Mary Beth L. McGowan has joined the firm as a Government Policy Advisor in the Washington, D.C. office. Ms. McGowan assists clients in navigating federal policy issues in the energy and environmental fields, including climate change. She works with other members of the Government Policy Group to disseminate information to Congress on behalf of clients, many with interests in transportation fuels, power, electricity, and automotive manufacturing, as well as environmental policy. Ms. McGowan is also experienced in advising businesses and nonprofits on legislative strategy, funding opportunities and contacts within Federal agencies. Prior to joining Dykema, Ms. McGowan worked as a legislative assistant in the office of U.S. Senator Arlen Specter. As a senior aide on energy, environmental and interior issues, she was involved in initiatives such as preparing briefings for committee hearings, votes, meetings and speeches; reviewing, analyzing and summarizing pending legislation and budgets; meeting with business and special-interest representatives; preparing correspondence and communications to the Executive Branch and drafting press releases. Ms. McGowan also served as staff contact for the Energy and Water; Interior and Environment; Commerce, Justice Science and Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittees. A resident of Washington, Ms. McGowan received a B.A. from the University of Virginia and an M.A. in Government/Political Communication from Johns Hopkins University.