Veterans Haener & Tassinari Joined by New Partner Tom Farley
PHOENIX – Long-time Arizona lobbyists Tom Farley, Mike Haener and Brian Tassinari have announced the launch of a new advocacy firm, Willetta Partners, Inc.
“I appreciate their willingness to roll up their sleeves and get to work,” said Arizona House Speaker Andy Tobin, (R-Paulden). “They understand the issues, work hard and play by the rules.”
Haener and Tassinari have, for several years, worked alongside newly elected Congressman Matt Salmon (R-AZ) at Upstream Consulting. Now that Mr. Salmon is beginning his term in Congress, Willetta Partners will continue to serve Upstream clients, along with new clients. Farley was most recently the CEO and Chief Lobbyist for the Arizona Association of REALTORS®.
“Each of the partners has a long track record of success at the state Capitol,” said John McComish (R-Ahwatukee), Arizona State Senate Majority Leader-elect. “They have an astounding depth of knowledge regarding the issues that face Arizona, and a professional habit of working in a bi-partisan way to make progress on those issues.”
Representative Chad Campbell (D-Phoenix), House Democratic Leader agreed adding, “Trust is an essential component in working toward resolving tough problems. I’ve known and worked with each of the Partners for many years, and I have found them to be strong, level-headed and well-versed in the details surrounding a wide variety of legislative matters.”
Haener served as Deputy Chief of Staff for then-Governor Janet Napolitano where he worked to develop, advocate, and implement policy and programs on a broad range of issues from economic development to healthcare. Mr. Haener also served as Director of Legislative Affairs and Communications Director for the Arizona Office of the Attorney General, Assistant to the Mayor of Phoenix, and as an independent strategic policy and campaign consultant.
Tassinari was a lobbyist and communications consultant with the firm Williams & Associates. Previously, he served as Director of Communications for the President of the Arizona State
Senate. Mr. Tassinari’s career in the political arena began in 1995 when he joined the staff of U.S. Senator William V. Roth, Jr., in Washington, D.C., where he served as Deputy Press Secretary for two years and Press Secretary for another two years.
Since 1997, Farley has been a political strategist and lobbyist for the Arizona Association of REALTORS®. He became the CEO in 2008 for the association representing 40,000+ REALTORS® in Arizona at the state legislature, as well as Congress.
Farley has been appointed to several state commissions and committees on issues of land use, water, taxation and regulation impacting the real estate industry and property owners. He is a member or sits on the board of directors of several organizations including the Arizona Chamber of Commerce, Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, Arizona Tax Research Association and the Public Affairs Professionals Association.
For more information about Willetta Partners please visit www.willettapartners.com
Willetta Partners serves its clients from its offices at 516 E. Willetta Street Phoenix, AZ 85004.