Description

The Arizona Legislature is still in session as policymakers debate critical issues and negotiate a fiscal year 2026 budget. Wondering what’s at stake for your organization and the people and causes you serve? Join AZ Impact for Good and your nonprofit and philanthropy colleagues for insights into Arizona's legislative session through the lens of the social sector. The Goodman Schwartz Public Affairs team will offer an update on key legislation and budget negotiations and share insights into how shifting political dynamics are driving policy outcomes. 

Learning Objectives: In this session, participants will: 

• Gain an understanding of the status or outcome of major issues, key legislation and budget proposals that impact the nonprofit and philanthropic sector 
• Learn why some bills and budget proposals succeeded or failed, based on the outcome of ideological or political debates or other factors 
• Be able to apply what they learn to inform future programming, philanthropic investments and advocacy activities

Cost: 

Members: $0

Prospective Members: $30 per session

• *In many cases membership may be less than the cost of a few workshops, and provide a lot more benefits to you and your organization, please contact Member Services for more information and potentially check out this event at no cost - membership@azimpactforgood.org.

Meet our Speakers: 

Brandy Petrone, Vice President of State Government Relations, Goodman Schwartz

Brandy Petrone has been representing the firm's private and public-sector clients at the state and local level since 2006 and is a key contributor to the strategic and tactical advice given on legislation, legislative strategy, and work with the Executive and state agencies. Petrone has strong expertise in legislative drafting, amending and analysis.

In addition to her responsibilities at the firm, Petrone is providing her legislative experience to help guide the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce’s Policy Committee on Budget and Tax issues, serving as co-chair of the committee. 

Prior to joining the firm, Petrone worked in the nonpartisan Research Staff Department of the Arizona State Senate. Petrone spent most of her time in the Senate as the Analyst for the Commerce and Economic Development Committee. She also served on the Appropriations and Health Committees. In addition to her analyst duties, Petrone helped to grow the competitive legislative and executive internship program, the program that helped her get her start in public affairs, as the Internship Program Coordinator.

Petrone holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, with an emphasis in International Marketing, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish, both from Northern Arizona University.

Outside of work, Petrone enjoys exploring Arizona with her husband and her two children.

Emily Raymond, Senior Associate, Goodman Schwartz

A graduate of Arizona State University, Emily graduated Summa Cum Laude receiving her Bachelor of Science degree in Public Service and Public Policy with an emphasis in law and policy.

In the fall of 2018, Emily served as a finance intern on now Congressman Greg Stanton’s campaign where she raised campaign contributions and assisted with campaign events.

During the 2019 state legislative session, Emily worked as a legislative intern with the Democratic Caucus of the Arizona House of Representatives, staffing the Health and Human Services and Technology committees. Following her time at the Arizona House of Representatives, Emily spent the summer in Washington D.C. interning in the Office of Congressman Greg Stanton. While on Capitol Hill, Emily worked directly with constituents and assisted the legislative staff on Judiciary and Transportation and Infrastructure issues.

Emily began her career at Goodman Schwartz Public Affairs and now leads the firm’s natural resource, energy, and water portfolios and recently graduated from the Water Management Certificate Program through Arizona State University lead by the Agribusiness and Water Council of Arizona.

In her free time, Emily enjoys traveling, exploring Arizona’s wonders, and indulging in the 'Real Housewives' TV franchises. When she is not out and about, her favorite pastime is spending time with her friends, family, and doing life with her partner Seamus and their two dogs Banjo and Thor!