
About AgencyIQ
The modern regulatory environment is complex and ever changing. AgencyIQ, a division of POLITICO, is a strategic partner and extension of clients’ teams by offering regulatory professionals reliable access to analysis and insights, real-time data, and non-partisan journalism. Our vision is to enable businesses to deeply understand, seamlessly track and productively engage regulators to accelerate action and improve outcomes.
Meet the Team
Research

Alexander Gaffney, MS, RAC
Executive Director, Regulatory Policy and Intelligence
Alexander Gaffney is the Executive Director of Regulatory Policy and Intelligence at POLITICO’s AgencyIQ, where he leads the team’s research and analysis of life sciences regulatory issues affecting the Food and Drug Administration. He also leads the team’s business development activities.
Alexander previously worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers where he led the firm’s analysis of life sciences regulatory issues as part of its Health Research Institute. Before joining PwC, he was the Manager of Regulatory Intelligence at the Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society (RAPS), where he also was Managing Editor of the company’s flagship publication, Regulatory Focus. Alexander has a master’s degree in Regulatory Science from the University of Maryland and has held his Regulatory Affairs Certification (RAC) in US regulation since 2013. He also has a degree in Political Science from Providence College. He currently lives in the Washington, DC area with his wife and two dogs.
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Patricia Iscaro, Esq.
Head of Chemicals Research
Patricia Iscaro is the Head of Chemicals Research at AgencyIQ. She is a global chemical regulatory expert with more than 20 years of experience supporting manufacturers, importers, and distributors of chemicals, including biocides/pesticides, electronics, food (ingredients, additives), food contact materials, cosmetics, and household products, among others. Patricia also has experience in the federal sector, having provided legislative monitoring and analysis for the U.S. Department of Defense for overseas environmental programs. Patricia is a licensed attorney with memberships to the New York and New Jersey State Bars.
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Kari Oakes
Director of Research Operations
Kari Oakes is Director of Research Operations for AgencyIQ’s Life Sciences division. She has primary editorial oversight of AgencyIQ life sciences content; she also contributes analysis on pharmaceutical regulatory issues with an emphasis on FDA advisory committee meeting coverage.
Before joining AgencyIQ, Kari worked as managing editor for a regulatory news organization and as a medical journalist specializing in academic medical conference coverage. She also practiced for several years as a physician assistant, working in neurology, emergency medicine and primary care in academic and military medical centers. Kari has a bachelor’s degree from St. Norbert College and completed her academic and clinical training as a PA at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
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Laura DiAngelo, MPH
Research Director
Laura DiAngelo is a Research Director at AgencyIQ’s Life Sciences division. Laura specializes in regulatory issues related to medical devices, diagnostics, digital health and novel data sources.
Prior to joining AgencyIQ, Laura worked in regulatory and government affairs consulting, advising both life sciences and payer clients on federal policy issues and coordinating business intelligence activities. Laura received a Masters of Public Health (MPH) from George Washington University (Washington, DC) in 2017.
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Scott Stephens
Senior Research Manager
Scott Stephens is a Senior Research Manager at AgencyIQ’s Chemicals division. Scott covers regulatory issues related to European Union chemicals management, including horizontal (i.e., REACH and CLP Regulations) and vertical (e.g., BPR, PPPR, cosmetics, detergents) legislation.
Before joining AgencyIQ, Scott worked for over 13 years in regulatory research analyzing European, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) chemicals frameworks in support of regulatory compliance products and services. He has worked extensively with stakeholders in the chemicals sector, including industry, NGOs and government agencies.
Scott holds a master’s degree in Public Administration (MPA) from Syracuse University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas.
A lifelong learner of foreign languages, Scott reads, writes, and speaks Czech, Dutch, German, Polish, Russian, and Ukrainian at varying levels of proficiency. He lives in Rockville, Maryland with his wife and orange tabby, Crockett.
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Rachel Coe
Senior Research Manager
Rachel Coe is a Senior Research Manager at POLITICO’s AgencyIQ where she specializes in U.S. regulatory developments impacting the biopharmaceutical industry. Her experience spans multiple regulated industries, working on life science policy issues at both the state and federal level. Before joining AgencyIQ, she most recently represented the biopharmaceutical industry as manager of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization’s (BIO) regulatory affairs team.
She earned her master’s degree in public health along with a certificate in health finance from Johns Hopkins University. She received her bachelor’s degree in finance and Arabic studies from Florida State University. She currently resides in Alexandria, Virginia with her boyfriend and two cats named Daphne and Velma.
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Kirsten Messmer, PhD, RAC
Senior Research Analyst
Kirsten Messmer, PhD, RAC is a Senior Research Analyst and contributes to the research and development of content for AgencyIQ on regulatory issues affecting pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies in the United States and the European Union.
Prior to joining Agency IQ, Kirsten was a Principal Regulatory Affairs Specialist at PPD providing global regulatory intelligence to support efficient, compliant and successful clinical research and drug development for biopharmaceuticals and advanced therapies. Before starting at PPD, Kirsten worked at Theradigm to develop stem cell therapies for neurodegenerative diseases before joining ERA Consulting. She held post-doctoral fellowships in London and Baltimore.
Kirsten received her PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Sheffield (Sheffield, UK) and a Biology Diploma from the Eberhard-Karls University (Tübingen, Germany). Kirsten also holds a Regulatory Affairs Certification (RAC) in US regulation.
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Corey Jaseph, MS, RAC
Senior Research Analyst
Corey Jaseph is a senior research analyst at POLITICO’s AgencyIQ. She performs research and analysis on medical device regulatory issues for the United States and the European Union.
Prior to AgencyIQ, Corey worked in a regulatory capacity for both diagnostic and medical device manufacturing companies for over 20 years, both in compliance and pre-market regulatory planning. She has performed recalls, filed medical device reports, created device regulatory plans, and authored premarket submissions, including 510(k)s, 513(g)s, IDEs, and PMA annual reports. Corey has also written submissions and technical files for Canada and the European Union. Corey has a master’s degree in biomedical writing from the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, and a bachelor’s degree from University of California Berkeley. Corey has held a Regulatory Affairs Certification (RAC) in US regulation since 2006. She lives near Sacramento, California, with her husband and rescue dog, Sophie.
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Chelsey McIntyre, PharmD
Research Operations Manager
Chelsey McIntyre is the Research Operations Manager for AgencyIQ’s Life Sciences division. In addition to editing European and U.S. life sciences research content, Chelsey oversees many aspects of the day-to-day operational workflow of the research team. She also participates in the development and production of newsletters and webinars and contributes to pharmaceutical regulatory analysis.
Prior to joining AgencyIQ, Chelsey worked as managing editor for a clinical reference database that provides evidence-based information to healthcare professionals and consumers. She also practiced as a clinical drug information pharmacist, with experience spanning large pediatric academic medical centers to small critical access hospitals. Chelsey received a B.S. in Genetics from the University of California, Davis and completed her Doctor of Pharmacy degree at Creighton University. She currently lives in Washington state, in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge.
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Walker Livingston
Regulatory Research Analyst
Walker Livingston is a Regulatory Research Analyst at AgencyIQ. He covers regulatory issues related to U.S. and Canada chemical management, including TSCA and FIFRA regulations.
Before joining AgencyIQ, Walker worked as an associate in a boutique law firm focusing on employment and financial litigation. He also previously worked in regulatory news for a global regulatory compliance firm and as a law clerk in an international trade-focused law firm.
Walker holds a law degree from American University Washington College of Law and a B.A. in International Relations from George Washington University. He currently lives in Washington, DC.
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Amanda Conti
Regulatory Research Analyst
Amanda Conti is a Research Analyst in the AgencyIQ Life Sciences division. Prior to joining AgencyIQ, Amanda worked in federal science policy. She also has previous experiences in biotechnology and molecular biology research. Amanda received a BS in Biology (Genomics Concentration) with a minor in Neuroscience from Duke University in 2020. She currently lives in Arlington, Virginia.
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Rayan Bhargava
Regulatory Research Analyst
Rayan Bhargava is a Regulatory Research Analyst at AgencyIQ. He provides insight into developments within the European Union chemical regulation environment, including those implemented as part of the bloc’s Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability (CSS). With a skill set at the intersection of political economy and European affairs, Rayan approaches these regulatory developments from a particularly novel and comprehensive viewpoint.
Rayan received his master of science in the Political Economy of Europe at the London School of Economics and his bachelor’s in International Relations & Global Studies from the University of Texas at Austin. He currently resides in his native Austin, Texas.
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Sierra Milam
Research Analyst
Sierra Milam is a Research Analyst on the AgencyIQ Life Science team, focusing on E.U. Regulation. Before joining AgencyIQ, Sierra worked as a Medical Affairs Strategy and Research Consultant at ADC Therapeutics. Here she managed both clinical trial and European compassionate-use programs, and has hands-on experience with research regulations. She also has a background in molecular biology research, bioanalytical consulting, and healthcare app development.
Sierra received a BS in Microbiology (Immunology Concentration) from Brigham Young University and currently resides in Boulder, Colorado.
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Regulatory Solutions

Joshua Sztorc
Accounts Director
Joshua Sztorc is an Accounts Director on the AgencyIQ Life Sciences team where he is responsible for membership development. Joshua joined the AgencyIQ team from POLITICO Pro where he worked on the new business team, managing the government portfolio. Prior to POLITICO, Joshua spent 7 years working in government for Congressman Ted Deutch at both the state level in the Florida Senate and on Capitol Hill. He holds a B.A. in Political Science and a minor in Business Administration from the University of Florida. Joshua is a Florida native and a proud Florida Gator who has called DC home since 2010.
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Casey Miles
Accounts Director
Casey Miles is an Accounts Director at POLITICO’s AgencyIQ. In this role, he is responsible for identifying new subscription opportunities, as well as managing relationships with our current partners.
Casey previously worked for POLITICO Pro, driving new business with entities ranging from the Fortune 100 to single-member businesses involved in public policy monitoring and government affairs. Prior to POLITICO, Casey spent five years in corporate development in the front offices of two professional sports franchises – Sporting Kansas City of the MLS, and the NFL’s Miami Dolphins.
He holds a B.S. from Fort Hays State University in Exercise Physiology, and a minor in Psychology. Casey grew up in western Kansas, then resided in Kansas City, Miami and New York City before landing in Washington D.C.
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Mitchell Cain
Business Development Specialist
Mitchell is a Business Development Specialist at AgencyIQ. Mitchell has previously worked as an Associate Account Executive at Myriad Genetics Women’s Health Division, and as a Bankruptcy Associate Attorney at Jenkins and Clayman. Mitchell graduated from Albright College in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, co-concentrating in Political Science, in addition to graduating from Widener Delaware School of Law in 2019 with a Juris Doctor. Mitch grew up in Moorestown, New Jersey, and currently lives in Washington D.C.
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Taran McLaughlin
Business Development Specialist
Taran McLaughlin is a Business Development Specialist at Agency IQ Chemicals. Prior to joining Agency IQ, Taran worked as a Business Development Associate at POLITICO Pro, a policy intelligence platform, based out of Washington D.C. and as a Senior Sales Development Representative at ZoomInfo, a software and data company, based out of Vancouver, Washington.
Taran is a graduate of Pepperdine University with a degree in Business Administration. Currently living in San Diego, CA, he grew up in Sandpoint, Idaho before joining Agency IQ.
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Rachel Gartlan
Senior Account Manager
Rachel Gartlan is a Senior Account Manager on the AgencyIQ team, where she fosters relationships with our current partners to ensure their long-term success with the AgencyIQ platform.
Rachel has previously worked in customer experience, customer success management, operations, and growth at CleanChoice Energy, a retail energy and Community Solar provider, and WeWork, a flexible workspace solution, in the DC area. She also previously worked at the World Resources Institute. Rachel is from Alexandria, VA and has a BS in International Studies and Business from Virginia Tech and an MS in Social Entrepreneurship from the University of Southern California.
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Product Development

Joseph Kenol
Head of Product, Strategy & Business Development
Joe is the Head of Product, Strategy & Business Development at AgencyIQ where he oversees product development, growth strategy, sales, and account management for POLITICO’s regulatory intelligence business.
Prior to joining POLITICO, Joe was a Director on the newsroom and corporate strategy teams at The New York Times where he led work related to the company’s digital transformation and subscription growth strategy. Previously, Joe was a management consultant in the Technology, Media & Telecommunications practice at EY-Parthenon, where he advised companies and investors on topics including growth strategy, go-to-market strategy, performance improvement, M&A, and post-merger integration. Joe began his career as a senior equity analyst in the Chief Investment Office at UBS, where he covered the power, utilities & alternative energy sector. He holds a BA in Economics & Development from Trinity College and an MBA from The Wharton School. He currently resides in New Jersey with his wife and daughter.
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Miea Hicks
Product Manager
Miea is POLITICO’s Product Manager for AgencyIQ where she works with technology to define and implement the AgencyIQ vision. She started her career in product management within the financial services industry. Being a Product Manager, she thoroughly enjoys the intersection of product and technology while effectively carrying out enhancements that benefit our users.
Miea spent most of her life in Virginia – growing up in Hampton, Virginia and going to college in Richmond, Virginia. She attended Virginia Commonwealth University where she obtained a BA in Political Science and a BS in Political Science. She currently resides in Washington, D.C., exploring the city with her dog, Titan.
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Abigail Resendiz, MA
Associate Product Manager
Abigail is an Associate Product Manager at AgencyIQ. Prior to joining AgencyIQ, Abigail worked as a consultant for StartUB, an accelerator, in Barcelona, Spain and as a business development director for Vascugenix, a medical technologies startup, in Little Rock, Arkansas. Previously, Abigail worked for the Arkansas District Export Council.
Abigail holds two BBAs in Management and International Business from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Most recently, she received an international double master’s degree in Global Markets and Economic Development from the University of Glasgow, Georg-August University, and University of Barcelona. After living abroad for the past two years, Abigail is excited to establish herself in the nation’s capital.
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