Primary Consultants
Walter “Butch” Maki
Tested as a helicopter combat soldier in Vietnam, and in the trenches of congressional politics, Butch brings tough-minded experience and judgment to the arena of government affairs. As the long-time district director for then-congressman Bill Richardson, Butch formed professional relationships with New Mexico’s federal, state, and local political and grassroots leaders. He founded Butch Maki & Associates in 1992, and has helped countless clients achieve their policy goals. Butch received a bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University, and attended specialized classes on Congressional Process, Appropriations and Authorizations. Butch also owns other New Mexico businesses; this expertise greatly enhances his ability to understand and meet client needs.
Reese Edwards, Vice-President
A native of South Carolina, Reese served as an advisor to South Carolina Governor Jim Hodges. As a member of the Governor’s Affordable Housing Task Force, he participated in negotiations with the Department of Energy over a plutonium dispute, and helped families obtain water service after their wells were contaminated with uranium. He also implemented a fundraiser to supplement federal funds when cold weather threatened to shut off heat to thousands of homes. He has worked on agricultural, environmental, and energy policy. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in public administration from the University of South Carolina.
Bryon Páez
As a veteran of the Persian Gulf War and of operations in Somalia, Bryon’s leadership skills were put to the test under the most arduous conditions. During Governor Richardson’s election campaign, he used his management abilities when he served as Director of Research and Policy, and afterwards, for Governor Richardson’s administration when as Director of Cabinet Affairs, he was direct liaison between every cabinet department and agency within the executive branch. Prior to joining Governor Richardson’s staff, Bryon was Chief of Staff to a Speaker of the N.M. House of Representatives. He received his bachelor’s degree in political science and economics and master’s degrees in finance and Latin American Studies from the University of New Mexico.
Mark Fleisher, Associate
Mark grew up in Albuquerque, NM and graduated from the University of New Mexico. He has been involved in politics and campaigns for over 35 years, including campaign management of many races including Legislative races throughout the state. Mark served two terms as Arizona Democratic Party State Chairman 1997 – 2001. Mark has been associated with Butch Maki and Associates since 2005 he has represented: Mesa del Sol, SunCal Companies, Western Water and Power, SkyFuel, SMG Management, Hunt Companies, SunEdison, Advent Solar and Verizon, in addition to being involved in local campaigns.
Affiliated Consultants
Adriana Zavala Badal
Adriana is an expert in building cross-border relationships and trade opportunities. She was employed by the Republican governor of Arizona, Fife Symington as a liaison with business and political leaders of Sonora Mexico. She also served as director of minority business development for the state of Arizona, held regulatory and legislative responsibilities in Arizona and New Mexico for GST Telecom, and was co-founder and first executive director of an Arizona trade association representing small and large telecommunications companies. Adriana attended the University of Arizona where she focused on Journalism and Latin American Studies. She is fluent in Spanish and contributes to local publications as writer and editor.
Cynthia Lee West
Cindy is the senior female lobbyist in New Mexico. The granddaughter of a former NM State Pro-Tem, she has operated in the halls of power all her life. She is an expert in telecommunications, oil drilling, Internet services, public utility regulation, economic development, transportation, pipelines and the alcoholic beverage industry. She has over 25 years of government experience ranging from the governor’s office to the attorney general.
Of Counsel
Governor Dave Cargo (R)
This former Republican chief executive of New Mexico helped implement the Medicare and Medicaid programs in this state. He continues to take an active interest in healthcare policy, remains involved in state politics and maintains a state-wide network of long-time personal and political contacts.
Governor Jerry Apodaca (D)
He made his name as a consensus building Democratic state senator and took those skills to the governor’s office. A leader in the Hispanic community, Governor Apodaca has worked to bring about racial and ethnic equality in the boardrooms of corporate America. He has successfully mediated disputes with Adolph-Coors, Ford Motor Company, McDonalds, and many other businesses. Most recently he has been involved with charter school initiatives in Texas.