- Lobbyist, Nan Heim & Associates, 1982–2017.
About Heim
Nan Heim grew up in a politically active family in Washington, DC. After graduating from Northwestern University, she returned to the district and took a job on Capitol Hill. She worked for Congressman John Dellenback of Oregon’s 4th District, first as a legislative assistant and then as press secretary.
In 1975, Heim moved to Salem, to work as the government relations director for Superintendent of Public Instruction Verne Duncan. She launched a government relations firm in 1982, Nan Heim & Associates, one of the first woman-owned lobbying firms in Oregon.
She began her business with two clients, the Oregon Library Association and Oregon State Ambulance Association. They remained with her during the 35 years she ran her firm. She eventually expanded her services to include association management and served as the executive director of numerous organizations, such as the Oregon Academy of Ophthalmology. Heim sold her business to Amanda Dalton in 2017 and it is now known as Dalton Advocacy, Inc.
In the interview, Heim discusses her career path, from working for the federal government, Oregon Department of Education, and then as a longtime lobbyist. She shares memories from Nan Heim & Associates, including specific employees, clients, and campaigns. She also relates the day-to-day experiences of a lobbyist working in the Oregon State Capitol.
– Interview recorded January 28, 2025