Laura S. Email & Phone Number

Sacramento, California Area

Manage the following program areas: Judicial Council and Trial Court Leadership, Special Projects, and Conference and Print Services.

Sacramento, California Area

On behalf of the judicial branch of California, represent and advocate for the judicial branch on legislative, policy, and budget matters. Participate in legislative proceedings to effectively advocate legislative positions. Coordinate budget presentations for individual legislators, budget committees, and legislative staff, as well as for the Governor and the state Department of Finance.

Sacramento, California, United States

Faculty member in post-baccalaureate certificate program in judicial administration.

Sacramento, California Area

Teach Practical and Persuasive Legal Writing and Persuasive Analysis Strategies & Skills classes for third and fourth year students. Both courses focus on critical reading skills and issue identification, answer outlining and time management, use of IRAC, and crafting effective rule statements, factual analyses, and conclusions.

Sacramento, California Area

Managed the activities and operations of the County's governmental relations and legislative program. Researched and analyzes local, state, and federal programs and legislation to evaluate impact on County operations; prepare problem analysis and report of findings to the County Board of Supervisors and the County Executive Officer. Active adviser to the County Executive Officer and the executive management team, made recommendations on the adoption of positions on proposed legislation, proposed business practices, forums, and activities that further the interests of Sacramento County. Reported to the Board of Supervisors on a regular basis regarding pending legislation, policy changes, and intergovernmental relations. Developed contacts with legislative representatives at the local, state, and federal level. Represented the county at legislative hearings and developed outreach strategies to support or oppose pending legislation. Represented the CEO before the Board of Supervisors and made presentations to department heads, other governmental entities, commissions, agencies, and community groups on behalf of the Board. Managed external affairs and media relations for Sacramento County, including proactive marketing and communications campaigns and media relations. Coordinated with County management in pursuing government funds for projects; develop proposals to secure funding and reimbursement; work with County departments in preparing public grant applications. Oversaw the development of the governmental relations and legislative program annual budget including forecasting funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies and monitoring and approving expenditures.

California Public Employees Retirement System (Calpers)

Managed stakeholder relations and outreach for CalPERS. Established and maintained relationships with interested stakeholders including member, employer, and industry organizations such as retiree groups, active member associations, national pension industry organizations, retirement system-based associations. Conducted sensitive, high level meetings with legislative directors, executive directors, senior management and other high level policy strategists from employer and employee associations, as well as, special interest groups on issues with significant impact to CalPERS including, but not limited to pension reform, national health care reform and financial investment market reform. Facilitated policy driven discussions with key stakeholders, both internally and externally. Advised the Chief Executive Officer, and the Board of Administration, the Executive Staff. Make recommendations regarding the adoption of proposed business practices, forums, and activities that further the education and informational needs of CalPERS stakeholders. Drafted various CalPERS policies such as the California Public Records Act policies and procedures and CalPERS Advertising Guidelines. Administered the California Public Records Act Program. Managed the various events including the CalPERS Educational Forum, an annual forum for employers with over 700 attendees. Planned, organized, managed and directed through subordinate managers and direct report staff the day-to-day administration of the Office of Stakeholder Relations.

Sacramento, California, United States

Managed external affairs for the department. Established and maintained relationships with stakeholders (statewide associations, local government officials, constituency groups, and third party advocates) and with local communities in order to manage external policy interests of the Department and its divisions. Coordinated efforts within the Department to ensure a synchronized strategic external message. Worked with other divisions within CDCR to ensure concerns and questions were answered in a timely manner. Made presentations at local community meetings including town hall meetings, city council meetings, county board of supervisor meetings, as well as, local community groups such as Rotary Club. Acted as Legislative Coordinator for the Office of Public and Employee Communications. Handled media inquiries and interviews, including on-camera interviews, for both print and broadcast media.

Sacramento, California, United States

Handled various assignments including the following committees: Public Safety, Labor and Industrial Relations, Local Government, Environmental Quality, Judiciary, and Public Employment and Retirement. Analyzed key legislation that would have had an impact on the relevant subject area including pension reform, pension rate volatility, MOU contract ratification for state bargaining units, local land use planning, workers compensation reform, parole reform, death penalty reform, juvenile justice reform, and environmental standards. Attended all legislative hearings and informational hearings held by assigned Committees to provide briefings/answer questions for members of the committee. Analyzed and drafted legislation suggested by member offices or requested by the Administration. Met regularly with Legislators, Administration Staff and other key stakeholders. Worked with representatives of key stakeholder groups on proposed legislation or other areas of concern for their respective constituencies.

Juris Doctorate, Law

Activities and Societies: McGeorge Law Review Junior Barristers Club Government Affairs Student AssociationWriter and Editor for McGeorge.

Bachelor Of Arts, Political Science

Graduated with honors in Political Science. Dean's List scholarship and Leon Panetta Fellowship in Washington D.C.