Our Story
With its world class universities, high-tech corridors and financial support for emerging sectors in the global economy, Michigan remains a prime location for business expansion. Given the highly competitive environment to attract and retain companies and skilled workers, Michigan signaled its intent to remain an economic powerhouse by simplifying its tax structure, addressing the high cost of health care and creating funds to invest in and support start-up companies.
Midwest Strategy Group, with its strong legislative ties and unique understanding of Michigan, can assist clients in navigating through the State's multi-faceted structure of government. Our experience, expertise, and sense of strategic direction ensures that every client will see positive results.
Midwest Strategy Group lobbyists are drawn from the top ranks of government and the political process. Our team hails from diverse political backgrounds, having worked for both Democrats and Republicans, giving Midwest Strategy Group an outstanding reputation of effectiveness on both sides of the aisle. Collectively, our lobbyists have over 150 years of experience.
Our advocacy is grounded in a culture that emphasizes vigorous and passionate persuasion. We have the natural temperament and professional training to be aggressive and effective advocates. To maximize our impact, we make the connection between the merits of each client’s argument and the policy direction of the decision maker. Midwest Strategy Group thinks strategically and can help formulate a plan that meets short-term needs, while positioning each organization to achieve its long-term goals.
Our Team
Nicole G. Nystrom
President and Manager
Known for her strong business sense, legislative strategy development, and regulatory and lobbying successes, Nicole G. Nystrom is the founder and president of Midwest Strategy Group. She previously served as Director of the Government Policy Department for Dykema Gossett PLLC. In this position, Nicole lobbied before the Michigan Legislature, regulatory agencies, and the Executive Office specializing in issues involving appropriations, procurement, economic development, energy, financial services, gaming, health policy, and tax. Read more...
Dusty Fancher
Partner
Having lobbied for over 20 years, Dusty Fancher specializes in appropriations, education, health care and insurance, procurement, and transportation.
Prior to joining Midwest Strategy Group, Dusty served in the Governor’s Office as the Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs. In this position, Dusty served as the Governor’s representative to the Michigan Senate, coordinated legislative policy positions for 19 state departments Read more...
Chris Fisher
Partner
Having skillfully lobbied local, state, and federal governments, Chris Fisher is known for winning both the big fights and the behind the scenes battles on behalf of clients. With a keen focus on policy details, a strong ability to navigate Michigan’s lawmaking and rules process, and deeply-rooted relationships, his focus areas include construction management, criminal justice, economic development, higher education, insurance, labor law, regulatory systems, and taxation. His efforts have earned Chris a reputation as one of Lansing’s most effective lobbyists by the MIRS News Survey. Read more...
Mike Krombeen
Partner
Mike Krombeen’s understanding of policy and politics has allowed him to excel in various government related roles. He is respected for his work on issues ranging from appropriations, gaming, workforce and economic development and higher education. Mike is responsible for helping to secure tens of millions of dollars in state appropriations for crucial programing provided by community colleges and non-profits. He is a tireless advocate for programs that work to educate and grow our Michigan workforce. Read more...
Mike Malane
Partner
Mike Malane is known for his expertise in the areas of energy, gaming, cannabis regulation, education, and local government.
Prior to joining Midwest Strategy Group, Mike served as Chief of Staff in the Michigan Senate. Known for his political acumen and organizational skills, Mike has managed and assisted several campaigns for public office. From database management to fundraising, he has shown an ability to assemble winning coalitions and strategically build successful campaigns in multiple levels of government. Read more...
Ryan Wardin
Government Relations
Ryan Wardin is respected for his expertise in energy policy, education, worker’s compensation, PAC management, and campaign finance law.
At Midwest Strategy Group, Ryan leads efforts on behalf of clients to diversify and modernize Michigan’s energy laws and regulations by working hand-in-hand with leaders from both sides of the aisle, the Michigan Public Service Commission, and a wide range of additional stakeholders. Read more...
Mike Compagnoni
Government Relations
Mike Compagnoni is known for his expertise in state and local contract procurement as well as issues related to business development, information technology, insurance, local government, transportation, and workers’ compensation. He is also widely respected for his skills in political fundraising and campaign management.
Before joining Midwest Strategy Group, Mike served as a Legislative Director in the Michigan House of Representatives Read more...
Adam Wright
Government Relations
With over twenty years of service in the Michigan Legislature, Adam Wright is well known and respected on both sides of the aisle. He has worked on various legislative and regulatory matters and has extensive experience navigating the appropriations process.
Prior to joining Midwest Strategy Group, Adam played multiple roles within the Legislature. He served as a Legislative Aide and Legislative Director for three state representatives as well as Chief of Staff for a state senator. Read more...
Ramiro Galvan
Government Relations
Ramiro Galván is widely respected for his expertise in the areas of health policy, appropriations, energy, environment, and insurance policy. He is also known for his skills in political fundraising, campaign finance law, and compliance.
Prior to joining Midwest Strategy Group, Ramiro served as Director of Legislative Affairs at the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS), where he was responsible for overseeing the legislative affairs division, constituent services originating with members of the Michigan Legislature Read more...
Anne Marion
Office Manager/Lobby Law Compliance
Anne Marion is Midwest Strategy Group’s Lobby Law Compliance Officer and Office Manager. In this position, she maintains records and files Financial Reports for over 100 lobbyists and lobbyist agents associated with Midwest Strategy Group. Anne provides association management services including preparing budgets, maintaining accounting records, fielding inquiries from members, and updating association websites. She is also responsible for accounts receivable, expense reporting, and event planning. Anne handles all day-to-day critical office functions. Read more...
Katie Fuller
Government Relations/PAC Manager
Katie Fuller has over a decade of experience in public policy, specializing in energy, appropriations, economic development, and local government. Since joining Midwest Strategy Group in 2015, Katie has become an integral part of the firm’s operations.
Katie is a trusted expert in managing both state and federal PAC clients. She oversees all aspects of PAC reporting, ensuring strict compliance with state campaign finance laws. Katie oversees the firm’s legislative tracking database, ensuring we are closely following every piece of key legislation for our clients. Read more...
Rayn Sova
Administrative Specialist
As an Administrative Specialist at Midwest Strategy Group, Rayn Sova expertly facilitates connections with legislative and executive offices, department officials, local governments, and MWSG’s clients. In addition to handling all phone correspondence and greeting Midwest Strategy Group guests, Rayn is responsible for managing lobbyists calendars and planning legislative days and advocacy events. Rayn keeps our lobbyists and their clients up to date on newsworthy developments by tracking articles of interest while also providing business development services, which includes daily monitoring of procurement and vendor opportunities. Read more…
