Former Top California Official Susan Kennedy Joins BRG as Special Advisor

Susan Kennedy, a former top aide to both Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Democratic Governor Gray Davis, has joined global expert services and consulting firm Berkeley Research Group, LLC as a Special Advisor. Ms. Kennedy has been at the center of some of the most significant policy issues facing policymakers and businesses today, including leading Governor Schwarzenegger’s efforts to pass groundbreaking environmental initiatives on climate change and renewable energy, budget reform, healthcare reform, pension reform, and political reform.

The Los Angeles Times called Ms. Kennedy “the most enduring force in state government of the last decade.” Ms. Kennedy spent more than two decades in senior state and federal positions, most recently as chief of staff to Governor Schwarzenegger, as deputy chief of staff and cabinet secretary to Governor Davis, and as communications director for California’s senior U.S. Senator, Dianne Feinstein. She also served for three years on California’s Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), where she led efforts to streamline government regulation, and promote investment in California’s infrastructure and economy. In 2011, Ms. Kennedy was appointed by Governor Schwarzenegger to the five-member Board of the Health Benefits Exchange where she will help implement federal healthcare reform for millions of individuals and small businesses.

“Susan Kennedy has invaluable expertise navigating complex regulatory environments,” said Dr. David J. Teece, Chairman of BRG. “Susan’s acumen and experience in dealing with issues at the highest levels of government give her unique insight that will be of significant benefit to our clients.”

“I look forward to working with BRG and its clients on developing effective approaches to issues that intersect government and business,” said Ms. Kennedy. “I’m delighted to be affiliated with a firm that provides such a collaborative and dynamic platform of industry and technical expertise.”