Susan Kennedy leads the firm’s public policy advisory services in its California offices, where she advises clients on key areas of public policy, including energy, environment, financial services and technology, and also provides strategic approaches to navigating ever-changing California and global business and public policy climates. She also coordinates with the firm’s legislative and public policy practice in Washington, D.C., on matters of national significance.
The Los Angeles Times called Ms. Kennedy “the most enduring force in state government of the last decade.” She has been recognized by Democrats and Republicans, as well as business and labor unions, as a key factor in “getting it done” in Sacramento. Ms. Kennedy has built a formidable reputation over two decades at the highest levels of state and federal government, most recently as chief of staff to Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, as deputy chief of staff and cabinet secretary to Democratic Governor Gray Davis, and as communications director for California’s senior U.S. Senator, Dianne Feinstein. Ms. Kennedy also served for three years on California’s powerful Public Utilities Commission where she led groundbreaking efforts to streamline government regulation and promote investment in California businesses.
Ms. Kennedy’s most notable achievements include the following:
- Worked with Governor Schwarzenegger to pass groundbreaking environmental initiatives and cut through regulatory red tape to build renewable energy plants in California, an effort so successful that one newspaper called California the new “Saudi Arabia of Solar.”
- Coordinated the Davis administration’s efforts to fast track construction of new power plants during the state’s energy crisis, thereby reducing the time for permitting from an average of two-three years down to, in some cases, just 21 days.
- Helped lead Governor Schwarzenegger’s historic victories in passing the most comprehensive infrastructure and water reform packages in half a century.
- As a Commissioner on the California Public Utilities Commission, she succeeded in streamlining the state’s Byzantine regulatory process in order to promote investment in telecommunications, renewable energy and infrastructure.
- Appointed by Governor Schwarzenegger to the five-member board of the Health Benefits Exchange. In this role, Kennedy will help design California’s health insurance market for the benefit of millions of individuals and small businesses in the most populous state.
Ms. Kennedy’s deep understanding of the inner workings of California government and what moves global business and policy is unparalleled. Her reputation as a no-nonsense, non-partisan leader who can get things done is unrivaled.
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March 30, 2012
In the Press
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March 13, 2012
In the Press
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October 28, 2011
In the Press
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May 23, 2011
In the Press
Past Events
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May 19-21, 2013
Seminar
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May 3, 2013
Seminar
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May 2, 2013
Seminar
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April 30, 2013
Seminar
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March 8, 2013
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February 20, 2013
Seminar
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December 12, 2012
Seminar
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November 29, 2012
Seminar
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November 12-13, 2012
Seminar
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October 25, 2012
Seminar