Experience

Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities

• United States
• Higher Education
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Vice President for Policy

  • Jan 2014 - Present

  Work on “big picture” policy topics and research projects related to online education, community college transfer, access for nontraditional students. Successfully build and expand broad coalitions around priority policy issues with business groups, other higher education organizations, and social equity organizations. Track and analyze state and federal legislation and regulations related to higher education, financial aid and access, and labor/employment; assist in legislative advocacy efforts. Write bill position letters, regulatory comments, talking points, articles, and reports/white papers. Lead a working group of provosts craft a sector-to-sector transfer agreement. Lead grassroots advocacy efforts, including holding bi-weekly calls with members; developing grassroots advocacy guide; coaching members on political engagement; and leading university delegations through meetings in the Capitol. Assist in association management responsibilities, including updating organizational bylaws, sponsorship and business development, and membership development. Show less



California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce

• United States
• Non-profit Organization Management
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Consultant

  • Sep 2012 - Jan 2014

  Consultant on a federal transportation grant focused economic development and engagement with small business contractors. Worked on a variety of topics, including economic development, international trade, supplier diversity, and public policy. Represented the chamber at functions, including meetings with foreign trade delegations. Consultant on a federal transportation grant focused economic development and engagement with small business contractors. Worked on a variety of topics, including economic development, international trade, supplier diversity, and public policy. Represented the chamber at functions, including meetings with foreign trade delegations.



California Chamber of Commerce

• United States
• Government Relations Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Policy Advocate

  • Dec 2009 - Sep 2011

  Lobbied state legislators and the executive office; worked independently and in coalitions to develop strategies regarding legislation; testified before policy and fiscal committees. Advocated on a broad policy portfolio: transportation and infrastructure, international relations and trade, local government, and workers compensation. Tracked and analyzed federal legislation and policies on transportation and trade. Represented the chamber in meetings with consul generals and other foreign dignitaries. Organized and led broad coalitions of business groups around major policy issues, including bills dealing with conflict minerals, forced labor, and divestment from Iran. Show less



California Special Districts Association

• United States
• Government Relations
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Legislative Director

  • Jul 2006 - Dec 2009

  Lobbied members and staff of the State Legislature, staffed sponsored legislation, testified before policy and fiscal committees, fielded questions from media. Tracked and analyzed legislation, regulations, statewide initiatives, including public contracting, political reform and open meetings laws, employee relations, elections, property tax, and more. Started and managed the Legislative Department, including setting direction for department staff, meeting deadlines established in the strategic plan, establishing the department’s budget. Increased the influence of the association in the local government arena by creating and cultivating relationships with legislators, legislative staff, other lobbyists, and media. Oversaw contract lobbyist and coordinate efforts with him and other local government lobbyists. Spoke at chapter meetings and conferences to discuss current legislation and political dynamics. Show less



BN Magazine

• Online Audio and Video Media

• Managing Editor

  • May 2005 - Apr 2008

  Writer and editor at BN Magazine, a monthly, Vietnamese-American lifestyle magazine. Wrote articles, developed ideas for new articles and recruited writers, and managed content for the magazine. Worked with a freelance writing staff of over 25 individuals across the US. Writer and editor at BN Magazine, a monthly, Vietnamese-American lifestyle magazine. Wrote articles, developed ideas for new articles and recruited writers, and managed content for the magazine. Worked with a freelance writing staff of over 25 individuals across the US.



California Association for Health Services at Home (CAHSAH)

• United States
• Hospitals and Health Care
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Legislative Specialist

  • Nov 2004 - Jul 2006

  Researched and analyzed state and federal legislation and regulations related to healthcare policy and state and federal funding for healthcare programs, and Medicare/Medicaid. Became knowledgeable with state and federal healthcare policy issues. Assessed legislative priorities with Policy Director and assisted in advocacy efforts, including grassroots outreach and mobilization. Fundraised and managed the political action committee, and handled filings and reports. Researched and analyzed state and federal legislation and regulations related to healthcare policy and state and federal funding for healthcare programs, and Medicare/Medicaid. Became knowledgeable with state and federal healthcare policy issues. Assessed legislative priorities with Policy Director and assisted in advocacy efforts, including grassroots outreach and mobilization. Fundraised and managed the political action committee, and handled filings and reports.



WALKSacramento

• Program Manager

  • Mar 2003 - Nov 2004

  Supporting efforts for a more pedestrian-friendly Sacramento. Managed local programs to promote more walking and advocated for land use and development decisions that emphasize pedestrian accessibility and safety. Supporting efforts for a more pedestrian-friendly Sacramento. Managed local programs to promote more walking and advocated for land use and development decisions that emphasize pedestrian accessibility and safety.