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PRESIDENT & CEO

Alfonso Guida Jr., J.D.

Al is a nationally recognized advocate and strategist who has provided valuable federal policy and regulatory solutions for Guide’s health care clients in the provider, technology, and public health sectors.

Al has helped his clients realize measurable goals in mental health parity, biomedical research, child poverty, and child welfare. His legislative portfolio includes successful collaborations with major Congressional committees, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Health and Human Services. Working together, Al and our GCS team have established and secured funding for Mental Health First Aid, Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics, and the 988 National Suicide Prevention Coordinating Office.

Prior to founding GCS over two decades ago, Al addressed mental health stigma through major advertising campaigns, including MTV. In the non-profit world, he served as Senior Vice President at Mental Health America to coordinate state and federal government affairs and to start their State Health Care Reform Department. During his tenure, Al championed Medicaid coverage expansions and the inclusion of mental health care in the State Children’s Health Insurance Program.

Recognitions

500 MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE OF 2024 Washingtonian

TOP COALITION ENGAGEMENT Mental Health Liaison Group

Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

Sarah Corcoran

Sarah Corcoran serves as Guide Consulting Service’s Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, bringing over a decade of experience working with federal agencies such as DHS, HHS, and DOJ.  Sarah is a top strategist within the behavioral health space, and has a proven success record in securing legislation and funding for components of the crisis care continuum.  Sarah works with her clients to craft and execute legislative and regulatory strategies to advance their federal priorities.  Sarah also leads all public affairs events for the firm, including fly-In Hill days, congressional staff briefings and virtual action days.  Sarah manages GCS internal operations and staff. 

She co-authored and successfully managed several multimillion-dollar DOJ and HHS federal grants.  Sarah has also worked as an independent political columnist and book editor. 

Sarah received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, United States History and Sociology from Arizona State University magna cum laude and attended law school at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law. 

Recognitions

2022 TOP LOBBYIST The Hill

2022 TOP LOBBYIST National Institute for Lobbying & Ethics

2023 TOP LOBBYIST The Hill

500 MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE OF 2024 Washingtonian

Manager, government relations

Audrey Wheeler

Audrey Wheeler is the Manager of Government Relations at Guide Consulting Services, where she leads policy initiatives and messaging campaigns for clients. She produces documents, analyzes legislative and regulatory developments, monitors emerging opportunities, and conducts research to advance client priorities across the firm’s federal portfolio. As a driving force behind client engagement with public and private sector entities, Audrey manages and develops coalition, policymaker, and stakeholder relationships.  

Before joining the team, Audrey developed a background in communications and national political campaigns. She brings skills in grassroots organizing, legal and policy advocacy, and strategy research.

Audrey received degrees in Communications and Political Science from Florida State University. She is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration at UNC Chapel Hill.

Education

FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY B.S. International Affairs

FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY B.A. Editing, Writing, & Media

UNC CHAPEL HILL Master of Public Administration (In Progress)