Denver, CO — This month Tonette Salazar merged her firm, Salazar & Associates with S360. She now serves as Senior Vice President of Government Relations in the Colorado office, bringing more than twenty years of expertise to S360’s clients.
Tonette has a strong history of success in the Colorado legislature and political arena. As an experienced lobbyist she has advocated for an array of education clients including school districts, community colleges, school counselors and career and technical education organizations. She has also worked extensively on homeowner association issues, labor and employment issues, and work force issues. Tonette tackles complex challenges with strategic thinking, thorough policy analysis and powerful coalition building.
“Tonette has an incredible track-record of collaboration between grassroots groups and public officials to get the win,” said S360 Founder and CEO, Ron Dotzauer. “Our clients will be able to achieve even more in Colorado, and across the country, with the expert insights Tonette brings to the firm.”
Tonette’s most notable achievements include leading the lobbying effort to help secure passage of in-state tuition and financial aid for undocumented students, negotiating a compromise on construction defects, and creating a new special education funding formula for public education.
“We are pleased to welcome Tonette to our firm,” said Lynea Hansen, Senior Vice President of S360 Colorado. “Her powerful impact across Colorado makes our state stronger, and we know that her successes will keep coming as she continues to build consensus to tackle Colorado’s biggest challenges.”
A native of Las Cruces, NM, Tonette holds a BA from University of Denver and a JD from the University of Colorado at Boulder. She also volunteers her time working with the next generation of Latinx leaders through the Latino Leadership Institute and serves on the Mile High United Way Board of Trustees, the oldest United Way in the county.
Also joining the Colorado team is Jake Martin. Jake will support the policy aims of S360 clients as the Campaign and Government Affairs Director.
Jake most recently managed Denver Mayor Michael Hancock’s re-election campaign, guiding the Mayor through a competitive runoff election to a 13%-point win and a third term. In recent years, Jake led statewide and local ballot measures, including Denver’s 2017 slate of seven bond measures.
Throughout his career, Jake has built statewide and congressional organizing campaigns, including a cycle overseeing field programs in western and midwestern states for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Jake’s portfolio has included polling and research for candidates for Governor, U.S. Senate, Congress and local ballot measures.
“Jake is a savvy campaign strategist,” added Lynea. “S360’s work on behalf of community initiatives like schools and parks funding will be made even stronger with Jake’s guidance.”
Raised in Park County, Colorado, Jake earned his BA from Metropolitan State University of Denver between elections.
With Jake and Tonette, clients will receive comprehensive campaign, policy and government relations strategies, with an unparalleled depth of knowledge. Come the New Year, the Colorado office will also be welcoming another Government Relations professional, further expanding our service support. Be sure to connect with the team for your 2020 plans!
You can reach Tonette at TonetteS@strategies360.com and Jake at JakeM@strategies360.com.