Our experienced team of public affairs professionals know how to communicate with decision-makers and opinion leaders to deliver the strategic objectives you desire.
Michael Boccadoro, President
As President, Mr. Boccadoro is responsible for overseeing the firm’s public affairs, regulatory affairs and governmental relations practices. With expertise in agriculture, energy, water, finance, resource planning, health care and environmental issues, Michael has extensive working relationships with public officials and media representatives involved in these areas. Before launching West Coast Advisors he served as President and Sacramento Office Director of the Dolphin Group. He also spent seven years as a senior consultant to the California Legislature.
Brian Rees, Senior Vice President – Government Relations
As Senior Vice President, Brian Rees brings over 25 years of legislative affairs, policy, and state budget experience to West Coast Advisors. Brian represents a number of the firm’s clients, including UnitedHealthcare / OptumRX, Molson Coors, Marriott International, Hilton Hotels, and the California Poultry Federation. Prior to joining the firm in 2000, Brian served on the legislative policy staff of the California Insurance Commissioner, the Floor staff for the Assembly Speaker and Minority Leader, and as a Legislative Director in the State Assembly.
Beth Olhasso, Vice President
Beth Olhasso advises clients on a wide variety of public policy matters. Beth focuses on legislative and regulatory issues relating to energy, local and statewide water policy, and public agency issues. Before joining the firm in 2011, she spent several years working on water and public agency issues at a Southern California public utilities agency. Beth also has broad experience on political campaigns, having served in lead roles on a number of local, state and national campaigns throughout the country.
Jennifer Bingham, Senior Account Executive
Jennifer Bingham assists clients in developing and executing strategic communication programs. With bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agricultural communication, she lends a research-based, results-driven approach. Jennifer also works with the firm’s agricultural clients on sustainability issues. Before joining the firm in 2017, she coordinated communication for a nonprofit agricultural organization.
Maddie Munson, Senior Account Executive
Maddie Munson provides public and government affairs consulting to the firm’s agriculture and water clients. Growing up on her family’s cattle ranch, Maddie brings experience from the agriculture industry and legislative experience from the State Senate as a Senate Fellow. Maddie also draws from her degree in Agriculture Communications to serve our clients’ outreach and advocacy needs.
Laura Kistner, Client Services Coordinator
For over twenty years, Laura Kistner has provided the firm’s clients with creative and administrative support for government and public affairs. She is responsible for the creative and technical aspects of client activities including association membership management, presentation technology and the development of collateral materials. Laura also handles the bookkeeping as well as all aspects of FPPC compliance and reporting for the firm’s lobbying clients.
West Coast Advisors 