Tom McBride, McBride Public Affairs LLC – Washington
For more than 20 years, Tom McBride has advocated for groups and organizations that depend on fair and reasonable treatment under the law. He has developed a reputation as an effective lobbyist, founded on high ethical standards, aggressive advocacy and personal authenticity.
Tom began his career as a private practice attorney representing commercial and financial interests, with a focus on commercial litigation and bankruptcy law. He went on to serve as government affairs director for fiscal and transportation issues on behalf of the Association of Washington Business, Washington state’s chamber of commerce. He then directed the government relations program for the West division of the McDonald’s Corporation.
Tom also has firsthand experience working within Washington state government. As director of intergovernmental affairs for the Washington State Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development, he oversaw regulatory and legislative interests in energy, economic development, housing, international trade and growth management.
In 2008, he founded McBride Public Affairs, to advocate for clients on legislative and regulatory matters in Washington state.
A 1994 graduate of Gonzaga University School of Law, Tom holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Whitman College. He and his family make their home in Olympia.
Elizabeth Criner, Veritas Advisors, LLP – Idaho
Elizabeth Criner joined Veritas Advisors in August of 2002. She is a principled, results-oriented executive with an extensive background in public policy issues and strategic planning skills. Elizabeth has developed and implemented federal strategies for Idaho clients, ranging from navigating the passage and implementation of the Affordable Care Act to securing $23 million for a new air traffic control tower and Category III ILS landing system. At the state level, Elizabeth has provided clients with successful legislative strategies in the areas of telecommunications, transportation, water, energy, taxes and health care policy.
Elizabeth began her career in Washington DC working for Congressman Larry E. Craig. She served in both the House and Senate as principal advisor on telecommunications, education, defense, health care, foreign affairs and trade. Elizabeth returned to Idaho in 1996 to work for US WEST. She was responsible for developing and implementing the company’s public policy and foundation priorities.
Amanda Dalton, Dalton Advocacy Inc. – Oregon
Amanda Dalton is a lawyer-lobbyist and political advisor with over fifteen years of legislative advocacy, public policy and strategic planning experience. She has built a career in Oregon based on strong relationships and a solid reputation for hard work, open and responsive client communication and an eye towards Legislative strategy. Amanda brings the seasoned experience of a legislative staffer coupled with a decade of providing contract lobby services and in-house corporate government affairs.
Prior to forming Dalton Advocacy in 2014, Amanda managed in-house corporate government relations for Darden Restaurants on the West Coast and Mid-Western parts of the United States. She led efforts in 25 states directed towards protecting and enhancing the company’s reputation and relationships in markets with elected officials, community leaders, media and the public at-large.
Her client list today allows her to advocate on behalf of Oregon’s agriculture, business and renewable community.
Amanda is an active volunteer with Legal Aid and Oregon’s Domestic Violence Project where she represents survivors in contested restraining order hearings and is a Board Member of Oregon’s Youth & Government program.