Founder and CEO
Brad Gentile has spent nearly a decade in public service and has developed strong relationships throughout Washington on both sides of the political aisle. Most recently, Brad served as Chief of Staff for Congressman John Katko, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives and the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security. While Brad ran his operation, Congressman Katko was recognized as the most productive first-term legislator in 27 years. Prior to that, Brad served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director to U.S. Congressman Chris Gibson, and as a Legislative Assistant to former House Speaker John Boehner.
Throughout his time in Washington, Brad served as the chief policy and political advisor to members of Congress where he crafted, negotiated and helped pass numerous policy initiatives.
Brad Gentile
Partner
Zach Howell has spent more than a decade working in public policy and politics, with experience across multiple disciplines including communications, legislative strategy, campaign strategy, and organizational leadership. Zach spent more than 8 years on Capitol Hill, serving multiple Members of the House of Representatives handling a portfolio that spans the policy spectrum, including in transportation, homeland security, financial services, and foreign affairs.
Zach joins the HillEast team from Marriott International, where he served as Director of Federal Government Affairs, helping to guide the company through the challenges posed by the COVID-19 economic and public health crisis.
Before leaving the Hill, Zach most recently served as the Legislative Director and the Chief of Staff to Congressman John Katko, and previously held roles in other offices as a press secretary, communications director, and legislative assistant. Through this varied experience, Zach has developed strong relationships across party lines, and has thorough hands-on experience crafting legislative initiatives and communications strategies, building relationships, and providing sound guidance in challenging political environments.
Prior to his time on Capitol Hill, Zach worked on a presidential campaign, serving on the ground in Florida and New Hampshire, and served as the elected leader of a nationwide youth political organization.
Zach Howell
Senior Advisor
John Katko is an accomplished leader who served Central New York in Congress from 2015 until his retirement in 2022.
Early in his career in Congress, John became a strong voice on the House Homeland Security Committee. In 2020, he was selected to lead House Homeland Security Committee Republicans. As Ranking Member, John led efforts to secure the border and prioritized a robust focus on cybersecurity, as well as transportation and airport security. Additionally, John served eight years as a member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee.
While serving New York’s 24th Congressional District, John achieved significant legislative success, with 98 bills passed the House and 45 signed into law. Through his advocacy, John delivered millions of dollars to his district in Central New York.
John has strong relationships in New York and Washington across the political spectrum. He is well-respected for his work across the aisle and was consistently ranked among the most bipartisan members of Congress by the nonpartisan Lugar Center. As Chair of the Republican Governance Group, John was responsible for expanding political engagement with results-oriented Members of Congress.
Prior to serving in Congress, John spent nearly twenty years as a federal organized crime prosecutor with the U.S. Department of Justice, prosecuting hundreds of complex criminal cases including organized crime, drug and human trafficking, murder, and political corruption. He has extensive experience on the U.S. Northern, Southern, and Maritime borders. Additionally, he served as a litigator with the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission and as an anti-trust and commercial litigation attorney in private practice.
John and his wife Robin live in Camillus, New York and enjoy spending time with their three adult sons.
Hon. John Katko
Vice President & General Counsel
Erin O'Connor Elliott leverages over a decade of policy, communications, and political strategy experience in New York State and at the federal level.
Most recently, Erin served as Chief of Staff, Counsel, and Communications Director to Congressman John Katko where she directed operations and political strategy, and guided Rep. Katko's ascent to Ranking Member of the House Homeland Security Committee. During her time as Chief, Congressman Katko was consistently ranked among the most bipartisan and productive members of Congress.
Prior to her time on Capitol Hill, Erin spent several years managing communications and outreach for former New York State Senator, Senate Finance Committee Chairman, and Deputy Majority Leader John A. DeFrancisco. During and since this time, Erin has formed broad relationships with stakeholders across New York State and developed a deep knowledge of coalition building at the state and local level.
Throughout the entirety of her career, Erin has worked closely with media outlets across New York State and nationally. She has advised elected officials and candidates for public office on key issue messaging, crisis communications, and campaign strategy in challenging environments.
Erin O’Connor Elliott
Tyler Gutchess joins HillEast with several years of Capitol Hill experience and strong ties to the New York delegation.
Prior to joining HillEast, Tyler served as Legislative Assistant to Congressman Marc Molinaro where he managed an extensive portfolio that included agriculture, financial services, tax, trade, and natural resources. Tyler led numerous successful legislative efforts that contributed to Rep. Molinaro’s record as one of the most productive and bipartisan freshman members of the 118th Congress.
Prior to his time with Congressman Molinaro, Tyler was a key part of the legislative team for former House Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member, Congressman John Katko. He maintained a diverse portfolio and gained experience crafting and passing legislation that maintained Congressman Katko’s reputation as a bipartisan, results driven leader.
Throughout his time on Capitol Hill, Tyler has developed meaningful relationships on both sides of the aisle and used his Syracuse roots to foster strong connections with stakeholders in New York and Washington.
Tyler Gutchess
Senior Advisor
Alexis joined HillEast in 2019 from Georgia Governor Nathan Deal’s administration where she worked in his policy office for half a decade in a variety of roles, including as a policy advisor. During her time in the Governor’s Office, Alexis advised the governor and represented him and his priorities before stakeholders and constituents.
At HillEast, Alexis develops legislative solutions and supporting advocacy materials to help our clients communicate and build relationships with Members of Congress, their staff, and Administration officials. Alexis also manages all client and company Washington fly-Ins and advocacy days on Capitol Hill and the White House. She builds out Capitol Hill policy briefings, demo days, and CODELS for staff and Members of Congress to get a first-hand look at what our clients do.
Alexis is a native of Atlanta, Georgia, with close ties to the southeastern congressional delegation. She holds a bachelor’s of science in Political Science and International Affairs from the University of Georgia and a master’s of Public Administration from Georgia State University.
