Lobbying world

Elevate Government Affairs LLC named Kelly Lugar executive vice president. She previously was vice president of government affairs at Berkshire Hathaway Energy, where she worked for three years. Before that, she was a senior adviser at Dentons.

Elevate also named Veronica Chase and Richard Pezzella as associates. Chase previously was a senior legislative fellow at Monument Advocacy and Pezzella was a senior research associate at the National Academy of Public Administration.

Justine Coffey has joined Kellen as director of government relations. She previously was a principal at Coffey Healthcare Associates, where she worked for nearly three years. Before that, she was staff attorney at the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.

Frank Coleman left the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) on Jan. 1 to open Frank Coleman Strategies, a consulting firm focusing on public affairs, media relations, and reputation and event management. Coleman most recently served as a senior adviser to DISCUS CEO Chris Swonger and worked at the association for over 20 years.

John Jonas and Martha Kendrick left Akin Gump, where they were both partners, to join Capitol Counsel. Jonas and Kendrick started at Akin Gump in 2014 after working as lobbyists at Patton Boggs.

James Davidson is also joining Capitol Counsel, after 16 years at Polsinelli PC. Before that, he was chief counsel for Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Dao Nguyen was named a principal at Cornerstone Government Affairs. She previously was senior policy adviser for Rep. Stephanie Murphy (D-Fla.) and was executive director of the Future Forum Caucus, chaired by Murphy.

Mining company Freeport-McMoRan Inc. announced that J.J. Ong has joined as vice president of federal government relations and international affairs. Ong previously was director of federal and international government affairs for Chevron Corp. and before that was an aide for Democrats on the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

Minnesota-based law firm Larkin Hoffman added Megan Knight to its government relations team as a senior federal government relations specialist. She previously was a lobbyist at Lockridge Grindal Nauen.