Meet Our Co-Founders

Following her role as Communications Director of a United States Senate Race, Lydia Blaha Valdiviezo was selected to be the Colorado Communications Director for the 2016 Trump Presidential Campaign, where she led communications for the campaign’s Colorado team. Succeeding the successful campaign, Blaha Valdiviezo was offered the role of Communications Coordinator for the 58th Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC). After Inauguration, Blaha Valdiviezo was politically appointed at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in the role of Deputy Press Secretary. 

Blaha Valdiviezo went on to become the Director of a Super PAC for a Gubernatorial race then began her work in the non-profit world. She led the communications and messaging departments for several non-profits, two of which focused on combatting global persecution and the third concentrating its efforts on shining a light on the dangers of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Before beginning Cutting Edge Comms, Blaha Valdiviezo was the Communications Director for a state’s Attorney General where she led all internal and external communications/marketing strategy for the Office of the Attorney General.

Prior to her life in communications, Blaha Valdiviezo achieved a Master of Education in Mental Health Counseling and worked as a therapist with a focus on PTSD and Trauma. She believes her broad experiences, education and participation as a NCAA DI athlete play a key role in understanding the importance of positive and competitive communications and messaging. 

In 2019, James Hutton was appointed by President Donald J. Trump to be the Assistant Secretary of Public and Intergovernmental affairs at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Hutton oversaw the elements of public affairs, including, media relations, digital media engagement, outreach, internal information, and field operations nationwide. He also directed intergovernmental affairs, involving local and tribal governments in the 50 states, the territories, and District of Columbia. Before assuming his position as Assistant Secretary, Hutton served in VA as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs; Executive Director of Public Affairs; and Director of Media Relations. Prior to arriving at VA, he served as the Chief Communication and Engagement Officer for a year at the non-profit, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors in Arlington, Virginia.

Hutton served for nearly 27 years as an active-duty officer in the United States Army, retiring as a Colonel. During his military career, he served in numerous stateside positions and overseas in Germany, Kuwait, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and three tours of duty in Baghdad, Iraq. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree, a Master of Arts degree, and a Master of Science degree.

Hutton’s military awards include the Legion of Merit, three awards of the Bronze Star Medal, two awards of the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, five awards of the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, five awards of the Army Achievement Medal, the Combat Action Badge, the Army Staff Badge and numerous other U.S. and foreign medals and ribbons.