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Deb Hackathorn
Government Relations Principal
Columbus, OH
Government Relations Principal
Columbus, OH
As a government relations expert with a track record of success, Deb advises associations, government organizations, and businesses on public policy matters and actions. Deb’s extensive knowledge about the legislative and administrative processes plays a key role in her ability to establish and maintain bipartisan relationships to help clients solve problems, meet their organizational needs and navigate the political landscape.
She provides direct lobbying services before legislative and executive branches and offers day-to-day insights into the processes at all levels of government. She is adept at identifying proposals and amendments and drafting legislation and regulatory language to advance client interests. Skilled in issue management and position development, Deb is a visionary leader and effective communicator.
Deb has spearheaded the progression and passage of multiple pieces of groundbreaking legislation over her years of service. She has also provided support and advice for procuring government contracts.
As a former policy director and chief of staff to a statewide elected official, Deb led efforts to draft or rewrite numerous pieces of legislation on criminal justice reform, telemarketing fraud, performance auditing, establishment of the state’s DNA database, and other consumer protection and charitable law changes. Deb served as a legislative aide in the Ohio Senate prior to her state agency work.
As senior advisor to the president & CEO for the Center of Science and Industry (COSI), Deb led all public policy and funding efforts for COSI, including meeting with local delegations, testifying before legislative bodies, and formulating strategies for COSI led initiatives. She also directed COSI’s 50th anniversary celebration, including all marketing and communications, multiple fundraising events, community and civic leader engagement, and special exhibit development and openings.
Provided benefits to local government or altered the course of legislation impacting municipalities on topics such as state funding, local law enforcement, home rule, and economic development. Successfully negotiated legislative increases in local government funding, preferred use of federal CARES Act funds, and managed multiple local tax proposals.
Successfully coordinated a coalition of brand and generic pharmaceutical manufacturers to update state pharmacy laws and provide patient access to less expensive biologic and biosimilar medications.
Removed tax liability provisions from the state budget regarding products managed by qualified distribution centers that would have cost several clients tens of millions in new taxes had they remained in the bill.
Drafted and advocated for legislation and related administrative rules to legalize hemp cultivation and the sale of hemp products in Ohio.
Negotiated payment of millions of dollars in back payments due to the spirituous liquor industry in Ohio with JobsOhio and the Ohio Department of Commerce.
Reopened administrative rules passed by the State Pharmacy Board to address burdensome requirements on individual medical practices and rewrote those rules to provide client relief.
Successfully gained the addition of the Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority, the owner of Nationwide Arena in Columbus, to the list of publicly owned sports facilities in Ohio that receive a permanent property tax abatement for those facilities.
Led relations with the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) on multi-state litigation, state policy positions on federal initiatives, presentation of testimony before Congress, and conference planning.  Coordinated policy participation in the multi-state tobacco settlement agreement and the NAAG Pharmaceutical Pricing Task Force.
University of Toledo, M.P.A
University of Dayton, B.A.
Named one of top three female Public Sector Lobbyists (Opinion Strategies, Inc. survey)
