ADVOCATING FOR THE INDUSTRY


Meet the AGC of CA Government Affairs Team O


By Holly Harper, AGC Vice President, Strategic Communications


ver the past few years, AGC of California has developed a new and strengthened


approach to its critical mission of advocating for the construction industry at the local, state and federal levels.


Recognizing that government


affairs play a vital role in effectively serving members and addressing their concerns, AGC has developed a robust, multifaceted and highly diverse team that is committed to engaging with government and policy leaders at all levels. Teir proactive approach to advocacy puts AGC in the forefront of issues as they arise and helps keep the voice of construction at the table for every conversation impacting the industry. Here is a quick look at the AGC


of California Government Affairs team, their individual and collective experience, strengths, and insights, and how they view advocacy on behalf of you, our AGC members.


Manny Leon, Vice President of Government Affairs


Heading


up the AGC Government Affairs team since 2020, Leon leverages his strong background working with state and local elected


officials to help AGC determine policy and legislation that will impact the industry and ensure construction interests are heard and addressed. Prior to joining AGC, Leon spent


12 November/December 2021


“Relationships are key to advocacy. Building, having and owning those relationships will allow you to have a “foot in the door” when important conversations are needed to be held.” – Rosa Trevizo


five years as principal consultant to the California State Senate Committee on Transportation after working as a consultant with the Assembly Trans- portation Committee and, before that, for then Assemblymember John Laird. Earlier in his career he worked at the local level for the Mayor of Riverside as well as for the Orange County Trans- portation Authority. Leon oversees all levels of opera-


tions and activities assigned to the AGC Government Affairs staff. He reviews regulations, makes recommen- dations, and maintains relationships with a host of local agencies. In addition, he advises the AGC CEO, Executive Leadership Team and Executive Committee on policy and industry issues before the state, county, and city agencies, advocating on behalf of the construction industry. A key part of the value that


Leon sees the AGC Government Affairs team bringing to members is their breadth of experience and understanding of how to navigate policymaking processes at all levels. “We have a team that is experi-


enced in a variety of fields, from local government to working at the state level. And we also have an under- standing of the construction industry,”


Kate Mergen, Director, Agency Relations


As


an AGC in-house expert supporting the Government Affairs team, Kate Mergen manages and leverages relation- ships with agency partners to advance the needs of members and industry. She also supports Caltrans Liaison Committee activities.


Brian Mello, Safety Manager Playing


a pivotal role overseeing and supporting the Safety & Health Council, Brian Mello oversees all safety and regulatory functions necessary to support you. He manages relationships between federal, state and local agencies overseeing or engaged in safety regulations, including Cal/ OSHA. Currently, Mello is championing


a major new initiative by AGC of California focused on the important


California Constructor


Leon commented. “Combined, we’re able to go out there and talk to our government partners about what is best for the industry and inform them of how their policy making impacts us. Tat is the true value AGC brings to its members in its advocacy efforts.”


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