A Government Relations Firm
Here to help you succeed in San Francisco. Women-owned and operated for over 30 years.
HMS Associates is one of the leading Government Relations firms in San Francisco. From our experience in and outside of local government, we have a deep understanding of how San Francisco’s policymakers make decisions in the City’s dynamic, vibrant, and sophisticated policy and political landscape. HMS Associates has delivered results for a diverse group of clients in complex land use entitlements, government procurement, and legislative advocacy for more than 30 years. We do this by being strategic and discreet on the behalf of our clients who need local knowledge and relationships in San Francisco to achieve their business goals.
Services
Issue Management
Procurement
Complex Land Use Entitlements
Post Entitlement Project Implementation
Strategic Positioning
Legislative Advocacy
Delivering Results
“Karin and April have been invaluable partners in elevating the voice of San Francisco’s arts and culture organizations with elected officials and city leaders for years. From developing a winning strategy for stabilized arts and culture funding in San Francisco, to navigating our sector through the huge challenges of the pandemic, we are profoundly grateful for their leadership.”
Sectors
Hospitality
Energy
Technology
Land Use and Development
Transportation
Biotech
Retail
Arts
Infrastructure
Non-profit
Sports
Education
Our Team
Karin Johnston, President, and April Ang, Vice President.
Karin Johnston
President
Karin Carlson Johnston is President of HMS Associates and has worked in and with San Francisco local government and politics for 25 years. Karin was a member of Mayor Willie L. Brown, Jr.'s senior staff, holding several positions in his Administration, including the City’s Liaison to the Federal government, the Mayor’s Liaison to the Board of Supervisors, and Legislative Director to the Mayor, overseeing all intergovernmental affairs for the City and County of San Francisco. After working for the City, Karin was a Vice President at a Fortune 500 company specializing in government contracts and procurement. Karin has been with HMS Associates for 15 years. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from University of California Santa Barbara, and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Southern California.
Marcia Smolens
Founder and Advisor
H. Marcia Smolens founded HMS Associates in 1977. The firm draws on her decades of producing results for her clients and her long-standing civic leadership in San Francisco.
April Ang
VICE President
April Veneracion Ang is Vice President with HMS Associates. April has more than 15 years of experience working in the government and the nonprofit sectors in San Francisco. Prior to joining HMS Associates, April was Senior Aide to San Francisco District Six Supervisor Jane Kim and is known for her policy expertise. Her legislative portfolio included land use and development, urban planning and transportation. Additionally, April was the Executive Director of a San Francisco neighborhood nonprofit. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of California Riverside, and her Master’s degree in City Planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Elsie Burke
Associate
Elsie Burke has been an integral part of HMS Associates for more than 20 years. In her role, Elsie manages client service and communications as well as oversees the firm's daily operations, staffing, and reporting requirements. Elsie graduated from University of California Santa Barbara with a degree in Sociology.
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