Driving Social Change through Federal Advocacy

Katrina Velazquez, a distinguished attorney and advocate, is the dynamic force behind Center Road Solutions as its Founder and Managing Principal. With an exceptional track record of transforming partisan social issues into unifying, bipartisan causes, she propels them towards remarkable success. As a testament to her prowess, Katrina has been named one of The Hill’s Top Lobbyists for four consecutive years, and has also received the Professional Women in Advocacy Award in 2017, and the Meehan-Hartley Award for Public Service and Advocacy in 2017.

With over a decade of expertise in federal advocacy, grants, and law, Katrina skillfully navigates clients through the complexities of the federal process. Her extensive experience includes recent victories in school safety, military health, mental health, and violence prevention including the passage of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, Into the Light for Maternal Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Act, Anna Westin Legacy Act, STANDUP Act, TRIUMPH for New Moms Act, SERVE Act, Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Reauthorization Act, and the STOP School Violence Act, amongst other authorizing and appropriations successes.

Join Katrina Velazquez and Center Road Solutions in their mission to create a more inclusive, compassionate, and effective political landscape for women and families across the nation.

Education:
Juris Doctorate from The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law

Master of Arts in International Politics from American University

Dual Bachelor of Arts in Law & Society and Public Relations, Purdue University.

Awards:
Most Influential Women’s Lobby Leader of 2023: https://www.acquisition-international.com/winners/center-road-solutions/.

Publications:
Streatfeild J, Hickson J, Austin SB, Hutcheson R, Kandel JS, Lampert JG, Myers EM, Richmond TK, Samnaliev M, Velasquez K, Weissman RS, Pezzullo L. Social and economic cost of eating disorders in the United States: Evidence to inform policy action. Int J Eat Disord 2021; 54(5): 851-868.

Austin SB, Hutcheson R, Wickramatilake-Templeman S, Velasquez K. The second wave of public policy advocacy for eating disorders: Charting the course to maximize population impact. Psychiatr Clin North Am 2019; 42(2): 319-336.
Velasquez K, Ivie A, Fegely SR, Raffoul A, Vitagliano J, Roberto CA, Austin SB. Dietary supplements for weight loss: Legal basis for excise tax and other government action to protect consumers from a public health menace. Am J Law Med 2022; 48: 38-53.

Accomplished Principal and Strategic Leader at Center Road Solutions
Allison Ivie, a seasoned government relations and private sector consultant, serves as the Principal at Center Road Solutions. Garnering recognition as one of The Hill’s Top Lobbyists for Grassroots in 2022, 2023 & 2024, alongside Katrina Velasquez, Founder and Managing Principal, Allison steers the firm’s efforts with expertise in direct lobbying, regulatory writing, strategic planning, partnership development, and public affairs.

Before joining Center Road Solutions, Allison’s impressive work with cutting-edge pharmaceutical and medical device companies led to three FDA approvals in the reproductive health, sexual health, and oncology fields. Her career in Washington, D.C. commenced as a Women’s Congressional Policy Institute Fellow in Representative Mike Thompson’s office (D-CA). During this time, Allison drafted and introduced bipartisan legislation to expand telehealth access to Medicare beneficiaries and negotiated stricter penalties for illegal marijuana cultivation on federal lands, which were subsequently adopted by the U.S. Sentencing Commission.

In addition to her role at Center Road Solutions, Allison actively contributes to the Women’s Congressional Staff Foundation as a Board of Directors member. Experience the power of collaboration and strategic leadership with Allison Ivie and the dedicated team at Center Road Solutions.

Education:
Master of Arts in Public Policy and Women and Gender Studies from Brandeis University

Dual Bachelor of Arts in English and Multicultural Gender Studies from California State University, Chico

Literary Editing and Publishing Certificate from California State University, Chico

Publications:
Velasquez K, Ivie A, Fegely SR, Raffoul A, Vitagliano J, Roberto CA, Austin SB. Dietary supplements for weight loss: Legal basis for excise tax and other government action to protect consumers from a public health menace. Am J Law Med 2022; 48: 38-53.

Ivie, A. Asset theory and prostitution: the implications of u.s. prostitution policy and ideology on asset building strategies. Women’s Policy Journal of Harvard; Cambridge Vol. 10 2013: 52-59.

Adriianna serves as the Senior Director of Government Relations at Center Road Solutions. She previously served as the Legislative Director for Senior Appropriations Committee Member Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler. Adriianna led the Labor, Health, and Human Services Appropriations portfolio for the Congresswoman. She successfully helped secure funding of over $8.5 million for community project funding requests for mental health, substance abuse, and law enforcement. She’s overseen the creation of the first-ever Stillbirth Task Force at HHS, the creation and funding of the Maternal Mental Health Hotline, and first-time funding of the pediatric subspecialty loan repayment program. She has negotiated multiple bipartisan bills including the PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.

Before Congress, she worked for the Orange County Board of Supervisors as a District Representative – leading the Spanish outreach in Santa Ana, California. She has been awarded grants to conduct field research in Medellin, Colombia. She’s served as a Heritage Foundation Health Fellow and was part the American University We Lead cohort of 2020.

Education:
The George Washington University, Elliott School of International Affairs M.A. Security Policy Studies
University of San Diego, Bachelors of Arts International Affairs and Spanish

Stacey serves as a Senior Associate at Center Road Solutions, where she plays a critical role in developing and executing strategic initiatives that drive policy change and advocate engagement. Stacey specializes in managing diverse coalitions, coordinating high-impact public affairs events, and mobilizing advocates to advance legislative priorities. She also supports the firm’s operational efficiency, ensuring seamless execution of advocacy campaigns and client initiatives. Her ability to synthesize complex policy issues, develop compelling messaging, and facilitate collaboration makes her an invaluable asset to our firm.

Prior to joining Center Road Solutions, Stacey gained hands-on experience across education, public service, and wellness sectors, shaping her holistic approach to advocacy and policy work. She spent three years teaching English as a Second Language (ESL), where she worked closely with diverse communities, fostering education access and language equity. Having served as both a Legislative and Casework Intern for her Senator, she developed a strong foundation in Congressional operations, constituent services, and legislative research, reinforcing her passion for public policy and civic engagement.

Stacey is committed to advancing impactful policy solutions, fostering collaboration across sectors, and ensuring that advocacy efforts translate into real legislative progress. Her multidisciplinary experience, strategic insight, and dedication to public affairs make her a strong advocate for our clients.

Education:
Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies: Communications, Legal Institutions, Economics, and Government, American University