Elaine Nessle
Partner
A skilled communicator with policy expertise, Elaine helps clients navigate the complex federal landscape, identify opportunities, and build strategies to achieve desired outcomes.
Elaine serves as the Executive Director of the Coalition for America’s Gateways and Trade Corridors (CAGTC), a membership-based organization managed by Nessle & Blakey. Its members include leading transportation associations, major ports, trade corridors, state and local government agencies, and individual rail, trucking, and engineering companies. As CAGTC’s Executive Director, Elaine unites the membership around the need for increased federal investment in intermodal and multimodal freight infrastructure. She manages the Coalition’s work to increase awareness of the benefits of trade infrastructure development and to coordinate legislative strategy and support.
In addition to her work for CAGTC, Elaine provides federal legislative and policy support to a number of clients. She works closely with each client to understand their goals and to develop actionable strategies that serve both short- and long-term agendas. On behalf of leading trade associations, Elaine has researched and written published reports on the condition of state and regional infrastructure and opportunities for development. Elaine has also provided consulting and writing services for successful federal grant applications.
Elaine graduated from St. Bonaventure University with a B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication. Elaine is a native of Corning, New York.
enessle@nessle-blakey.com
202.828.9100
Leslie Blakey
Partner
With a background that ranges from management analyst to chef to business owner, Leslie Blakey offers an unusually creative breadth of communications savvy and experience.
Leslie serves as President of the Coalition for America’s Gateways and Trade Corridors, which unites a large and growing number of public and private organizations around the need for increased federal investment in intermodal freight infrastructure. Leslie provides strategic direction that has guided the organization for over 20 years and led to considerable growth and significant legislative achievements.
Leslie produced the inaugural NAFTANEXT Summit, held in Chicago in April 2014. Convened by the Coalition, NAFTANEXT gathered industry and government leaders for discussions on the challenges and opportunities created by increased trade and our freight mobility, energy and sustainability future as a trading continent. The summit broke down the silos and explored how transportation, energy and environmental infrastructure work together in North America.
An inaugural member, in 2012 Leslie was appointed to the Department of Commerce Advisory Committee on Supply Chain Competitiveness. She served the committee for ten years during which time she chaired subcommittees on freight policy and supply chain infrastructure financing. She also served as a member of the Advisory Board of the Eno Transportation Foundation and has addressed transportation issues to a wide variety of groups, such as the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences, Intelligent Transportation Society of America, the Retail Industry Leaders Association and the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
Leslie received her B.S. in sociology and a M.S. in public administration, with a focus in economics, from Florida State University. Leslie is fluent in French and holds a degree from the Lycée Hôtelier de Strasbourg in France.
lblakey@nessle-blakey.com
202.828.9100
Cecile Entleitner
Senior Associate
Cecile Entleitner is a senior associate in the public affairs firm Nessle & Blakey, which manages several transportation-related initiatives including the Coalition for America’s Gateways and Trade Corridors (CAGTC), a coalition dedicated to the expansion and modernization of America’s freight and goods movement infrastructure. In her role, Cecile manages member communications and policy for CAGTC. She produces policy analyses and advocacy materials, supports congressional and administration outreach activities, helps coordinate CAGTC’s annual membership meeting in DC, and oversees website development and CAGTC’s social media.
In addition to her work with CAGTC, Cecile provides government affairs services for the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA). IANA is North America’s leading industry trade association representing the combined interests of the intermodal freight industry. Cecile’s responsibilities for IANA include regulatory and legislative tracking, preparing policy position papers and issue briefings, and supporting IANA’s advocacy efforts before policymakers.
Cecile also assists with planning and content development for the semi-annual meetings of Woolpert’s Aviation Advisory Board. Woolpert, Inc is a design, geospatial and infrastructure management firm that integrates services and applies technologies to benefit its clients.
Prior to joining Nessle & Blakey, Cecile worked in the Office of the Clerk in the Florida House of Representatives, in Tallahassee, Florida. While there she worked on drafting, verifying, and producing the official Journal of the House of Representatives which serves as the legal record of proceedings in the House.
Cecile graduated from Florida State University with a M.S. in Applied American Politics and Policy and a B.S. in International Affairs and Psychology. Cecile is a native of Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
centleitner@nessle-blakey.com
202.828.9100
Amanda Hampton
Associate
Amanda Hampton is an associate in the public affairs firm of Nessle & Blakey, which manages several transportation-related initiatives. In her role, Amanda provides government affairs services for the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA). IANA is North America’s leading industry trade association representing the combined interests of the intermodal freight industry. Some of Amanda’s responsibilities for IANA include tracking regulatory updates and monitoring legislative proceedings.
Nessle & Blakey supports the Advisory Boards of Woolpert, Inc., an architecture, engineering, and geospatial firm. Amanda assists with meeting content development and logistics for these Boards. On behalf of the Coalition for America’s Gateways and Trade Corridors, Amanda writes a bi-monthly newsletter, manages the website, social media accounts, and membership recruitment efforts. Amanda also manages legislative outreach on behalf of the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region’s Regional Infrastructure Accelerator.
Prior to joining Nessle & Blakey, Amanda interned in the U.S. House of Representatives for Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson. As a congressional intern, she conducted legislative research, developed social media posts, and corresponded with constituents.
Amanda graduated from Texas Tech University with a B.A. in Public Relations. Amanda is a native of Houston, Texas.
ahampton@nessle-blakey.com
202.828.9100