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ABOUT US
Our Story
History
With over 50 years of combined experience in government relations, the staff of MDA has forged an excellent working relationship with government policy leaders, and the clients we represent. MDA offers seasoned government relations specialists who have decades of experience with nonprofits, coalitions, large and small businesses, local government and trade associations.
Throughout the years MDA has cultivated relationships, established an extensive network of contacts, and developed strategic systems of helping our clients address and combat their unique issues.
Governor Richard Codey with Principal Partner Michael Drulis
MDA Today
Based in Trenton, New Jersey, MDA Public Affairs offers a wide spectrum of services, including: advocacy, non-profit and government management, event management, fundraising support and business processes consulting. Backed by a diverse and experienced executive management team, MDA is strategically positioned to meet your specific needs.
With our years of experience in New Jersey’s public policy arena, diverse services and dedication to client satisfaction, MDA can offer creative strategies for achieving your goals.
Our offices at 308 W. State Street, Trenton, NJ 08618
Meet Our Team
Michael Drulis
Principal Partner and Chairman of the Board, Michael K. Drulis is a seasoned government and non-profit manager. He holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Rutgers University specialized in Finance, Budgets and Public Sector Executive Management. He is a trained expert in government processes and the Chief Strategist for MDA helping clients to construct their public policies and messaging to bring initiatives to fruition.
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Michael’s career began serving as a lobbyist and executive for a number of Trenton based non-profits and in public information for local governments. He advanced to the highest levels of non-profit and government organizations by working in all areas including public information campaigns, finance, budgets, information technology, purchasing/procurement, HR, communications, grants, capital investment and executive management.
He has been at the forefront of grassroots campaigns building a groundswell of support around client issues. As a specialist working with Federal, State, County and Local governments, Michael understands how these organizations work and how best assist MDA clients in navigating through them.
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An active campaigner, Michael understands where politics and government meet uses his experiences to deliver MDA clients to their goal quickly and efficiently.
Ryan Berger
Ryan Berger serves as Vice President of MDA Public Affairs. Ryan is a graduate of Rutgers University and was recently selected as a 2024 New Leaders Council Fellow. Ryan’s career spans experiences working in the Governor’s Office and local government. He has also worked professionally as a key member of numerous successful State and Federal campaigns. Ryan delivers MDA clients and interests as a full-time, ever-present, legislative agent advancing client interests through Legislator education in the State House and on Capitol Hill. Ryan is a well-known advocate by Legislators and Legislative staff through his regular presence and advocacy work before the numerous Statehouse Committees and Legislative Leadership.
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For MDA’s association clients Ryan rounds out the Executive team leading client organization operations and supporting the various Boards of Directors. In the area of communication, Ryan serves as the Managing Editor for
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numerous client publications and he guides clients to effectively utilize social media platforms.
Tarry Puma
Tarry Puma a Communications Associate working on the front facing media and communications for the firm and its clients. Tarry is a graduate of Rider University specializing in data analysis and business systems.
Jim Morford
Partner Emeritus James Morford has spent over 35 years as a registered lobbyist and Association Executive. Jim and Michael founded the firm in 2022 and worked full time advising clients and building the firm’s status on West State Street. Prior to founding MDA, he served as Vice President and chief lobbyist for the New Jersey State Chamber of Commerce and then as President and legislative spokesperson for the New Jersey Food Council (NJFC), the trade association for the grocery store industry and its suppliers.
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Early in his career, Jim served as a public school teacher and later as a staff member in the Field Services and Government Relations Divisions of the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA). He has extensive experience in education and training. While at NJEA, he was responsible for member training on a variety of issues and skills including legislative and political activism on behalf of public schools and teachers.
