ABOUT G48

Garrison 48 is a distinguished government relations firm located in Arizona, dedicated to advocating for clients at the state and local levels. The firm, established in 2023 by esteemed professionals Jim Norton and Shannon Whiteaker, has been steadily expanding its reach. With over three decades of expertise in lobbying and business ownership, Jim Norton leads as the Managing Partner, having formerly represented some of the most well known corporate employers in Arizona. In collaboration with Shannon Whiteaker, who brings 15 years of regulatory and lobbying experience, Garrison 48 navigates diverse sectors including national think tanks, healthcare, tax policy and regulatory affairs, marking a significant presence in Arizona's business landscape.

  • Jim Norton is a seasoned 30-year veteran Arizona lobbyist. Throughout his extensive career, Norton has assumed roles as an Owner and Managing Partner in several reputable firms within the state.

    Renowned for his adept representation skills, he has effectively advocated for a myriad of Arizona's most distinguished companies and employers. Notably, Jim has played a pivotal role in shaping economic development and tax policies that aim to foster growth and expansion for businesses in the region.

    His unwavering dedication and tireless work ethic not only highlight his commitment to the prosperity of Arizona's corporate landscape but also serve as a shining example for his colleagues and peers.

  • Shannon Whiteaker started Garrison 48, LLC (“G48”) in 2023 as the obvious next step in her noteworthy career. She has spent the past 17 years focusing on building rewarding relationships with public officials and their staff in the executive and legislative branches of state government, as well as within local municipalities throughout Arizona.

    She has amassed extensive knowledge about government processes and dynamics, and about how private organizations can work with the public sector more effectively and accomplish more by sticking to the simplest concept…Honesty is the BEST Policy.

    She is an Arizona native who understands the many nuances of government in general, and the great state of Arizona, specifically. Whiteaker has forged many relationships with decision makers in both private and public sectors, and is well-respected in both communities.

    Prior to forming G48, she supported various public health legislative efforts at the State Capitol as the Department of Health Services' chief legislative officer. She also worked within the private sector, during which time she lobbied on behalf of her clients to help them achieve their business goals.

    “From a young age, my dad told me I would have to ‘save the country because his generation failed to.’ He wanted me to understand politics so he planted the seed that ultimately fueled my career path. If the government was going to make decisions that dictated my life, I wanted to understand and be a part of the process.

    Over time, I’ve eagerly learned as much as possible about the political process and my role in it. I feel very blessed to be at this point in my career where I can truly say, I know what I am doing and I do it with honor, integrity and above all else, HONESTY.”

    She double majored with a bachelor's degree in Political Science and American History from Arizona State University and a master's degree in Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) from Northwestern University.

    While pursuing her master's degree, she worked as a paralegal at a law firm while also interning in the Office of the Press Secretary for Rahm Emanuel, Mayor of Chicago at the time.

    Whiteaker returned to Arizona after this time, working as an analyst and constituent liaison for a number of elected officials within the City of Phoenix and Arizona Corporation Commission.

  • Matt Fioriti's journey in Arizona politics began during his high school years, as he dedicated his time to volunteering on Doug Ducey's inaugural gubernatorial campaign. Joining the communications team, Matt immersed himself in the nuances of our state government, laying a solid foundation for his future endeavors.

    While attending the University of Michigan for his undergraduate studies, Matt developed a passion for Economics, Political Science, and, notably, Michigan Football. Delving into specialization in Political Economies of Development during his four-year tenure, he also gained practical experience at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission in Washington, D.C., during his summers.

    Post-graduation, Matt returned to Arizona, where he actively participated in both federal and statewide campaigns. Seeking a shift towards a more policy-centric role, he secured a position as a first-year Associate at Franklin Political Consulting. His journey led him to Garrison 48, where he continues to enhance his expertise across various policy domains, now entering his third legislative session. During his leisure hours, Matt indulges in skiing, engages in lacrosse league matches, and immerses himself in the pages of historical non-fiction books.

  • Sandy worked as an administrative assistant for 5 years at JLBC and then transferred over to the House of Representatives, where she worked for 9 years. Sandy’s hobbies are traveling, camping, hiking, and dancing. She has 3 grown children.