Joaquin M. Pons
Sacramento,CA
Summary
Senior Vice President, Political Affairs & Communications steering statewide advocacy, external engagement, and executive messaging for major California institutions. Leads legislative strategy, multi-million-dollar political and communications budgets, and coalition building across business, labor, housing, public safety, and policy groups. Partners with the Governor, legislative leaders, and executive teams to position the organization as a credible statewide voice on ballot measures, regulatory issues, and member priorities.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Vice President, Political Affairs & Communications
CALIFORNIA BUILDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION (CBIA)
01.2023 - Current
- Direct 10 statewide advocacy priorities across political affairs, communications, and external engagement programs.
- Lead statewide initiative campaigns, including School Bonds and other ballot priorities.
- Oversee website, e-newsletters, social media, media relations, and PR consultants across the enterprise communications function.
- Work directly with the Governor, Pro Tem, Speaker, constitutional officers, and statewide elected officials to advance legislative and regulatory agenda.
- Build coalitions across business, labor, housing, public safety, and policy sectors to strengthen advocacy reach.
- Partner with the CEO and executive team to strengthen organizational strategy, member value, and statewide alignment.
Vice President, Political Affairs & Communications
CALIFORNIA BUILDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION (CBIA)
09.2018 - 01.2023
- Managed $5 political affairs budget supporting statewide strategy, contributions, and board engagement.
- Led statewide political affairs strategy, aligning contributions with policy priorities and government relations goals.
- Managed communications and public relations efforts to raise CBIA's statewide profile.
- Directed statewide ballot initiative campaigns and built diverse coalitions around legislative advocacy priorities.
- Supported the CEO on cross-department strategic initiatives and executive communications.
- Coordinated public-facing messaging and stakeholder outreach to reinforce advocacy priorities across audiences.
Political Director
CALIFORNIA CORRECTIONAL PEACE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION (CCPOA)
11.2013 - 09.2018
- Directed government relations and legislative advocacy with senior leaders and statewide candidates.
- Led coalitions, including Building and Protecting a Strong CA, to advance shared political and policy goals.
- Supervised the Governmental Affairs office and strengthened the association's political program.
- Partnered with CBIA to manage the Golden 1 Center suite for political engagement and relationship building.
- Served as senior liaison to legislative leadership and statewide candidates, supporting executive communications and media relations.
Political Consultant
MINORITIES IN LAW ENFORCEMENT
12.2012 - 11.2013
- Drafted speeches, talking points, press releases, and policy documents to support legislative advocacy and public messaging.
- Supported fundraising, outreach, and coalition building across diverse stakeholders to advance campaign and policy objectives.
- Advised on policy development and ballot initiative campaigns, translating strategy into clear recommendations for decision-makers.
Senior Government Affairs Analyst
CALIFORNIA CORRECTIONAL PEACE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION (CCPOA)
10.2011 - 11.2013
- Developed policy analyses to inform legislative and political agenda planning.
- Served as liaison to legislative offices and the CCPOA lobbying team on priorities and follow-up.
- Supported legislative advocacy efforts through coordination with public officials and internal stakeholders.
- Contributed to political planning, budget development, and forecasting for advocacy initiatives.
- Represented CCPOA in public-facing communications and external discussions with key stakeholders.
Legislative Analyst
MINORITIES IN LAW ENFORCEMENT
04.2009 - 10.2011
- Researched legislative bills and public safety issues to support timely analysis and internal policy updates.
- Drafted concise policy summaries for bipartisan partners and legislative offices.
- Coordinated stakeholder outreach with bipartisan partners and legislative offices to advance shared priorities.
- Built coalition relationships across bipartisan partners to support legislative advocacy efforts.
- Maintained regular communication with legislative offices to coordinate follow-up and monitor public safety developments.
Program Director, ERC
ALUM ROCK COUNSELING CENTER
09.2007 - 04.2009
- Directed day-to-day program operations and kept services aligned with organizational goals.
- Reviewed program needs and adjusted workflows to improve service delivery across teams.
- Prepared reports and updates for internal stakeholders to support program planning and oversight.
- Worked with community partners to coordinate referrals and strengthen access to support services.
Youth Counselor, ERC
ALUM ROCK COUNSELING CENTER
08.2006 - 09.2007
- Monitored youth behavior and responded calmly to concerns during counseling activities.
- Maintained confidential client records and updated session notes after each appointment.
- Facilitated group activities that encouraged participation, communication, and positive peer interaction.
- Reinforced program expectations and daily routines to support a stable counseling environment.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Social Sciences
Notre Dame de Namur University
Belmont, CASkills
- Political strategy
- Government relations
- Legislative advocacy
- Ballot initiative campaigns
- Policy analysis
- Executive communications
- Coalition building
- Media relations
- Stakeholder engagement
- Budget forecasting
Personal Information
Title: Statewide Executive Leader Government Affairs Organizational Strategy Coalition Expansion
Timeline
Senior Vice President, Political Affairs & Communications
CALIFORNIA BUILDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION (CBIA)
01.2023 - Current
Vice President, Political Affairs & Communications
CALIFORNIA BUILDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION (CBIA)
09.2018 - 01.2023
Political Director
CALIFORNIA CORRECTIONAL PEACE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION (CCPOA)
11.2013 - 09.2018
Political Consultant
MINORITIES IN LAW ENFORCEMENT
12.2012 - 11.2013
Senior Government Affairs Analyst
CALIFORNIA CORRECTIONAL PEACE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION (CCPOA)
10.2011 - 11.2013
Legislative Analyst
MINORITIES IN LAW ENFORCEMENT
04.2009 - 10.2011
Program Director, ERC
ALUM ROCK COUNSELING CENTER
09.2007 - 04.2009
Youth Counselor, ERC
ALUM ROCK COUNSELING CENTER
08.2006 - 09.2007
Bachelor of Arts - Social Sciences
Notre Dame de Namur University