Mike Acker
Partner
Triad Strategies LLC
Acker is the driving force behind Triad Strategies’ lobbying team, maintaining a network of relationships with some of the most prominent elected officials in the state, according to the firm.
Prior to joining Triad, Acker was executive deputy secretary at the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry for the Ridge Administration.
He also served former Governors Dick Thornburgh and Mark Schweiker, and was an aide to U.S. Sen. John Heinz.
Change is the one constant in his industry, Acker said. “In my 20 years at Triad, I’ve witnessed 75% of the Legislature … turn over. Those of us in this practice must assist our clients in navigating this constant change so we remain in position to bring about desired results.”
“Working the legislative process from start to finish or the bureaucratic process from start to finish takes time and patience,” he continued. “For many of us … being patient is a challenge. … To observe one’s efforts play out in real-life terms can be quite fulfilling.”
His most important mentor was Charlie Lieberth, who hired him in 1978 to work in the office of U.S. Sen. John Heinz, Acker’s first job in government. “Shortly thereafter, Charlie was appointed secretary of Labor & Industry by Gov. Dick Thornburgh and he brought me to Harrisburg to be part of his staff. Observing Charlie, I learned about balancing competing interests, to work with and manage people and to just be fair to all.”
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This profile is part of CPBJ's Law and Lobbyist Power 30 list for 2022. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. See the full list at cpbj.com or in our digital edition. |