Proven Experience.

Iris Maria Chávez is the Managing Partner of EAP Government Affairs and a government relations and public affairs leader with more than 21 years of experience advancing legislative, regulatory, and public policy priorities at the state and federal levels.

Since beginning her career in 2005, Iris has represented nonprofit organizations, trade associations, public entities, advocacy coalitions, and private-sector clients before state legislatures, executive agencies, and Congress. Her work has spanned Oregon, Washington, D.C., and multi-state advocacy campaigns, helping organizations develop legislative strategy, build coalitions, secure public investments, strengthen communications, and grow their long-term advocacy capacity.

Before founding EAP Government Affairs, Iris served as Government Affairs Director for Stand for Children Oregon, where she successfully led passage of House Bill 3499, creating a $12.5 million investment within Oregon's State School Fund to expand opportunities for English learner students.

Earlier in her career, Iris held national leadership positions with The Education Trust and the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), where she led federal education policy advocacy before Congress, directed multi-state legislative and advocacy initiatives, managed cross-functional teams, built national coalitions, and helped shape long-term organizational strategy. Those experiences provided the foundation for her ability to navigate complex policy environments, build diverse partnerships, and advance complex legislative priorities.

Today, Iris helps clients navigate government, influence public policy, and advance strategic priorities through thoughtful advocacy, trusted relationships, and practical legislative expertise.