The Apex Group reports that its former longtime business partner, Dave Ackerman, recently died at the age of 75. Ackerman was “a well-known, amiable, and effective lobbyist on behalf of his clients for over 30 years.” Before his retirement in 2015, Ackerman was “an institution in the Capitol,” starting his career in the early 70’s as chief of staff for former Asm. Frank Lanterman. Ackerman also worked as chief of staff for Mike Curb, former lieutenant governor during Gov. Jerry Brown’s first term in office. In that role, Ackerman established a “good working relationship” with Gray Davis, Brown’s chief of staff who later became governor. Following his time with Curb, Ackerman went on to be undersecretary of transportation for former Gov. George Deukmejian. This was the last governmental position Ackerman held before becoming vice president and chief lobbyist for the California Chamber of Commerce. The Apex Group says, “From the Chamber of Commerce, he charted his own path representing the powerful Associated General Contractors of California (AGC) and AGC of San Diego under DGA Associates.” In this capacity, Ackerman was “a leader in the area of transportation finance, working on several statewide voter approved ballot measures raising over $30 billion to support construction and maintenance of the state highway system, local streets and roads, and rail transit systems throughout California.” His final and long-lasting career move was partnering with lobbyist Paul Gladfelty to create The Apex Group, where he was a partner for over 25 years before “retiring and turning over the client leadership reins to Felipe Fuentes, partner in The Apex Group.” The firm says Ackerman was an avid golfer, enjoyed both snow and water skiing and had a love of Maui, HI where he ultimately retired with his wife DeeDee. Ackerman is survived by DeeDee, their son Jeffrey Ackerman and his wife Erin, their daughter Jennifer and her husband Scott Nuz and their children Cameron and Blake. Contact: Tammy Sandoval, tsandoval@theapexgroup.net.