Government Relations Experts in Salt Lake City, UT

Frank Pignanelli
Managing Partner

Frank Pignanelli is one of the youngest Utahns ever elected to state office, where he served in the House of Representatives for 10 years. As a Democrat, he spent 6 of those years as Minority Leader. Frank was a practicing attorney and active in general litigation until 1993 when he was appointed Vice President and General Counsel of BlueCross BlueShield of Utah.

Frank also serves on the Advisory Board for the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute at The University of Utah and The University of Utah Venture Fund (An investment firm that partners with well-known venture capital firms to provide college students with unique opportunities.). Frank is a recipient of Emeritus-Lifetime membership in the Vest Pocket Business Coalition, and is the longest serving member of the Utah Symphony & Opera Board.

Additionally, Mr. Pignanelli writes a Sunday column on political activities in Utah for the state's second-largest daily newspaper, the Deseret News. Also, Pignanelli is a frequent speaker and political commentator for various civic and business gatherings throughout the state.

Renae Cowley
Partner

Renae hails from Peoa, Utah and is a proud graduate of Utah State University. Renae also earned her MBA from Texas A&M Commerce. 

Prior to joining Foxley & Pignanelli, Renae worked in the Executive Branch for two years and worked on numerous winning campaigns. Renae has been heavily involved in political campaigns across the Intermountain West including elections for mayors, county commissioners, state legislators, congressional and senate races as well as independent expenditures and super PACs. She has built a reputation as an artful campaign consultant and top-notch fundraiser.

Renae is a talented political writer. She shares the perspective of a conservative millennial as Frank's co-columnist at the Deseret News. She is a frequent guest speaker at community groups and classrooms to share her insight and expertise on Utah's political climate, the legislative process and messaging for campaigns. Because of her level of professional excellence, she was distinguished with the honor of being one of Utah Business Magazine’s 20 in their 20’s.

Her crowning achievement was winning Miss Rodeo Utah and finishing in the top five at Miss Rodeo America.  Renae is a 4-H volunteer and rides competitively as a professional barrel racer.  

Steve Styler
Partner

Steve Styler is a graduate of the University of Utah and completed law school at the University of Wyoming College of Law. Mr. Styler’s practice is focused primarily on water law, corporate governance, estate planning,  government relations, lobbying and business development.

Mr. Styler consults clients on complex transactional issues, estate strategy development, administrative proceedings, litigation, and public policy. Mr. Styler works extensively with individual water users, irrigation companies and large agricultural operations. He currently serves as chair of the Water Law Committee of the Energy, Natural Resources and Environmental Law section of the Utah State Bar.  He also serves as co-chair of the Utah Governor’s Rural Partnership Board, a board member of the Governor’s Economic Council and as an ex-officio member of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development Board (GOED).

In addition to his work with Foxley & Pignanelli, Mr. Styler actively manages and operates his family’s 425 acre farm in Delta Utah.

Holly I. Meagher
Senior Associate 

Working to achieve her client’s goals with a commitment to excellence, Holly’s approach is one of professionalism, style, and creativity. She has played a key role in the success of events from small gatherings to galas, fundraisers, and multi day on location adventures. Good at wearing multiple hats, Holly is adept at responding quickly to changing circumstances, always maintaining an upbeat, can-do attitude.

Holly’s career has taken her from the newsroom, to the Utah State Capitol, to the U.S. Senate, and the White House. She is a graduate of the University of Utah with a degree in Communication and Broadcast Journalism.

Her experience includes working with numerous high profile clients, including: VIPs, fundraising for major events, political and non-profit clients.

She is passionate about the arts, and has a 25 year career as a dancer, performer, and ballet teacher. She also joins her colleague, Renae, as a Miss Utah title holder. She has competed in the Miss America, and Miss USA systems and served the state as Miss Utah Intl.

Holly is very involved in her small Utah County community, serving on multiple boards and event committees. She was also featured on the cover of Salt Lake Magazine’s Best of the Beehive issue.