MEET OUR TEAM

Seasoned, dedicated staff makes all the difference.

SENIOR MANAGEMENT

Lorie Nevares

PRESIDENT

Lorie founded StateScape in 1991. With over 30 years of experience in state and local government affairs, she has developed a level of expertise that has directly contributed to the long-standing success of her firm. As President, Lorie is responsible for the daily management of staff operations, and works closely with both her team and clients to ensure a superior work product. She is the driving force behind StateScape’s innovations and oversees the development and application of StateScape’s future services.

Lorie began her career in Pennsylvania’s state government and has held positions with the National Soft Drink Association, American Gas Association, and an affiliate of the National League of Cities and Conference of Mayors. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Legal Studies from Quinnipiac University and a Master of Arts Degree in Public Administration from the University of Southern California.

Lorie has held leadership positions with the Washington Area State Relations Group and Women in Government Relations, and is a recipient of the “Business Associate of the Year” award from the American Business Women’s Association. She has been profiled in The Washington Post, The Washington Times, and TIME Magazine.

Irene M. Pla, Esq.

VICE PRESIDENT, RESEARCH

As an experienced policy analyst and attorney, Irene lends her expertise in administrative law and multi-jurisdictional compliance to her role as Vice President of Research at StateScape. Her chief responsibilities are to oversee research staff operations and data management, to develop policy monitoring tools and process improvements, and to design effective custom tracking solutions for clients.

Prior to joining StateScape, Irene performed legal research and policy monitoring while employed with several prominent trade organizations, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Broadcasters. Irene graduated with honors from The George Washington University Law School and holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Miami. She is a member of the District of Columbia Bar and the New York State Bar.

James Doyle, Esq.

DIRECTOR, RESEARCH STAFF & SPECIAL PROJECTS

With years of experience as an attorney in public service and political campaigns, James serves as Director of Research Staff and Special Projects at StateScape. James is responsible for spearheading improvement projects to increase the efficiency and scope of company operations, managing the research staff, assisting in the implementation of quality control measures, and overseeing all aspects of the tracking and analysis of over 1,500 local governments.

Prior to joining StateScape, James served as Voter Protection Director in South Carolina, as well as a member of the Obama 2012 and McAuliffe 2013 Voter Protection teams. Through his political consulting business, James has advised the Democratic National Committee (DNC), and the Virginia, Kansas, and South Carolina Democratic Parties. James obtained his Juris Doctor from American University Washington College of Law, holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Maryland, and is a member of the Maryland Bar.

Monte McCullough

DIRECTOR, IT

With almost four decades of experience in Data Processing and IT Management, Monte brings a wealth of knowledge and ingenuity to his role as Director of IT. In this capacity, Monte leads the development of StateScape’s technology innovations, as well as management of the firms IT systems and infrastructure.

Prior to joining StateScape, Monte served as Director of IT at Coldwell Banker Stevens, and Realogy Holdings Corporation. He has excelled in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, public accounting, professional counseling, and real estate. Monte holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Louisiana Tech University.

Jelena Chargel, Esq.

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, RESEARCH QUALITY & TRAINING

Jelena’s deep understanding of public policy and legal research along with her experience as an advocate contributes to her success at maintaining research quality and supporting analysts in developing their issue expertise. In this capacity, Jelena coordinates research staff subject training to ensure quality timely tracking while also monitoring trends and emerging issues at the state and federal levels so StateScape can provide focused solutions to clients’ tracking needs.

Prior to joining StateScape, Jelena supported attorneys representing inmates on death row and participated in dependency litigation. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from George Mason University and obtained her Juris Doctor from Temple University Beasley School of Law. Jelena is a member of the Virginia Bar.

Lauren Morgunov

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, REGULATORY SERVICE OPERATIONS AND ONBOARDING SPECIALIST

With experience in research and policy, Lauren’s natural skill to communicate complex information has been a key to her success. She oversees all Regulatory operations at StateScape. Additionally, she acts as a thoughtful and thorough trainer for both analyst staff and new clients during their onboarding process.

Prior to joining StateScape, Lauren collected data on Chinese government policy towards non-profit group’s fundraising efforts in Kunming, China. She also tracked legislation for Long Island Cares Inc and was a copy editor for L’istituto Affari Internazionale, an international relations think tank. Lauren holds a Bachelor of arts from University of Tampa, and a Masters from Concordia University.

ANALYSTS

Evyenia Adee

Education: Drexel University B.S. , Community College of Philadelphia AAS.
Background: Strong legal drafting and research background with a degree in Paralegal Studies. Experience as a constituent and agency liaison for Pennsylvania legislators at both the state and federal levels.

Samuel Bell

Education: University of Richmond, B.A.
Background: Former criminal research analyst for the Lower’s Risk Group, student ambassador with the Richmond World Affairs Council, and assistant to University of Richmond residential life and police departments.

David J. Bloomer

Education: Saint Joseph’s University, B.A.
Background: Former research analyst for a state legislative committee.

Jocelyn Brinlee

Education: George Fox University, B.A.
Background: Former associate and trainer for a financial institution and a case manager for a nonprofit.

Lucas Carneiro

Education: UC Berkeley, Ph.D., St. Mary’s College of Maryland, B.S.
Background: Lucas brings a PH.D. level of mastery of science to the review of health care subject matter. His experience in programming focused on the gathering, validation, quality control, and substantive analysis of primary source data provided by various governmental entities is also an integral part of his work at StateScape.

Cara Cooper

Education: University of Vermont, B.A.
Background: Extensive experience with research as a military postal affairs specialist for the DOD supporting criminal investigations to combat fraud, in addition to serving as a senior administrative assistant for Smithsonian Business Ventures and as a freelance fact checker with Sundance Publishing.

Stephanie Cornelison

Education: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, B.A, M.L.S.
Background: Years of experience in gathering and categorizing extensive amounts of data as a graduate assistant at the Southern Oral History Program at the Center for the Study of the American South and the Stone Center Library as well as work with the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery.

Rochelle Guido

Education: University of Rochester, B.A., University of Massachusetts Amherst, M.A
Background: Former document control specialist with ACM Global Labs, assistant archivist at Vignelli Center for Graphic Design at Rochester Institute of Technology, and online Latin and ESL teacher.

Rachel Jensen, Esq.

Education: Georgetown University Law Center, J.D.; St. Olaf College, B.A.
Background: Research and compliance counsel for an insurance trade association.

Katherine Lamb

Education: Pennsylvania State, B.S.
Background: Experience in data collection with RetailData LLC, quality control tech for FXI, instructional assistant in the Fairfax County, VA school system, and youth counselor for special needs students.

Bianca Mays

Education: North Carolina A&T State University, B.S.
Background: Years of experience with financial and consumer issues, including a focus on identifying trends and technology that allow for an increase in productivity and innovation.

Tiffany Miller

Education: Mary Baldwin University, B.A.
Background: Former associate specializing in paper-to-digital and electronic storage/retrieval solutions.

David Schulz

Education: University of Wisconsin-Madison, B.A.
Background: Healthcare policy specialist with over 20 years experience as an advocate and policy analyst for food and pharmaceutical industries at trade associations and corporations.

State Analysis ®