Kara van Stralen
Vista Strategies, established in 2024 by Kara van Stralen, is a premier consultancy leveraging Kara’s extensive experience in both state and federal government. With a career steeped in legislative intricacies, Kara specializes in cultivating robust relationships with key policymakers and thought leaders, enabling clients to effectively navigate the complex regulatory landscape and achieve their legislative objectives.
Drawing from a distinguished tenure in the United States Congress and the state of Colorado, Kara’s expertise reflects a profound comprehension of the issues facing clients, coupled with an innovative approach to fulfilling their needs. Prior to founding Vista Strategies, Kara honed her skills in the private sector, addressing state and federal issues for diverse clientele.
Notably, Kara served as Policy Director to Governor Jared Polis (D-CO), where she orchestrated the drafting of an Executive Order to expedite broadband deployment, demonstrating her ability to drive impactful policy initiatives. During her tenure in Congress, Kara held pivotal roles, including Chief of Staff to Representative Mike Levin (D-CA), where she spearheaded legislative, communication, and outreach strategies, earning recognition from the Center for Effective Lawmaking as one of Capitol Hill’s most effective offices.
Kara’s bipartisan approach to policymaking was evident throughout her tenure, evidenced by her contributions to technology and transportation legislation while serving Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) during their respective tenures on the Senate Commerce Committee. Her work encompassed a spectrum of critical issues, from telecommunications to consumer protection, earning her accolades such as being named one of “Sixteen People to Watch in Tech in 2017” by The Hill.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Kara is an active participant in various organizations, including being a part of the Denver Metro Chamber Foundation’s Leadership Denver program, Class of 2024. Complementing her professional achievements, Kara holds a master’s degree in legislative affairs from George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in government from the University of Redlands. She resides in Denver with her husband, Chris, and their dogs, Boris and Loki.
Vista Strategies, established in 2024 by Kara van Stralen, is a premier consultancy leveraging Kara’s extensive experience in both state and federal government. With a career steeped in legislative intricacies, Kara specializes in cultivating robust relationships with key policymakers and thought leaders, enabling clients to effectively navigate the complex regulatory landscape and achieve their legislative objectives.
Notably, Kara served as Policy Director to Governor Jared Polis (D-CO), where she orchestrated the drafting of an Executive Order to expedite broadband deployment, demonstrating her ability to drive impactful policy initiatives. During her tenure in Congress, Kara held pivotal roles, including Chief of Staff to Representative Mike Levin (D-CA), where she spearheaded legislative, communication, and outreach strategies, earning recognition from the Center for Effective Lawmaking as one of Capitol Hill’s most effective offices.
Kara’s bipartisan approach to policymaking was evident throughout her tenure, evidenced by her contributions to technology and transportation legislation while serving Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) during their respective tenures on the Senate Commerce Committee. Her work encompassed a spectrum of critical issues, from telecommunications to consumer protection, earning her accolades such as being named one of “Sixteen People to Watch in Tech in 2017” by The Hill.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Kara is an active participant in various organizations, including being a part of the Denver Metro Chamber Foundation’s Leadership Denver program, Class of 2024. Complementing her professional achievements, Kara holds a master’s degree in legislative affairs from George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in government from the University of Redlands. She resides in Denver with her husband, Chris, and their dogs, Boris and Loki.