than 20 years, this MCA partner has been instrumental in forging innovative and economically enhancing business partnerships among clients. "There are business opportunities beyond advocacy that can profitably serve MCA's clients," Manis says.

A University of Maryland Alumni and captain of the varsity lacrosse team, his background and strength lie in business issues, and he presently serves on several business roundtables and associations.

In 1989, Nick's business bent led him to co-found Manis & Wright Realty, a premier residential and commercial realty firm that grew from modest beginnings to a successful 40 associates company that merged with the largest real estate company in Maryland.

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

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.

John F. Favazza, Esq.

Accomplishing goals in Annapolis depends in large measure on mutual trust and mastery of the legislative process, two attributes that John F. Favazza, Esq., has honed through his experiences in Annapolis and applies as the newest member of the MCA firm.

These traits coupled with his legal training and ability to deal effectively with complicated and sometimes controversial subject matter, will give added strength to the Manis Canning team in work for their wide array of clients.

John has spent the last ten-plus years working inside the legislative process in Annapolis, first as Counsel to the House Economic Matters Committee, and the last 6 and one half years as Chief of Staff for the Speaker of the House. While involved in a broad array of substantive and policy issues, he focused on business, environmental, gaming and tax structure issues.

He holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in History from Towson University and Villanova University respectively and a law degree from the University of Maryland. A member of the Maryland Bar, John lives in Annapolis with his wife Erin, and their three children.

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