SJL Government Affairs & Communications is a full-service government affairs and communications firm specializing in legislative advocacy, policy creation and decision making, public affairs, and crisis communication. Founded by Steve Lyons, clients turn to SJL Government Affairs & Communications for results.
Steve and Mark have over 30 years of experience in state government and politics. Steve has worked as a former Governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Deputy Secretary of a state agency, and Chief Policy Advisor to a former Senate Majority Leader. Mark previously served as Chief of Staff for State Assembly Assistant Majority Leader Dan Knodl and Chief of Staff and Budget Analyst for Representative Shannon Zimmerman, current Joint Committee on Finance Member.
As an experienced firm specializing in strategic communication and political tactics, SJL has successfully implemented legislative initiatives for dozens of corporate and business clients throughout Wisconsin. SJL has worked in depth on issues of insurance, energy, environment, building and development, venture investment, small business and economic development, financial institutions and other business issues.
On behalf of their clients, SJL has worked on countless media campaigns and alongside many of the most influential elected officials and media today. He has done more than 500 interviews with international, national and Wisconsin media, including interviews with "Good Morning America," CNN, ABC World News Tonight, and the BBC. He also served as the spokesperson for numerous corporations, businesses and individuals.
STEVE LYONS
Steve has 30 years of experience in government affairs, communications and public relations, and crisis communications.
Steve has served as:
Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor of Wisconsin
Chief Policy Advisor to a former Senate Majority Leader
Chief of Staff to a Republican Assembly Minority Leader
Assistant Deputy Secretary to a Cabinet Secretary
Clerk of the Senate Committee on Economic Development, Commerce, and Financial Institutions
As an example of his communications experience, Steve served as the spokesperson for numerous clients and has conducted more than 500 interviews with international, national and Wisconsin media, including:
Good Morning America
CNN
ABC World News
CBS Nightly News
20/20
Dr. Drew
NY Times
LA Times
People Magazine
BBC
Mark AUSTINSON
Mark Austinson has vast experience in State Government, including 12 years in the State Assembly. Mark served as Chief of Staff for the former Assembly Assistant Majority Leader Dan Knodl. Mark also served as the Chief of Staff for State Representative Shannon Zimmerman, a member of the powerful Joint Committee on Finance (budget) Committee.
Mark has served as:
Chief of Staff for former Assembly Assistant Majority Leader
Chief of Staff for Joint Committee on Finance Member
Budget Analyst on Joint Finance Committee
Legislative Policy Advisor
Leadership Positions on Numerous Successful Legislative Campaigns
