We connect you to government,
specializing in strategic counsel,
skillful government relations,
and lobbying services.
About Schafer Government Affairs
Schafer Government Affairs, Inc. (SGA) is a bipartisan strategic advocacy firm that excels at providing clients with premium public affairs and government relations services. The team at Schafer Government Affairs has more than 50 years of combined experience representing complex interests and working on challenging issues with Pennsylvania decision makers.
SGA values its clients above all, and consistently engages with its clients to ensure open dialogue and a comprehensive understanding of the issues. SGA’s team of professionals is highly effective at creating targeted and strategic plans that help clients achieve their policy goals. SGA assists clients in understanding the legislative and regulatory landscape and aids them in developing key relationships with decision makers at all levels of government.
SGA successfully bridges the gap between clients and policymakers by providing highly effective strategic advising, government affairs, and public relations.
Our team
SCHAFER
Owner & Principal
Sean D. Schafer, ESQ. has been a trusted advisor and expert voice on politics and government relations for more than 11 years. From working for elected officials to representing clients in the heavily regulated gaming and utility industries, Sean has had the opportunity to hone his strategic and legislative skills on high-pressure, high-profile issues for much of his career. Since the inception of his own firm in 2017, Sean has been utilizing those same skills to work for SGA’s clients. Sean@schafergovaffairs.com
Between 2008 and 2014, Sean worked for Pennsylvania State Senator Robert “Tommy” Tomlinson (PA’s Sixth Senatorial District) serving in numerous roles, including as his Chief of Staff. As Chief of Staff Sean was instrumental in crafting legislation related to the Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee, which Senator Tomlinson chairs. Sean was also a key decision maker on legislation related to the gaming industry in Pennsylvania.
In 2015 Sean joined Duane Morris, LLP to represent clients in the areas of gaming law, administrative law, municipal law, utility law, and corporate litigation. During this time, Sean advised clients in the midst of some of the largest mergers and acquisitions in the world’s gaming sector. He also advised local clients navigating the regulatory realm in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Sean returned to the world of politics as the in-house Director of Government Relations for PARX Casino, Pennsylvania’s top casino in terms of revenue. He advised the casino on its legislative agenda and priorities and he was on the ground in Harrisburg to lobby the state on the casino’s behalf. He now operates SGA.
Sean serves the community on numerous public boards and commissions. The Bucks County Commissioners unanimously voted Sean onto the Board of Directors of the Bucks County Redevelopment Authority. In 2016 he was elected chairman and currently oversees the staff and projects. In May of 2020, Sean was nominated by Governor Wolf to serve on the Delaware River Navigation Commission. He was subsequently confirmed by the Senate. As a Commissioner Sean will oversee the Pilots’ Association for The Bay and River Delaware.
Sean holds a bachelor’s degree in Corporate Communications with a minor degree in History from the Penn State University and earned his Juris Doctorate degree from Rutgers School of Law.
GUTSHALL
Vice President of Government Relations
Lauren Gutshall has over fifteen years of public affairs experience, successfully advocating for clients in a variety of fields, including education, health care, and energy. She recently worked for the College Board, a national education non-profit, promoting access to career and college readiness opportunities for students. She has advanced policy initiatives and secured millions in state funds to support economically disadvantaged students in multiple states. Lauren@schafergovaffairs.com
Prior to joining the College Board, Lauren was a senior associate at Triad Strategies, where she advocated on behalf of technology start-ups, health care organizations, energy companies, and educational associations. She also served as the communications director for the Association of Pennsylvania State College & University Faculties, where she created and executed public relations strategies, developed social media campaigns, and served as the spokesperson for the organization. Lauren has a proven track record of successful advocacy, engaging with policymakers, crafting legislative strategies and media campaigns, and building stakeholder coalitions.
Lauren graduated from Juniata College with a BA in political communication. In her spare time, she volunteers at her local library and does freelance blog writing. She is also a certified sommelier and regularly hosts wine tasting events. She lives in Harrisburg with her two rambunctious dogs.
HILLMAN
Director of Government Relations
Carrie Hillman has over fifteen years of experience in government and government relations in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Prior to joining SGA, Carrie worked as a Senior Associate for a Harrisburg-based lobbying firm. She also served as the government relations and communications director for the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties. Prior to that, Carrie began her career working in the Pennsylvania House of
Representatives. Carrie@schafergovaffairs.com
Carrie holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communication with an emphasis in PublicRelations from Mansfield University. She resides in Linglestown with her husband and four-year-old daughter. In her spare time, she enjoys knitting, reading, and traveling.
TOBIN
Government Relations Professional
Celine Tobin brings two years of experience in government relations in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Despite being relatively new to the field, Celine has shown an impressive ability to adapt and learn. An example of her proactive approach is when she actively opposed an amendment that posed a significant threat to a major utility client. Through her efforts, she successfully defeated the amendment during a floor vote. Celine is eager to expand her involvement in government affairs, tackle additional client issues, and forge meaningful connections within the Capitol. Celine@schafergovaffairs.com
Before transitioning to government relations, Celine spent several years honing her skills in the hospitality industry, most recently as an Event Manager at the Union League of Philadelphia, the #1 city club in the country. In this role, she discovered a passion for working with people and excelled in cultivating client relationships and contributing to the company’s strong reputation for exceptional service, which further inspired her to apply her skills within the legislative field. Celine resides in Philadelphia and enjoys traveling, attending sporting events, and trying new recipes for cooking and baking.
Our services
SGA helps clients engage directly with Pennsylvania state policymakers and their staff. The SGA team has a constant presence in the Capitol, meeting with legislators on a regular basis to achieve client goals. SGA also has the ability to partner with a trusted federal advocacy firm, Commonwealth Strategic Partners, to assist in advancing client interests at all levels of government.
SGA’s team understands that many issues require community outreach and coalition building efforts to achieve the desired outcome. The team has experience in strategic communications and can assist clients in identifying stakeholders and allies, messaging concepts, writing public-facing content, organizing events, and engaging with the community.
SGA recognizes that the work of government is not confined to lawmaking. SGA helps clients navigate the often confusing procurement processes and regulatory aspects of government.
Contact us
+1 267 804 5017
320 Market Street
Strawberry Square
Bowman Tower, Suite 525
Harrisburg, PA 17101