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Vice President, Public Affairs Principal

Elizabeth Emerson

Areas of Expertise: Crisis and Issues Management, Public Affairs, Training and Coaching

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Elizabeth is one of Minnesota’s most influential lobbyists.

Regardless of the political balance in the Legislature, Elizabeth leverages her experience as a campaign operative, legislative staffer and political consultant to deliver client results. Known for her authentic approach and willingness to tackle challenging projects head-on, Elizabeth is a passionate advocate who clients turn to for insight, strategy and meaningful results.

One of the firm’s principals, Elizabeth has grown the public affairs practice area over the past 10 years, creating a nimble and bipartisan team of strategists. This team advises clients on how to maneuver in a polarized political environment to get results that benefit their business or organizational strategy or, at a minimum, do no harm. A firm believer in the power of speaking up, Elizabeth and her team work with clients to build advocacy campaigns that effectively and authentically connect with lawmakers to drive policy outcomes.

Through more than two decades in the political trenches, Elizabeth has formed strong relationships and a deep understanding of legislative, regulatory and political processes. Elizabeth has successfully advocated for many high-profile issues across the political spectrum, including human services, education, energy, transportation, labor, taxes and more. As an expert strategist, Elizabeth brings a nuanced understanding of how clients’ issues fit into the bigger picture and knows how to translate the most complex policy ideas into straightforward recommendations.

From building powerful coalitions to engaging advocates, Elizabeth connects people to policymaking, demystifies the political process and makes sure their voices are heard.

An Iowa native and Midwesterner through-and-through, Elizabeth finds joy in spending time with her family, watching college football and playing volleyball.


Joined Goff Public: 2012
Alma Maters: University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs; University of Michigan Ann Arbor 

Conversation Starters

  • Broadway musicals
  • Hidden diners of America
  • Camping

Civic Involvement

  • ServeMinnesota, board member, Chair of External Relations Committee and Executive Committee (2014-present)
  • Summit Hill Association District 16 Planning Council, Communications Chair and Executive Committee (2023-present)
  • Saint Paul Area Chamber, public policy committee chair (2022), Political Action Committee board member (2022-present), public policy committee member (2021-present)
  • Grand Ave. Business Association, Grand Old Day Committee member (2023-present)
  • Humphrey School of Public Affairs, mentor (2019-present)
  • Minnesota Governmental Relations Council, immediate past president (2020), president (2019), member (2009-present)
  • Leadership Minnesota, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce (Class of 2014-2015)

Awards

  • Twin Cities Business, 100 People to Know Honoree (2022)
  • Minnesota Government Relations Council, Distinguished Service Award (2017)
  • Politics in Minnesota, One to Watch Honoree (2014)
  • Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal, 40 Under 40 Honoree (2013)

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