Meet Dave Davis
Founder, President & CEO
Dave Davis has been a professional lobbyist and consultant since 2007, building a reputation as one of Utah’s most experienced advocates and strategic advisors. Throughout his career, he has served as President of several prominent trade associations, including the Utah Food Industry Association and the Utah Retail Merchants Association, where he acted as the retail industry’s chief lobbyist and spokesperson before state policymakers.
Over the years, Dave has played a leading role in some of Utah’s most consequential legislative debates, including high-profile issues such as alcohol regulation and internet sales taxation. He has successfully represented a diverse range of clients—from Fortune 10 companies to small family-owned businesses—helping them navigate complex policy challenges and achieve meaningful legislative outcomes.
Prior to founding Davis Strategies & Consulting Group, Dave spent more than a decade as Vice President of Human Resources and Chief Legal Counsel for Associated Food Stores, a leading wholesale and retail grocery cooperative serving the Intermountain West.
Dave earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Utah in 1994 and a Juris Doctor from Brigham Young University’s J. Reuben Clark Law School in 1997. His extensive institutional knowledge, legal expertise, and deep understanding of Utah’s legislative process enable him to develop effective strategies that deliver results for his clients.
Dave and his wife, Kerri, live in Draper, Utah. They are proud parents of three daughters and enjoy spending time with their three sons-in-law and three grandchildren.
Meet the TEAM
Natalie Steed
Accounting / Office Manager
Natalie Steed serves as Accounting and Office Manager for Davis Strategies, where she oversees day-to-day office operations and manages client billing and accounting functions. With more than two decades of experience in accounting, administration, and office management, Natalie plays a key role in ensuring the organization operates efficiently and effectively.
Natalie and Dave Davis have worked together for more than 20 years, beginning at Macey’s, continuing at Associated Food Stores, and ultimately reuniting at Davis Strategies. Throughout her career, Natalie has developed extensive expertise in financial administration, office operations, and client support, earning a reputation for professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail.
Mattie Merrill
Client Service Manager / Executive Assistant
Mattie Merrill serves as Client Service Manager for Davis Strategies, where she is available to be an additional point of contact for client questions, concerns, and support needs. She also serves as Dave’s Executive Assistant, helping coordinate schedules, arrange meetings, and ensure timely communication. While Dave is generally available to work directly with clients, Mattie plays a key role in facilitating access and helping address urgent matters when immediate attention is needed.
Before joining Davis Strategies, Mattie built a successful career in education, teaching at the high school level for several years. She brings exceptional organizational and project management skills to her role, developed through years of coordinating large-scale travel and events, including national trips for high school dance teams throughout the United States. Her attention to detail, professionalism, and commitment to client service make her an invaluable member of the Davis Strategies team.