Former Iowa Speaker of the House of Representatives, Linda L. Upmeyer, has joined Fredrikson & Byron’s Government Relations Group as a senior policy strategist in Des Moines.
“We are excited to have Linda join our expanding team in Iowa. She brings a deep understanding of Iowa’s legislative process and political dynamics as well as key connections” said Kevin Goodno, chair of Fredrikson’s Government Relations Group. “Linda’s leadership in shaping Iowa’s public policy, and her vast relationships throughout Iowa, will support her strategic policy work for Fredrikson clients.”
“Public service has always been my passion,” shared Upmeyer. “I am honored to continue serving Iowans by using my expertise to provide positive legislative outcomes for the region I am proud to call home.”
Linda’s work over 18 years as a nine-term member of the Iowa House of Representatives, including serving as House Majority Leader, and as Iowa’s first female Speaker of the House of Representatives, provides her with a deep understanding of the region’s legislative strategic processes. Linda leadership and deep relationships within the Iowa political and legislative landscape equip her with unique skills to provide strategic policy consulting for Fredrikson clients. With years of leadership experience at the Capitol, Linda has brokered countless negotiations - both within her Republican Caucus and across the aisle with Democratic members - on major policy initiatives. She is adept at solving complex and, at times, contentious problems through consensus building and collaboration.
First elected in 2002, Linda served on several legislative committees in the Iowa House. She served as the Republican Whip, later as Majority Leader, and was ultimately elected Speaker of the House in 2016. Notably, Linda was the first woman to serve in the role, and Linda and her father, Del Stromer, are reportedly the first father and daughter pair in the nation to have both served as state Speakers of the House. In these roles, she worked to enact major policy reforms in the areas of commerce, workforce, taxes, education and health care. Throughout her public service, Linda has been a go-to representative on several issues, including income tax reform and collective bargaining changes.
Linda Upmeyer is not licensed to practice law. Her role is focused on legislative policy consulting.
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