DENISE DAVIS
Carmichael,CA
Summary
Experienced, multi-talented advocate for California business with 16 years of success as a trade association executive. Effective communicator, strategic problem solver and change manager. Key expertise in state government, legislative advocacy and the regulatory process. History of work in areas involving both agriculture and environmental issues.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Vice President
CALIFORNIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Sacramento, CA (14,000 Members, 104 Employees, Salary $265k)
09.2007 - Current
- Chief storyteller for California’s largest and most powerful business advocacy organization.
- Develop strategies to support legislative policies that enhance California’s economy and jobs climate.
- Key strategic advisor to CalChamber President and CEO.
- Manage the business community’s involvement in select issue advocacy and ballot measure campaigns.
- Managed all public facing and member relations aspects of CEO retirement and leadership transition in 2021.
- Provide organizational leadership and collaborate with executive partners to establish long-term goals, strategies and company policies.
- Cultivate and maintain industry and member relationships to capitalize on opportunities and maximize organization's success.
- Oversee contracted professionals and consultants.
- Manage departmental budget and oversee staff.
Senior Vice President
RANDLE COMMUNICATIONS
Sacramento, CA
05.2006 - 08.2007
- Managed all aspects of major client public affairs initiatives.
- Effectively handled national media relations in the wake of litigation against a major for-profit education organization.
- Successfully developed and executed winning strategy to gain approval of a controversial large regional shopping mall.
- Managed legislative communication efforts on behalf of ports, pharmaceutical companies, and health care providers.
- Oversaw professional staff and budgets.
Vice President
APCO WORLDWIDE
Sacramento, CA
06.2005 - 04.2007
- Responsible for all earned media outreach and response for the 2005 Proposition 78 and 79 campaigns (drug discounts) on behalf of PhRMA.
- Handled crisis communications for Metropolitan Water District.
- Managed national media relations for a large pharmaceutical company during two high-profile wrongful death trials.
- Led team in strategic executive-level planning.
Chief Deputy Communications Director
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
Sacramento, CA
11.2003 - 05.2005
- During the initial phase of the Schwarzenegger administration, ensured consistency of Governor’s message throughout state government.
- Advised and directed members of the Governor’s cabinet.
- Developed and maintained strategic relationships with stakeholders.
- Flawlessly executed Governor’s events including on-the-ground management of international media during Japan trade mission.
Director of Media Relations
PACIFIC LEGAL FOUNDATION
Sacramento, CA
03.2001 - 10.2003
- Created effective campaigns to engage the public and policy makers on complicated legal cases involving protection of private property, water rights and individual freedoms.
- Gained valuable experience in water policy and the Endangered Species Act.
- Generated revenue by raising the organization’s profile.
- Built and maintained corporate image, brand and identity.
Director of Constituent Affairs/Victim Advocate
OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
Sacramento, CA
01.1997 - 02.2001
- Managed 16-person staff handling all requests for assistance and information from the Attorney General
- Created first-of-its kind Victim Assistance program to keep the families of murder victims apprised of legal proceedings in real time.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Rhetoric
University of California
Skills
- Influential, effective, and accountable leadership
- Persuasive communicator and experienced spokesperson
- Effective strategist
- Strong relationship manager
- Executive presence
Timeline
Executive Vice President
CALIFORNIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
09.2007 - Current
Senior Vice President
RANDLE COMMUNICATIONS
05.2006 - 08.2007
Vice President
APCO WORLDWIDE
06.2005 - 04.2007
Chief Deputy Communications Director
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
11.2003 - 05.2005
Director of Media Relations
PACIFIC LEGAL FOUNDATION
03.2001 - 10.2003
Director of Constituent Affairs/Victim Advocate
OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
01.1997 - 02.2001
Bachelor of Arts - Rhetoric
University of California
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