Our Team - Credible, Trusted, Effective
Carrie Tellefson J.D.
Founder and President
Carrie is well known for her ability to work cooperatively with policy makers from both sides of the aisle and stakeholders to find the most beneficial outcomes for her clients. Carrie's instincts and insights reflect her years of experience as she successfully navigates the legislative process on behalf of her clients in complex and heavily regulated areas such as health care, banking, insurance, transportation, liquor, and technology. She also works on a range of tribal-related issues on behalf of her sovereign tribal government clients.
Education and Experience
​Prior to forming Sound Government Solutions, Carrie was a partner in the law firm of Miller Malone & Tellefson, heading up the government affairs division of the law practice. Before joining MMT, Carrie worked as Senior Counsel to the Washington State House of Representatives, Financial Institutions, and Insurance Committee. Carrie also served as Deputy Commissioner for Legislative Affairs at the Office of the Insurance Commissioner, Assistant Director of External Relations and Management Services with the Department of Information Services, and Director of Policy, Planning and Support for the Washington State Gambling Commission.
Carrie attended Pacific Lutheran University, Seattle University School of Law and is a member of the Washington State Bar Association.
Sam Miller
Government Affairs Consultant
Sam Miller is a Government Affairs Consultant at Sound Government Solutions, where he brings a strong blend of policy expertise, strategic insight, and legislative experience to the firm’s government affairs practice. Since joining SGS in 2022, Sam has become a key leader in shaping the firm’s client strategy, legislative engagement, and cross-sector policy analysis.
With a focus on proactive client communication, Sam ensures that SGS partners remain fully informed on legislation, agency rulemaking, budget developments, and emerging political and regulatory issues. He plays a central role in developing advocacy plans, coordinating stakeholder outreach, preparing testimony and briefing materials, and guiding clients through complex legislative processes across all stages of the session.
Sam also leads legislative and regulatory research, bill and budget tracking, committee monitoring, and meeting coordination—work informed by his comprehensive understanding of Washington State’s policy environment. Entering his fourth legislative session, he is recognized for his modern approach, strong relationships, and ability to translate complicated policy issues into clear, actionable guidance for clients.
Sam holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from The Evergreen State College, where he focused on public budgeting, state governance, Native American history, and collaborative policymaking. He is also a graduate of Washington State University’s Murrow College of Communication with a minor in Political Science. Before joining SGS full-time, Sam served as a legislative intern for the firm and interned with former Congressman Derek Kilmer.
Sam’s expanded policy expertise, combined with his legislative experience and client-centered approach, strengthens SGS’s reputation as a trusted, high-performance partner in Olympia’s policy and political landscape.
Ally Magnano
Legislative Session Support
Ally Magnano is a private contractor specializing in providing reliable, informed and efficient support to the Sound Government Solutions team through monitoring legislative hearings and assisting with event planning. Prior to joining the SGS team, Ally spent seven years as a Government Affairs Consultant working with Miller Malone & Tellefson to represent business clients before the Washington State Legislature and Executive Branch.