Lori A. Herf
Columbus
Summary
Accomplished senior policy executive with over 25 years of proven, results-driven leadership across public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Renowned for strategic vision, integrity, and a consistent track record of advancing complex policy initiatives from development through successful enactment. Expert in strategic assessment, coalition-building, and high-level advocacy, with exceptional interpersonal, negotiation, and communication skills. Demonstrated ability to deliver innovative solutions, drive legislative change, and build consensus at federal, state, and local levels. Highly regarded for effective diplomacy, program implementation, and impactful lobbying.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Advisor
Baker Hostetler, LLP
Columbus, Ohio
01.2002 - Current
- Serve as a senior advisor to a top 25 national law firm, delivering high-impact government affairs counsel to Fortune 100 corporations, trade associations, and small businesses. Leverage an extensive network of government contacts to strategically position clients for success, facilitating influential meetings and direct access to key policymakers. Champion clients’ interests through persuasive advocacy before legislative bodies and administrative agencies, crafting compelling written and oral testimony, and providing expert technical analysis of proposed legislative concepts, language, and amendments. Additionally, guide political action committees in compliance, contributions, filings, and organizational strategy, ensuring robust advocacy and regulatory excellence.
- Drove transformative reforms to Ohio’s electric utility statute by building coalitions with legislators, regulators, the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel, and key industry stakeholders, resulting in modernized regulatory frameworks and enhanced consumer protections.
- Partnered with leaders of the nation’s second-largest theater district to successfully revise the Ohio Film and Theater Tax Credit, securing $5 million in dedicated funding per cycle for Ohio Broadway Series theaters.
- Championed and achieved legalization of electronic instant bingo at veteran and fraternal organizations, expanding revenue opportunities and supporting community engagement.
- Secured a high-value exemption from the Ohio Commercial Activity Tax for a major Ohio insurer, delivering significant financial benefits and competitive advantage.
- Negotiated and secured one of the largest incentive packages in Ohio history for an automotive client, driving business growth and statewide economic development.
- Facilitated stakeholder collaboration to advance a key amendment in the Ohio operating budget, optimizing tax valuation for a major healthcare facility and supporting fiscal sustainability.
- Led a successful initiative to secure a $4 million incentive package, enabling a major national direct seller to expand operations in Ohio and create new jobs.
- Drove strategic changes to the Ohio Historic Tax Credit Program, allowing application of the Commercial Activity Tax as a creditable tax liability, thereby incentivizing historic preservation and economic investment.
- Collaborated with a legal team to clarify and improve the tax treatment of rental cars, ensuring regulatory compliance and operational efficiency for industry stakeholders.
- Founded and led a trade association of public employer consortia to deliver competitive employee benefits—including health insurance—and successfully defended against legislative efforts to mandate a state-run insurance pool for local governments, preserving choice and fiscal flexibility.
- Forged consensus among diverse stakeholders to advance reforms to medical malpractice and tort provisions in the Ohio Revised Code, improving legal certainty and reducing liability costs.
- Produced a comprehensive, state-by-state analysis of ballot access procedures for a major presidential candidate, ensuring seamless campaign operations and regulatory compliance nationwide.
- Developed and maintained an in-depth, 50-state analysis of lobbying and ethics statutes for a national client, supporting their multi-jurisdictional compliance and strategic planning.
- Spearheaded successful legislative efforts to eliminate the Ohio Additional Estate Tax, delivering substantial tax relief for Ohio residents and businesses.
- Led and contributed to a broad range of energy policy initiatives, driving regulatory improvements, industry growth, and energy innovation across Ohio.
Director of Government Affairs
Arter & Hadden, LLP
Columbus, Ohio
01.1992 - 01.2002
- National law firm counseling clients in legal, regulatory, and government affairs matters. Provided tactical and strategic planning, direct advocacy, and policy development services to firm clients.
- Delivered major victories for taxing districts in electric deregulation legislation by securing “hold harmless” provisions.
- Won passage of legislation protecting non-profit hospital charitable trusts during mergers with for-profit organizations.
- Engineered introduction and passage of legislation clarifying trust document language requirements, empowering trustees to invest in affiliated investment companies.
- Drafted and advanced legislation expanding local investment options to include certain no-load money market mutual funds.
- Authored and facilitated passage of legislation enabling privatization of Ohio prisons housing low-level, nonviolent offenders.
- Spearheaded legislation restricting access to ephedrine and pseudoephedrine-containing products for a leading pharmaceutical manufacturer.
- Championed legislative efforts to ensure state education funds follow adjudicated minors to new locations via educational service centers.
- Drafted and managed enactment of statutory recognition for Marriage and Family Therapists, collaborating with Medicaid for provider reimbursement.
- Provided comprehensive legislative monitoring and advocacy services to a major Ohio hospital system.
Campaign Manager
Kearns for Senate
01.1992 - 01.1992
- Managed overall operations of the Kearns for Senate campaign.
- Developed campaign strategy and positions.
- Spoke at local town hall meetings and meet the candidate events.
Legislative Aide
Ohio Senate
Columbus, Ohio
01.1990 - 01.1992
- Oversaw office operations and provided administrative supervision for three staff members, including the secretary, intern, and page.
- Collaborated with the Legislative Service Commission to draft and refine impactful legislation and amendments.
- Conducted comprehensive legislative research to support policy development and decision-making.
- Built coalitions, secured sponsors, and garnered votes for Senator Kearns’ legislative proposals by engaging agencies and key stakeholders to drive support and legislative success.
Legislative Caucus Aide
Ohio Senate
Columbus, Ohio
01.1987 - 01.1989
- Completed research projects as requested by the CEO of the Ohio Senate.
- Researched and tracked activity of health committee.
- Staffed Commerce and Labor Committee for State Senator Robert R. Cupp.
Legislative Page
Ohio Senate
Columbus, Ohio
01.1987 - 01.1989
- Worked as page in both the Ohio Senate for State Senator Robert Cupp as well as in the Ohio House of Representatives for State Representative Jim Davis.
Education
M.A. - Public Policy and Management
The Ohio State University
Columbus, OhioBachelor of Arts - Political Communication
The Ohio State University
Columbus, OhioSkills
- Organizational development
- Relationship building and management
- Data analytics
- Policy analysis
Timeline
Senior Advisor
Baker Hostetler, LLP
01.2002 - Current
Director of Government Affairs
Arter & Hadden, LLP
01.1992 - 01.2002
Campaign Manager
Kearns for Senate
01.1992 - 01.1992
Legislative Aide
Ohio Senate
01.1990 - 01.1992
Legislative Caucus Aide
Ohio Senate
01.1987 - 01.1989
Legislative Page
Ohio Senate
01.1987 - 01.1989
M.A. - Public Policy and Management
The Ohio State University
Bachelor of Arts - Political Communication
The Ohio State University
Silver Congressional Award
In recognition of initiative, Achievement and Service
American Academy of Nurse Practitioners State Sward for Excellence as a Nurse Practitioner Advocate
For Contribution and Leadership to Individuals, Families, Communities and the Health Care System