Announcement Of De'Shondria Bedenfield Joining Capitol Services

De’Shondria Bedenfield Joins Capitol Services, Inc., as an Associate Lobbyist

January 1, 2023

LANSING – Capitol Services, Inc., a comprehensive, bipartisan governmental affairs consulting firm, announces the hiring of De’Shondria Bedenfield as Associate Lobbyist.

De’Shondria has broad experience in K-12 education policy and funding, grassroots advocacy, and local government.

She most recently worked at the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB) advocating on behalf of local school board members. During her five years with the statewide education leadership organization, De’Shondria transitioned from Policy Analyst and Grassroots Coordinator to Assistant Director of Government Relations. While at MASB, De’Shondria traveled all over the state, helping teach elected School Board members how to develop local advocacy networks and how to communicate effectively with state and federal lawmakers. Prior to working at MASB, Bedenfield worked with Isabella County government.

De’Shondria is a proud graduate of Central Michigan University where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science and Minor in Public Administration.

In her spare time, she volunteers with several community organizations and loves to catch the latest films on the big screen.

About Capitol Services, Inc.

 Capitol Services, Inc. (CSI), a comprehensive, bipartisan governmental affairs consulting firm located in Lansing, Michigan, was founded in 1986. Capitol Services offers its clients the accessibility and personalized attention of a small firm, with the firepower of a large firm. CSI is proud that over one third of our clients have been with us for more than twenty years. We attribute this to the mutual trust we share with clients, to the spirit of partnership with which we approach our business, and to the success our clients enjoy. 

Announcement of Stephanie Glidden Joining Capitol Services

Stephanie Glidden Joins Capitol Services, Inc. as Associate Lobbyist

September 20, 2021

LANSING – Capitol Services, Inc., a comprehensive, bipartisan governmental affairs consulting firm, today announced the hiring of Stephanie Glidden as Associate Lobbyist.

Glidden brings over a decade of experience in public policy, legislative and electoral advocacy, communications, and government operations to her new role at Capitol Services.  She served in key staff roles in both the Michigan Senate and House and has managed strategy and tactics for numerous political campaigns in Michigan.

Most recently, Glidden served as the Deputy Director for Legislative Affairs at the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) where she transitioned off the economic front line of the COVID-19 pandemic as Chief of Staff at the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency. Prior to her leadership positions at LEO, Glidden was the Director of Legislative Affairs at the Michigan AFL-CIO, where she helped develop and successfully shepherd through the legislative process a historic, bipartisan bill package of sweeping reforms to Michigan’s unemployment insurance system.

“Stephanie has dedicated her life to the working people of our state and has extensive expertise in labor and economic development. Her broad experience and proven proficiency in all aspects of legislative advocacy, policy analysis, strategy development, communications, and grassroots organizing, will be tremendous assets to our firm and the clients we serve,” said CSI Managing Partner Todd Tennis.  “We are delighted to have Stephanie join our already dynamic team of lobbyists, and client services and association management specialists.”

“I’m thrilled to be joining the powerhouse team at Capitol Services,” said Glidden. “It's very special to have the opportunity to work on behalf of clients whose values I've espoused while serving in and with government over the years so I will be hitting the ground running."

Stephanie is a graduate of Central Michigan University where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Policy, Political Science, and Leadership. A Phi Sigma Sigma soror, avid Detroit sports fan, and proud member of Lansing’s premier slow pitch softball team Bad News Beers, Stephanie and her husband, Mitch Albers, are still - after their first year - discovering the joys of home ownership.

 About Capitol Services, Inc.

 Capitol Services, Inc. (CSI), a comprehensive, bipartisan governmental affairs consulting firm located in Lansing, Michigan, was founded in 1986. The addition of Stephanie initiates the firm’s first expansion to five lobbyists, reinforcing CSI’s long time commitment to its core values of integrity, professionalism with in-depth policy expertise, and tenacity. Capitol Services offers its clients the accessibility and personalized attention of a small firm, with the firepower of a large firm.  CSI is proud that over one third of our clients have been with us for more than twenty years. We attribute this to the mutual trust we share with clients, to the spirit of partnership with which we approach our business, and to the success our clients enjoy. 

Bodkin Named Partner at Capitol Services

Capitol Services, Inc. is pleased to announce that Benjamin Bodkin has been named the firm’s newest partner.  Mr. Bodkin joins Ellen Hoekstra, Todd Tennis, Noah Smith, Jean Doss and Cara Marie Dobie as partners in the lobbying and governmental consulting company which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

Bodkin came to Capitol Services in 2014 after serving as the Director of Governmental Affairs at the Michigan Association of Counties.  Prior to that, Ben served as the Legislative Director for former State Senator Cameron S. Brown, and former State Representative James “Mick” Middaugh.  In addition to providing a wealth of experience to Capitol Services clients on the workings of state government, Ben also has particular expertise in areas of local government, mental health and law enforcement.

“It’s wonderful to have Ben as part of our leadership team,” said CSI President Todd Tennis.  “His nearly two decades of work in Lansing’s legislative arena will be a key asset to our clients for years to come.”