The Full Circle: Meet the Strategists 

Behind every policy shift, campaign, and successful project are people working thoughtfully and intentionally to move change forward. The Strategists series introduces you to the 360° perspective of our team members who bring expertise, creativity, and purpose to their work, and who are committed to making an impact for the communities they serve. 

The Olympia Team’s 360° Perspective on Advocacy, Strategy, and Progress 

Legislative session moves quickly. Committee hearings overlap, schedules shift by the hour, and meaningful conversations often happen wherever time allows – sometimes in hearing rooms, sometimes in hallways, and often in the brief moments between votes. For our team in Olympia, being our client’s best advocates means staying agile while keeping their priorities at the forefront. 

As Vice President of Government Relations in Strategies 360’s Olympia office, Grifynn Clay leads advocacy and strategic engagement efforts across state, local, and tribal policy landscapes. Grifynn brings deep expertise in political strategy, coalition building, and stakeholder engagement developed over years across the public, private, and political sectors.  

Our Manager of Government Relations, Mike Snodgrass, leverages his deep Olympia roots and relationship-building skills to advocate year-round with legislators and executive agencies. After being commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, Mike served as an Air Defense Artillery Officer in the U.S. Army. He then spent years building relationships as the South Sound and Olympic Peninsula Outreach Director for Senator Maria Cantwell, connecting constituents, local governments, and organizations with federal decision-makers. 

Pictured from Left to Right: Grifynn Clay, Mayor Don Vanney of Arlington, WA, Mike Snodgrass, and Arlington City Admin, Paul Ellis.

For the Washington state government relations team at Strategies 360, legislative session requires a deft hand with juggling priorities. With 34 standing committees and limited weekly hearing slots, the team tracks multiple hearings to stay current on bill movement, legislator comments, and shifting levels of support. 

Short Session and Policies We’re Following Short legislative sessions present additional challenges. As the second half of the biennium, these sessions focus on adjusting budgets to real revenue and updated projections. New funding is more competitive, and large projects are less common. Messaging must be clear, benefits well defined, and expectations aligned with fiscal realities. 

This year, budget pressures and emerging tax proposals shape nearly every discussion. Through it all, our strategists remain focused on progress: supporting safer infrastructure, economic development, housing, and job creation across Washington. 

Between meetings, Grifynn and Mike’s preparation is fueled by Marconi’s Italian Subs and an almost encyclopedic ability to recognize legislators and staff on sight. 

Change isn’t one big moment; it’s built through preparation, timing, and consistent advocacy, often one conversation at a time.