Kara van Stralen
Founded in 2024 by Kara van Stralen, Vista Strategies is a premier consultancy that draws on Kara’s deep expertise in both state and federal government. With a career rooted in legislative strategy and public policy, Kara brings a proven ability to forge strong relationships with key policymakers and thought leaders—helping clients effectively navigate the complex regulatory landscape and achieve meaningful results.
Kara’s distinguished public service career spans roles in the United States Congress and the State of Colorado, where she developed a reputation for crafting innovative, forward-thinking solutions tailored to the needs of diverse stakeholders. Prior to launching Vista Strategies, she refined her strategic skills in the private sector, advising a wide range of clients on state and federal policy issues.
Notably, Kara served as Policy Director to Colorado Governor Jared Polis (D), where she led the drafting of an Executive Order to accelerate broadband deployment—an example of her ability to drive impactful, high-level policy initiatives. In Congress, she served as Chief of Staff to Representative Mike Levin (D-CA), where she directed legislative, communications, and constituent service efforts. Her leadership contributed to the office being named one of the most effective on Capitol Hill by the Center for Effective Lawmaking.
Kara’s commitment to bipartisan, results-driven policymaking has been a hallmark of her career. While serving Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) during their respective tenures on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Kara played a key role in shaping legislation on technology, telecommunications, transportation, and consumer protection. Her influence in the tech policy space earned her recognition, including being named one of The Hill’s “Sixteen People to Watch in Tech” in 2017.
Outside of her professional work, Kara is actively involved in civic leadership, including her participation in the Denver Metro Chamber Foundation’s Leadership Denver program, Class of 2024. She earned a master’s degree in legislative affairs from George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in government from the University of Redlands. Kara lives in Denver with her husband, Chris, son Liam, and their two dogs, Boris and Loki.
Founded in 2024 by Kara van Stralen, Vista Strategies is a premier consultancy that draws on Kara’s deep expertise in both state and federal government. With a career rooted in legislative strategy and public policy, Kara brings a proven ability to forge strong relationships with key policymakers and thought leaders—helping clients effectively navigate the complex regulatory landscape and achieve meaningful results.
Kara’s distinguished public service career spans roles in the United States Congress and the State of Colorado, where she developed a reputation for crafting innovative, forward-thinking solutions tailored to the needs of diverse stakeholders. Prior to launching Vista Strategies, she refined her strategic skills in the private sector, advising a wide range of clients on state and federal policy issues.
Notably, Kara served as Policy Director to Colorado Governor Jared Polis (D), where she led the drafting of an Executive Order to accelerate broadband deployment—an example of her ability to drive impactful, high-level policy initiatives. In Congress, she served as Chief of Staff to Representative Mike Levin (D-CA), where she directed legislative, communications, and constituent service efforts. Her leadership contributed to the office being named one of the most effective on Capitol Hill by the Center for Effective Lawmaking.
Kara’s commitment to bipartisan, results-driven policymaking has been a hallmark of her career. While serving Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) during their respective tenures on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Kara played a key role in shaping legislation on technology, telecommunications, transportation, and consumer protection. Her influence in the tech policy space earned her recognition, including being named one of The Hill’s “Sixteen People to Watch in Tech” in 2017.
Outside of her professional work, Kara is actively involved in civic leadership, including her participation in the Denver Metro Chamber Foundation’s Leadership Denver program, Class of 2024. She earned a master’s degree in legislative affairs from George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in government from the University of Redlands. Kara lives in Denver with her husband, Chris, son Liam, and their two dogs, Boris and Loki.