WHO WE ARE

About Us

ABOUT US

Where Strategic Advocacy Meets Unparalleled Expertise

At Western Public Affairs, we are your strategic ally in navigating the complexities of public affairs. Our holistic approach combines legislative process experience, legal acumen, cultural competency, and technical knowledge to deliver successful outcomes for our clients.

Our Mission

Guiding Success with Expertise

We leverage our extensive experience, professional relationships, diverse backgrounds, and expertise to deliver comprehensive advocacy and strategic communication services. We foresee challenges and opportunities, charting the best course of action for our clients.

Our Vision

Elevating Advocacy with Unmatched Drive

Our vision is to be the leading public and government affairs firm in the West, known for our unmatched diversity, innovation, and effectiveness.

WHO WE ARE

Our Team

  • Edith Duarte, MPA
    Edith Duarte, MPA
    CEO and Co-Founder
  • William Horne, Esq.
    William Horne, Esq.
    President and Co-Founder
  • Jennifer Lanahan, Esq.
    Jennifer Lanahan, Esq.
    Vice President and Co-Founder
  • Nicholas Rizopoulos, P.Geo
    Nicholas Rizopoulos, P.Geo
    Technical Advisor

WHAT WE BELIEVE

Our Values

Integrity

Upholding the highest ethical standards.

Diversity & Inclusion

Embracing diversity in all forms.

Excellence

Committed to delivering top-tier service.

Bipartisanship

Fostering collaboration across the political spectrum.

Community Engagement

Building strong, inclusive communities.

Client-Centered Approach

Providing personalized, strategic guidance.

Strategic Insight

Advancing clients’ interests with foresight and strategic planning.

“We are also bilingual in English and Spanish, Democrat and Republican! When you work with us, your win is our win.” – Edith Duarte, Co-Founder & CEO

HAVE QUESTIONS?

Reach Out to Us

For inquiries, please fill out the form below and a member of our team will reach out as soon as possible.

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Edith Duarte, MPA
CEO and Co-Founder
Edith Duarte, MPA

Edith brings 15 years of research and legislative experience to the firm. In 2009, Edith gained her introduction to the legislative process as a legislative intern for Assembly Leadership. In 2011, her first job out of college was with a lobbying firm, and in 2013, Edith worked for the State of Nevada Health Division. She co-founded Horne-Duarte Government and Public Affairs with William Horne in 2015. Together they represented diverse clients from many industries in Carson City. In 2018, she joined Strategies 360 where she rose to Vice President. 

As a government affairs expert, she has advocated for multinational business clients, trade associations, and regional and national nonprofits. Her deep knowledge of policy and legislative process are paired with her personal understanding of the growing diverse communities in the Southwest. Edith guides clients to engage in culturally competent practices across service areas, including, public outreach and engagement, policy development, and communications. She received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Nevada, Reno, and her Master’s degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Edith is a native Spanish speaker and cofounder and Northern Nevada Chair of the Nevada Latino Lobbyist Association.

William Horne, Esq.
President and Co-Founder
William Horne, Esq.

William Horne brings more than 20 years of legal and legislative experience to the firm. William served 12 years in the Nevada Assembly and retired as the Majority Leader in 2014. During his legislative career, William also served as Chairman of the Correction, Parole & Probation Committee, Judiciary Committee, Majority Whip, Chairman of the Advisory Commission on the Administration of Justice, Chairman of the Law and Criminal Justice Committee of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), and member of the Nevada Gaming Policy Committee and Nevada Homeland Security Commission. He was voted “Freshman of the Year” in 2003 and “Outstanding Legislator” in 2013. William also is the first legislator in the country to pass an online gaming bill and have it signed into law. He accomplished this in record time (just a single day). In addition to his legislative career, William is a licensed attorney in the State of Nevada and has practiced criminal defense, workers comp defense, construction litigation, and family law. William is an Adjunct Professor at the William S. Boyd School of Law, and he has also taught classes at the undergraduate level. He is a former member of the UNLV Alumni Association and William S. Boyd School of Law Alumni Board; however, he remains active with both schools. William was Vice President at Strategies 360 but previously founded and was principal of Horne-Duarte Government & Public Affairs. William has mentored many legislators throughout his career, some of whom are still serving in the legislature.

Jennifer Lanahan, Esq.
Vice President and Co-Founder
Jennifer Lanahan, Esq.

With both a legal and legislative background, Jennifer provides strong expertise on broad-ranging issues involved in government affairs. Jennifer offers clients a sharp, strategic focus in policy conversations while taking into account the nuance that exists at the intersection of policy and law. While in law school, Jennifer worked as a legislative extern in the government affairs branch of the national law firm, Snell & Wilmer. She then served as executive assistant to Assemblyman Elliot T. Anderson, where she helped support his robust legislative priorities. Following law school, Jennifer practiced in the realm of civil rights law and whistleblower actions while working as an associate attorney at Gilbert Employment Law, P.C. Additionally, she worked as an associate attorney at Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP, where she litigated matters involving general liability and hospitality law for the firm’s corporate and institutional clients.

Jennifer earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, where she majored in Spanish. She earned her master’s degree from the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, and she earned her juris doctor degree from the William S. Boyd School of Law at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Jennifer is bilingual and speaks both English and Spanish. Jennifer serves on the Board of Directors of the Asian Bar Association of Nevada, the AAPI Chamber of Commerce, and the Korean American Association of Las Vegas.

Nicholas Rizopoulos, P.Geo
Technical Advisor
Nicholas Rizopoulos, P.Geo

Nick brings years of technical expertise to our efforts at the intersection of public affairs, education, and environmental stewardship. With a background rooted in earth sciences and a passion for sustainable development, Nick enhances our collaborations with the geoscience community, particularly in the realms of mineral exploration and renewable energy initiatives. Committed to community engagement, Nick can communicate complex scientific concepts and has experience building support for initiatives among diverse stakeholders.

Nick’s real-world insights and practical applications are drawn from his experience in geological research and natural resource management. He leverages industry connections to forge partnerships. He is a professional Geoscientist registered in British Columbia, Canada, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Geology from the University of Western Ontario. Since 2012, Nick has worked as an exploration geologist in the United States, Canada, and Argentina, focusing on precious and base metals from grassroots exploration through production. Nick currently also acts as Senior Geologist for NevGold (TSX-v:NAU) overseeing all stages of exploration.