OUR TEAM
Tom Dorn
President
Tom Dorn, President of Dorn Policy Group, Inc., has a diverse background in government and politics at the federal, state, county, municipal, district and tribal levels. His firm represents numerous multi-national corporations, trade associations and government entities. Major clients include the Arizona Diamondbacks, 3M, Netjets, Cigna Healthcare, American Insurance Association, Macquarie Capital USA, McLane Company, American Medical Response, The CORE Institute, Arizona Bioindustry Association, HDR Engineering and Peabody Energy.
Prior to starting Dorn Policy Group, Inc. in November 2000, Tom was a Partner for three years at the Arizona public affairs firm Jamieson Gutierrez. There he was the chief legislative strategist and lobbyist for the firm’s notable clients including America West Airlines, Cox Communications, Fiesta Bowl, Hitachi Data Systems, Reliant Energy, Southwest Student Services, Hopi Tribe and the City of Tucson.
From 1994 to 1997, Tom served as the State and Federal Lobbyist for the Arizona Department of Transportation where he was instrumental in the STEP 21 Coalition, a Washington D.C.-based effort to secure equitable highway financing nationwide. Tom also initiated development of federal legislation enabling the ultimate construction of the Hoover Dam Bridge now spanning the Colorado River. These significant policy efforts have led to subsequent opportunities for increased commerce along the CANAMEX Corridor and the future Interstate 11 connecting Phoenix and Las Vegas.
From 1990 to 1994, Tom served Democrat Governor Rose Mofford as Legislative Director for the Arizona Department of Commerce where he advanced business legislation pertaining to international trade, housing, finance, economic development and sports promotion. He also served as Legislative Director for the Arizona State Land Department under Republican Governor Fife Symington where he advocated for policies relative to natural resource management, water, grazing leases, forestry, urban planning and environmental protection.
Early in his career, Tom served as a Congressional intern Washington for the late Arizona Congressman Jay Rhodes and then as a Government Relations Assistant to legendary Arizona lobbyist, Ambassador P. Robert Fannin from whom he learned honor, knowledge, skill and tenacity are the pillars of successful advocacy.
Tom holds both a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Arizona State University (ASU). He is active in numerous organizations including the Arizona Chamber of Commerce, Arizona Town Hall, Arizona Tax Research Association, and serves on the boards of the Arizona Highway Users and Paradise Valley Christian Preparatory. Tom has teenage daughters and lives in Phoenix.
Eric Emmert
Senior Vice President
Eric W. Emmert joined Dorn Policy Group, Inc. in October 2005 as the firm’s Vice President. The addition of Eric’s knowledge, experience and professionalism catapulted Dorn Policy Group, Inc. to one of the top public affairs firms in Arizona. Eric strategically works municipal, county, state and federal governments while skillfully incorporating government relations, media relations, lobbying, networking and issues management to meet client needs.
Eric has a successful track record in government relations and lobbying. He has been responsible for passage of a wide range of legislation throughout his career. From complex tax legislation and economic development issues to transportation to workforce development, Eric continues to successfully navigate challenging issues though the lawmaking process.
Eric is also highly skilled in government contract and procurement processes. From lucrative towing and infrastructure contracts to small business procurements, Eric has successfully assisted Dorn Policy Group, Inc. clients win contracts with various government entities.
Professionally, Eric served as Vice President of Public Affairs for the Tempe Chamber of Commerce, Manager of Government Affairs at the Greater Manchester (New Hampshire) Chamber of Commerce, Manager of Governmental and Community Affairs for the Waterloo and Cedar Falls Chambers of Commerce and Iowa Communications Director for the Dole/Kemp ’96 campaign.
Eric holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with a Public Relations emphasis from Iowa State University. Eric strongly believes in giving back to his community and volunteers his time for many boards, commissions and civic organizations. He served as president or received awards for most of the organizations for which he volunteers. Eric has an entrepreneurial spirit and has started several successful businesses over the years ranging from tour businesses to software companies.
Bea Rocklin
Director of Government Relations
Beatrice “Bea” Rocklin is a Government Relations Specialist who began advocating for clients in public policy at the city level, having represented local corporations such as Republic Services and Alliance for Trade, Jobs, & Growth in Washington, D.C. From there, her passion for policy continued to grow and expand, and she has applied her skill set and experience at the State Legislature for the past nine years, offering a vast array of policy expertise in areas including health care, education, bioscience, economic development and municipal issues.
Bea works with our clients to develop legislative strategies, build grassroots efforts, and lobby at the Arizona Legislature and with the Executive Branch, as well as assisting clients in navigating local government procurement processes. Her experience and knowledge of the mechanics of legislative and government affairs, along with her deep relationships within both political parties, enable her to provide impactful policy work at the state and local levels of government.
Bea has lived in Phoenix, Arizona for over 46 years and holds a residential real estate license for investments.
Bea is also strongly committed to community service, having raised millions of dollars for countless charities such as Heart Ball, TGen, Phoenix Suns Charities (past board member), and Childhelp Drive the Dream (current State board member). She was recently appointed to the Phoenix Women’s Commission, Arizona State Board First Things First, Alumni American Enterprise Institute and is an alumna of Dodie Londen Excellence in Public Service.
Bea passionately believes that philanthropic efforts and strong public policy result in stronger, safer, and more compassionate communities.
Mel Tardy
Office Administrator
Mel’s employment focus has been in administrative work for the past 20 years. She was employed by the same employer during most of that time and has been described as having a good blend of organizational skills and creativity.
She also runs a small catering and party planning business, Mel’s Heavenly Bites. This combines many of her passions; planning, organization, creativity, hospitality, decorating and her love for cooking. When she is not typing at the computer keys at Dorn Policy Group, Inc., she’s busy creating new recipes to provide at Mel’s Heavenly Bites.
She’s the mom of 6, who’s adult kids range over a 10-year span and almost as many personalities, occupations and interests. They love to get together over a yummy meal and have fond memories of various “favorites” that are repeated regularly. This is where the idea of her own cookbook began and she has since printed 3 editions!
Mel’s favorite activity is hiking and you can find her many days a week on the Arizona trails. But in the summer, you will most likely find her out of the Phoenix heat and spending time in Northern Arizona.
Dave Richins
Vice President
Dave Richins recently joined Dorn Policy Group as Vice President. Dave is a prominent figure in the East Valley and known for his dedicated service and contributions to the community over the last 25 years. Dave’s portfolio will include government, energy, water, non-profit, tribal and rural communities and finding solutions through agreements.
His impacts include serving as President and CEO at United Food Bank during the pandemic, two terms on the Mesa City Council, as well as senior roles at the Sonoran Institute and Rio Tinto. Dave has expertise in community relations, stakeholder mapping and engagement, negotiations and agreement making. Dave earned a BA in Sustainable Community Development from Prescott with a minor in Leadership Development.
Dorn Policy Group, Inc. is a leading Arizona-based professional lobbying and public affairs firm. We provide our clients strategic counsel and numerous issue management services to advance our clients ultimate objectives.
Lucas Atencio
Government Relations Associate
Lucas joined Dorn Policy Group in 2024 as the firm's Goverment Relations Associate. Lucas focuses on delivering results for Dorn Policy Group clients at the State Capitol and local governments.
Lucas comes from the City of Phoenix where he worked with Mayor Kate Gallego on local government issues.
Lucas also has experience at the State Capitol. Prior to joining Mayor Gallego's Office, Lucas worked in the Arizona State Senate with the Senate Democratic Policy Team. Lucas staffed the Senate Transportation and Technology Committee as well as the Commerce Committee. In these committees Lucas worked on a multitude of issues most notably the Proposition 400 extension, housing, economic development, tribal gaming, and homelessness care.
Originally from Idaho, Lucas fell in love with the state of Arizona during his time at Grand Canyon University. Lucas graduated with honors in April of 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts in History with a minor in Public Administration.