GOVERNMENTAL ADVOCATES - Key Persons
Ms. Fuentes is an Executive Legislative Aide at Governmental Advocates, Inc., having joined the lobbying and consulting firm in 2007. Prior to joining Governmental Advocates, Ms. Fuentes worked for the California State Assembly.
In addition to supporting the lobbyists at Governmental Advocates, Ms. Fuentes is responsible for facilitating Political Action Committee activities and coordinating private fundraising events. Ms. Fuentes also provides client support in the form of policy research and analysis, legislative tracking, monitoring policy hearings and floors sessions as well as Association coordination. Ms. Fuentes regularly plans Advocacy Days for various clients, which includes coordinating venues, scheduling legislative meetings and materials preparation.
Ms. Fuentes holds a Bachelor's degree in Organizational Communication from California State University, Chico.
Ms. Fuentes lives in Elk Grove with her husband, and four children.
Mr. Berg is President of Governmental Advocates. He joined Governmental Advocates in 1995 after spending 40 years in state government service, the last 22 of which were spent working for the California State Senate. As the senior partner in the firm, Mr. Berg has provided advocacy strategy to a wide variety of corporate, non-profit and association clients. His areas of expertise include taxation, internet/ technology, financial products and services, telecommunications, health care and local government. Mr. Berg also specializes on developing business opportunities for corporate clients with the state, and has also worked extensively on taxation issues. Mr. Berg is particularly experienced in the state budget process and has worked closely with a wide variety of nonprofit clients seeking state funding.
Immediately prior to joining Governmental Advocates, Mr. Berg served 11 years as Executive Officer of the Senate. As Executive Officer, Mr. Berg was responsible for the administration of the State Senate and worked directly for two successive President Pro Tempores, Senator David Roberti and Senator Bill Lockyer. Due to this experience, Mr. Berg brings the firm's clients a unique perspective on the legislative and governmental process and insights into the politics of policy making in California.
He is a member of the California State Bar and a graduate of McGeorge School of Law. He has his B.A. from Occidental College in Los Angeles.
Active in the Sacramento Jewish community, Mr. Berg is currently on the Board of the Sacramento Jewish Federation and is active in a wide variety of civic organizations. Mr. Berg has also served as a volunteer Judge Pro Tempore in the Sacramento Small Claims Court. He is married to his wife Debra and has three children.
Melissa Cortez is a Partner at Governmental Advocates. She joined the firm in 2000. Prior to joining Governmental Advocates, Ms. Cortez worked in the State Capitol as a Legislative Aide for a member of the California State Assembly and for the Joint Legislative Audit Committee.
At Governmental Advocates, Ms. Cortez works on a variety of issues, however she specializes in healthcare, workers' compensation, renewable energy and the state budget. Representing the interests of pharmaceutical manufacturers, benefit managers and health care providers her work has ensured that Californian's have access to the professional services and medications they need to improve their quality of life. During her tenure, she has also worked to advance California's energy and climate goals, the development of renewable energy, and the economic opportunities of a green economy.
Ms. Cortez holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government and Journalism from the California State University at Sacramento.
Ms. Stevens joined Governmental Advocates in 2012 after serving in the Administration of Governor Edmund G. Brown as the Acting Secretary for the Business Transportation and Housing Agency.
Ms. Stevens has over 30 years of public policy experience in California. Specifically, she served nine years in the State Senate working for two Senate Minority Leaders, Senator Jim Nielsen (R) and Senator Ken Maddy (R), a and total of 11 years working for three Governors; Governors Pete Wilson (R), Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) and Edmund G. Brown (D).
Ms. Stevens also served three years as Deputy Director of Legislation and Regulatory Review at the Department of Housing and Community Development; five years at the Department of Consumer Affairs and the State and Consumer Services Agency, and three years at the Business, Transportation & Housing Agency.
Ms. Stevens areas of expertise include consumer protection, government procurement, cannabis, professional licensing, housing, financial regulations, transportation and public safety. Ms. Stevens also serves as a Trustee for the California Museum Board.
Ms. Stevens lives in Roseville, is married and has one daughter.