About Us
Pete Conaty formed Pete Conaty & Associates in February 1996, to provide clients with expert, knowledgeable and effective guidance in the complexities of a term-limited California Legislature. Since then, he has taken a hands-on approach to developing relationships with new members and staff, while maintaining personal contacts throughout the Capitol.
Prior to 1996, Pete Conaty’s wide experience includes 10 years service as a key staff member in the California Legislature.
In the California Assembly, Mr. Conaty quickly rose from a staff level position dealing with member services, to policy consultant for several committees and finally as chief policy consultant in 1995. In addition to his role in shaping policy, Mr. Conaty served as chief of staff to Assembly Mickey Conroy for four years, supervising a staff of ten, advising the Assemblyman on legislation and guiding his bills through the Legislature.
During legislative recesses, Mr. Conaty served as chief political adviser and fund-raiser for Mr. Conroy in his two successful reelection campaigns. He also directed numerous other successful campaigns and served as campaign manager for a Board of Equalization campaign covering 23 counties.
Mr. Conaty also brings to the firm his information gathering skills developed as Military Intelligence Officer specializing in Japanese affairs. During his Army service, he rose from private to Lieutenant Colonel. He served two years in Vietnam and seven years in Japan, including an assignment to the American Embassy in Tokyo. Mr. Conaty participated in the prestigious Army Foreign Area Officer Program, including Japanese language school, and earned a Masters Degree in East Asian Studies.
Dana Nichol
After serving successful internships in the Assembly and for Pete Conaty & Associates, Dana Nichol joined Pete Conaty & Associates in 2004 as an Associate Lobbyist. During his legislative internship, Dana worked for Assemblyman Cogdill on Rural Caucus issues. Dana received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Government at California State University, Sacramento.
Laurie Reade Conaty
Prior to joining Pete Conaty & Associates in 1998, Laurie served as Administrative Assistant to a Northern California legislator for two years. She was then promoted to a consultant position on the Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxics Committee where she spent two years dealing with the complex problems surrounding environmental issues. Laurie has a Bachelor of Science in Accounting.
Professional advisers
Since 1996 Pete Conaty has build up contacts among highly qualified professionals involved in public relations, association management, grassroots lobbying, and political consulting and related fields. Pete Conaty & Associates maintains low overhead costs for its clients by contracting with these expert professionals to provide services on a long or short term basis, as needed by our clients.