VISTA STRATEGIES - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Affiliated Partner
- Owner / Manager, Dan Gerlach, LLC
Dan started his own consulting firm in January 2020 after a quarter century of work as a public policy think tank director, interim chancellor of one of the state's largest universities, president of a billion-dollar economic development foundation, and as top budget, tax, and economic advisor to a two-term Governor. His budget and tax expertise, his intricate knowledge of the economic development process, and his familiarity with North Carolina's rural communities can be deployed for the benefit of Vista clients on a wide range of issues.
Job Titles:
- Retired UNC System President
Job Titles:
- General Counsel
- General Counsel & Government Relations
- General Counsel for Vista
Hannah has served as General Counsel for Vista since its very beginning. While pursuing her undergraduate and law degrees, she built experience working in congressional and senatorial offices in two states, the State Board of Education, and the Office of the Senate President Pro Tempore. While starting her full-time career with the legal team at the Department of Environmental Quality, she quickly was recognized for her legislative acumen to become the legislative liaison for the Department of Health and Human Services, the largest and most complex agency in state government.
Joey has spent most of her career developing high-quality relationships across the political spectrum. Before joining as a partner at Vista, Joey operated her own consulting and lobbying firm where she was a powerful advocate for a wide range of clients. She has worked as a major fundraiser for political candidates for the U.S. Senate, for Governor, for the U.S. Congress, and for other statewide offices. She coordinated high profile events ranging from political conventions to the 100th anniversary of the Wright Brothers' flight to three gubernatorial inaugurations. While no longer a fundraiser, her rolodex of relationships and her ability to flawlessly execute high-profile challenges have made her a trusted go-to resource for clients who need an excellent and thorough communicator.
Job Titles:
- President & Chief Executive Officer / Carolina Small Business Development Fund
Job Titles:
- Executive Vice President, Corporate and Government Relations
The newest member of the Vista family is Madison Downing. As one of the state's most sought after political consultants and prodigious fundraisers ($100 million), Madison has built one of the most prestigious political client lists in North Carolina over the past 10 years, including state legislative leaders, legislative and party caucuses, federal and statewide office holders. She has complemented this deep rolodex by her recent work in economic development, including both high-end hospitality and a university research park. Madison serves on the NC Partnership for Children Board.
Job Titles:
- Managing Partner
- Founder and Managing Partner of Vista
The founder and managing partner of Vista, Tom Apodaca has worked his entire life with an entrepreneurial and dealmaking spirit. A proud graduate of Western Carolina University, he has created and built several businesses before creating North Carolina's leading government relations firm. During his decade of service in the North Carolina Senate, he became the go-to leader in education, economic development, energy, and healthcare policy. Tom chaired the powerful Senate Rules committee, ensuring that only legislation advancing the highest quality of public policy outcomes for North Carolina would advance. His work ethic, demand for excellence, and problem-solving acumen give him access to the relationships, the reputation, and the trust to be a vigorous advocate and partner.
Tom has been ranked as the best lobbyist in North Carolina by two different news outlets.
Dan has played a major role in North Carolina budget and economic development policy and execution over the past 20 years. I would go to him without hesitation for help navigating the players, the programs, and the rules of economic development. He's a tireless worker, creative thinker, and successful problem solver. I've worked with Dan on economic development projects across the state and appreciate his innovative approach to bringing together stakeholders for successful projects.
Continuing in the proud strain of business leadership and public service that marks the Apodaca family, Tate has combined business experience in the insurance and real estate sectors with operational and organizational leadership for a successful Congressional campaign and term of service. Tate built relationships and trust across a vast 17 county district for a member who would go on to serve as White House Chief of Staff.
Job Titles:
- Executive Assistant
- Treasurer
Every organization has a person who is indispensable to its operation. Vickie is that person for Vista Strategies. She's known and worked with Tom since he started in banking in the 1980s and is still part of his professional life. That's all you need to know about her resilience, dedication, and her ability to deal with complex situations.