Chairman & CEO
Michael Dunn says that if you do what you love, you never have to go to work! Well, Mike has never gone to work, because he is doing what he loves—increasing the grassroots and political effectiveness of corporate and professional America.
“Every client has the ability to exercise political power to affect the outcome of government decisions. I thrive on the challenge of showing them how to make their PAC and grassroots programs pivotal to their success,” Mike comments.
Clients of Dunn Associates quickly absorb Mike’s message that our competitive political system is comprised of “players and victims.” To be players, organizations and their people need to be empowered—a unique talent that Mike Dunn possesses. He regularly counsels clients in the strategic design of their public affairs program structures, messages and communications.
Mike is perhaps best known for training business and professional people to become sophisticated grassroots advocates, or solicitors, on behalf of their organization’s political action committee. In addition, he has personally convinced thousands of business and professional people to support their PACs. As one of many satisfied clients put it recently, “Your clear and succinct presentation hit the bulls-eye.”
Mike’s early career helped to shape the core competencies that Dunn Associates is known for today. A product of the political science departments of South Arkansas University and the University of North Texas, he honed his training skills as a political science instructor for the University of Arkansas.
Mike had the opportunity to refine his practical political skills while serving as a legislative assistant for two former U.S. Representatives, including Rep./Sen. David Pryor (AR) and Rep. G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery (MS). Mike worked for four years as the first director of government relations services with the Public Affairs Council, a professional organization for business public affairs executives.
Mike started the Council’s activities in PACs, grassroots lobbying and state government relations. This experience gave him invaluable insights into the public policy challenges faced by corporations and associations, as well as the conviction that he could be a positive influence in the growth of the public affairs profession.