Amber Backhaus has been a member of Leonard, Street and Deinard’s Government Relations team since 2006. During her time with the firm, Amber has represented a wide-range of clients before the Minnesota Legislature and state regulatory agencies in the areas of commerce, education, environment, energy, housing, mining, taxes, and transportation.

Within the area of transportation, Amber has significant policy knowledge of highway funding, alternative fuels and legal liability reform. Amber has considerable experience working with both the trucking and railroad industries. She is a frequent speaker on Minnesota freight policy, appearing at meetings of the Minnesota Trucking Association and the Minnesota Regional Railroads Association.

Amber has worked successfully in a number of coalitions at the Minnesota State Capitol to improve the business climate for Minnesota companies. She participates extensively in several public policy organizations, including the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, and Minnesotans for Lawsuit Reform.

Prior to joining the firm, she served for four years as director of public affairs for the Minnesota Trucking Association. She also represented the American Plastics Council as manager of state and local public affairs, and worked with agricultural, railroad and liquor industry clients as a legislative assistant at the firm of Messerli & Kramer P.A. from 1996 to 2000.

Amber is not a licensed attorney.

Professional and Civic Activities

• President, Minnesota Governmental Relations Council (2012-2013)
• Board Member, Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America, Minnesota/Dakotas Chapter (2013)

Education

• B.A., Carleton College, 1995