Driven to help Minnesotans, we support people of all ages and backgrounds to make the state and their lives better by:
Supporting online music education for students in Title I and greater Minnesota schools.
Helping adults conquer challenges to find housing and jobs.
Providing new Americans the skills necessary to strengthen our economy.
Assisting children who have experienced abuse.
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 daughter. He is a long suffering Minnesota sports enthusiast and an avid golfer.
Contact Michael at michael@christophersonadvocates.com.
Andy Eilers
Associate Lobbyist
With his extensive experience in state government, Andy Eilers is bringing his knowledge of the legislative process and diverse relationships to the team. With a previous work history in the political arena, Andy has the deep understanding needed to evaluate the impact of legislative proposals and is able to provide clients with valuable advice to achieve their objectives.
Prior to joining Christopherson Advocates, Andy spent the majority of his career in the Minnesota Senate. From 2017-2021, he led the Jobs and Economic Development Committee as the Committee Administrator, working on budget and policy issues such as the COVID relief packages passed in the 2020-2021 sessions. After receiving his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Minnesota State Mankato in 2008, Andy proceeded to work on multiple political campaigns including a congressional race, two gubernatorial races, and a statewide grassroots advocacy campaign. With a focused work ethic and competitive drive, he has established himself as a consummate professional who is well respected on both sides of the aisle.
Andy is happiest at home with his wife Aly raising their daughter Lucy in his hometown of East Bethel, Minnesota.
Contact Andy at andy@christophersonadvocates.com.
Joey Wiley
Associate Lobbyist / Researcher
Joey Wiley is the newest Government Affairs Associate at Christopherson Advocates. His diverse experiences, welcoming personality, and knowledge in state government operation will help our team continue to secure the best results for our 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, Elections, Pensions and Retirement, and Veterans/Military Affairs. He was well known as an outgoing, kind staffer, respected by those on both sides of the aisle. During his time at the Senate, he was integral in facilitating passage of several key policy items related to police and fire pension reform, charitable gaming, state agency operations during COVID-19, the creation of the Legislative Budget Office, and absentee ballot reform. With multiple budget cycles of experience setting multi-million-dollar agency budgets and working in highly sensitive policy areas, Joey is a go-to contact for those needing to better understand the inner workings of state government and election law.
Joey began his professional career as a teacher at Breakthrough Twin-Cities and then as a Fulbright Grantee to Kedah, Malaysia. In Malaysia, Joey 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 of the region. Joey credits his strong interpersonal skills and adaptability to his experiences working with the families of his students. Whether helping one family or a whole community, Joey has a proven track record in finding appropriate solutions.
Joey earned his B.A. from Gustavus Adolphus College in Saint Peter, MN and is most happy in his garden, eating spicy food, or seeing the Minnesota Orchestra.
Contact Joey at joey@christophersonadvocates.com.