Longbow Partners Taps Mercedes Bolen for North Texas Influence Push

DALLAS-FORT WORTH, TX – April 28, 2026 – In a strategic move poised to reshape the advocacy landscape in North Texas, advisory firm Longbow Partners announced it has hired Mercedes Bolen, a highly respected external affairs strategist with deep roots in the region's complex development and political arenas. Bolen joins the firm to spearhead its local municipal and county government affairs, a decision that signals Longbow's ambition to solidify its influence in one of the nation's fastest-growing metropolitan areas.

Bolen's appointment is more than a routine personnel change; it represents the acquisition of a key player with over two decades of experience navigating the intricate nexus of business, policy, and community interests in Dallas-Fort Worth. Her extensive background, most notably a 13-year tenure at the development giant Hillwood, positions Longbow to enhance its service to clients grappling with the challenges and opportunities of the region's explosive growth.

The High-Stakes Arena of DFW Advocacy

North Texas is a battleground of competing interests, where unprecedented economic and population growth fuels constant debate over zoning, housing affordability, infrastructure, and land use. For businesses, navigating this environment requires more than just a solid business plan; it demands sophisticated political and community engagement. The external affairs and lobbying sector in DFW is a competitive field, with established players like HillCo Partners and McGuireWoods Consulting commanding significant influence.

Firms in this space are tasked with helping clients cut through the regulatory red tape of city halls in Dallas, Fort Worth, and the surrounding suburbs, while also building the public and political consensus needed for major projects to succeed. Recent state laws impacting municipal zoning authority, such as those allowing for smaller residential lot sizes, have added another layer of complexity, creating a dynamic legal and political environment. Issues like these—from contentious rezoning requests for multifamily developments to debates over infrastructure funding—are precisely where seasoned strategists prove their worth. Bolen's arrival at Longbow is a clear indicator that the firm is doubling down on its ability to offer this specialized, high-level counsel for local matters.

A Two-Decade Architect of Regional Development

Mercedes Bolen's career is a testament to her ability to manage high-stakes initiatives. Before joining Longbow, she served as Vice President of External Affairs and Strategic Initiatives at Hillwood Development Company. In this role, she was a key figure representing AllianceTexas, the massive 27,000-acre master-planned community that has been a primary engine of economic growth for North Texas. Her work involved advancing the company's interests and representing major partnerships, a task requiring delicate negotiation with multiple municipalities, county governments, and community stakeholders.

Prior to her long tenure at Hillwood, Bolen honed her skills in the energy sector, leading municipal and community affairs for Chesapeake Energy during the height of the Barnett Shale boom. This experience placed her at the forefront of contentious land-use debates, where she was responsible for crafting clear narratives around technical issues and finding solutions that balanced the operational needs of a major energy company with the interests of local communities. This dual background in both large-scale development and the politically charged energy industry has equipped her with a unique and formidable skill set.

"Mercedes is one of the most effective communicators and trusted advocates in North Texas and has been a proven coalition builder since I first met her in 2007," said David Parker, Partner and Managing Director of Longbow's North Texas office, in a statement. "Her ability to navigate political dynamics and translate business objectives into action is exactly what those clients expect."

Longbow's Strategic Play for Deeper Local Roots

Founded in 2010, Longbow Partners has steadily built a reputation for advising organizations on complex political and regulatory matters across Texas. The firm's expansion into North Texas began in earnest in 2015 when it brought on David Parker to open and lead its Fort Worth office. This latest hire represents a significant deepening of that strategy, shifting from a broad state-and-local focus to a more concentrated effort on mastering the municipal and county-level intricacies of the DFW market.

Longbow promotes a model where clients hire the entire firm, leveraging a collaborative team with over 150 years of combined experience. Bolen's addition strengthens this model by bringing unparalleled on-the-ground knowledge of North Texas's local political machinery. Her expertise in public relations and client communications further enhances the firm's turnkey offerings, providing clients with a comprehensive suite of services that integrate direct lobbying with strategic messaging and community outreach.

This move strengthens Longbow’s position against competitors by offering a level of localized expertise that is increasingly critical. As development projects become more complex and community opposition more organized, the ability to build coalitions and secure local buy-in is paramount. Bolen's reputation as a consensus builder is a direct answer to this market demand.

"I'm excited to join longtime colleagues in strengthening an already exceptional firm," Bolen stated. "Longbow's commitment to service, strategy, and trusted relationships aligns with how I approach this work. Together, we'll help clients cut through complexity and deliver results that matter."

With this hire, Longbow Partners is not just adding a new executive; it is acquiring a deep well of institutional knowledge and an extensive network of relationships built over two decades. For businesses and organizations looking to make their mark in the booming North Texas economy, the firm has positioned itself as an indispensable guide through the region's challenging but rewarding political landscape.