Creating innovative
policy solutions

Crosswater Strategies was launched in 2016 by Founder and President: Dan Jarman who brings more than 30 years of experience in Oregon government and politics. This experience includes serving as a state and federal lobbyist, a congressional aide, and a senior staffer at the Oregon legislature.

Dan has represented business clients, trade associations and a wide range of local governments. He has helped his clients in significant policy work with issues ranging from taxation, health care, land use and natural resources, to transportation, energy, education and general business.

His extensive work in government and the non-profit sector has led to a deep network and strategic vision benefitting clients whose policy objectives he has represented before the Oregon legislature and state agencies, City of Portland officials, and in front of Congress and the federal administration.

Before launching Crosswater Strategies, Dan spent 20 years lobbying in Washington, D.C. and in Oregon as a partner and co-owner for a leading public affairs and public relations firm.  He began his professional career as a Washington D.C. staffer and later campaign aide to his political idol, U.S. Senator Mark O. Hatfield. He then gained valuable non-profit experience working for the president of the American Red Cross, Elizabeth Dole. In the Oregon legislature, Dan served as the communications director for a House Speaker, as the chief of staff to the House Majority Office, and as the administrator of the House Committee.

Dan is very involved in his community currently serving on the boards of the Oregon State Alumni Association, the Oregon Zoo Foundation, Oregon State Capitol Foundation and various committees of the Lake Oswego School District.

He has been recognized for his civic and professional involvement as a Portland Business Journal 40 under 40 winner; Oregon State Society of Washington, D.C. Webfoot Awardee; Chapter Service Award recipient from the American Red Cross Chapter in Oregon; and recipient of the Oregon Wine Board’s 2019 Industry Partner Award.

When he is not working for his client or running a small business, Dan enjoys outdoor adventures (hiking, biking, kayaking, and exploring), learning to fly airplanes, traveling with his family, playing golf and watching his favorite sports teams (Beavers and Blazers).

Devon Morales is the Vice President of Crosswater Strategies. Devon joined the team after serving as an alcohol law and policy expert with the Oregon Liquor & Cannabis Commission. Prior to joining the OLCC, Devon worked with Ransom Wine Co. & Distillery, NIKE, and the Oregon Department of Justice, all of which have given her diverse professional experience.

Devon has a law degree from the Northwest School of Law at Lewis & Clark, where she earned a certificate in natural resources law. Devon earned her bachelor’s degree in international security and conflict resolution from San Diego State University.

Devon grew up in Marin County, California. She has a young son and two dogs and they all love actively exploring the wonders of the Pacific Northwest, including snowboarding (sans dogs), hiking, and backpacking. And then there’s the micro-vineyard Devon recently started — you’ll have to ask her when the first crush will be. Devon and her brood live in the Portland area.

Ellen brings more than a decade of experience working with state and local policymakers to the Crosswater Strategies Team. Ellen has served clients with her deep knowledge of land use and environmental policies, business and tax issues, the state budgeting process, and surrounding politics. She has worked as a contract lobbyist for a variety of business and industry clients worked in the executive branch at the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD), and served as the Government Affairs Director at the Oregon Home Builders Association (OHBA).

Most recently, during a challenging virtual legislative session, Ellen achieved results on behalf of clients. She focused on clients’ project goals and delivered outcomes. Her ability to build and work with coalitions was key to her success. She was successful in the development, passage, and implementation of housing legislation, budget appropriations for infrastructure, wildfire relief, and behavioral health for adolescents.

Ellen holds a Masters in Business and Public Administration from Willamette University Atkinson Graduate School of Management and a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from Santa Clara University. On a personal note, Ellen is a total bird and book nerd. She lives in Salem with her husband, two small children, and cattle dog where they enjoy an active life biking, camping, and skiing.