Stephen D. Haner has observed, written about and participated in Virginia public affairs for five decades. He has done it from an unusual combination of perspectives: newspaper reporter, Republican political operative, state agency manager and lobbyist. Now retired as an independent government affairs and public relations consultant, he also serves as contributing editor to the online Bacon’s Rebellion. He has served as Manager of State Government Affairs for Huntington Ingalls Industries, parent company of Newport News Shipbuilding; Vice President for Public Policy at the Virginia Chamber of Commerce; Director of Administration for the Office of Attorney General; Executive Director of the Joint Republican Caucus; and political writer for the Roanoke Times. Steve and his wife, Pam, reside in Henrico County. Both are graduates of The College of William and Mary.