Johnnise Foster-Downs
Sacramento,CA
Summary
Results-driven government affairs professional with a proven background as an influential community leader, relationship builder, and solution-oriented strategic thinker. Successfully managed government affairs, legislative advocacy, and stakeholder engagement. Demonstrated leadership skills in developing and executing strategic initiatives that align with organizational goals and effectively support policy objectives. Expert in analyzing legislation and regulations, synthesizing complex information to advise executive management, and representing organizational interests in diverse governmental settings. Highly skilled in building collaborative relationships with local and state agencies, external consultants, and industry groups. Adept at leading cross-functional teams to achieve compliance objectives and promote sustainable practices. Extensive experience ensuring alignment with requirements for regulatory bodies and government agencies. Committed to enhancing operational effectiveness and driving positive outcomes that benefit the organization and the communities it serves.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President of Public Policy
Sacramento and California Asian Pacific Chambers of Commerce
01.2024 - 02.2025
- Led the public policy team, representing the Chamber's interests at the local, regional, and state levels and serving as the chief government affairs advocate
- Developed and implemented the Chamber's legislative agenda and policy priorities in close collaboration with the CEO, ensuring advocacy efforts align with organizational goals
- Developed, directed, and managed Policy team and policy strategy, including internal staff and external consultants
- Researched and analyzed draft legislation and proposed regulations
- Drafted policy positions and provided briefings to the CEO, Board of Directors, and Policy committees
- Spearheaded activities and executed signature events to achieve revenue goals, while effectively managing the department budget.
- Primary spokesperson and liaison for external media on public policy and political matters
Government Affairs & Public Policy – Sacramento-Sierra Division
Pacific Gas & Electric
01.2020 - 01.2024
- Developed political and government relations goals and strategies to enhance PG&E’s position in the Sacramento-Sierra Division
- Advocated policy priorities supporting company legislative and regulatory policy objectives and preventing harmful legislation, ordinances, and regulations
- Monitored and analyzed local ordinances and regulatory actions that affect energy supply, program financing, and emergency response, to meet strategic goals
- Worked with internal staff and external stakeholders to ensure FERC and NERC compliance
- Built strategic partnerships with public agencies, legislators, stakeholders, community-based, and policy-focused organizations to communicate messaging and increase awareness
Associate Director of Development
Wind Youth Services
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Lead development efforts to increase awareness of Wind Youth Services among elected officials and policymakers to generate support and funding opportunities
- Managed communications, marketing, outreach, fundraising, and philanthropy to further the mission of the organization’s development goals
- Coordinated public affairs, annual giving, major gifts, corporate fundraising, special events, and campaigns
Municipal Services Manager
Republic Services
01.2013 - 01.2019
- Developed political and government relations goals and strategies to enhance Republic Services’ position and influence in local franchise markets and the Sacramento region
- Built strategic relationships and community partnerships to deliver messaging and community outreach
- Managed municipal team and consultants to meet contract deliverables and business unit goals
- Monitored and analyzed legislation that could impact the waste and utility industry
Director, Regional Policy & External Affairs
Sacramento Metro Chamber
01.2012 - 01.2013
- Represented the interests of the business community and proactively worked to promote a favorable legislative and regulatory environment
- Worked with diverse business leaders throughout the seven-county region and created messaging and strategy to appropriately and effectively address legislation that impacted businesses and the regional business environment
- Managed day-to-day advocacy and outreach
- Developed and carried out short and long-term policy initiatives
State Government Affairs
California Restaurant Association
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Advocated policies before the state legislature, constitutional officers, and agencies to promote a favorable legislative and regulatory environment for the restaurant industry
Director, Local Government Affairs
California Restaurant Association
01.2005 - 01.2011
- Developed policy initiatives and strategies to promote favorable legislative and regulatory environment throughout the 35-county region
- Established and cultivated relationships and strategic alliances to maximize impact and influence in individual cities and counties
Senior Field Representative
Office of Congressman Doug Ose
01.2004 - 01.2005
- Represented and promoted congressman’s agenda throughout 7-county congressional district
- Specialized in community outreach, constituent relations, and case management
Education
Master of Public Administration -
University of Southern California
05-2027
Bachelor of Arts - Government
California State University, Sacramento
05-1997
Skills
- Local government affairs experience
- State government affairs experience
- National Spokesperson
- Strategy development
- Strategic messaging
- Relationship building
- Coalition building
- Policy development
Awards
Exceptional Woman of Color, 2024, Politics & Government Relations
Community Service
- Sacramento Metro Chamber, Past Board Member
- Sacramento Metro Chamber PAC, Past Board Member
- Capitol Black Chamber of Commerce, Past Board Member
- Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce, Past Chair & Board Member
- Sacramento Tree Foundation, Past Board Member
- Cleaner Air Partnership, Past Committee Member
Leadership Training
- American Leadership Forum
- Nehemiah Emerging Leaders Program
- Catalyst Leadership Program
- Leadership Fundamentals
- Leadership Sacramento
Timeline
Vice President of Public Policy
Sacramento and California Asian Pacific Chambers of Commerce
01.2024 - 02.2025
Government Affairs & Public Policy – Sacramento-Sierra Division
Pacific Gas & Electric
01.2020 - 01.2024
Associate Director of Development
Wind Youth Services
01.2019 - 01.2020
Municipal Services Manager
Republic Services
01.2013 - 01.2019
Director, Regional Policy & External Affairs
Sacramento Metro Chamber
01.2012 - 01.2013
State Government Affairs
California Restaurant Association
01.2009 - 01.2011
Director, Local Government Affairs
California Restaurant Association
01.2005 - 01.2011
Senior Field Representative
Office of Congressman Doug Ose
01.2004 - 01.2005
Master of Public Administration -
University of Southern California
Bachelor of Arts - Government
California State University, Sacramento
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