ABOUT THE FIRM
Concierge Public Affairs Firm
We provide strategic guidance to clients in need of a range of Public Affairs solutions to drive business success.
KPM Group DC was founded in 2017 by Patroski Lawson after spending over 20 years in local, state, federal, and global government affairs roles, and leading the government affairs team for three global healthcare companies (Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Abbott, and Lundbeck). Patroski was inspired to help champion the voice and perspective of small pharma — pre-commercial companies on the frontlines of innovation. We now serve small to mid-sized bio-tech & pharmaceutical organizations across the United States.
Our Philosophy
Here at KPM Group DC, we believe that building and maintaining relationships is key to the success of any business. Meaningful engagement with policymakers and other stakeholders needs to happen early and often.
Our Values
Do What Is Right
Express Gratitude
Embrace Humility
Continuous Drive Towards Excellence
Stand up to Inequities
Act with Empathy
We help our clients navigate DC from the Hill to the White House to patient advocacy groups. Engage early, engage often, engage strategically.
Make Friends Before You Need Them
Our Team
Get To Know Us Better
Patroski Lawson
Founder & CEO
A veteran advocate on healthcare and other mission-critical issues, Patroski Lawson has been effectively advising senior executives and leading advocacy efforts in the United States and Europe for more than 20 years. His track record of accomplishment spans both the private and public sectors and he is an experienced navigator of Brussels, D.C. and in state capitols across the United States.
Previously, Patroski spent 15 years building and leading successful U.S. and E.U. government affairs initiatives for global companies such as Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Abbott and Lundbeck. He has extensive experience at developing and managing government affairs budgets, building effective political programs (e.g. corporate PACs) and providing strategic guidance to senior executives in the U.S. and around the globe.
Katie Landes
Senior Director, Strategy & Execution
Katie hails from Stony Point, New York. She joined the firm from LEO Pharma Inc., the U.S. affiliate of the Danish medical dermatology focused pharmaceutical company. During her time at LEO, Katie gained significant public and government affairs experience, including interfacing and collaborating with the market access, corporate communications, sales, and marketing teams. She focuses on helping companies understand the impact of federal policy on their strategic business objectives. Katie graduated from Seton Hall University, where she received her M.A. in Diplomacy and International Relations and played for the women’s soccer team. In her free time, she enjoys trying new pizza places and hiking with her friends and family.
Kerryn Lawson
Managing Partner
Kerryn was born outside of Detroit, MI, but was raised primarily in the Northeast including Chatham, NJ, and Villanova, PA. Kerryn graduated from Georgetown University with a B.S. in Biology and from Emory University School of Medicine with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. As a Physical Therapist, Kerryn practiced in the acute care hospital setting treating a wide range of diagnoses in the adult population but most specifically in acute stroke rehab and pre- and post-cardiac transplantation rehab. After a much needed mental health break, Kerryn switched her focus to behind-the-scenes management of the KPM Group under her husband, Patroski’s vision. Kerryn’s role at KPM is to smoothly guide daily business operations to ensure KPM is a legally and ethically compliant business. Kerryn has a special interest in CNS and mental health issues due to her own personal story living with PTSD. When not in the office, Kerryn enjoys impromptu 80s dance parties with her young son, spending time beside any ocean, and, of course, sharing a bottle of wine with her husband.
Amanda Malakoff
Executive Director, RDCC
Amanda Malakoff brings over a decade of experience advising executives on business and policy strategy. Amanda has developed an unmatched skill for translating the impact of regulatory and legislative decisions on businesses outside of Washington, D.C. and bringing leaders together to drive favorable policy outcomes.
At KPM Group DC, Amanda serves as the Executive Director for the Rare Disease Company Coalition. In this capacity, she leads the strategy and operations for the KPM Group DC-formed and -led Coalition that represents life sciences companies developing treatments for rare diseases. In this capacity, Amanda also represents the Coalition before Congress, the Administration, and state policymakers and serves as a key spokesperson for the organization
Prior to joining KPM Group DC, Amanda was the Senior Director of Member Relations at the National Association of Manufacturers representing the policy interest of small and mid-sized manufacturing companies. Amanda also previously held client relations roles at Bloomberg and the Advisory Board Company, where she advised pharmaceutical and healthcare leaders on legislative and regulatory monitoring and operational best practices.
Jake Jackson
Director, Public Affairs
Jake is a native of the Washington, D.C. area, having been born and raised in Northern Virginia. He graduated summa cum laude from the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia with a degree in political science. Before joining the KPM Group, Jake handled the state and federal government affairs work for the National Board for Certified Counselors. There, he advocated effectively for legislative and regulatory initiatives that have expanded access to mental health services for Medicare beneficiaries, veterans, and other populations. He has cultivated relationships on Capitol Hill and in the executive branch, including in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Health Resources Services Administration, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, among others.
In his free time, Jake enjoys watching sports and auto racing. He is a diehard fan of the Green Bay Packers and resides in Arlington, VA with his wife and dog, Rocko.
Tess was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky. She attended the University of Louisville, earning her Bachelors degrees in French and Economics and her Master's of Business Administration.
Throughout her career, she has worked in wine and spirits, marketing, and on political campaigns. She moved to Northern Virginia in 2019 to manage a successful primary campaign for the House of Delegates. Most recently, she was the Chief of Staff for a Virginia Delegate, where she worked on all aspects of administration, constituent services, policy, and legislative strategy.
Tess currently lives in Alexandria with her fiancé and cat, Anna. In her free time, she loves reading, exploring the DC restaurant scene, and perfecting her recipe for braised beef short ribs.
Tess Bettler
Public Affairs Manager
Alex Root
Public Affairs Manager
Alex is from Johns Creek, Georgia. He received an M.P.S. in legislative affairs from The George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management. Alex also attended The George Washington University for undergrad, graduating with honors with a B.A. in international affairs and a minor in economics.
Before joining the KPM Group DC Team, Alex worked as a Coordinator, State Affairs at The Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America. In this position, he worked to support state associations by providing advocacy materials, administrative support, and conducting research. He worked diligently to ensure the association accurately and effectively represented its members’ interests in all 50 states and Washington, DC.
In his spare time, Alex enjoys cooking and baking. He also enjoys traveling and exploring DC restaurants.
