Background & Experience

Credentials

Three decades at the intersection of California politics, environmental policy, and strategic communications.

Recognition

Hall of Fame & Industry Recognition

Capitol Weekly Hall of Fame

Steve was inducted into Capitol Weekly's Hall of Fame, recognizing his decades of service at the highest levels of California government and politics.

Campaigns & Elections — Top Strategist

Named by Campaigns & Elections magazine as one of the most influential campaign strategists in California.

25+ Campaigns

Managed and consulted on more than 25 statewide and local candidate and ballot measure campaigns across California.

Career Timeline

A Career Built in California's Capital

Present

Principal

Forza Communications

Leads a Sacramento-based strategic communications firm specializing in environmental policy issues and campaigns.

2010–2014

Communications Consultant

Office of Assembly Speaker John A. Perez

Provided strategic communications counsel to the Speaker of the California State Assembly.

2004–2010

Deputy Chief of Staff

Office of Assembly Speakers Fabian Nunez & Karen Bass

Served as Deputy Chief of Staff for two consecutive Assembly Speakers, managing communications strategy and media relations.

1999–2003

Press Secretary & Communications Director

Office of Governor Gray Davis

Directed communications for the Governor of California, including during the California energy crisis and the California fires — two of the most consequential events in modern California history.

1997–1999

Senior Advisor

U.S. Trade and Development Agency

Served in a senior advisory role at the federal agency during the Clinton Administration.

1994–1997

Program Advisor

DOJ COPS Program, Clinton Administration

Worked on the Community Oriented Policing Services program at the Department of Justice.

1990–1994

Staff, House Democratic Caucus

U.S. House of Representatives — Rep. Vic Fazio

Served on the staff of the House Democratic Caucus under Representative Vic Fazio.

1988–1990

Administrative Assistant

Office of Rep. Rush Holt

Served as Administrative Assistant to Representative Rush Holt.

Media Presence

A Trusted Voice in California Politics

Steve is widely quoted internationally and provides political commentary to television and radio stations throughout California. He has been interviewed and quoted in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and dozens of other national and regional publications.

print

The New York Times

print

The Washington Post

regional

Sacramento Business Journal

regional

Capitol Weekly

digital

Politico

broadcast

California TV & Radio Stations

Sacramento Business JournalCapitol WeeklyPolitico

Ready to work together?

Bring decades of California political experience to your next campaign or policy initiative.

HIRE STEVE