#USA #Washington #Stateside Associates #Erik Castaneda #attorneys general

Stateside Associates Welcomes Erik Castaneda

On February 26, 2026, Stateside Associates, a key player in the state and local government relations sphere, announced the appointment of Erik Castaneda as Vice President of Attorneys General & State Issues Practices. With a prestigious background that includes nearly ten years of engaging with state attorneys general and their senior staff, Erik will play a critical role in helping clients navigate the intricate policy environment involving state legal frameworks.

With a wealth of experience accumulated from his time at 1-800 Contacts, Erik has extensively interacted with both legislators and administrative bodies across the country. His expertise lies in shaping public policies and influencing regulatory outcomes, focusing on critical areas like healthcare, privacy, telehealth, and consumer protection. His deep understanding of the interconnectedness between state policies and business interests positions him as a vital asset to Stateside Associates.

Erik has earned a reputation for fostering bipartisan relationships among attorneys general and their key staff, which is essential in an era marked by increasing division. He understands that effective advocacy requires building relationships based on trust and mutual respect. His strategic insights enable the navigation of complexities within attorney general offices, thus positioning clients favorably in state enforcement matters.

Ethan Wilson, Vice President and Corporate Counsel, praised Erik’s capabilities, describing him as a well-respected figure in the field with a remarkable network of relationships. He emphasizes Erik's unique skillset in building effective channels of communication with elected officials from opposing parties, showcasing his capability to act as a bridge in policy discourse.

Erik expressed enthusiasm for his new role, stating, “My priority is to leverage my experience to enhance Stateside's service offerings. By closely collaborating with attorneys general and their offices, we can guide our clients through intricate policy landscapes, ensuring transparency and confidence.” His hands-on experience is expected to empower Stateside to deliver actionable solutions tailored to clients’ needs.

Furthermore, Johnathan Lozier, Senior Vice President and Principal at Stateside, highlighted Erik’s ability to combine strategic vision with real-world advocacy experience. This fusion of skills is expected to assist clients in identifying risks, unlocking opportunities for growth, and reinforcing Stateside's role as a significant player in government affairs.

The addition of Erik Castaneda exemplifies Stateside's commitment to advancing their clients' interests in the realm of government relations. With his expertise, the firm aims to enhance its consulting practice while delivering highly relevant consultative services to clients looking to develop a robust presence among the nation's attorneys general.

About Stateside Associates

Since its establishment in 1988, Stateside Associates has set a benchmark for excellence in state and local government relations. The company thrives on a human-centric philosophy, employing innovative advocacy strategies and deep expertise accumulated over decades. Their comprehensive service suite includes bespoke issue monitoring, strategic planning for critical engagements, and effective communication with public officials. With an extensive multidisciplinary team made up of seasoned issue managers, ex-legislators, and regulatory experts, Stateside Associates champions the interests of a diverse clientele, spanning corporations, non-profits, and various industries across all states and the District of Columbia. For further insights about Stateside Associates, please visit Stateside.com.