Description

Expand your business horizons– and your knowledge – by taking advantage of time to network and hear from members of the community that are leaders in their respective fields. When you attend our monthly Chamber Luncheons, you’ll have access to meeting over 100 other professionals, representing the full-spectrum of business. As a Chamber member, you have the opportunity to place your company’s collateral on back tables at the venue, enjoy lunch from local caterers and restaurants, and hear from a local speaker. 

Featured Speakers: Mark Smith and Sara Noceto - Smith Policy Group 

Speaker Bios:

Mark Smith, MBA, is the Principal of Smith Policy Group, a leading California government relations firm in California’s capital city. Mark launched his firm in 2018 after 11 years as a lobbyist working for trade associations, non-profits, utility companies and large Fortune 500 organizations. Earlier in his career Mark held a variety of positions in both the California State Assembly and the California State Senate. Mark is a veteran of California policy and politics, have worked in the field in one capacity or another for over 20 years.

Smith Policy Group provides a team-oriented approach to solving clients’ legislative, regulatory, and funding priorities. Whether its legislative strategy, regulatory support, project and program funding development, budget process expertise, or overall policy guidance, the firm has deep expertise and widespread relationships with Legislative leadership and the Governor’s office, including key committee chairs, staff and members of policy and budget committees to accomplish clients’ objectives.

Prior to founding SPG, Mark was a contract lobbyist and Senior Policy Advisor at Environmental and Energy Consulting and Conservation Strategy Group. Before that, Mark was the Western Region Director of Public Policy for Ducks Unlimited, where he directed all local, state, and federal policy and strategy for nine western states. He previously worked as an in-house lobbyist for Sempra Energy, one of the state’s largest investor-owned utilities, and represented ACEC California for 6 years as their in-house lobbyist. He has also worked as a Legislative Director in both the California Senate and Assembly. Mark started his career in policy and politics in the Capital Fellows Programs, a nationally recognized public policy fellowships which offer unique experiences in policy-making and development in each branch of government.

Mark is a Board Member of the Institute for Governmental Advocates, a past president of the Capitol Fellows Alumni program (10 years of services), and previously served on the California Water Commission’s Stakeholder Advisory Committee for Proposition 1 to guide its implementation. In his spare time, Mark is an Adjunct Professor at the University of California Davis Graduate School of Management where he has taught a self-created course on Business and Politics for the past 11 years.

Mark graduated with an MBA from University of California, Davis Graduate School of Management, and a BS in Microbiology from University of California, Davis.

Sara Noceto is a Senior Policy Advisor with Smith Policy Group. She has over a decade of experience working in state government for both the legislative and executive branches. With a strong background in policy analysis, bill writing, and advocacy, she has proven expertise in navigating California’s complex legislative and regulatory environment.

Sara most recently served as a Legislative Representative for the California Department of Education (CDE), where she monitored legislative, regulatory, and budget activity and served as liaison between the CDE and the Legislature, public education organizations, and other entities. She staffed bills throughout the legislative process and advised the State Superintendent of Public Instruction (SSPI) on his bill package. Sara also advocated for CDE positions on legislation and represented the SSPI and the department in committee testimony, speaking events, site visits, and other official engagements.

Prior to joining the CDE, Sara served as a Consultant for the California State Senate Office of Research, where she assisted Senators and staff throughout the legislative process, including generating bill ideas, crafting and amending legislation, and preparing briefing materials for hearings for a variety of policy areas. She also served as the State Senate's federal liaison on education policy.

Earlier in her career, Sara worked as a Government Performance Auditor for the Office of the California State Auditor, where she evaluated the effectiveness of governmental programs and drafted reports for both public and legislative audiences. She also worked as a Legislative Assistant for the Office of Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr., where she staffed bills and prepared analysis and advice regarding pending legislation.

Sara is a 6th generation Californian. She holds degrees in Economics and International Relations from the University of California, Davis. She also serves on the Yolo County Arts Board.