AxAdvocacy Expands State Presence with Opening of Little Rock Office
Seasoned Arkansas Policy Leader Mischa Martin Named Arkansas Principal
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. —
AxAdvocacy, a multi-state government relations and public affairs firm, today announced the opening of a Little Rock office and the appointment of Mischa Martin as Arkansas Principal. The expansion marks the firm’s latest step in growing its state-level presence, joining existing offices in Pennsylvania, Missouri, and California.
“Mischa is exactly the kind of leader we look for when we expand into a new state,” said Ashlee Rich Stephenson, President of AxAdvocacy. “Her deep roots in Arkansas, her relationships across state government, and her track record of driving real, lasting change make her an exceptional addition to our team. We are thrilled to welcome her and to deepen our commitment to clients and partners in Arkansas.”
Martin is a lifelong Arkansan and seasoned leader in government relations, public policy, and child and family services, with nearly two decades of experience navigating state government. An attorney with a Master’s in Public Administration, she began her career in 2008 with the Arkansas Department of Human Services. She went on to serve as Director of the Division of Children and Family Services and was later appointed by Governor Sarah Sanders as Deputy Secretary of Youth and Families, where she oversaw statewide programs including child welfare, childcare, and juvenile justice.
During her tenure in state government, Martin led major reforms that reduced the number of children in foster care, improved permanency outcomes, expanded prevention services, and helped Arkansas achieve record-setting increases in adoptions. After leaving state government, she founded SHIFT Consulting and later joined Casey Family Programs, advising states across the country on public policy, system reform, and government strategy.
“I have spent my career working to strengthen systems and improve outcomes for Arkansas families, and I am excited to continue that work in a new capacity,” said Martin. “AxAdvocacy’s commitment to results-driven advocacy is a natural fit for the work I am passionate about, and I look forward to helping businesses, stakeholders, and organizations navigate government and make a meaningful difference.”
