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Pac/West Lobby Group is pleased to announce the addition of winter intern James Moffitt to the lobby team, continuing the firm’s commitment to help develop the next generation of business leaders.

James Moffitt

Moffitt, 24, is a student at Portland State University. He will graduate in June with a degree in political science. Moffitt said he was initially drawn into news and politics by the 2016 presidential campaigns between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.

“Since 2016, it feels like politics has been in the news 24/7,” Moffitt said. “And so, I decided why not get into that?”

Moffitt will assist projects and track bills affecting Pac/West clients in the 2025 Legislature. He is particularly interested in issues affecting affordable housing, homelessness, small businesses, and redevelopment from his vantage point in downtown Portland.

“I look forward to contributing my skills and passion while supporting our organizational goals and growing within a company that values commitment and teamwork,” Moffitt said. “With my proactive approach and readiness to learn, I am confident I can make a meaningful impact.”

Moffitt graduated from Southridge High School in Beaverton in 2018. When not at work, he enjoys gaming and thrift shopping. He is also a fan of the Portland Trail Blazers and WWE.

Ryan Tribbett, president of Pac/West Lobby Group, said professional development and helping people start their careers is part of the company’s DNA. The intern program provides students with hands-on job training as they prepare for future careers.

“James comes to us from PSU’s Political Science Internship Program, which also provided my first entry into politics. We are excited to have him on the team,” Tribbett said. “His knowledge and enthusiasm are a natural fit for what we do and will add tremendous value for our clients.”

The team at Pac/West Lobby Group has decades of experience advocating for diverse groups before the legislature, state agencies, and the relevant boards and commissions. We cover industries including health care, organized labor, agriculture, transportation, local governments, and more.

Pac/West Lobby Group is adding to its creative communications team in 2024 with the hiring of interns Brayden Sparkman and Payton Schlag.

Brayden Sparkman and Payton Schlag

Sparkman, 19, is a sophomore at Corban University in Salem, majoring in business management. He grew up in West Salem and is a graduate of West Salem High School. Coming to Pac/West, Sparkman brings a fresh perspective and skills in project management, communications, and social media to help advocate for clients.

“I would say my biggest strength is an ability to work quickly and efficiently under pressure,” Sparkman said. “I am a problem-solver by nature, and I look forward to accelerating my professional development at Pac/West.”

When he is not at work or school, Sparkman is an avid golfer on the Corban team and enjoys playing pool and pingpong. He volunteers with the Salem-based nonprofit Darian’s Gift, assisting families and children with pediatric cancer, and the TGR Foundation, providing educational resources in underserved communities.

Schlag, 18, is currently a senior at Sprague High School in Salem. After graduation, she hopes to attend Oregon State University to study pre-med.

Schlag has learned the value of hard work, teamwork, and leadership through participation in volleyball and softball teams. She also cares deeply about mental health, enjoys painting, Star Wars, and volunteering at her local hospital.

“I am looking forward to gaining new skills at Pac/West and learning on-the-job in a professional setting,” Schlag said.

Ryan Tribbett, president of Pac/West Lobby Group, said the company’s intern program is an important part of their mission to train the next generation of business leaders.

“We are pleased to have Brayden and Payton join our team. Their knowledge of social media and new communications platforms will be a tremendous asset for our clients, and the experience they receive will serve them well as they go on to pursue their own professional careers,” Tribbett said.

The team at Pac/West Lobby Group has decades of experience advocating for diverse groups before the legislature, state agencies, and the relevant boards and commissions. We cover industries including health care, organized labor, agriculture, transportation, local governments, and more. Learn more at www.pwlobby.com.