Public Policy, Strategic Advocacy, Trusted Relationships
Kara van Stralen brings decades of experience in public service and government affairs, helping clients navigate the complex policy landscape with clarity, credibility, and results. From legislative strategy to stakeholder engagement, Kara partners with leaders across Colorado and beyond to turn insight into impact.
Founded in 2024 by Kara van Stralen, Vista Strategies LLC is a premier consultancy that draws on Kara’s deep expertise in both state and federal government. With a career rooted in legislative strategy and public policy, she brings a proven ability to build strong relationships with key policymakers and thought leaders—helping clients navigate complex regulatory environments and achieve meaningful outcomes.
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Kara’s distinguished public service career includes roles in the United States Congress and the State of Colorado, where she earned a reputation for crafting innovative, forward-thinking solutions tailored to diverse stakeholder needs. Before launching Vista Strategies, she refined her strategic skills in the private sector, advising a wide range of clients on policy issues at both the state and federal level.
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Notably, Kara served as Policy Director to Colorado Governor Jared Polis (D), where she led the drafting of an Executive Order to accelerate broadband deployment—demonstrating her ability to drive high-level, impactful policy initiatives. In Congress, she served as Chief of Staff to Representative Mike Levin (D-CA), where she oversaw legislative, communications, and constituent service operations. Under her leadership, the office was named one of the most effective on Capitol Hill by the Center for Effective Lawmaking.
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Kara’s commitment to bipartisan, results-driven policymaking has been a defining feature of her career. While serving Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Kara played a key role in shaping legislation on technology, telecommunications, transportation, and consumer protection. Her influence in tech policy earned her recognition from The Hill as one of the “Sixteen People to Watch in Tech” in 2017.
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Beyond her professional work, Kara is actively engaged in civic leadership, including participation in the Denver Metro Chamber Foundation’s Leadership Denver program, Class of 2024. She holds a master’s degree in legislative affairs from George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in government from the University of Redlands. Kara lives in Denver with her husband, Chris, their son, and their two dogs.
At a Glance
Expertise
15+ years in state, federal, and local government, with deep experience in legislation, policy, and advocacy.
Policy Roles
Served in key leadership roles including:
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Chief of Staff, U.S. House of Representatives
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Policy Director, Office of the Governor of Colorado
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Senate Commerce Committee Staffer
Strategic Focus
Expert in legislative strategy, coalition building, regulatory analysis, stakeholder engagement, and public affairs consulting.
Speaking Highlights
Madam Policy Podcast
Mobile World Congress
NextGov IoT Panel
GSPM Women in Government Relations
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Leadership & Recognition
Leadership Denver, Class of 2024
Named one of The Hill’s “People to Watch in Tech” (2017)
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Education
M.P.S., Legislative Affairs – George Washington University
B.A., Government – University of Redlands
Taylor Holgate, Match Group
"Hiring Kara was one of the best decisions I made at Match Group. With her guidance, we were able to navigate a really difficult challenge at the legislature and build a long term strategy for working with state agencies. I can't say enough good things about her strategic and empathetic approach to managing sensitive policy issues."
Alana Plaus, GBSM, Leadership Denver Class of 2025
"Kara is a policy and legislative expert who has graced Colorado with her talents! She is respected by a wide network of elected officials and policy makers, and has managed teams through highly complex political dynamics. I loved working with her in the Office of Governor Jared Polis, and highly recommend her work and expertise."
Loren Monroe, Practice Head, Principal, BGR Group
"Kara van Stralen is who I turn to when our clients need sustained engagement in Colorado. She combines deep policy expertise with a practical understanding of how to get things done — and she does it with integrity, professionalism, and hustle. Her bipartisan relationships make her an invaluable partner for anyone looking to navigate Colorado’s political landscape."
Alison Boden, Executive Director, Free Speech Coalition
"Kara van Stralen was an exceptional lobbyist for the Free Speech Coalition. She has become the lobbyist by which we compare all others....Her commitment to protecting individual liberties and her tireless efforts in coalition-building not only showcased her expertise but also demonstrated her unwavering dedication to fostering an environment where free expression can thrive."