Miriam Dant
Miriam Smulevitz Dant is a government affairs professional recognized for her experience and insider’s knowledge of both the public and private sectors.
The Indianapolis Business Journal and Indiana Lawyer named Miriam among the “Influential Women in Indianapolis.” The IBJ also recognized her in its annual listing of the “Forty Under 40” who have demonstrated leadership, initiative and dedication in pursuing their careers before reaching the age of 40.
Nationally, Miriam has been listed in "Best Lawyers in America" in Government Relations Law every year beginning in 2007. “Best Lawyers in America” is the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession. Only fifteen other Indiana lawyers are included in that listing, and no other women.
Miriam served as former Governor Evan Bayh’s policy advisor for environmental and energy issues from 1993 to 1997, with responsibility for environmental, natural resources, energy and utility legislation, policies and administrative rules. Prior to that position, Miriam was Indiana Securities Commissioner (the youngest securities commissioner in the country at that time), Counsel to the Indiana Secretary of State, and a litigator at the law firm of Baker & Daniels.
Miriam practiced in the government affairs group at Baker & Daniels from 1997 to 2006, becoming a partner in 1998. She represented clients in front of the Indiana legislature and all areas of state and municipal government on issues including environmental regulation and policy, utilities and energy, taxes, transportation, economic development, general business issues and government procurement.
Miriam also has been active in her community and in professional organizations. She is a current or past board member of the Indianapolis Private Industry Council; Second Helpings, Inc.; Indiana Council for Economic Education; Bureau of Jewish Education; the Jewish Community Relations Council; and the Jewish Community Center of Indianapolis. She is a mayoral appointee to the City of Carmel Ethics Commission and was appointed to the Redistricting Study Commission by the Carmel Clay School Board. She is a member of the Governmental Affairs Society of Indiana and the Indiana chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners. The late Governor Frank O’Bannon appointed Miriam to the Office of Environmental Adjudication Nominating Commission.
She formed Dant Advocacy, Inc., in 2006, where she provides high-quality government affairs services to private and public sector clients interested in shaping public policy through state legislative, regulatory and policy initiatives.
Services include legislative and executive branch lobbying, government procurement, and regulatory representation. Dant Advocacy has been certified by the State of Indiana as a Women’s Business Enterprise for lobbying and professional procurement services.