Holly Bice, J.D.
PRESIDENT & FOUNDER
Holly Bice is a seasoned government relations and strategic advocacy professional with a proven track record of success, having achieved numerous wins in the U.S. Congress and state legislatures during her career. She has in-depth expertise in Appropriations and the Farm Bill and over a decade of experience lobbying on animal welfare, agriculture, judiciary, and natural resources issues. One of the few truly bipartisan lobbyists in Washington DC, Holly has a reputation for bipartisanship and collaboration, bringing together Republicans, Democrats, and diverse stakeholders to reach meaningful results, even on the most difficult issues. As a trailblazer who enjoys a challenge, she succeeds where others say it is impossible.
Holly has the expertise and connections needed to navigate the complex landscape of the U.S. Congress, federal agencies, and advocacy to protect her client’s interests and advance their priorities. She also develops and executes winning strategies on messaging, media and public relations, grassroots engagement, coalition-building, grasstops mobilization, and legislation to achieve results for clients. With a background leading the government relations departments at non-profit organizations, she particularly understands the challenges that nonprofits face and knows how to make their voice heard. Her work ethic, persistence, and passion for her clients’ issues is unmatched in the arena of DC lobbying and advocacy.
Holly graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and earned her Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Lewis & Clark Law School with a specialization in Animal Law & Environmental Law. She enjoys spending time with her three rescue dogs: a shepherd mix named Abby, and two pit bull mixes named Ziggy and Petunia.
Christopher Minakowski
SENIOR ADVISOR
Christopher Minakowski is a senior advisor to Bice Policy Group and the founder and Principal Partner of Starboard Government Affairs. He has more than 25 years of experience in government and government relations. His practice includes client service at all levels of government, with expertise garnered from over a decade of experience as a policy advisor to members of Congress, and other state and local office holders. He has extensive knowledge of the authorization and appropriations process, and the personal relationships on Capitol Hill to successfully guide clients through the complex federal budgeting process, particularly in the area of education and local government project funding.
Prior to starting his firm, Minakowski was a member of the firm Alcalde & Fay and represented a wide range of public and private entities as a lobbyist. Additionally, he held a senior position at a prestigious think tank, helping direct their policy agenda and focus. He entered private practice after serving as a Legislative Director for Congressman Dana Rohrabacher, where he oversaw all aspects of the legislative agenda.
Minakowski holds a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Villanova University School of Law and a bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University.
Laurel Cherrier, J.D., MPP
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS ADVISOR
Laurel Cherrier is an experienced federal lobbyist who has cultivated strong relationships on Capitol Hill with both Republicans and Democrats. With a background in political campaigns, legislative advocacy, and law, she brings a nuanced understanding of the policy landscape paired with advanced analytical skills and a talent for strategic grassroots engagement. She thrives on tackling a diverse range of issues, with a particular passion for Appropriations, animal welfare, natural resources, wildlife protection, and national security.
Laurel graduated with a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the University of Maine School of Law and received her Master's in Public Policy with a dual concentration in National Security and Environmental Policy from George Mason University. Beyond her professional pursuits, Laurel enjoys teaching dance and spending time with her rescue pit bull, Kalani.
Michele Patterson, MPPA
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS ADVISOR
Michele Patterson has a strong background in driving meaningful change through state and federal level advocacy and creating and managing volunteer programs and grassroots initiatives. She draws from her many years of management experience in non-profit organizations and veterinary medicine practices, as well as her background working for a Pennsylvania political campaign and her advocacy in the Pennsylvania state legislature, making her an invaluable asset. She particularly enjoys working with non-profit organizations to advance their initiatives.
Michele attained her Master’s degree in Public Policy and Administration from York College of Pennsylvania and her Bachelor’s degree in Health Policy and Administration from Pennsylvania State University. In her free time, Michele volunteers as a board member for causes important to her and spends quality time with her husband, Dave, her horse, Charlie, and her rescue dogs, Abbey, Fiona, and Woody.