Director of Federal Affairs, MaryAnne Sapio is an expert in developing and delivering critical messages for clients to key members of both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. She actively served on the Bush-Cheney campaign and continues to be active in Republican campaign organizations. She has a unique ability to serve client needs while continually building stronger relationships with Members of Congress who affect her client’s interests, allowing her clients to have important and credible access to the right Member at the right time. Currently Ms. Sapio provides federal government relations consulting services for a number of clients including: the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), an organization with appropriations and health care related policy concerns; ASTAR Air Cargo, with Department of Defense issues; the Shinnecock Indian Nation; the Bay Mills Indian Community, a federally recognized Michigan Tribe with various environmental, higher education and economic development initiatives, including gaming, before federal agencies and the Congress. Prior to joining the Wheat Government Relations Ms. Sapio served as an advocate and spokesperson for the California wine industry in a position funded by Wente Vineyards as a part of the international marketing team. In this capacity she promoted California wines in Africa, Indonesia, Italy, France and Japan as well as the United States. In 1999 Ms. Sapio had the distinction of being selected as Miss California. In that capacity, she served as a goodwill ambassador for the State of California. Her work as Miss California included numerous presentations to and for organizations such as The American Cancer Society, and The Susan G. Komen Foundation. Her involvement with the Ford Motor Company led to her becoming a professional advocate for breast cancer education and awareness for which she received the Distinguished Individual Service Award. In that position she worked with California state legislators, and local officials. Ms. Sapio holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Marketing from the University of Phoenix. She is married to a United States Marine Corps Officer.