Lobbyists - RRJ Consulting

"I have had the pleasure of working with RRJ Consulting for many years. I have relied heavily on their expansive knowledge of the Utah political process. It doesn’t seem to matter what I ask them, they can do it! RRJ can handle tough battles, complicated matters, strategic planning, and advisement with ease. RRJ has set the bar high for me as I work in other states. Simply put, they are the best."

Angela Patterson

Partner, Public Policy

"RRJ has been a critical part of our lobby effort for the past 12 years. Approaching the Utah Legislature without RRJ on board would be foolish. No one has better relationships and no one works harder. Legislators and lobbyists alike trust the RRJ team, and for good reason. They are brutally honest, incredibly smart, and they always get things done. I sleep well knowing they are on my side."

Howard M. Headlee

President & CEO, Utah Bankers Association

"RRJ Consultants are manna from heaven. Literally. To say that they provide a practical expertise in an unique legislative and regulatory environment would be a vast understatement. Representing an industry trade association has many challenges, so it is important to have partners like Jodi, Rob and Chris that you can count on to provide pragmatic and strategic counsel. I recommend them highly."

Ramon Looby

Director, Public Policy & Government Affair, Consumer Data Industry Association

"RRJ Consulting are exceptional advocates and strategic advisors. Their success is rooted in a deep understanding of the Utah Legislative process, coupled with meaningful relationships they have cultivated with legislators and other important stakeholders. They take the time to truly understand our needs and plans. Armed with this expertise and knowledge, they have helped us to formulate and strategically execute our legislative objectives. Through effective communication and collaboration with legislators and stakeholders, RRJ Consulting has helped us -and the State of Utah- to make prudent decisions about infrastructure investments. I respect and trust RRJ Consulting; they are an exceptional government affairs team."

Andrew Gruber

Executive Director, Wasatch Front Regional Council

Rob Jolley

Rob has worked as a lobbyist in Utah for over 30 years. He received a B.A. degree in Political Science from Brigham Young University in 1984. While at BYU he began working on political campaigns in Utah and later across the country. Now he uses his campaign expertise to help his lobbying clients in supporting Utah candidates.

After graduating from BYU, Rob joined Focus Marketing and Governmental Affairs Consultants where he was involved in the firm’s state and local lobbying efforts. In 1991, he started his own lobbying practice. RRJ Consulting, with Rob as the managing partner, has since become a preeminent lobbying firm in Utah and Rob is recognized as one of the best lobbyists in Utah.

Rob is a member of many local and national legislative related associations such as the Salt Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Policy and Transportation Committees, the Utah Taxpayers Association Legislative Committee, the Utah Capitol Hill Association and the National Association of State Lobbyists.

Rob has also lectured in former Soviet Union countries teaching legal professionals and law students about the Rule of Law and ethics.

Rob currently sits on the board of the Haven (a substance abuse treatment center) located in Salt Lake City and the Salt Lake Area Boys and Girls Club. He is also a former President of the Utah State Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs. He has also served as Scoutmaster of Troop 1490 of the Boy Scouts of America in Draper, Utah and as a baseball coach in the Central Salt Lake City and South Valley Little Leagues.

Rob and his wife Debbie are the proud parents of six adopted children. In his spare time Rob enjoys being with his wife and kids, playing golf, skiing, traveling through Europe and reading.

Jodi Hart

Jodi joined RRJ Consulting in 1998. She became a partner in 2002.

Jodi is known to those in the governmental arena as one of the most effective lobbyists in Utah. Her expertise and knowledge of public policy issues are respected by policymakers, business leaders and government relation practitioners alike.

Among Jodi’s areas of expertise are Telecommunications, Utility Regulation, Healthcare, Ethics, Consumer Electronics, Finance, Local Government, and Higher Education. Jodi is an expert on Utah’s ethical standards and training. She is often asked to speak on behalf of the lobbying community regarding lobbying ethics, rules, and best practices.

Jodi actively serves her community and sits on many boards and associations throughout the State and nationally including Southern Utah University Board of Trustees, President of the Utah Fallen Soldiers Association, President of the Utah Capitol Hill Association, President of the Utah Alliance for the Boys and Girls Clubs, Vice President and Founder of Advantage Arts Academy Charter School, and board member of the National Association of State Lobbyists.

Jodi has a Masters Degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Interpersonal Communication and Political Science from Southern Utah University. She is a political affairs guest lecturer to schools, colleges and universities throughout the State.

Jodi is married to Curry Wilson and together they have a son, Cole. She enjoys boating, off-roading in their side by side, and spending time with her family.

Chris Bleak

Chris Bleak joined the firm in 2012 after serving as Chief of Staff to the Speaker of the Utah House of Representatives for 6 years. Chris has extensive legislative and political experience at all levels of government and in organizations both large and small.

Chris was the first Chief of Staff hired in Utah legislative history and was noted as the best mind in Utah politics in a 2009 Deseret News editorial. Prior to working for the House of Representatives, Chris was the Executive Director of the Utah Republican Party during the 2003-04 election cycle, lobbied for the 2002 Olympics Games, Qwest Communications and Salt Lake City.

Chris was the President of the Utah Association of Public Charter Schools. In this role, Chris led the development and passage of a major piece of legislation that allows charter schools access to the State’s credit enhancement greatly reducing the cost of financing for these schools.

Chris graduated from the University of Utah in 2000 with a degree in political science. He has served on a number of non-profit boards and is active in his community. Chris is a rabid baseball fan having visited over 40 MLB stadiums. Chris recently competed in the United States Tennis Association League Nationals. Chris and his wife reside in Lehi, UT with their two daughters and one goldendoodle.