Debbie Broadfield, President, Capitol Edge Consulting, LLC

Debbie Clark Broadfield, President of Capitol Edge Consulting, LLC, is an accomplished Illinois lobbyist and government relations consultant with nearly two decades of experience in strategic advocacy, policy development, and direct lobbying. Since co-founding Capitol Edge in 2013 alongside Sue Clark, Debbie has led the women-owned and operated Illinois lobbying firm, focusing on relationship-driven advocacy and delivering measurable results. After serving as Vice President from 2013 to 2023, she became the firm’s sole owner and President in January 2024.

Debbie specializes in legislative strategy, direct lobbying, and public policy development across sectors, including healthcare, education, nonprofit, and broader issue areas. Her approach emphasizes cost-effective, solution-oriented advocacy—helping clients navigate governmental processes and do more with limited resources. These core principles align with Capitol Edge’s mission of building relationships, drawing on experience, and achieving results.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Debbie served as External Relationships Manager for SHIELD Illinois, a nonprofit initiative of the University of Illinois System focused on statewide saliva-based testing. In that role, she demonstrated her ability to coordinate multi-sector partnerships and deliver scalable, public health solutions under pressure.

Earlier in her career, Debbie worked as a legislative assistant in a state senator’s district office, where she gained firsthand experience in constituent services and developing legislative proposals. Prior to entering the field of advocacy and government relations, she spent five years as a child welfare specialist with both private agencies and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services—building a strong foundation in policy research, nonprofit operations, and project management.

Debbie holds a degree from Eastern Illinois University and has continued enhancing her leadership acumen through completion of the Illinois Lincoln Excellence in Public Service Series in 2004 and the Illinois Society of Association Executives Certified Leadership Series in 2008.

Her advocacy style is rooted in energy, adaptability, and a relentless focus on helping organizations achieve their mission goals through strategic legislative engagement. At Capitol Edge, Debbie embodies the firm’s commitment to serving clients with integrity, transparency, and unwavering dedication to achieving policy outcomes on behalf of constituents.

Susan Clark, Sr Advisor, Capitol Edge Consulting, LLC

Ms. Clark became interested in government relations after serving as a member of professional nursing organizations.  Her interest in politics and policy for nurses led to lobbying, with an expertise in healthcare issues.  Along with Broadfield, she formed Capitol Edge Consulting, LLC, in 2013, where she served as President until January 2024.

Clark began her lobbying career after 25 years of practice as a registered professional nurse. This experience provides a unique knowledge, voice, and understanding to legislators, government officials and other lobbyists regarding health care policy issues.  

Prior to establishing Capitol Edge Consulting, LLC, Clark was employed by a private lobbying firm for trade associations and corporate clients, and as staff lobbyist for the Illinois Nurses Association from 1994-2001.  She has served on community boards, been an elected leader in nursing, and a is a well-known speaker on political action and leadership. 

Clark’s past experiences gives her the edge to provide comprehensive government relations strategy services for the clients of Capitol Edge Consulting, LLC to reach their goals.