Vista is a smart, aggressive and strategic firm that brings a unique mix of front-line experience, business acumen and political savvy to a diverse array of clients. Our highly experienced team comes from positions of influence in every facet of public affairs: from legal and research experts in legislative and executive branches of state government, to the private sector, to political organizing and advocacy.
Vista Strategies offers decades of institutional legislative and political expertise that cuts through the often confusing, complex and arcane inner workings of government. Our team has the experience and relationships to effectively engage policy makers and deliver for our clients.
Vista breaks the mold of a traditional government affairs firm. We provide the expertise, responsiveness, and engagement of a boutique agency. Yet we maintain the strategic abilities, political capital and effectiveness of a large corporation. We understand the politics. We get the details. We know the players. It’s a unique combination that produces results.
Our Services
State Lobbying and Advocacy
Corporate Public Affairs
Economic Development
Strategic Communications
Senator Tom Apodaca was recently named a top lobbyist in NC by North State Journal.
Click here to read the article recognizing Tom as one of the top 10 lobbyist in NC.
Meet the Team
SENATOR TOM APODACA
Managing Partner
Tom@VistaStrategies.com
Senator Tom Apodaca brings a lifetime of business experience with over a decade in elected office. With years of service at the highest levels of state government, Senator Apodaca’s knowledge of the inner workings of government and people who craft statewide policy is second to none. This gives him the strongest vantagepoint to assess client challenges and makes him an unmatched advocate for those he represents. Senator Apodaca has the trust of policymakers and possesses a unique ability to deliver for his clients by bridging private-sector challenges with good public policy. As a Former Senate Rules Chairman, Senator Apodaca is a skilled negotiator who understands exactly what it takes to see strong ideas advance through the legislative process. Senator Apodaca was rated as the most influential lobbyist in North Carolina by Longleaf Politics and North State Journal. He and his team look forward to talking with you about how we can best advocate for your organization. Click here to read a recent Charlotte Observer profile about his life and public service.
AMY McCONKEY
Executive Vice President
Amy@VistaStrategies.com
Amy brings 15 years of experience in the state legislative arena, with a strong focus on associations. She most recently served as President of the North Carolina Beverage Association, where she guided advocacy efforts for the non-alcoholic beverage industry. In this role, she gained an appreciation for managing all facets of a nonprofit trade association with a limited staff. Amy values the work of nonprofits and serves on several boards – including the Association Executives of NC, Keep NC Beautiful, and the State Capitol Foundation. Amy previously lobbied on behalf of a diverse array of clients at a prominent Raleigh law firm and her first job in politics was as a reporter for North Carolina StateWatch (now The Insider).
HANNAH TEDDER NYE
General Counsel
Hannah@VistaStrategies.com
Hannah is an expert in helping clients navigate the complexities of the North Carolina General Assembly, with a focus in regulatory policy. She is smart and capable and proved her mettle early in her career, quickly rising through the ranks of state government, from an Energy Policy Analyst for the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, to a Policy Intern for the Senate President Pro Tempore, and most recently as a Legislative Liaison at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. Hannah’s sharp legal mind and strong command of state regulatory policy makes her an integral part of our team.
TATE APODACA
Government Relations
Tate@VistaStrategies.com
Before joining Vista Strategies, Tate was a Congressional Field Representative in Western NC. In this role he acted as a liaison to federal, district and local agencies for the Congressman and constituents. Tate’s command of local issues helped him solve problems and his keen sense of logistics allowed him to manage a busy calendar and ensure seamless district events. These abilities translate well into ensuring smooth operations at Vista Strategies. Tate also has broad experience in the private sector, including work in insurance and real estate. Having grown up around politics and entrepreneurship, Tate knows that good client service includes giving proper attention to all needs, no matter how large or small.