Sandi Bloem, the longest serving and first woman mayor of Coeur d’Alene, has joined Gallatin Public Affairs. Gallatin is celebrating 25 years as a leading Northwest public affairs firm.

Bloem served as mayor of Coeur d’Alene from 2002 to 2014. During her leadership, Coeur d’Alene built the most successful Salvation Army Kroc Center in the country, built a new city library and redesigned McEuen Field. Known for her collaborative leadership style, Bloem also worked with business and education leaders to develop the education corridor.

“We have long admired Sandi’s leadership qualities in working with a diversity of viewpoints to solve problems and lead the city forward,” said Jeffrey Bell, Gallatin managing partner. “There is a reason she was elected for three terms. Sandi got things done even under the most difficult circumstances at times. Her stellar statewide reputation is well earned and deserved.”

Bloem said she looks forward to the association with the regional firm. “I am very familiar with Gallatin’s work in the region and admire their strategic and common sense approach to problem solving. Now, working with Gallatin allows me to remain involved with people and issues I care most about.”

As a downtown business owner, Bloem remains active in the Coeur d’Alene area. Along with her work with Gallatin, Bloem will continue to serve on the Salvation Army Kroc Advisory Board, Coeur d’Alene Vision 2030 and the North Idaho University Advisory Board.