By Fiona Hutton

For the past decade, I’ve developed some very meaningful relationships with the gate agents at Burbank Airport and flight attendants on Southwest Airlines during my travels to and from our State Capitol. Add to that the merry band of electeds, lobbyists and political consultants that make this weekly journey. I’ve flown the spine of California countless times, marveling at the golden hills, patchwork quilt of agricultural lands, the engineering marvel of the State Water Project and Yosemite’s famed Half Dome. It’s a fun ride with some really smart colleagues. Now, they’re going to see more of me.

I started my career in public affairs in Sacramento and am very excited to announce that FHA is now growing our footprint in the State Capitol and Sacramento market.

It has been a vision of mine for many years, but I waited to find the right talent. When hiring senior leaders for our agency, we’re incredibly particular. Looking for that special someone that blends issue expertise, a proven track record in execution, a commitment to first-class client service, and, most importantly, an individual that will support and build upon the culture we’ve instilled at FHA.

For these reasons and more, I’m thrilled to announce that Rebecca Nicholas has joined FHA as Vice President and Managing Director of our Sacramento office. Rebecca has worked with our firm in a contractor capacity for many years, collaborating alongside our team on some incredibly challenging assignments. She embodies our core philosophy: think smart, work hard and interface positively with clients, partners, colleagues and competitors alike. It isn’t a secret sauce. The core to business success can be distilled down to these simple values.

Born and raised in Northern California, Rebecca has spent the last 17 years working in some of California’s most important sectors, including infrastructure development, natural resources and water, climate change, energy, transportation, local government, technology and the cannabis market. Her deep experience in the state’s regulatory and political landscape will position FHA well as we tackle Sacramento’s most challenging and emerging issues.

Interested in some of her cool projects? Here’s a snapshot:

• Designed a compelling brand and narrative for California WaterFix and supported statewide outreach efforts for more than a decade.
• Spearheaded public outreach for the state’s cannabis licensing authorities in the development and implementation of statewide commercial cannabis regulations.
• Established a brand and managed communications and stakeholder engagement for the proposed Sites Reservoir Project in Northern California.
• Developed an integrated communications plan for the City of Sacramento designed to showcase the city’s commitment to economic development, sustainability and quality of life.
• Worked with the City of Oakland Fire Department and Bay Area residents to develop a new approach to managing wildfire risk.
• And the really special one…Embedded herself with the Monterey Bay Aquarium to rescue, rehabilitate and release endangered southern sea otters.

As the agency’s leader, I’m humbled and honored when talented professionals select FHA as a partner in their career development. We’re incredibly lucky to have recruited Rebecca to join FHA. Our team is truly our intellectual property, and, from that perspective, the company’s valuation just jumped in incalculable ways with Rebecca.

We’re excited to build upon our legislative, regulatory and policy advocacy campaigns. In the past year, we’ve designed and executed some of the most high-profile issue advocacy campaigns, including high-priced drugs, Governor Brown’s Delta tunnels project, public safety, consumer products and animal welfare, parks and conservation and manufacturing regulations, among others.

As we look towards 2019, we’re excited at the potential for growth and opportunity to expand our footprint in the State Capitol and new issue areas. We look forward to partnering with you in the coming months.

Cheers,

Fiona