Dean M. Nielsen, Principal
Since starting his political career in 1992 working for Bill Clinton’s presidential campaign, he has worked on political campaigns in 32 states on every level of campaign, from school board to Congress to Governor to President as well as advising candidates and political parties in Eastern Europe. He is a leading expert in social pressure campaigns, political trainings, Internet advocacy, data informed voter contact programs and other cutting edge campaign tactics.
A career politico, some of his better-known clients include Governor Gary Locke (WA), Governor Bruce King (NM), Gore/Lieberman, the Solidarity Party in Poland as well as ballot issues on controversial topics such as abortion, gay rights, gun control and tax increases. He frequently runs independent expenditure campaigns on behalf of groups such as SEIU, AFSCME, Conservation Voters, AFL-CIO, UFCW and other progressive organizations to help elect candidates such as Governor Jay Inslee (WA), members of Congress and state legislators.
In previous careers, he was National Political Director for Progressive Majority, an organization that recruits, trains and elects progressive champions. He also worked in Washington DC for the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, building and directing a federal grassroots and grasstops lobbying program for legislation on FDA regulation of tobacco products, clean indoor air, tobacco tax increases, appropriations to the Department of Justice tobacco lawsuit and other issues.
He founded the Institute for a Democratic Future (IDF) and served as its first Executive Director. He currently serves on the board of directors for the Washington Athletic Club, Fuse and IDF.
Mr. Nielsen holds a bachelor’s degree from Bradley University.
A career politico, some of his better-known clients include Governor Gary Locke (WA), Governor Bruce King (NM), Gore/Lieberman, the Solidarity Party in Poland as well as ballot issues on controversial topics such as abortion, gay rights, gun control and tax increases. He frequently runs independent expenditure campaigns on behalf of groups such as SEIU, AFSCME, Conservation Voters, AFL-CIO, UFCW and other progressive organizations to help elect candidates such as Governor Jay Inslee (WA), members of Congress and state legislators.
In previous careers, he was National Political Director for Progressive Majority, an organization that recruits, trains and elects progressive champions. He also worked in Washington DC for the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, building and directing a federal grassroots and grasstops lobbying program for legislation on FDA regulation of tobacco products, clean indoor air, tobacco tax increases, appropriations to the Department of Justice tobacco lawsuit and other issues.
He founded the Institute for a Democratic Future (IDF) and served as its first Executive Director. He currently serves on the board of directors for the Washington Athletic Club, Fuse and IDF.
Mr. Nielsen holds a bachelor’s degree from Bradley University.