As the incoming Office Manager, Amanda serves CFM’s four offices in two states and DC. She manages policies and procedures, oversees the firm’s finances, renews business licenses and insurance and benefit plans, files monthly and quarterly lobbying reports, proofreads and submits proposal, and oversees the firm’s IT and website.

Amanda joined CFM with nearly 20 years of administrative and public service experience, starting her career in the district office of former Congressman Brian Baird, followed by 15 years at the City of Vancouver overseeing administrative processes in the Mayor and City Manager’s Office, and most recently serving as Executive Assistant to the Chief Revenue Officer for PeaceHealth.  Amanda is passionate about process improvement and modernizing the administrative systems that form the foundation of an organization’s success.

A lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest, Amanda earned her bachelor’s degree in mass communication and German from Linfield University.  Amanda lives in Vancouver, Washington, where she and her husband are raising their two young children and enjoying Little League games, Parks & Rec youth basketball, swimming lessons, and experiencing the richness of life through all of the ups and downs of parenthood. In her spare time, Amanda enjoys attending live performances, traveling, and exploring her hidden talents at trivia or karaoke night.

Madelynn Sakay, a lifelong Washingtonian who has both state, federal and campaign experience, has joined CFM Advocates as a Legislative Associate in its Washington, D.C. office, which represents cities, counties, ports, transit agencies, private sector and nonprofits throughout the West Coast.

Sakay brings a blend of public service and political experience to CFM and will support the growing federal practice. While studying at the University of Washington, she worked in Olympia to support four members of the Washington State Legislature and then interned for U.S. Senator Patty Murray and Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland, gaining hands-on experience in constituent relations, communications, and policy research.

“I’m excited to help support CFM’s federal team and put my legislative and campaign experience to work helping our diverse clients,” Sakay says.

Before joining CFM, Sakay worked on several state and local campaigns, including serving as Deputy Campaign Manager for Julia Reed’s State Representative race and as Political Assistant on Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s gubernatorial campaign. These experiences deepened her appreciation for grassroots engagement and gave her an up-close view of the diversity and vitality of Washington’s communities.

“Madelynn’s impressive background, work ethic, campaign experience, and understanding of how to connect people with policy make her a great fit for our federal team,” says Joel Rubin, CFM Partner for Federal Affairs. “She will help our growing team better serve our client’s interests and ensure we continue to provide the comprehensive service our clients expect.”

A graduate of the University of Washington, Sakay studied Political Science and International Studies, and spent a semester abroad at Sciences Po in Paris, where she focused on multilateral diplomacy and international relations.

Outside of work, Sakay is an avid traveler who enjoys exploring new cultures, history, and architecture—a passion inspired by her time in France.

Kate Travis Deepens the CFM Bench on Transportation and Infrastructure Issues

Kate Travis, who served as special assistant to former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, has joined CFM as a legislative assistant in its Washington, DC office that represents numerous Pacific Northwest clients with  transportation and infrastructure interests.

For Secretary Buttigieg, Travis reviewed and provided feedback on policy memos, grant awards and grant funding, as well as oversaw the his daily briefing book. “At the U.S. Department of Transportation, I saw firsthand how infrastructure, visibly and invisibly, affects daily life across the country,” she says.

“The addition of Kate further deepens our knowledge and experience on transportation issues and relationships with DOT officials in charge of key programs,” says Joel Rubin, CFM Partner for Federal Affairs. “Kate also brings a set of communication skills that can benefit our clients and our firm.”

The addition of Travis expands CFM’s federal team to nine professional staff members.

“Whether it is connecting communities through rail and transit or ensuring that goods pass through our ports, I know CFM’s clients are essential to the Pacific Northwest and the nation,” Travis says. “I am looking forward to collaborating with CFM’s federal team and their clients on critical projects to secure needed federal support.”

Originally from Medfield, Massachusetts near Boston, Travis graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University with a bachelor’s degree in history and literature, a minor in government and a citation in Spanish.

Prior to joining DOT, Travis worked for Crooked Media, founded in 2017 by former Barack Obama staffers. She coordinated research and drafted video scripts for podcasts and talking points for events that she organized. Travis also researched, wrote copy, recorded and edited social media posts on Instagram, X and TikTok for a combined audience of 300,000+ followers.

Travis was a Democracy Program intern for the Brennan Center for Justice in DC where she researched federal legislation addressing governmental transparency and accountability for federal officials. She also compiled backgrounders on Members of Congress to brief Brennan staffers for congressional testimony.

She served as a Fellow for Equal Citizens, a nonprofit founded by Harvard Law Professor Lawrence Lessig dedicated to reforms seeking citizen equality. Travis researched, wrote and edited 12 weekly newsletters and a commentary about H.R. 1, known as the For The People Act.

Travis cut her political teeth working for the Maine Democratic Coordinated Campaign for Biden-Harris in 2020. She led 40 phone bank training sessions for 1,200+ volunteers, oversaw 400,000 phone calls to voters and managed a team of 20 volunteer leaders and eight interns to operate the largest virtual staging location in Maine.

When she isn’t working, Travis likes to run – a lot. She ran the Marine Corps Marathon in DC in 2023 and routinely runs half-marathons twice yearly. She’s also a biker, skier and member of a DC trivia team.

After leaving DOT when the new administration took over, Travis took a month-long trip to China visiting Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, Changbaishan and Harbin. She observed Chinese infrastructure and transportation, including the Great Wall,  as well as attended lantern festivals to celebrate the Lunar New Year and the Harbin Ice Festival where famous Asian landmarks are recreated in ice.

As someone of her age would, Travis travelled to Lisbon last year to observe its unique architecture, museums and multi-level cityscape – along with attending a Taylor Swift concert.

 

Tara Kroft Deepens Staff Expertise on Infrastructure and Transportation Issues

Tara Kroft, who has Capitol Hill experience working on infrastructure and transportation issues, is now part of the CFM Federal Affairs team in Washington, DC.

“CFM represents a number of Pacific Northwest clients with interests in transportation, environment and climate-related issues,” says CFM Federal Partner Joel Rubin. “As a legislative assistant, Tara will add to our existing staff strength in supporting current and future clients who care about infrastructure policy and programs.”

“From the beginning of my career, I’ve had a passion for investments in transportation and infrastructure that boost the economy and address the needs of working class families,” Kroft says. “The way a government invests in physical space and infrastructure reveals the way it values the people living there.”

Kroft joins CFM after serving as a research assistant for the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. She previously worked as a legislative intern for Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley in his Washington, DC office where she tracked environment, energy, transportation and infrastructure legislation.

Before moving to DC, Kroft was a Legislative Fellow for the Oregon Department of State Lands where she prepared background memos and became an expert on the clean-up and removal of derelict vessels. She also was a Communications Fellow for former Governor Kate Brown, a role that required her to develop a website, write articles and post on Twitter and Instagram.

Native Oregonian and Willamette Grad
A native Oregonian, Kroft graduated from Willamette University with a major in Politics, Policy, Law and Ethics. She received Ford Foundation and Jason Lee scholarships.

“As a first-generation college student raised by a single mother,” Kroft says, “I first got involved in politics at Portland Community College where I helped lead student efforts in lobbying and getting out the vote. I saw the power in making smaller voices heard in government. Ever since, I knew what I wanted to do. I’m very excited to continue that work for the community I grew up in.”

When Kroft isn’t working, she enjoys live comedy, reading a good book and spending time with her cat Bibble.

She also has a special skill-set that could prove useful to visiting CFM clients and family members. “I worked as a part-time Segway tour guide,” Kroft explains. “I have a lot of great recommendations for how to spend your time in DC.“ She also can provide safety tips for riding a two-wheel electric scooter for adults in a big city.

Eiland’s Accurate Research Led to School and Transportation Funding Successes

Tom Eiland, CFM’s retired research guru, long-time partner and inveterate fisherman, died last Thursday after a recent prognosis of incurable pancreatic cancer. He chose home hospice care to spend time with his partner, Dana, and family members. His death came just three weeks after a family trip to Hawaii. He was 74.

Eiland joined CFM as a partner in 2001 after providing polling and focus groups for CFM clients for several years as Eiland Research. Being part of the CFM staff helped team members become more knowledgeable on the uses and value of quality research in strategic communications. He taught to look at the quality of the research sample before looking at survey results. And he often said, “Communications aren’t strategic without quality research.”

“My recollection of working with Tom was how well he did with clients,” said former CFM Partner Pat McCormick, who recruited Eiland to join CFM. “When we engaged his firm to work with Providence, I liked how he could be direct without being off-putting. It was his southern charm. It was those qualities that made me think Tom would be a good fit for CFM. As a colleague, he added depth and value to our work with clients. He built trust with them.”

Former CFM Partner Dave Fiskum echoed that thought. “Tom was a great colleague and partner. You could always count on him to provide sound advice to clients and to our partnership. I learned a lot from him.” He remembers when  Tom came to Salem to “play golf with me in an attempt to understand why I loved the game. Don’t know if he discovered anything, but we did have a great time on the course, even as Tom, a rabid Alabama football fan, wanted me to say ‘Roll Tide’ all the time.”

“I worked with Tom on client and firm-related matters at CFM and it was a pleasure,” said Office Manager Cindy Brown. “He was always respectful, professional and kind. Tom was a good listener and always made himself available to calmly talk through and resolve issues. He will be missed.”

Go-To Reputation For School Funding
Eiland enjoyed a go-to reputation in the Pacific Northwest for his research on behalf of school districts seeking voter approval of bonds and levies. His public sector research was instrumental in gaining voter approval of $2 billion in public financing for new school buildings and facilities for more than 80 Pacific Northwest school districts.

In addition to his professional work, he volunteered and donated to organizations focusing on youth sports, homelessness, food security, healthcare and public libraries.

“Tom was one of a kind with a big heart,” recalled CFM Partner Joel Rubin. “I’ll always remember the guidance, wisdom and kindness Tom shared with me over the years. His infectious laughter and joyful perspective will be greatly missed, and I am so sad to say goodbye to a good friend and mentor.”

Online Focus Group Pioneer
Eiland pioneered use of online focus groups that feature large numbers of participants and an ability to follow up with respondents based on answers to specific questions. He used the technique to guide a community college’s choice for a branch campus and assist state legislators to craft a successful transportation funding package. He was an early adopter of online customer research for clients such as Providence Health System, PeaceHealth and NW Natural.

“Among many great memories, my fondest of Tom is the outstanding work he did conducting focus groups that informed branding and marketing for OregonSaves, the first-in-the-nation public retirement savings plan using automatic payroll deduction,” said former CFM Partner Gary Conkling. “The program became a huge success because of the roadmap that was developed based on those focus groups.”

Retirement to Bike, Golf and Go Fishing
Eiland retired from CFM in 2019 to, in his words, “enjoy free time bicycling, fishing, golfing and playing with my grandchildren.” Eiland and former CFM partner Norm Eder further bonded over boats and fishing.

“My freezer still has packets of fall chinook that Tom caught in August, including a head that will be used by to make Gefilte Fish next Passover.” Eder said. “I regret I won’t be able to share it with Tom this spring, breaking our long tradition.”

“One of my fond memories with Tom is getting the chance to fish coastal waters with him and Norm several years ago,” recalled CFM Partner Dale Penn. “We had a great time chatting about politics, ribbing each other and bringing in some amazing salmon!”

Letting Friends Know
Eiland let friends know of his fateful condition with an email that said: “I want to share with you that I have been diagnosed with an incurable, inoperable form of pancreatic cancer. The prognosis is months, not years. I have chosen to forego treatment and focus on quality of life, enjoying my time with close family and friends. I entered home hospice two weeks ago to consolidate my health care and improve access to medications. I continue to work out, walk, fish and golf when I can. Dana is a wonderful support enriching my life every day in so many ways.”

Eiland was born November 16, 1950 in Anniston, Alabama. He graduated from the University of Alabama-Huntsville and became a lifelong Alabama Crimson Tide football fan. After graduating, he moved to Washington, DC to serve as press secretary/speech writer for Alabama Congressman Bill Nichols. He later took his MBA from The George Washington University and worked in a series of marketing and sales management jobs. A position with General Electric brought him to Portland in 1985. He created Eiland Research in 1993.

In his obituary, he included this: “Tom lived the life he wanted – personal and professional – with humor, grace and no regrets.” He died the evening of December 5 at home with family at his side.

He is survived by his partner Dana Tierney, brother David, sons Eddie and Jake, daughter Emily and grandchildren Fred and Faye.

In lieu of flowers, his family requests donations to the charity of your choice or to one of Tom’s preferences: Providence Cancer Institute, Multnomah County Library, Transition Projects, Blanchet House, The Dougy Center and Legacy Hospice Services.

Katie Whittier Will Build Up the Firm’s Washington State Legislative Practice

Katie Whittier has joined CFM to represent clients before the Washington State Legislature and assist the firm’s federal lobby team in Washington, DC. She also is experienced in strategic communications, political organizing and community engagement.

As Vice President for Washington State Affairs, Whittier will recruit and represent new clients as well as assist with the firm’s growing roster of federal clients that have state-level issues or opportunities. “CFM is adept at leveraging relationships at all levels of government to incentivize investments through matching dollars,” she says “By deepening our Olympia relationships, I can amplify this leverage.”

“It’s an ideal time to invest in Olympia because more than
40 percent of the legislature has turned over since 2020.”

“It’s an ideal time to invest in Olympia because more than 40 percent of the legislature has turned over since 2020,” Whittier explains. “With many new faces going into the 2025 session, including a new governor and just about every state agency director, it is especially critical to bring the steadying voices of our local government and nonprofit clients.”

CFM Partner Joel Rubin said, “Katie has already proven she is a great team member who will enhance our staff capability and build a strong base of clients who have issues at the state legislature.”

Idaho Native. Political Veteran.
A native of Idaho, Whitter cut her teeth in politics as the University of Idaho’s student government lobbyist at the legislature in Boise. “I fought funding battles, supported safety-related policies and, most important, learned the sausage-making process that is the legislative system.” She earned degrees in music and sociology.

Whittier returned the following legislative session as a senate staffer for the health and welfare and natural resources committees, which then led to her first full-time professional lobbying job on behalf of the American Cancer Society.

She left lobbying to jump into the 2008 presidential primary, landing a job with the Barack Obama campaign and leading field efforts across Idaho’s sprawling First Congressional District.

“On Super Tuesday 2008,” Whittier recalls, “I helped staff the largest caucus in the nation. Nearly 8,500 people showed up at Boise’s hockey arena helping Obama sweep the caucus. David Plouffe, Obama’s campaign manager, wrote in his book The Audacity to Win that Idaho’s delegates helped secure his nomination.”

Political work took Whittier to Washington and eventually to a spot on Senator Patty Murray’s field staff in Southwest Washington and later in King County

“Then, I did the unthinkable: I left politics,” she recalls. “For the next decade, I honed my skills as a communications professional, working as a marketing consultant, an in-house public information officer, managing crisis communications, advising on community engagement and publishing magazines, websites, blog posts and more.”

Among her acquired skills was grant writing, which, she said “brought opportunities to collaborate with CFM, first as a subcontractor writing RAISE, CRISI and other federal grants, and now as a full-time staff member.”

“Building on a solid foundation of existing clients, I am especially interested in lobbying for clients who serve the public good such as local government agencies, nonprofits and other public benefit organizations,” Whittier says. “CFM is a great fit because public service has always been the heart and soul of the firm’s philosophy. I couldn’t be more thrilled to be back in politics after a decade away, thanks to a team as authentic and effective as this one is.”

“Outside of legislative sessions, you’re likely to run into me on a hike, at a winery, in a kayak or at a writers’ retreat,” she says. “More likely, though, I’m curled up at home binging on news of the latest volcanic eruption or learning about the nervous system. Got a question about your brain? Ask me. I love to talk nerdy.”

Whittier lives in Tumwater, a short drive from Olympia. She is a Seattle Seahawks fan, yells at the Seattle Mariners and is a true Northwesterner who complains about the rain. She also welcomes good book recommendations.