Our Team
Rana Lashgari - Founder & President
Before starting her own firm, Rana worked at almost every level of government – from local to federal. She served as an executive staff member for Senator John McCain, Chief of Staff for Councilman Sal DiCiccio, municipal prosecutor for the City of Phoenix, outside counsel for the Arizona Corporation Commission and an investigative prosecutor for the County of Ventura in California.
Having worked at the municipal, county, state and federal levels, Rana accumulated a network which spans Arizona at every level of government. Her experience in these public offices exposed Rana to lobbyists of all stripes and, more importantly, illustrated the need for a more accessible brand of lobbying. Her depth of knowledge and reputation make her a go-to consultant for politicians, campaigns, community groups and businesses looking to succeed at the local level.
Rana believes anyone can benefit from having an advocate to help them navigate city hall. Whether working with an NBA team to enhance its arena or assisting a community in Yavapai County to organize and protect their wilderness area from intrusive development, Rana brings lobbying to a human level while creating impressive coalitions. Her fresh approach breaks down barriers in an industry traditionally shrouded by the old school notion that lobbying is only for large corporations with deep pockets.
Within three short years, Arizona Municipal Strategies became one of Arizona's largest lobbying firms, representing individuals brand new to lobbying, community groups seeking a louder voice about their neighborhood and Fortune 500 corporations trying to navigate the city process.
Rana was named a 2021 Woman Achievers of Arizona by the Arizona Capitol Times and one of the Great 48 by Phoenix Magazine.
She earned her J.D. from University of Arizona’s James E Rogers College of Law and a Bachelors of Science in Political Science and International Affairs from University of California, Riverside.
Abby Michael - Client Relations Manager
Abby is a seasoned professional with a diverse background spanning finance, sales, marketing, and government relations. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Clark University and excels in securing funding through grants, fundraising, and sponsorships, as well as facilitating municipal lobbying, procurement, and strategic partnerships.
Abby's commitment to social impact extends beyond her professional life. She actively volunteers with nonprofits focused on social justice, youth development, and housing equity. Her ability to navigate complex organizational structures, engineer effective solutions, and identify innovative collaborations has led to significant expansions in product platforms and project outcomes.
Throughout her career, Abby has held various roles that have honed her versatile skill set and broadened her perspective. Currently, as the Client Relations Director at Biltmore Strategies, she manages relationships with a diverse portfolio of clients, ensuring the successful achievement of project goals.
What truly sets Abby apart is her unwavering dedication to creating positive change. Whether she’s bridging the gap between communities and local government officials or empowering historically excluded groups, Abby is driven by a passion for making a meaningful difference.