Mark Truax

Mark Truax is a seasoned political and communications strategist with more than 15 years of experience helping clients navigate complex public affairs landscapes. As Pac/West Strategies’ President & CEO, he has established a reputation for delivering results-driven strategies, managing robust, effective campaigns and programs, while fostering strong, lasting relationships with clients across industries.

Truax serves as strategic lead for all Pac/West clients and is intimately involved in the short-term execution and long-term strategy of each project. He brings a hands-on approach to every engagement, ensuring that each initiative is aligned with clients’ goals and positioned for success. His work spans companies and organizations of all sizes and a diverse set of sectors—including energy, agriculture, wildlife management, healthcare, insurance, banking, and trade associations. Each of these industries presents unique challenges and opportunities, requiring tailored approaches that leverage Pac/West Strategies’ full suite of services and tactics to achieve distinct objectives.

Prior to founding Pac/West Strategies, Truax opened and managed the Denver office for Pac/West Communications, having previously worked for them in both Oregon and Washington, D.C. While with Pac/West Communications, Truax managed a wide variety of clients across industries and issues, honing his ability to lead diverse, complex strategies and programs to achieve measurable results for each client. Earlier in his career, Truax also served as a lobbyist for the National Association of Conservation Districts, leading their advocacy efforts before the Department of the Interior and the U.S. House and Senate Resources Committees on key issues. These roles have refined his ability to build agile, effective public affairs programs tailored to client priorities and complex environments.

Truax is dedicated to building a diverse and dynamic team at Pac/West to deliver timely and impactful results for Pac/West clients. He values different perspectives and backgrounds, believing that diversity fosters creativity and enables the firm to craft effective, comprehensive solutions for clients facing multifaceted challenges. His focus on developing the next generation of public affairs leaders ensures that Pac/West continues to grow and evolve as a leader in the public affairs space.

At the core of Truax’s leadership is his commitment to client management. He thrives at managing high-profile clients, crafting strategies that align with their goals, and navigating a complex landscape to deliver measurable results for clients. For him, there is no greater satisfaction than seeing his clients succeed and achieve their desired outcomes.

Truax holds a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Government from Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon, where he serves on the Board of Trustees. He remains active in his local community, serving on the Board of Trustees and as the Vice President of Marketing and Communications for Scouting Colorado. Additionally, he is the Chairman of the National Eagle Scout Association’s Colorado Chapter. His commitment to community service reflects his belief in leadership, mentorship, and the importance of giving back.

Truax’s advice to aspiring public affairs leaders is simple: “Always take the meeting.” For Truax, success resides in relationships, persistence, and a proactive approach. Building trust and seizing opportunities are the keys to achieving lasting success.