Jay Parmer
Jay Parmer brings more than twenty-five years experience in politics, public service and corporate public affairs to the clients of American Strategies. The clients of the firm range from local businesses to Fortune 500 Companies, representing industries such as health care, real estate development, insurance and emerging technologies.
Parmer served at the Agency for International Development during the Reagan Administration, where he directed programs to support U.S. companies and nongovernmental organizations operating in developing countries. He later served on the White House Staff as Special Assistant to President George H.W. Bush. At the White House, he participated in the planning and implementation of media and public relations strategies for numerous federal initiatives.
In 1992, Parmer established a public affairs consulting practice, focusing on state and federal government relations. He has been a registered lobbyist during the last eight regular sessions of the Nevada Legislature, and represents numerous clients with regulatory issues at the state and local levels. Parmer is also a recognized expert in grassroots communications strategies impacting local, state and national issues, including environmental policy, land use planning, healthcare, telecommunications and taxation.
Parmer is a graduate of the University of Mississippi with a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, and has participated in continuing education studies at Georgetown University and the University of Nevada. He served on the Nevada Commission on Mineral Resources from 2001 to 2005, and served on the National Park System Advisory Board from 2002 through 2008. He and his wife, Ardis, have four children and reside in Reno, Nevada.
Ardis Elaine Parmer
Ardis Parmer is co-owner and Director of American Strategies, Inc. In this capacity, she manages the day-to-day operations of the firm, and has primary responsibility for development and execution of strategic marketing and communications services for our clients.
Ardis joined American Strategies in 1998 after owning her own consulting firm specializing in multi-jurisdictional government relations and corporate development programs. From 1993 to 1995, she served as Executive Director of the Nevada Republican Party, and was Director of the Nevada Republican Assembly Caucus during the 1995 Legislative Session.
Her government experience is extensive, having served at the White House, US Department of State and US Department of Education during the George H.W. Bush Administration. She began her involvement in politics as a campaign aide to US Senator Paul Laxalt (R-NV), and was Special Assistant to the Convention Manager of the 1988 Republican National Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Ardis is a fourth generation Nevadan. She attended Wooster High School, The University of Nevada, and graduated from the George Washington University in Washington, DC. Her philanthropic involvement includes service on the Board of Directors of the Junior League of Reno, the National Charity League, Casa de Vita and the Northern Nevada Literacy Council. Ardis is also active in youth and education programs, serving numerous terms as PTA President and as a Troop Leader for the Girl Scouts of the Sierra Nevada. She is the mother of four children who happily occupy most of her free time.
Jeff Blanton
Jeff Blanton, Communications Specialist, is highly skilled at marketing communications and desktop publishing. With more than 10 years experience in marketing and design, Blanton has successfully developed marketing plans that brought positive results as well as designing award winning creative.
Blanton’s experience comes from working with a wide range of clients. From developers to government entities to small businesses, Blanton has been able to effectively develop and implement marketing plans and creative materials that successfully communicate the client’s messages.
Blanton spent seven years working for one the Northwest’s largest marketing communications firms. While working in the Northwest he sharpened his creative and marketing skills. Blanton won several awards for his work with the union trades and Oregon’s Tobacco Prevention and Education Program.
Jeff Blanton graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with a degree in journalism. He is currently a board member for the Nevada Discovery Museum and is part of the marketing and exhibit committees.