“Just Do It.”

Roy Eiguren is a nationally recognized public policy strategist, attorney, and board leader whose four-decade career has shaped public and private institutions across Idaho, the Pacific Northwest, and the United States. As founder and managing partner of Eiguren Merrill Public Policy Firm and predecessor practices, he has built a reputation as a trusted counselor to governors, legislators, corporate executives, and nonprofit leaders seeking practical, thoughtful solutions at the intersection of law, policy, business, and community impact. His professional journey is defined by a simple but powerful personal motto—“Just Do It.”—which captures his bias toward action, his willingness to tackle complex challenges, and his enduring commitment to serving the public good.

Roy’s career began in public service, where he quickly developed a deep understanding of how government truly works. After earning his Juris Doctor from the University of Idaho College of Law, along with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the same institution, he stepped into early roles that gave him a front-row seat to the law in action. As Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for Ada County, Idaho, he prosecuted felony cases and advised county officials, gaining critical courtroom and advisory experience. He then advanced to serve as Deputy Attorney General and Division Chief for Administrative and Legislative Affairs for the State of Idaho, where he became a key legal adviser to the Governor, the Legislature, and various state agencies.

Building on this foundation, Roy was appointed Special Assistant to the Administrator of the Bonneville Power Administration within the U.S. Department of Energy. In this role, he provided policy advice and served as liaison to federal, state, and local officials, deepening his expertise in energy, environmental regulation, and the intricacies of large-scale infrastructure and power systems. This chapter in his career cemented his reputation as a skilled strategist who could bridge technical issues, regulatory frameworks, and stakeholder interests on matters of regional and national significance.

Transitioning into private practice, Roy joined and later led prominent law and public policy firms, including serving as a partner at David Wright Tremaine, a national law firm, and Givens Pursley, one of Idaho’s largest firms. Over the years, he honed a practice that blends legislative and public policy work with sophisticated business, energy, environmental, governmental, and public utility law. He has briefed and argued major cases before the Idaho Supreme Court, including precedent-setting decisions in natural resources and environmental law, and has guided clients through the maze of regulations under the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, CERCLA, RCRA, and Idaho environmental statutes.

As managing partner of his own public policy firm, Roy has continued to advise corporations, trade associations, nonprofits, and public entities on high-stakes issues. He has developed and implemented political strategies that resulted in amendments to state and federal laws, saving one client more than $5 million annually. He has served as principal negotiator and strategic adviser to the CEO of a major contractor at the Idaho National Laboratory, helping align the interests of federal agencies, the State of Idaho, and other stakeholders to ensure continued import of critical research materials. His work is distinguished by a rare combination of legal precision, political insight, and practical business judgment.

Roy’s board service reflects both breadth and depth across sectors including energy, banking, philanthropy, culture, and education. As a director of Avista Corporation, a Fortune 500 utility, he developed and chaired the Energy and Environmental Committee, providing oversight of key operating components while ensuring full regulatory compliance. He also served on the audit, compensation, and governance committees, helping guide the company through complex regulatory and political environments. At Idaho Independent Bank, he was a long-serving director, chair of the Compensation and Benefits Committee, and audit committee member, supporting the institution’s growth, customer development, and strategic partnerships, including onboarding one of the largest Health Savings Account providers in the country.

Equally committed to the nonprofit and civic sectors, Roy has chaired and served on numerous boards focused on community resilience, heritage, education, and global engagement. As Chairman of the American Red Cross of Greater Idaho, he helped increase fundraising revenue by 200 percent in just two years and recruited a more diverse and influential board, including senior leaders from major medical institutions. His contributions were recognized with an appointment to the American Red Cross National Philanthropic Board, where he helps guide the organization’s national fundraising strategy. As Director of the Foundation for Idaho History, he played a central role in raising more than $18 million to renovate and expand the Idaho State Museum, physically preserving the stories and culture of the state for future generations.

Roy’s leadership extends to shaping the symbols and institutions at the heart of Idaho’s civic life. He drafted the legislation that created the Idaho State Capitol Commission and later served as its Chairman, guiding the development and planning of a $126 million renovation and expansion of the State Capitol. During his tenure, the foundational vision, design framework, and implementation strategy for the project were established—work that set the stage for its eventual on-time, under-budget completion and ensured the preservation of the building’s historic character while modernizing it for contemporary governance. His commitment to public service is equally evident in his tenure as Chairman of the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce, where he led efforts to expand membership and helped establish a national-level advocacy program to advance the region’s business agenda in partnership with Idaho’s Congressional delegation.

Internationally, Roy has leveraged his Basque heritage and strong interest in global affairs to build bridges between Idaho and the world. As President of the Cenarrusa Center for Basque Culture, he raised substantial funds to promote Basque heritage and cultural education across Idaho and Oregon. As Chairman of the Advisory Board for Tolsma USA, a Netherlands-based agricultural company expanding into the U.S. market, he assembled a board of experts and helped the company grow revenue by more than 80 percent in four years. His service as Co-Chairman of the Idaho Advisory Committee for the U.S. Global Leadership Campaign further illustrates his belief in diplomacy, development, and international engagement as vital tools for advancing American interests and values.

Roy’s professional affiliations and recognitions underscore his standing as a thought leader in law, public policy, and governance. He holds a Certificate of Director Education from the National Association of Corporate Directors and has completed the Executive Management Program at Dartmouth College. He is admitted to the Idaho State Bar, the District of Columbia Bar, the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal and Ninth Circuits, and the Federal District Court of Idaho. His work has been recognized repeatedly by peers and media alike, including Martindale-Hubbell’s highest attorney rating, decades of selection in Best Lawyers in America, and honors such as the Idaho Business Review Icon Award, Idaho Leaders in Law Lifetime Achievement Award, and inclusion in Who’s Who in America and Who’s Who in American Law. In 2025, he was named to the Idaho 500 in the category of Government, Politics & Lobbyists, recognizing his influence in shaping public policy and civic life.

Beyond his professional and boardroom accomplishments, Roy is guided by a deep sense of responsibility to community and a genuine enjoyment of people. He is known for his ability to listen thoughtfully, frame complex issues in understandable terms, and build trust across political, sector, and cultural lines. His personal interests—travel, hiking, bicycling, boating, reading, golf, and time spent outdoors—mirror his appreciation for the landscapes and communities he serves. He is committed to mentoring emerging leaders, supporting educational initiatives, and helping organizations align strategy with mission in ways that create long-term value.

At every stage of his career, Roy has remained steadfast in his belief that public policy and law are ultimately about improving lives and strengthening institutions. Whether advising a board on energy investments, counseling a client on regulatory compliance, helping a nonprofit expand its impact, or shaping landmark legislation, he approaches each challenge with humility, preparation, and resolve. For companies, nonprofits, and institutions seeking a director or adviser who understands the interplay between government, business, and community—and who has demonstrated over decades that he can deliver results—Roy brings not only expertise and experience but also a clear sense of purpose.

Character:
Roy embodies integrity and dependability, consistently aligning his decisions with the long-term interests of the organizations and communities he serves. He is known for keeping his word, following through on commitments, and approaching even the most contentious issues with fairness and respect. His dedication to service, from preserving Idaho’s heritage to strengthening humanitarian organizations, reflects a character grounded in humility, responsibility, and genuine care for others.

Knowledge:
His knowledge spans law, public policy, energy, environmental regulation, finance, and corporate governance, built through more than forty years of hands-on practice and leadership. He understands not only the letter of the law but also the practical realities of legislative processes, regulatory frameworks, and boardroom decision-making. This depth and breadth of expertise allow him to quickly grasp complex issues, anticipate downstream implications, and guide organizations toward informed, balanced choices.

Strategic:
Roy is a strategist who sees the big picture while never losing sight of operational details, making him a valuable partner in long-range planning and risk management. He has repeatedly designed and executed strategies that change laws, shape public opinion, and unlock new opportunities for clients and institutions. Whether structuring a lobbying effort, guiding a capital project, or advising on market entry, he brings a disciplined, outcome-focused mindset that helps boards and leadership teams move from intention to impact.

Communication:
An effective communicator who can translate complex legal and policy issues into clear, actionable insights for boards, executives, and stakeholders. He is comfortable speaking in legislative hearings, boardrooms, and public forums, and he knows how to tailor his message to diverse audiences without sacrificing substance. His communication style—candid, respectful, and solution-oriented—builds trust, diffuses tension, and fosters alignment around shared goals.

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