With over 10 years of experience in diplomacy, public policy, and government relations, Cris Balzano has built a reputation as an artful negotiator and top-notch government relations strategist. During law school Cris interned in the White House for the Executive Office of the President and the U.S. State Department. Prior to creating his firm he worked for the NM House of Representatives as a bipartisan analyst for the Judiciary Committee. His areas of expertise include, public financing, education, energy, public safety and economic development, criminal justice and tribal regulations. He has been heavily involved in government relations campaigns in the four corners states.

Recognized for his thoughtful and mature approach to solving complex issues; clients appreciate his composed and calm manner in the face of political adversity, and value the successful outcomes he has achieved whether traversing New Mexico state capitol, county seats, city halls or tribal councils. Cris built a reputation as an artful consultant by working under the mentorship of top advisers in federal and state government on numerous issues involving constituents, law, policy, non-profits, and business relations, both domestic and international. 

As a millennial, Cris shares, a dynamic social and cultural background with diverse insight that promotes great opportunities for success. The blend of mentorship by top lobbyists and former senior government officials provides the perfect expertise to develop winning government relations campaigns.

Ranime Oueis is a graduate of the University of New Mexico School of Law. She has an undergraduate degree in business and accounting. Prior to joining Balzano Government Relations, Ranime worked as a law clerk for a local civil defense litigation firm. Additionally, Ranime has several years of experience in the higher education industry. Her professional experience repeatedly proved invaluable to stakeholders, candidates and the clients she represented.

Ranime is personally dedicated to educating New Mexico’s youth. During law school, she volunteered several hours teaching constitutional rights to local under-served high school students. Ranime’s varied legal coursework and practical experiences have provided her with the skills necessary to advocate for clients in various industries. Her legal, communication and critical thinking skills have helped Balzano Government Relations better serve the needs of our clients, stay ahead of political trends, and lead out on important issues in the 2019 legislative session. She has been hard at work bringing together stakeholders from across the state and country on successful government relations campaigns.

Domenica Romaniello is the go-to person for crisis communications, public relations, strategic planning and coalition management. Her experience working and living throughout Europe and the U.S. contributed in sparking an interest in government relations and its dynamics, both on a domestic and international level. Domenica’s ability to reach key audiences is only furthered by her mastery of the four languages she speaks. That and her experience working in different countries creates a meaningful pathway to connect with diverse audiences. Domenica is able to speak directly to key constituency regardless of their background, garnering a better understanding of a wide variety of complex issues, from taxes to school funding to business development. Domenica is an International Management graduate from the Anderson School of Management at The University of New Mexico. Her coursework during her undergraduate years included Business Law, Business Strategy and International Entrepreneurship, along with Intercultural and Technical Communication. 

Her experience managing accounts in such varied sectors is priceless for our clients; Higher Ed, public education, domestic and international business, retail and nonprofit. Prior to joining Balzano Government Relations, Domenica served as support staff for a local investment firm. Domenica is like the Solar Probe Plus when the heat is on, she’s there, excelling in conditions others can’t. That’s what makes her the go-to crisis management. Her ability to think outside of the box and rapidly delivering management crisis strategies that effectively positioned the organization to its key constituencies. 

Honorable Michelle Brown-Yazzie is our Ex-Officio team member. Judge Brown-Yazzie experience encompassed beyond government and public relations. Judge Brown-Yazzie is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation and is also of Salish and Kootenai and Oglala Lakota descent. Judge Brown-Yazzie has served in the judiciary since 2011 and currently serves as Chief Judge of the Mescalero Apache Tribal Court in Mescalero, New Mexico.

Judge Brown-Yazzie practiced law as Staff Attorney and Senior Prosecutor for the Navajo Nation, Prosecutor for the Gila River Indian Community, State of New Mexico Assistant District Attorney for McKinley County, and was partner at Smith & Brown-Yazzie LLP. During her career, Judge Brown-Yazzie also served as Deputy Cabinet Secretary for the New Mexico Indian Affairs Department appointed by then NM Governor Bill Richardson, Executive Director of the Navajo Nation’s Washington (D.C.) Office appointed by then Navajo Nation President Kelsey Begaye and Legal Counsel to the Navajo Nation’s Office of the President and Vice-President also appointed by President Begaye.

Judge Brown-Yazzie received her J.D. in 1999 from the University of Iowa College Of Law, her B.A. in English and Political Science in 1995 from the University of New Mexico and is licensed to practice law in the State of New Mexico and on the Navajo Nation. Judge Brown-Yazzie is also a mother of four amazing children.