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WHO WE ARE

At Atlas, we believe in the power of purpose.

Atlas was established with the vision of becoming an issues-centric communications agency for the intermountain west with a focus on local projects that matter to people. Our agency is  majority-female owned and is led by seasoned industry professionals Amanda Watson and Douglas Self. The team at Atlas are tested strategists and planners. We take pride in telling our clients’ stories and telling them well. We know people and can bring them to the table or bring the table to them. Most importantly, we are results-driven and deliver exceptional work that has meaning. Atlas is a full-service agency with clients all across the west and has built a strong reputation as a leader in communications, public affairs and advocacy, public involvement and stakeholder relations. 

We're deeply committed to projects that align with our values and have a meaningful impact. That's why we're selective in the clients and initiatives we take on — because when we commit to something, we do it wholeheartedly. We've worked on critical projects across numerous industries including energy, development, healthcare, education, athletics, water, wastewater, transportation, housing, military, food manufacturing, and more. We invest our time, energy, and expertise into making a difference. If a project doesn't inspire us or we don't see the potential for real impact, we respectfully step aside. When we work on something, it's because we truly believe in its importance.

Meet the team →

THE ATLAS ADVANTAGE

We are team players.

We roll up our sleeves and get to work alongside our clients on tasks at every level. Working collaboratively is the Atlas way.

We are task masters.

Dedicated to quality on-time and on-budget delivery, our team will ensure deadlines are met and projects move forward seamlessly.

We know our stuff.

We are not only smart and strategic but also deeply curious. We have a knack for quickly mastering complex subjects and diving into the details when needed.

We believe in the work.

Passion is critical in our work. If we don't believe in it, we don't work on it. This means our efforts have not only brains driving them, but also heart.

We are results-driven

With Atlas, we bring ideas to life and we drive to an outcome — even if it means modifying or changing course, we will creatively problem solve to ensure results.

Don't take our word for it.

We partnered with Atlas Strategic Communications on a stakeholder insights and intelligence project for a high-profile company entering the Treasure Valley. The company wanted to understand the local landscape and determine the best ways to engage civil society to strengthen its reputation with Key Opinion Formers and other critical stakeholders. The Atlas team didn’t just deliver—they helped invent the wheel, developing innovative approaches like impact mapping, affinity scoring, and high-value insight sessions with key local leaders. I was deeply impressed by their clear-eyed analysis, thoughtful guidance, and actionable recommendations. I’m always eager for the next opportunity to work with them; they’re precisely the kind of public affairs partner you want when navigating sensitive reputation challenges and stakeholder dynamics."
Adam WeissPresident, Fio360
“As a long-term public affairs partner for AT&T, Atlas demonstrated their innate ability to creatively, effectively deliver on public affairs efforts across Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. Their team was critical in helping share AT&T’s priorities with stakeholders across the region and shining a light on the issues that matter most to the company and our customers. They are organized, strategic and willing to roll their sleeves up to get the job done.”
Tara ThuePresident, Mountain & Desert States, AT&T
"Atlas Strategic Communications is at the top of the public involvement game. Atlas was selected to lead our National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) public outreach work and did not disappoint. Atlas developed an in depth understanding of our unique situation and developed a workable public outreach program that exceeded our needs leading to our NEVI program public outreach being singled out by the Joint Office of Energy and Federal Highway Administration as being in the top five in the nation. Atlas has a thorough understanding of urban, rural, and disadvantage community outreach techniques which ensures the widest dissemination and collection of information. Atlas is my first choice for public outreach requirements.”
Scott LuekengaPlanning Section Manager, Idaho Transportation Department
"Atlas brought a rare mix of strategic insight, creativity, and collaborative spirit to our work together. They asked the tough questions and offered thoughtful pushback that consistently challenged us to elevate our thinking, while also contributing fresh ideas that reframed our approach in exciting ways. Working with them felt like having a true partner on the team—someone deeply invested in our success, who communicated with clarity, collaborated with ease, and consistently helped us move the work forward with purpose and energy.”
Colin HickmanDeputy Public Works Director, City of Boise
"Working with Amanda Watson and her team at Atlas Strategic Communications has been a game-changer for the board of the Idaho Contraceptive Education Network (ICEN). Their political savvy is unmatched—they have an instinctive understanding of the landscape, a strategic mind for navigating complex issues, and the connections to get results. Amanda and her team bring not only experience, but also credibility and insight that have opened doors we couldn’t access on our own. What sets Atlas apart is their ability to partner seamlessly with a wide variety of stakeholders. Whether it’s elected officials, community leaders, or private sector partners, Amanda's team knows how to build coalitions, find common ground, and drive progress. They listen deeply, communicate clearly, and always act with integrity. Atlas doesn’t just support their clients and the issues important to them—they become part of the mission. Their passion, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to excellence make them an invaluable ally in any initiative. It’s been a true pleasure to work alongside these true professionals. I’m better because of my association with this amazing team. I can’t recommend Amanda Watson and Atlas Strategic Communications highly enough."
Kelley PackerFounding Board Member, ICEN
"Atlas has been a consistent and reliable partner on transportation projects across Idaho and Utah for the last several years. We value their partnership in bringing exceptionally strong communication and innovative strategies to complex stakeholder engagement needs. Specific to a client need in Utah, they stepped up to the plate and developed a first of it’s kind Community Based Organization program that was tailored to the project’s need to engage with underserved communities… and they knocked it out of the park! Our team highly recommends Atlas as a highly valued teaming partner."
Claire WoodmanHorrocks Engineers
"The team at Atlas is absolutely exceptional at what they do. They bring incredible strategic direction, attention to detail and a commitment to excellence that exceeds expectations. They’re wholly invested in their clients, finding every opportunity for better storytelling, engagement and impact. I highly recommend Atlas to any organization looking to improve their communications, engage with their community and develop critical partnerships."
Abby HaydinCommunications Manager, City of Boise
"The Boise Metro Chamber utilized Atlas Strategic Communications to create a 40 page conference booklet and establish the strategy, branding, tone, quality, messaging and more for a video campaign highlighting our 100 year members. Their team were EXTREMELY organized and very responsive. They met with us a few times to really understand our goals and then they developed the perfect strategy, created a timeline, kept us looped in while they did the heavy lifting, and didn't drop the ball on anything. They went above and beyond on several occasions. We will definitely use Atlas Strategic Communications for future needs and highly recommend their top tier services!"
Bobbi-Jo MeulemanExecutive Director, Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

"They're precisely the kind of public affairs partner you want when navigating sensitive reputation challenges and stakeholder dynamics."
Adam WeissFio360
"They are organized, strategic and willing to roll their sleeves up to get the job done."
Tara ThuePresident, Mountain & Desert States, AT&T
"Our NEVI public outreach was singled out by the Joint Office of Energy and Federal Highway Administration as being in the top five in the nation. Atlas is my first choice for public outreach."
Scott LuekengaPlanning Section Manager, Idaho Transportation Department
"Working with them felt like having a true partner on the team, someone deeply invested in our success."
Colin HickmanDeputy Public Works Director, City of Boise
"Atlas doesn't just support their clients and the issues important to them. They become part of the mission."
Kelley PackerExecutive Director, Idaho Association of Cities
"They developed a first-of-its-kind Community Based Organization program tailored to engage underserved communities, and they knocked it out of the park."
Claire WoodmanHorrocks Engineers
"They're wholly invested in their clients, finding every opportunity for better storytelling, engagement and impact."
Abby HaydinCommunications Manager, City of Boise
"They developed the perfect strategy, kept us looped in while they did the heavy lifting, and didn't drop the ball on anything."
Bobbi-Jo MeulemanExecutive Director, Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce