National Institute for Lobbying and Ethics Names Sonja Nesbit and Christina Poehlitz as ‘Top Lobbyists’

Arnold & Porter Senior Policy Advisor Sonja Nesbit and International Policy Advisor Christina Poehlitz were named among the National Institute for Lobbying & Ethics’ (NILE) 2026 “Top Lobbyist Awards” recipients. The awards recognize 100 lobbying, PAC, and grassroots advocacy professionals for their achievements, leadership, and contributions to the profession. NILE is the premier trade association for the lobbying and government affairs profession.

Sonja brings over 20 years of experience working with members of Congress and senior staff to her role as Senior Policy Advisor in the firm’s Legislative & Public Policy practice. She has provided strategic counseling to achieve federal legislative and regulatory goals and developed and executed healthcare advocacy campaigns. Through strong working relationships with key members of Congress, she has secured legislative victories for healthcare and life sciences clients, secured funding requests, and helped expand federal grant programs.

Christina advises foreign governments and multinational corporations on strategic, policy, and legislative matters. She devises and implements comprehensive advocacy campaigns and builds coalitions with allied stakeholders to advance shared priorities. She is also committed to making sure the voices of those most affected by policy decisions, including survivors and veterans, are heard on Capitol Hill. Christina helps elevate her clients’ profiles and guides them through federal funding and annual authorization processes, identifying funding and policy opportunities and developing tailored strategies to secure support for their initiatives.