Gretchen Newsom

I am an engaged community leader and the President of the Ocean Beach Town Council. In this role, I actively work to preserve and improve community resources, advocate for a sustainable local economy, enhance community dialogue and civic engagement, increase neighborhood safety, and maintain our unique community characteristics.

I work for LeSar Development Consultants (LDC), a social innovation firm that assists clients with growing vibrant communities and solving chronic homelessness. As Principal and Director of Communications and Legislative Affairs, I support LDC clients with research and analysis of new policy initiatives, public relations, and preparation of public materials. I track federal, state, and local legislation and budgets connected to community and economic development, affordable housing, and homelessness. I am also LDC’s lead project manager and editor of all work products.

Before I joined LDC, I served as Special Assistant to Chairman Phil Angelides of the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission, a bipartisan body charged with conducting the nation’s official inquiry into the causes of the financial and economic crisis. The Commission presented its report to the President and Congress in January 2011, and the report made the New York Times best sellers list and was hailed as “the definitive history of this period.” My work for the FCIC required strong organizational skills and a high level of strategic planning. I advised the Commission on outreach, goal setting, structural development, and public affairs. In addition to being the FCIC’s senior financial and personnel officer, I managed the Commission’s start-up infrastructure, internal and external relations, and day-to-day operations.

I previously worked on a partnership with Magic Johnson and Canyon Partners to create urban affordable rental housing, and at a firm focused on smart growth developments and clean energy projects. I also served as a Deputy Policy Director on a gubernatorial campaign, and I conducted corporate research and drafted legislation while working at the California State Treasurer’s office.

I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Humboldt State University with