Eric Hyland mn and eric hyland obituary

Eric Hyland Death - A Look at the Life of Longtime Minnesota Lobbyist
The Minnesota political community is mourning the loss of Eric Hyland, a longtime lobbyist and resident of Saint Paul, Minnesota. Hyland passed away unexpectedly on August 8th, 2023 at the age of 63. His death was announced on social media by friends who remembered Hyland as a "true friend with a gracious heart and a quick wit."
Hyland was a native of Coon Rapids, Minnesota and a graduate of Coon Rapids Senior High School. He went on to earn a Bachelor's degree in International Affairs from Lewis and Clark College in 1985.
After graduating from college, Hyland embarked on a career in government affairs and lobbying in his home state of Minnesota. From 1987 to 1996, he worked as a Finance Committee Administrator in the Minnesota Senate. This experience gave him over a decade of insider knowledge about state politics and policymaking.
In 1996, Hyland made the move to professional lobbying when he joined the firm Messerli & Kramer. He spent 20 years at Messerli & Kramer working as a lobbyist in St. Paul before starting his own firm, Eric Hyland Government Affairs, in 2016.
Throughout his lobbying career, Hyland represented a diverse range of organizations and businesses seeking to influence policy at the Minnesota State Capitol. His client list included groups in healthcare, education, insurance, banking, energy, transportation, and more.
A Fixture in the Minnesota Governmental Relations Council
In addition to his day-to-day lobbying work, Hyland was deeply involved with the Minnesota Governmental Relations Council (MGRC). He served on the MGRC Board for many years, including a term as MGRC President. At the time of his passing, he worked as the MGRC's lobbyist.
The MGRC expressed sorrow over Hyland's death, calling him "a pillar in St. Paul" and "a respected peer, a champion for industry, and a sought-after golf partner."
Remembrances from Friends and Colleagues
Friends, colleagues, and clients of Hyland took to social media to mourn his passing and share memories of his character. Many recalled his great sense of humor, tireless work ethic, and dedication to his career.
One friend called Hyland "The Captain" and reminisced about annual June golf trips they shared in Lutsen, Minnesota. Others said the Minnesota political world is "a little darker place" without Hyland's quick wit and gracious heart.
Conclusion
In his over 30 years as a lobbyist and government affairs professional, Eric Hyland made an enormous impact on state policy and politics in Minnesota. While his death is a major loss personally for his wide network of friends and colleagues, it also leaves a hole in Minnesota's lobbying community.
Hyland approached his career with equal parts humor, intelligence, and integrity. He was respected and well-liked across the partisan aisle during his decades of service at the Minnesota Legislature. Friends, clients, and co-workers will remember Hyland for his skills as a lobbyist along with his warm personality that brightened the State Capitol hallways.
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