Team

Tom McBride
Principal & Lobbyist

For more than 20 years, Tom McBride has advocated for groups and organizations that depend on fair and reasonable treatment under the law. He has developed a reputation as an effective lobbyist, founded on high ethical standards, aggressive advocacy and personal authenticity.

Tom began his career as a private practice attorney representing commercial and financial interests, with a focus on commercial litigation and bankruptcy law. He went on to serve as government affairs director for fiscal and transportation issues on behalf of the Association of Washington Business, Washington state’s chamber of commerce. He then directed the government relations program for the West division of the McDonald’s Corporation.

Tom also has firsthand experience working within Washington state government. As director of intergovernmental affairs for the Washington State Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development, he oversaw regulatory and legislative interests in energy, economic development, housing, international trade and growth management.

In 2008, he founded McBride Public Affairs, to advocate for clients on legislative and regulatory matters in Washington state.

A 1994 graduate of Gonzaga University School of Law, Tom holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Whitman College. He and his family make their home in Olympia.

Ben Buchholz
Lobbyist

A veteran of the Olympia legislative scene, Ben has been building and executing creative solutions and solving complex problems for clients in both the public and private sector.Ben has direct experience working with the Office of the Governor, the Secretary of State, members of the Washington State House and Senate, public agencies such as the Department of Agriculture, Labor & Industries, Employment Security Department and the Department of Revenue. He also has experience working with ports and local governments. Ben has also worked on statewide campaigns.

Ben holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Communications from the University of Washington.

Ryan Hall
Lobbyist

Born in Olympia, Ryan Hall has grown up with the Washington State Capitol practically in her backyard.  This proximity has greatly influenced her. She has been part of the public government sector for nearly 20 years. Ryan has played an active role with McBride Public Affairs since she joined the firm in January 2013. Her role includes client and legislative relations, communications, and tracking legislative news.

Ryan holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington.

Jessica Fortescue
Lobbyist

As an attorney and member of the Washington State Bar, Jessica Fortescue has offered public policy advocacy and governmental affairs consulting since 2003. As a subcontractor with McBride Public Affairs, Jessica is able to provide services on a broad array of policy areas, including complicated tax issues, affordable housing, K-12 education, health care and environmental issues. Her success is attributed to the depth of her relationships in Olympia as well as the diversity of her clientele. Because of her experience, Jessica is successful at providing a wide range of services for clients, including policy and legal analyses, advocacy, governmental affairs consulting and fiscal analyses with an emphasis on tax issues.

Jessica holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington and a Juris Doctor from Seattle University School of Law.