Lobby Idaho, LLC was founded in 2012 by C.A. “Skip” Smyser and Jason Kreizenbeck. Having first worked together at Connolly & Smyser, Chtd. in 1999 and on several political campaigns prior to that, they formed a friendship that would continue as their careers progressed.
Jason B. Kreizenbeck is the President, CEO, and Co-Founder of Lobby Idaho, LLC, an Idaho-based contract lobbying firm established in January 2012. A senior public affairs professional with over 30 years of experience, Mr. Kreizenbeck specializes in policy development, strategic planning, coalition building, lobbying, public relations, and communications across both government and private sectors. He is a skilled communicator with hands-on experience engaging with officials at the local, state, federal, and international levels.
Throughout his career, Mr. Kreizenbeck has held a range of influential roles that have shaped his broad perspective on effective government affairs. From November 2007 to October 2011, he served as Chief of Staff to Idaho Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter, overseeing the Governor’s professional staff and coordinating with the Executive Cabinet and Legislature. During his tenure, Governor Otter was successfully re-elected to a second term in 2010.
Prior to his work in the Governor’s Office, Mr. Kreizenbeck was Director of Government Affairs at Micron Technology, Inc., a global semiconductor manufacturer headquartered in Boise. From 2002 to 2007, he led the company’s government relations and political activities, managing teams in Washington, D.C., and multiple U.S. states, while coordinating efforts with Micron’s international operations. He previously served as Micron’s Idaho Government Affairs Manager from 1999 to 2002.
Earlier in his career, Mr. Kreizenbeck held several key government and political positions, including:
Mr. Kreizenbeck currently serves as Treasurer and Executive Committee member of the National Association of State Lobbyists (NASL), sits on the Executive Committee of the Idaho Legislative Advisors (ILA), and is a public member of the Idaho Judicial Council.
He graduated with honors in the study of Politics from Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington, in May 1994. He and his wife, Mary, live in Boise and are proud parents of three children: Joe, Ava, and Drew.
Carlie Foster has been a driving force at Lobby Idaho since 2015, bringing a deep-rooted commitment to her home state and a sharp understanding of Idaho’s political landscape. Born and raised in Canyon County, Carlie thrives on collaboration with decision-makers and is passionate about shaping policy that strengthens Idaho communities.
She earned her degree in Political Economy from the College of Idaho in 2011, where she also interned with a state Senator during the 2010 legislative session. Carlie went on to receive her J.D. from Concordia University School of Law in Boise and was admitted to the Idaho State Bar in 2015.
Her legal career began at the Canyon County Public Defender’s Office, where she worked before and during law school. During her time there, she successfully represented clients in court and developed a strong foundation in both legal advocacy and policy work—fueling her enthusiasm for not just defending the Idaho Code but helping shape it.
In 2018, Carlie founded Foster & Associates Legal Group, PLLC, a firm focused on providing legal counsel to local subdivisions. Her representation of the Notus-Parma Highway District exemplifies her ability to merge legal expertise with government affairs, always with the goal of making Idaho a better place to live.
From 2020 to 2024, Carlie served as Executive Director of the Idaho Governor’s Cup Scholarship Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to helping Idaho students pursue higher education and stay rooted in the state. Under her leadership, the annual event grew to over 650 participants and raised more than $1 million annually for scholarships.
Carlie also lends her time and heart to causes close to home. She serves on the Community Board for the Jayden DeLuca Foundation, which supports families affected by congenital heart defects—a mission she embraced after her own son underwent multiple life-saving surgeries as an infant. She’s also a board member for FUNDSY, the Treasure Valley’s longest-standing charity supporting capital projects for local nonprofits.
Carlie and her husband, Matt, live in Canyon County surrounded by farmland, raising their son Thomas and twins Maggie and James. Whether she’s outdoors or in the kitchen, Carlie finds joy in the simple moments—and in making Idaho a place where families thrive.
Jacy Ballenger is the Executive Assistant and Office Manager at Lobby Idaho, bringing over 15 years of professional experience to the role. She plays a vital part in the firm’s day-to-day operations. Her attention to detail, organizational skills, and proactive approach make her an indispensable member of the team.
A proud Idahoan, Jacy has lived in several of the state’s beautiful communities and has called Meridian home for the past 20 years. She is a graduate of Twin Falls High School and the University of Idaho.
Outside of work, Jacy enjoys spending time with her husband Greg and their three children—Jaymes, Jackson, and Cannon. Her favorite pastimes include relaxing at the cabin, reading, playing cards, and enjoying a good glass of wine.
