Hey Kristi,

I know that feeling...

Having been there, I'd approach your boss in a friendly, positive manner to address the situation. Express that you don't feel that your talents are being utilized and that while you are happy to do what it takes to help the firm succeed you feel you'd be a better asset if ...

and then list, specifically, the things that you would like to see change. That you want to be included in those meetings. That you want to really *be* the liaison that your title suggests. He hired you for your expertise, right?

I am a department of one in my company and my boss had a lot of similar ideas when I was hired. It has been up to me to establish myself in that role, and that takes some standing up for yourself. Suggest positive changes, don't dwell on the negatives but be assertive and define the role that you want to take there. If your boss is as great as you say he will be impressed by your motivation.

And be firm about it. You say he is busy, but make sure that he knows that it's important that he takes the time to talk about this with you. I know that it can be easy to equate that sort of conversation with being b!tchy/whiny, but IMO you shouldn't approach it that way or think of it that way; people respect people that are assertive, (moreso when they are positive about it) but if you let yourself get pushed around it just sets a precedent for more of the same...

My two cents...

Anne