John MacDonald
(602) 402-8586
john@policyaz.com
John MacDonald brings nearly 30 years experience in legislative and government relations, media and communications planning, public speaking, writing, community relations and business affairs. [...]
Dana Paschke
(602) 882-9606
dana@policyaz.com
Dana Paschke has nearly 20 years experience in legislative and government relations, organizational development, strategic planning, economic development and community relations. [...]
Samantha Stone
(928) 853-7366
samantha@policyaz.com
Samantha was born and raised in Northern Arizona, where she studied Political Science and Economics at Northern Arizona University. In 2010, she accepted a Legislative Internship with the Arizona State Supreme Court. [...]
Services What We Do Best
Legislative Lobbying
More than 40 years of combined experience at the Arizona Legislature makes Policy AZ one of the most seasoned and successful lobbying firms in the state. Our partners develop thorough legislative strategy using in-depth knowledge, keen political sense, solid judgment and a daily presence at the Capitol.
Local, County, State, Tribal and Federal Government Relations
Policy AZ is experienced in government relations at many different levels, including decades of experience representing local Arizona cities, as well as clients doing business with municipal governments. We help clients navigate each entity's unique set of rules, regulations and common practices. Our partners have represented clients at all levels of government, including Congress and Tribal governments throughout Arizona.
Public Affairs
The interplay between business and governments is often confusing, and can lead to problems as clients pursue their business goals. Policy AZ has years of experience navigating the maze of government procedures and communicating a client's point of view to political audiences. This includes guiding communications with elected officials, the media and constituent groups – each of which often influence outcomes on issues.
Regulatory Strategies
Our partners understand the relationship between legislation and regulation. These two areas of public policy are related, but often practiced with vastly different outlooks and approaches. Policy AZ works with lawmakers and regulatory agencies to ensure a seamless implementation of legislation and regulation for our clients. Policy AZ also pursues regulatory reforms, either administrative or legislative, for our clients so they may operate more efficiently.
Strategic Planning
Affecting public policy changes through legislation, regulation, or other public avenues requires careful planning, an honest assessment of potential roadblocks and the likelihood for success, along with purposeful communication early in the process. Our partners have decades of experience leading and participating in strategic planning to define goals, contingency plans, communications methods and outcome assessments that help clients gain a clear picture of the tasks ahead.
Media Relations and Legal Interface
A critical component of a successful public affairs strategy is effective media relations, including crisis communications. Policy AZ is experienced in effectively communicating our client's message to the public. Our partners have spent more than 40 combined years working with reporters, editors, bloggers and social media practitioners to help our clients achieve success in these various mediums. Policy AZ is also experienced in supplementing the litigation efforts of clients by formulating a successful strategy for integration and communication of complex legal matters in the governmental and public policy arenas.
The Policy AZ
Advantage
Client Testimonials
Steve Proper
Senior Director Exeternal Affairs, Comcast Mountain West Region
"I have worked with John and Dana for a couple of years now and without a doubt they are some of the most effective and well-connected external consultants that I have had the pleasure to work with. As team, they consistently deliver defined results in a manner and a style that is respected and accepted by all."
Chuck Allen
Managing Director Government Relations, American Airlines
"Being represented by a results oriented firm of unquestionable character elevates your standing among city and state officials. That is what we get from PolicyAZ."
Kevin Earle
Executive Director, Arizona Dental Association
"John MacDonald and Dana Paschke's experience and resourcefulness provide a powerful one-two punch to our advocacy efforts at the Capitol."
Warren Whitney
Senior Vice President, Maricopa Integrated Health System
Policy AZ is a steady, reliable hand, and the firm's experience makes all the difference. Having John and Dana working on our behalf gives us an edge in strategy, as well as an overall understanding of what makes public policy work.
Achievements & Awards
We are proud of our varied and numerous achievements over many years at the Arizona Legislature and in public policy arenas throughout the state. A few of these include:
Restored Medicaid benefit through AHCCCS for emergency dental care for elderly and developmentally disables adults in 2016, and for all qualified adults in 2017.
Worked with the State of Arizona and multiple local governments in 2017 to facilitate the continued testing of autonomous vehicle technology.
Modified state transportation statutes in 2013 to allow for the privatization of dial-a-ride and emergency transport services.
In 2017, successfully capped local jet fuel tax collections, resulting in lower costs to our client and a more robust local market for commercial air travel.
Successfully lobbied for statewide, consistent permitting of vehicles for hire in 2011-2013, opening the door to new innovations on behalf of our client and avoiding a complex maze of local regulations.
Negotiated successfully in 2015 and 2016 for a limited statewide regulatory framework encouraging ridesharing and streamlined for hire transportation regulation.
john@policyaz.com | dana@policyaz.com
(602) 402-8586
3033 North Central Avenue, Suite 810 | Phoenix AZ 85012
POLICY AZ | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © 2018