Kirsten Christopherson Bailey
President / Founder / Lobbyist
Kirsten brings more than two decades of legal and government relations experience to her work at the Minnesota Capitol. She is known for a collaborative, solutions-focused approach that helps corporate and nonprofit clients identify key issues, analyze options, and move good ideas into law. During legislative session, Kirsten works closely with the Capital Investment, Education, Higher Education, Human Services, Workforce Development, Public Safety, Legacy, and Judiciary committees to advance her clients’ priorities and protect critical funding streams.
Kirsten has a strong record of securing resources and passing significant legislation for nonprofit partners, which is a core source of pride in her practice. She is especially committed to helping leaders navigate today’s high-scrutiny environment with clear messaging, strong accountability, and a focus on real outcomes for communities. Teaching clients how to advocate for themselves is one of her favorite parts of the job, and she regularly coaches boards, executive teams, and community leaders on effective engagement with lawmakers.
Kirsten also is an adjunct professor at the University of Minnesota Law School, where she teaches a Government Relations course that brings together students with members of the Legislature, commissioners, staff, and many of the advocates she works with at the Capitol. The class has become an extension of her commitment to building strong, informed, and effective public policy leaders.
Trained as an attorney, Kirsten’s legal background in business formations, regulatory work, and business transactions gives her a practical understanding of how policy decisions affect day to day operations. She maintains her law licenses in Minnesota and Illinois and, while she currently does not practice law, that strategic and methodical training continues to shape her approach to government relations.
Kirsten previously served in the public sector as a staff member with the Minnesota Legislature and as an Unemployment Law Judge for the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. She has overseen legislative efforts for a wide range of clients at Libby Law Office, provided strategic planning and government relations services with Ward Einess Strategies, practiced law in St. Paul with Richard D. Hawke Attorney at Law, and worked in government relations at Winthrop and Weinstine in Minneapolis.
Kirsten and the Christopherson Advocates team have been featured in Attorney at Law Magazine for their government relations work in Minnesota. In her free time, Kirsten enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband Pat, their dogs, and the rest of her family.
Contact Kirsten at kirsten@christophersonadvocates.com.
Michael Mollner
Associate Lobbyist
Michael Mollner joined Christopherson Advocates in 2021. As a Government Affairs Associate, Michael plays an integral role in the development and implementation of strategic initiatives to serve a diverse client base. He uses his skills and relationships to advance policy, conduct research, and organize opportunities for connections between internal and external stakeholders.
Michael started his career in advocacy, legislative affairs, and coalition management in 2012 as a Field Director for the House DFL Caucus. He then moved to working with the Minnesota House of Representatives where he formed strong relationships with members of the legislature, gained expertise on the inner workings of the legislative process, and developed an affinity for leveraging his skills to create opportunities for advocacy and policy generation. Prior to completing his tenure at the Minnesota House of Representatives, Michael worked as a Committee Administrator for the Jobs and Economic Development and Labor Committees where he worked to pass multi-million dollar legislative budgets and landmark legislation.
Michael earned his B.A. from St. John’s University in Collegeville, MN and lives in St. Paul with his wife and daughters. He is a long suffering Minnesota sports enthusiast and an avid golfer.
Contact Michael at michael@christophersonadvocates.com.
Andy Eilers
Associate Lobbyist
Andy Eilers brings deep legislative experience and a proven track record in state government to Christopherson Advocates. As a registered lobbyist, Andy works closely with clients to navigate Minnesota’s legislative process, build bipartisan relationships, and advance policy and funding priorities.
Prior to joining Christopherson Advocates, Andy spent more than a decade working in the Minnesota Senate. From 2017 to 2021, he served as Committee Administrator for the Jobs and Economic Development Committee, where he worked extensively on budget and policy initiatives. His experience inside the Capitol gives him a strong understanding of how legislation is developed, negotiated, and enacted. Andy’s background allows him to anticipate legislative challenges early and help clients position proposals for success before issues arise.
Before his time in the legislature, Andy worked on multiple political campaigns, including a congressional race, two gubernatorial campaigns, and a statewide grassroots advocacy effort. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Minnesota State Mankato. Known for his work ethic, strategic insight, and collaborative approach, Andy is well respected by legislators, staff, and stakeholders on both sides of the aisle.
Andy lives in his hometown of East Bethel, Minnesota, with his wife Aly and their daughters, Lucy and Heidi..
Contact Andy at andy@christophersonadvocates.com.
Joey Wiley
Associate Lobbyist / Researcher
Joey joined Christopherson Advocates in 2023 as a Government Affairs Associate and researcher. He brings deep knowledge of the bonding process, an ability to learn complex policy areas quickly, and experience navigating state government to help the team secure strong results for clients.
Prior to joining Christopherson Advocates, Joey spent most of his career as a policy and finance researcher at the Minnesota Senate, specializing in State Government, Finance, Elections, Pensions and Retirement, and Veterans and Military Affairs. He was well known as an outgoing staffer and was respected by colleagues on both sides of the aisle. During his time at the Senate, he was integral in facilitating the passage of several key policy items related to police and fire pension reform, charitable gaming, state agency operations during COVID-19, and support for Minnesota veterans and their families. With multiple budget cycles of experience setting multi million dollar agency budgets, Joey is a trusted source of knowledge for those navigating the politics and procedures of Minnesota state government.
Joey began his professional career as a teacher at Breakthrough Twin Cities and later served as a Fulbright Grantee in Kedah, Malaysia. While in Malaysia, he worked with the Ministry of Education and the U.S. Embassy to organize community and school events intended to bridge cultural and language divides. He also helped his students publish and distribute a book of student artwork, poetry, recipes, and oral histories across the region.
Joey earned his Bachelor of Arts from Gustavus Adolphus College in Saint Peter, Minnesota. In his free time, he can most likely be found in his gardens, at a stand up comedy show, or trying new food around the Twin Cities.
Contact Joey at joey@christophersonadvocates.com.