Stephanie Vance, also known as the “Advocacy Guru”, is author of five books including Citizens in Action: A Guide to Influencing Government and the recently released The Influence Game. She’s a 25 year veteran of the Washington, D.C. political scene and has held positions as a lobbyist, grassroots consultant and Congressional aide.

Stephanie’s experiences as a legislative director and Chief of Staff on Capitol Hill led her to found Advocacy Associates, a firm dedicated to helping individuals and organizations be both heard and agreed with in the legislative environment. To achieve that goal she provides inperson and online trainings for thousands of advocates around the world.

Ms. Vance holds a Master’s Degree in Legislative Affairs from George Washington University and a Master’s Degree in Liberal Studies at Georgetown University. She lives and works in Washington, D.C.

Vicki D. Blanton is the Senior Benefits Counsel practicing ERISA, employee benefits and executive compensation for American Airlines, Inc. In that capacity, she handles the legal issues related to the Company's various union and non-union retirement plans, health and welfare plans, international benefits, and executive compensation plans. She joined American Airlines in August 2008 from JCPenney, where she worked for almost 8 years in a similar capacity with increasing responsibilities. Vicki began her legal career in 1991 at Thompson & Knight as a trial lawyer. In 1995, Vicki became an Assistant City Attorney for the City of Dallas, Texas, where she changed her practice from litigation to employee benefits.

Vicki received a J.D. from the Southern Methodist University School of Law in 1991, and a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin. During her legal career, Vicki has been named to D Magazine's list of Best Lawyers in 2005 and 2007, as well as Eclipse Magazine's Dynamic Lawyers list. She was also named as one of the Best Corporate Counsel by the Dallas Business Journal. She is the Vice-Chair of the Corporate Counsel Forum of the Employee Benefits Subcommittee of the American Bar Association Tax Section.

With over thirty years of experience in the benefits field, Lynn Franzoi is recognized as an accomplished Benefits Executive. She has demonstrated a unique ability to interface with employees and executives at all levels, providing quality benefits while controlling costs. Lynn has managed the design, administration and financing of benefits for Fox Entertainment Group, a major global entertainment company, as well as other major Los Angeles-based companies, including American Honda and Whittaker Corporation. Lynn is an accomplished executive who has served on the boards of hospitals and non-profit organizations and who has provided advisory services to public, private and government agencies.