The Strategist
A Communications and Public Policy Specialist
“Effective advocacy is finding the intersection of what’s good for your client, policy-makers and the public. The relationships I’ve built and skills I've honed advancing legislative issues and running big campaigns, I put to work almost every day for clients. Whether it’s helping secure federal funds for a deeper Columbia River shipping channel or working with a local arts college to realize its expansion plans... communicating a compelling public rationale and building diverse coalitions from the bottom-up are the keys to success.”
For more than two decades, Dan Lavey has provided strategic counsel to businesses, elected officials, and political candidates in Oregon and across the Northwest. Dan is a partner in the Portland office and serves as President of the firm.
Dan was a top advisor and senior strategist to U.S. Senator Gordon Smith; guiding his campaigns and serving on his staff in Washington, D.C. and as his Chief of Staff during his term as President of the Oregon Senate. In the early 1990’s, Dan was the chief strategist for the Republicans in the Oregon Senate where he engineered a gain for four seats for the Republicans in 1992, laying the groundwork for a GOP majority two years later.
Dan earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Oregon and is a member of Arlington Club and serves on the board of directors of Pioneer Courthouse Square, the U of O Alumni Association and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Portland. He is a member of the firm’s Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Natural Resources, Research and Public Opinion and Issue and Grassroots Advocacy practice groups.
Expertise Background
Strategy and message Top aide to former U.S.
Senator Gordon Smith
Crisis communications Strategist/manager for
statewide campaigns
Oregon politics and economy Top staff positions in Oregon
legislature
Political analysis and B.A., University of Oregon
commentary
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