In the dynamic arena of government policy, the art of issue advocacy extends well beyond the halls of Congress. Today, it’s the critical integration of strategic communication, earned and social media, and coalition building that propels policy change. Our approach is deeply rooted in understanding the forces that shape public policy and influence decision-makers. We bring clarity to complex issues, crafting advocacy campaigns that resonate with both lawmakers and the communities they serve. We are adept at defining precise policy goals, outlining clear outcomes, and pursuing them with unwavering determination. With us, your voice becomes a catalyst for change, ensuring that your interests are not just heard but are instrumental in driving meaningful policy outcomes.

Throughout my career, I’ve helped drive transformative results for a wide range of organizations, from Fortune 500 companies and start-ups to nonprofits and associations. I’ve guided clients through the challenging world of public affairs — tackling policy challenges, navigating the nuanced landscape of media and influencer relations, and driving thought leadership and improved reputations.

As the founder of Avalon Public Affairs, I bring a unique blend of policy knowledge, high-level communications expertise, corporate experience, and an understanding of how best to leverage corporate responsibility and ESG efforts. Clients trust me to serve as the bridge between businesses, government, and the communities they serve.

Innovations and strategic advancements marked my time at Starbucks Coffee Company and Microsoft Corporation. At Starbucks, I helped launch the College Achievement Plan, a game-changer providing baristas with a free college education. At Microsoft, I led the charge on U.S. Senate policy efforts, diving deep into critical areas like intellectual property rights, high-skilled immigration, and trade, as well as serving on the company’s Political Action Committee board.

In addition to my corporate experience, I spent 6 years in the U.S. Senate. As a Policy Advisor to the U.S. Senate Leadership (including creating and staffing the Senate High Tech Task Force), I served as a liaison between Senators and the tech community and drove policy for Senate tech leaders.

I currently serve as:

• Founder and Board Member at ChangeWA, championing livability, public safety, and accountability in Washington state.
• Fellow of the US-Japan Leadership Program, nurturing ties between the next generation of leaders from both nations.
• President of the Washington Council on International Trade, advocating on behalf of 100 companies and organizations for Washington’s pivotal role in international trade matters.
• Member of Pitch Your Peers, a start-up philanthropy for women that has raised nearly $1 million for unmet needs in King County, Washington.
• Board member at Alder, an international organization with a mission to ignite generational leadership.

I helped clients with a range of diverse wins, including driving communications for an initial public offering, fixing a critical first responder issue with the Small Business Administration, and launching a grassroots campaign on a major transportation project.

In addition to helping clients with their own media and influencer engagement, I speak frequently on business, trade, and policy – including testifying in Washington, DC, and Olympia, and interviews on TV and radio. I’ve also written extensively on these subjects, including in the Seattle Times, the Spokane Spokesman-Review, and the Puget Sound Business Journal.

I earned a B.A. in international relations and political science from George Washington University, which included studies in London and Madrid.

Outside of work, I’m a history and travel fan (with recent trips to Normandy and Israel) and an avid athlete, having completed numerous marathons and two Ironman distance triathlons – and most recently running Mt. Rainier’s 96-mile Wonderland Trail (but none of that running seems to help my struggling tennis game).