THE WILD WEST: LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Tom Dorn, President of Dorn Policy Group Inc., has a diverse background in government and politics at the federal, state, county, municipal, district and tribal levels. His firm represents numerous multi-national corporations, trade associations and government entities. Major current and previous clients include 3M, American Medical Response, American Insurance Association, … Read More

Tom Dorn, President of Dorn Policy Group Inc., has a diverse background in government and politics at the federal, state, county, municipal, district and tribal levels. His firm represents numerous multi-national corporations, trade associations and government entities. Major current and previous clients include 3M, American Medical Response, American Insurance Association, Arizona Diamondbacks, Aviation Coalition of Arizona, Barstool/Penn Gaming, Becton Dickinson, Cigna Healthcare, City of Phoenix, GlobalMed, HDR Engineering, Macquarie Capital USA, McLane Company, Netjets, Peabody Energy, Roche Diagnostics, Stride/K12, and The CORE Institute. Prior to starting Dorn Policy Group, Inc. in November 2000, Tom was a Partner for three years at the Arizona public affairs firm Jamieson Gutierrez. There he was the chief legislative strategist and lobbyist for the firm’s notable clients including America West Airlines, City of Tucson, Cox Communications, Fiesta Bowl, Hitachi Data Systems, Hopi Tribe, Reliant Energy and Southwest Student Services. From 1994 to 1997, Tom served as the State and Federal Lobbyist for the Arizona Department of Transportation under Republican Governor Fife Symington where he was instrumental in the STEP 21 Coalition, a Washington D.C.-based effort to secure equitable highway financing nationwide. Tom also initiated development of federal legislation enabling the ultimate construction of the Hoover Dam Bridge now spanning the Colorado River. These significant policy efforts have led to subsequent opportunities for increased commerce along the CANAMEX Corridor and the future Interstate 11 connecting Phoenix and Las Vegas. From 1990 to 1994, Tom served Democrat Governor Rose Mofford as Legislative Director for the Arizona Department of Commerce where he advanced business legislation pertaining to international trade, housing, finance, economic development and sports promotion. He also served as Legislative Director for the Arizona State Land Department where he advocated for policies relative to natural resource management, water, grazing leases, forestry, urban planning and environmental protection. Early in his career, Tom served as a Congressional intern Washington for the late Arizona Congressman Jay Rhodes and then as a Government Relations Assistant to legendary Arizona lobbyist, Ambassador P. Robert Fannin from whom he learned honor, knowledge, skill and tenacity are the pillars of successful advocacy. Tom holds both a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Arizona State University (ASU). He is active in numerous organizations including the Arizona Tax Research Association, Arizona Town Hall, Economic Club of Phoenix, Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, Scottsdale Bible Church, State Society of Arizona and serves on the boards of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce, Arizona Highway Users and Paradise Valley Christian Preparatory. Tom has three daughters and lives in Phoenix. Read Less

Cole Libera joined the Dorn Policy Group as the City and County Government Relations Associate in January 2016. Cole’s focus on city and county issues has led to development of a strong network of influential decision makers statewide. His policy work has affected many changes in city ordinances regarding local … Read More

Cole Libera joined the Dorn Policy Group as the City and County Government Relations Associate in January 2016. Cole’s focus on city and county issues has led to development of a strong network of influential decision makers statewide. His policy work has affected many changes in city ordinances regarding local taxation, transportation, healthcare and water policy. He currently serves as the Chairman on the Public Affairs Committee of the Western Maricopa County Coalition (WESTMARC) and is involved in a myriad of other community organizations and activities. Prior to joining the firm, Cole served as the Manager of the Business Services Section for the Arizona Department of Economic Security. While there, he supervised twenty employees throughout Arizona and retooled the method by which the State interfaced with businesses and local workforce. He also dedicated a year to public service as an AmeriCorps VISTA for City of Phoenix Councilwoman Kate Gallego. While at the City of Phoenix, he led efforts to improve environmental sustainability, economic development and community outreach. In 2014, Cole served as a Finance Coordinator and Coalition Developer for the Fred DuVal for Governor campaign. He established coalitions such as Republicans for Fred, Women for Fred and Veterans for Fred. Throughout the campaign, Cole developed a strong understanding that bipartisanship and meaningful relationship are not only essential in public policy development, but also in operating successful campaigns. Cole attended Arizona State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science with a minor in Sustainability. He also achieved certificates in International Affairs and Civic Education. He was extremely active in the Undergraduate Student Government, Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, Barren Mind Improvisation Troupe, Fitness Student Advisory Board and Camp Kesum, a non-profit dedicated to enabling children of cancer-stricken parents to attend camps. Cole is from Tempe, Arizona where he attended Corona del Sol High School. As a native Arizonan, Cole is keenly aware of the challenges and opportunities Arizona faces. Read Less