About Peaks to Plains

Peaks to Plain’s proven ability to deliver meaningful outcomes across projects — from securing rural healthcare funding to reviving cultural landmarks — demonstrates why they are the trusted partner for impactful government relations, especially in areas of Colorado that need it the most.

Principals

Salvatore Pace

Sal Pace has built a diverse career in public service, policy, and business. As Colorado State House Minority Leader, he worked extensively on regulatory issues, environmental protection, and criminal justice reform. He played a key role in creating the Fountain Creek Watershed District, protecting Piñon Canyon, and securing permanent funding for transit and rail in Colorado. He also helped raise nearly a quarter billion dollars to save Amtrak’s long-distance service between Chicago and Los Angeles, earning national recognition from Amtrak in 2016.

Elected as Pueblo County Commissioner in 2012, Sal led efforts to expand educational opportunities, economic development, and research initiatives at CSU-Pueblo. Prior to public office, he was a college instructor, congressional staffer, and campaign manager for Congressman John Salazar.

After leaving office, Pace served as a co-chair for Governor Polis’ transition team and remains active in public policy and advocacy. He serves on the boards of the Front Range Passenger Rail Commission, the Colorado Independent Venues Association, and HeadCount’s voter engagement initiatives. His experience spans the federal, state, and local levels, with a focus on transportation, economic development, and public policy.

Tara Trujillo

Tara Trujillo is the co-founder and a partner at Peaks to Plains Government Relations. She launched the firm to help mission-driven organizations and communities navigate government systems, build political will, and deliver results—especially in parts of Colorado that are too often overlooked.

Tara brings decades of experience at both the state and federal levels, including senior roles at the U.S. Department of Energy and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. She has led government affairs for national organizations, managed crisis communications for governors, senators, and members of Congress, and driven initiatives in healthcare, energy, early learning, and economic development. She knows how policy gets made—and how to move it.

A Pueblo native, Tara’s commitment to Southern Colorado runs deep. Her father grew up across from the steel mill where her grandfather worked, shaping her drive to bring investment, jobs, and respect to a region too often left behind.