20+ years

Idaho Business Review Lifetime Achievement Award
Best Lawyers in the United States
Idaho Business Review Idaho ICON Award

Extensive and successful relationships with Idaho Governors, Attorneys General, the Idaho Legislature and the Idaho Federal Congressional Delegation

My decades of experience have earned me a reputation as a premier advocate before federal, state and local decision-makers. As the Founder of Eiguren Public Policy Firm, I have an unsurpassed record of successful public issues management, lobbying, regulatory coordination and public policy law outcomes.

I regularly represent clients as a lawyer and lobbyist before departments and agencies of the state and federal governments. I have drafted and lobbied for new legislation, organizing large coalitions supporting passage, and have regularly testified before legislative and administrative committees. I have served as liaison between state and international governments to work out trade and cultural agreements.

I interact often with senior officials in Idaho and the federal government, including the Governor, Legislature, Attorney General, and the Idaho Congressional Delegation. I have also argued several major cases before the Idaho Supreme Court.

Additionally, I have decades of experience as both a Chairman and Director or Member of many public profit and non-profit corporations, including my current role as a Member of the American Red Cross National Philanthropic Board, Chairman of the American Red Cross of Idaho Board of Directors and Chairman of the Advisory Board of Directors of Tolsma USA. I am a former Director of Idaho Independent Bank, Avista Corporation, and Chairman of the Board of the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce, the Idaho State Capitol Commission, and the St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center Foundation.

Before entering law practice in 1984, I served in various capacities in several local state and federal agencies, including Deputy Attorney General of Idaho, Special Assistant to the Administrator of a large federal agency, Deputy Secretary of State of Idaho, and Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in Boise, Idaho.

Among other honors, I am the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Leaders in Law Program of the Idaho Business Review, and am listed in Best Lawyers in America.

I graduated from the Executive Management Program of the Dartmouth School of Business Administration and attended Georgetown University College of Law and the University of Idaho College of Law, where I received my Juris Doctorate.

0-5 years

Melinda has significant experience and key relationships with the Idaho Transportation Department, the Idaho Department of Agriculture, the Department of Health & Welfare, the Division of Financial Management and with the Office of the Governor.

Melinda Merrill has more than 25 years of experience managing government relations and crises for clients throughout the Pacific Northwest and provides Eiguren Public Policy clients with media, reputational, and crisis communications counseling as well as advocacy in local, state, and federal government.

Prior to joining Eiguren Public Policy, Merrill was director of Public Affairs for Fred Meyer and QFC Stores - the two Northwest divisions of The Kroger Co. - for more than a decade, where she was media spokesperson and managed government affairs for the company's more than 200 stores in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington as well as at the federal level. She also developed strategy for and implemented Fred Meyer's and QFC's multi-million-dollar donations, sponsorship, community relations, and employee volunteer programs in the four states.

Merrill is adept at assisting clients in developing strategy for and achieving their goals at the local, state, and federal levels of government. She also has experience providing reputational management for clients facing issues including taxes and fees, labor relations issues, real estate siting and planning issues, product recalls and importation of goods.

Merrill also spent eight years in the Portland office of the international public relations and public affairs firm Hill & Knowlton. There she provided reputation, crisis management and government affairs counseling for clients including grocers, cell phone service providers, economic development organizations, convention and visitors bureaus, electric utilities, and the maritime industry.

Merrill earned her M.A. in Journalism and Mass Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations from Kent State University, and a B.A. in Journalism with a broadcast emphasis from the University of Montana. She currently serves on the board of the American Red Cross of Greater Idaho and is chair of the Philanthropy committee and also serves on the Legislative Committee of the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry. She has served on the Association of Washington Business Executive Committee; the board of Oregon Food Bank and as chair of its Advocacy Committee; and as president of the Board of the Oregon/SW Washington Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. She lives in Meridian, Idaho.

20+ years

2013 Roger J. Robach Conservative of the Year, awarded by the Monroe County Conservative Party

G.O.L.D. (Graduate of the Last Decade) Award (2009), Roberts Wesleyan College. Awarded for professional excellence, community involvement, active participation in the ongoing work of Roberts Wesleyan College and maintenance of a lifestyle that's in harmony with the spirit and philosophy of the college.

Editor-in-Chief, Buffalo Law Review, SUNY Buffalo Law School

Member, American Bar Association Government Affairs Professionals Committee

Before joining the HSE Government Affairs group, John practiced for several years in the trial department of the firm.

His focus includes: drafting legislation on behalf of clients, monitoring and reporting on the status of pending legislation, analyzing potential effects of pending legislation on clients' interests, communicating clients' positions to members of the State Legislature, State Agencies, and the Governor's Office, assisting clients with strategy regarding the availability of and access to a variety of government funding mechanisms and other programs, advising clients regarding a myriad of government relations compliance issues, from procurement regulations to campaign finance laws.

6-10 years

Recognized by the Arizona Capitol Times as one of the top lobbyists in the state under the age of 40 (2017)

Recognized by the Arizona Capitol Times as a "Breakdown Breakout" winner, given to the sharpest political and industry minds in Arizona under 40 (2019)

With nearly a decade of government relations experience at the state and local level, Lauren's specialty practice areas include policy issues in the healthcare, real estate and tech sectors. Prior to entering into the policy realm, Lauren worked in marketing and public relations, executing local and national media campaigns for clients ranging from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies. Her background also includes having developed and implemented grassroots campaigns surrounding legislation for one of Arizona's largest nonprofit organizations. A graduate of the University of Arizona with an academic focus in journalism and political communication, Lauren has extensive experience working with local and national news outlets. Recognized by the Arizona Capitol Times as one of the top lobbyists in the state under the age of 40, Lauren represents the firm's interests before the Arizona State Legislature, the Office of the Governor, state agencies and various municipalities.

Education: B.S., University of Arizona

11-15 years

Crain's Detroit Business named Sarah in their "40 Under 40" class as well as a "Woman to Watch" in recognition of her work on behalf of businesses in the Detroit region

At Acuitas, Sarah is well known for her collaborative approach to tough client challenges. Her network of contacts across non-profits and the business community provide clients access to much more than her knowledge and understanding of the legislative process.

Sarah's proactive approach to relationship-building with government officials begins long before they are sworn-in to office. The Acuitas team works to meet future public officials before they are overwhelmed by the work of Lansing and continues the relationship as they ascend to positions of leadership.

Prior to the Chamber, Sarah spent 3 years as a Legislative Assistant in the Michigan House of Representatives with former State Representative Willis C. Bullard Jr. (R - Highland Township).

Sarah received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan, Master of Public Administration from Western Michigan University and Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business.

She formerly served on the Board of Directors of the Public Affairs Council, the American Chamber of Commerce Executives, the Woodrow Wilson Centers' Canada Institute, and the University of Michigan Alumni Association.

Crain's Detroit Business named Sarah in their "40 Under 40" class as well as a "Woman to Watch" in recognition of her work on behalf of businesses in the Detroit region.

20+ years

In 2020, named by the Hartford Business Journal as one of the top 50 most influential people in Hartford.

In 2017 she was honored as "Practitioner of the Year" by the Greater CT Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).

In 2005, recognized by the Hartford Business Journal as one of eight top woman business owners.

Developed and implemented several Connecticut market entry initiatives for a global banking interest, outpatient medical and behavior health facilities and a renewable energy company.

Led several multi-organizational coalitions to pass landmark legislation on scholarship funding, tort reform, energy deregulation, managed care regulation and tax initiative opposition.

Drives business strategy and best practices for two separate and widely respected companies.

Appointed by the Mayor of Hartford to Chair the Hartford Parking Authority.

Prior to starting Sullivan & LeShane, Inc. (S&L) in 1983 and Sullivan & LeShane Public Relations in 1988, served as Director of External and Public Affairs for a highly respected statewide medical and vocational rehabilitation organization.

Member and Secretary of the University of Saint Joseph Board of Trustees and chairs the Academic Women's Leadership. Vice Chair of the Washington-based Public Affairs Council, a professional association of corporate/national organizations.

Holds a Master's Degree in Healthcare Finance from the Rensselaer Lally School of Business and a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Leadership and Community Development from Springfield College. Participated in select executive level programs at Stanford University and McGill University. In addition, participated in the Yale School of Management leadership program.

20+ years

In 2020, recognized by the Hartford Business Journal as one of the top 50 most influential people in Hartford.

Secured the initial state funding needed for UConn to build Gampel Pavilion.

Led the government relations team for several industry mergers requiring approvals from the Office of the Attorney General, State Legislature and other regulatory bodies.

Point person working with the City of Stamford, resulting in $240 million in infrastructure funds.

Sought after political strategist with close ties to every major statewide and local political leader in the state.

Drives business strategy and best practices for two separate and widely respected companies.

A veteran political strategist, played key roles in the presidential campaigns of Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan and former Senator Robert Dole, as well the campaigns of former Congresswoman Nancy Johnson, Senator Joseph Lieberman and several Connecticut governors. Most recently served as a senior adviser for two U.S. Senate campaigns and trusted thought leader for two Connecticut Governors.

Graduate of Fairfield University with a BS in Sociology.

Began lobbying career with the Hartford Chamber of Commerce, and then with Connecticut's largest beverage trade association. In 1983, joined his partner Paddi LeShane in founding S&L and, five years later, they founded Sullivan & LeShane Public Relations, Inc. (SLPR)

11-15 years

Tommy has been recognized during his government relations career as one of the top lobbyists at the North Carolina General Assembly. He was ranked as the 33rd Most Influential Lobbyist of the 2013-2014 Legislative Session by the North Carolina Center for Public Policy Research in its annual survey of lobbyists, legislators and Capitol Press Corps members.

Tommy is a senior vice president in the state government affairs group at McGuireWoods Consulting where he represents clients before the state legislature and U.S. Congress.
He brings more than a decade of experience in state and federal policy, legislative process and politics, including serving as senior staff for the North Carolina Senate President Pro Tem and several members of U.S. Congress. Tommy has a strong network throughout state government in North Carolina and the North Carolina congressional delegation, and has experience representing Fortune 500 companies, start-ups and trade associations before the North Carolina General Assembly, Congress and executive agencies on issues including energy, environmental, education, transportation, health care and information technology.
Prior to joining McGuireWoods Consulting, Tommy served as the director of state public affairs for Moore & Van Allen Public Affairs where he managed the Raleigh office and represented clients at both the state and federal level for Moore & Van Allen Public Affairs. Before his time at Moore & Van Allen, Tommy served as deputy chief of staff for policy for North Carolina President Pro Tem Phil Berger. Before Tommy worked at the General Assembly, he lobbied at the federal level for both the NC Farm Bureau and the National Pork Producers Council for several years. He also worked on Capitol Hill for nine years, including six years with Congressman Robin Hayes where he served as deputy chief of staff.
Tommy is a native of Raleigh, where he lives with his wife and two sons.

20+ years

20+ years

Tim Peckinpaugh's practice focuses on energy, environmental, and natural resource legislative and funding issues.

Mr. Peckinpaugh has represented clients for over thirty years in all aspects of energy policy, including nuclear (fission and fusion), hydroelectric, coal, oil and natural gas, electricity, as well as a variety of clean technology and energy efficiency issues. He also represents major international corporations and local communities on Department of Energy nuclear waste cleanup, nuclear security, and contracting issues. In addition, Mr. Peckinpaugh represents regional chambers of commerce and companies from the Pacific Northwest on appropriations, grant funding, energy, technology, natural resource, trade, agriculture, workforce, and economic development opportunities.

Mr. Peckinpaugh provides assistance on appropriations and legislative drafting, and counsels many of the firm's clients on campaign finance, lobbying, and governmental ethical issues. Finally, he is a previous chair of the firm's public policy group and currently manages the K&L Gates Political Action Committee, one of the largest law firm PACs in the country.

Mr. Peckinpaugh came to the firm in 1985 from Capitol Hill, where he had five year's experience as a professional staff aide to the House Science Committee, former U.S. Congressman Sid Morrison (R–WA), and the Republican Study Committee. While on the Hill, he focused on energy, natural resource, science, technology, and defense issues.

15-20 years

Julie received the WESTMARC President's Award for exemplary work in economic development and was inducted as an Honorary Bobcat at The University of Arizona. She has received Special Congressional Recognition from Congressman Ruben Gallego for her work on his Women's Advisory Commission and was selected by the Maricopa Community College Foundation Board of Directors to serve as Vice Chair.

20+ years

Alton Ashy established Advanced Strategies nearly two decades ago. As the firm's president, Alton brings a wealth of knowledge, a strong work ethic and sharp business insight to his projects. He began his professional career as a legislative staffer working for both the Louisiana Senate and House of Representatives and quickly transitioned into governmental relations representing clients including Louisiana State University. Alton's ability to quickly assess an issue and develop a winning legislative strategy has helped Advanced Strategies achieve great success for its clients over the years.

6-10 years

She has been recognized by Capitol Inside in 2015 as a "Rising Star" in Texas politics and in 2016, was selected as the winner for Austin Under 40's government and public affairs industry category.

Prior to joining McGuireWoods Consulting in 2012, Holly served as chief of staff to Texas State Senator Mike Jackson and worked in the Texas Senate for over a decade building strong relationships with state legislators, capitol staff, executive branch and regulatory agencies.

Holly volunteers in various capacities around Central Texas. She is an active member of the MD Anderson Cancer Center's Advance Team and also founded Young Texans of Cancer's Austin Chapter. She received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Texas at Austin and is a Kappa Alpha Theta alumni and Texas Ex. She enjoys spending her free time with her son, Hunt, and golden retriever, Winnie.

20+ years

Previously, Kevin served as the Director of Government Relations for the Michigan Chamber of Commerce -- one of Michigan's premier trade associations. As Vice President for the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, Kevin advised business leaders from some of Michigan's largest companies, philanthropic community and non-profit associations.

Honored to serve State Representative Ken Sikkema (R - Grand Rapids) and U.S. Senate campaign of the Honorable Spencer Abraham, Kevin has deep roots in the legislative and political process.

A native of Ironwood, Michigan. Kevin graduated with honors from Michigan State University with a Masters Degree in Labor & Industrial Relations and received a BS in Political Science degree from Western Michigan University.

11-15 years

Jake has been recognized in the New York Observer's Power 80 as one of the influencers and insiders "who help run this" City, City & State's 40 Under 40 as a "rising star" in New York politics and also by City & State as a key member of one of the top 10 government relations teams in New York that is leading the state in influence and separately as one of the top 10 political consultants in New York "the people putting New York politicians into office."

I have elected and work closely with some of New York's leading political figures, including:
- NYS Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins
- NYS Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris
- Members of the NYS Senate Majority
- Members of the NYS Assembly Majority
- Members of NY's congressional delegation
- Members of the NYC Council
- Boroughwide officials throughout NYC
- Westchester County Executive George Latimer
- County officials throughout NYS

Jake Dilemani is a Senior Vice President in Mercury's New York City office. With an extensive background in campaign management and public affairs, Jake has effectively blended research, message development, statistical analysis, media relations and advocacy to achieve success for a variety of clients. At Mercury, Jake leads political consulting, public affairs and government relations projects.Jake has advised winning candidates facing tough races in federal, state and local elections, developed state of the art grassroots and public affairs campaigns for corporate clients and advocacy groups and has generated numerous earned media placements in the New York media market's most respected print, broadcast and digital outlets.Jake represents a diverse clientele, including high profile political campaigns and independent expenditures, Fortune 500 companies, foreign government officials and a host of New York's leading political figures.For six years, Jake served as a strategist to many members of the New York State Senate Democratic Conference, including Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris, and former Senator George Latimer whom Jake advised on his successful campaign for Westchester County Executive. Jake's political consulting work has included industry-leading direct mail and cutting-edge public opinion research for campaigns ranging from congressional incumbents to municipal mayors to state legislative leaders.Prior to joining Mercury, Jake served as Vice President for Public Affairs at a strategic communications firm in New York, and held senior roles on numerous campaigns for public office.In the public sector, Jake served as a Chief of Staff in the New York State Legislature, and is currently a Democratic Party Leader representing Manhattan's East Side, where he plays an integral role in the nomination and election of New York's city and state judiciary.

Jake has been recognized in the New York Observer's Power 80 as one of the influencers and insiders "who help run this city," and City & State's 40 Under 40 as a "rising star" in New York politics.

0-5 years

Awarded Order of the Long Leaf Pine

Dave has over 40 years leading non-profit and government healthcare organizations, including the last eight years leading the North Carolina's $20 billion Medicaid program. Prior to serving as deputy secretary for Medicaid, he was the deputy secretary for Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. Dave joined DHHS as director of the Division of Mental Health in 2013. Before joining the Department, he was executive director of several statewide chapters of The Arc, including The Arc of Delaware, Louisiana and North Carolina, where he led the advocacy and service delivery for people with disabilities.

Dave has worked for both Republican and Democrat administrations and was unanimously confirmed to his Medicaid position by the North Carolina General Assembly. During his tenure at North Carolina Medicaid, Dave led the program's transformation from fee for serve to managed care, supported the provider community through the COVID pandemic and successfully maintained a balanced budget throughout his service.

Dave has served on numerous state and national boards and committees, including the National Association of Medicaid Directors. He has presented to legislative and other governmental entities and to local, state and national meetings on health policy throughout his career.

Ms. Ito has been the recipient of numerous professional recognitions. In 2008, she was a recipient of the Pacific Business News Forty under 40 award. In 2011, Ms. Ito received the Stars of Hope award from the Hata Foundation and the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii. She also received in 2011 the Hawaii Justice Foundation Spirit of Pro Bono Award, as well as the Hawaii State Bar Association's Ki'e ki'e award, for her pro bono work with the Hawaii Access to Justice Commission and the Hawaii Consortium of Legal Service Providers to obtain much needed additional funding for indigent legal services in Hawaii.