CSAC names new Chief Legislative Advocate

Sacramento, CA — The California State Association of Counties (CSAC) announced today that Kimberly Rodriguez, who served three consecutive California State Senate President pro Tempores and has a deep knowledge of public policy and the legislative landscape, is joining the CSAC team as Chief Legislative Advocate.

Rodriguez’ career spans more than 25 years and highlights her commitment and work to improve the lives of Californians and our communities, from legislation and budgetary decisions that bolstered public education to policies that increased the state’s housing supply, improved health care access and affordability, and enhanced safety in communities throughout the Golden State.

Most recently, Rodriguez served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Policy Director to Senate President pro Tem Mike McGuire, and in that role managed a team of 12 policy experts, oversaw legislative priorities for the Pro Tem, and worked with the Secretary of the Senate to oversee the legislative committee process. Rodriguez also served as Policy Director for Senate President pro Tem Toni Atkins, leading and negotiating key legislation, managing Senate floor sessions, and working collaboratively with the Governor’s Office and Assembly Speaker’s Office. She also served as Chief Education Advisor under Senate President pro Tem Kevin de León, as a Legislative Advocate for the Association of California School Administrators, and was the Chief Deputy Consultant for the Assembly Appropriations Committee, where she analyzed all K-12 education and public/private sector labor legislation for its fiscal and policy impact on the state.

“Kimberly is a powerhouse on public policy, and highly skilled at navigating the legislative landscape in a way that delivers results – not just for the people she works for, but for the benefit of California as a whole,” said CSAC CEO Graham Knaus. “Kimberly’s skills and insights complement our team and goals and will have an immediate impact on the advocacy work we do on behalf of the state’s 58 counties.”

In her role as Chief Legislative Advocate, Kimberly will manage all aspects of CSAC’s legislative advocacy and policy development, including building coalitions, developing strategy, coordinating on public affairs and media efforts, and ensuring that CSAC continues to drive legislation and regulatory solutions that support effective local governance.

“Kimberly is exactly the kind of policy professional that CSAC needs at the helm to meet the challenges facing our state and will undoubtedly help counties and local leaders meet this moment,” said CSAC President and Inyo County Supervisor Jeff Griffiths.

Kimberly holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from Santa Clara University. She was born and raised in California and believes deeply in the power of public policy and its ability to change lives for the better.

“For many years, I’ve been on the legislative side of the policy arena, so I’m looking forward to working alongside local leaders and supervisors – the practitioners – who are tasked with implementing the laws being passed,” said Rodriguez. “This is an incredible team at CSAC, and one that I’m honored to join.”

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