Sacramento - Capitol Advocacy

Alisa Altamura

Alisa Altamura joined Capitol Advocacy in 2022 as a Legislative Assistant, supporting Margaret Gladstein by organizing and managing her calendar, travel arrangements, as well as scheduling client visits and meetings within the Capitol and state agencies.

Prior to joining Capitol Advocacy, Alisa worked as a legal secretary and office administrator, but most importantly, spent her time raising her two children Nikolas and Marina.

Alisa has a degree from University of California, San Diego, with a major in Political Science and a minor in Law & Society. Outside the office, Alisa enjoys spending time boating on the Sacramento River and snow skiing in Lake Tahoe. She resides in Wilton with her daughter Marina, and her dog Memphis.

Venessa Burns

Venessa Burns joined Capitol Advocacy in 2023 as a Legislative Assistant. She supports Kristy Wiese by organizing and managing her calendars as well as scheduling client visits and meetings within the Capitol and state agencies.

Prior to joining Capitol Advocacy, Venessa worked as a Senior Executive Assistant for a lobby/law firm in Sacramento for 15 years, where she supported managing partners and other portfolio lobbyists/attorneys within the Firm. Prior to that, she was a Community Association Manager and worked closely with northern California developers and their new community developments.

Venessa has a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communications and a Master’s degree in Human Resources. She resides in Placerville with her husband Kevin their three spoiled German Shepherds.

Madeleine Cooper

Madeleine Cooper joined Capitol Advocacy in 2022, bringing over a decade of policy and political expertise to the firm. As one of the firm’s Regulatory Advocates and Legislative Analysts, Madeleine’s background on policy, extensive knowledge on political climate and her proven track record of working in a bi-partisan manner, are instrumental to the firm’s clients. At Capitol Advocacy, she helps clients navigate the legislative and regulatory process.

Madeleine has managed a portfolio of high-priority government projects and issues, liaised with governmental offices and elected officials, and contributed to the development of effective outreach, communications, and advocacy strategies with government and community-based stakeholders. Having spent over 12 years working on environmental issues in California, Madeleine’s portfolio includes working within the Climate Change and Energy practice area, with a focus on recycling and renewable energy issues. In addition, she works within the firm’s Healthcare, Financial Services and Technology practice areas.

Prior to joining Capitol Advocacy, Madeleine spent four years representing a variety of clients in financial services, local government, healthcare, labor, and energy space at a lobby/law firm in Sacramento. Prior to that, she spent seven years working for several Members in various capacities in the California State Assembly. Her last position in a Member’s Office was as Capitol Director, where she managed the Assemblymember’s legislative agenda and legislative staff and worked on issues related to veterans, healthcare, natural resources and labor. Her knowledge of the legislative process provides her with the political instinct to anticipate outcomes, giving the firm’s clients key insights as they navigate California’s political arena.

Originally from Placerville, Madeleine graduated California State University, Chico with a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science, with an emphasis on Legal Studies and a Minor in Political Science, as well as being Paralegal certified. She also completed a Master’s program in Political Science with an emphasis on International Relations. She lives in Placerville with her husband Sam and their two young children, Penelope and Bodie.

Jason Dell’Orto

Jason Dell’Orto joined Capitol Advocacy in 2025 as one of the firm’s legislative analysts. He specializes in technology and artificial intelligence policy and has an extensive background in California’s K-12 education sector.

Prior to joining Capitol Advocacy, Jason served as Senior Legislative Assistant to Assemblymember Dawn Addis for three years. During his time with Assemblymember Addis, Jason was responsible for crafting and staffing priority legislation, providing expert policy analyses, and staffing the Assemblymember on multiple policy committees. Prior to that, he worked as a Legislative Assistant for then-Joint Rules Chair Assemblymember Ken Cooley where he staffed the member on key legislation and provided policy expertise.

Jason graduated from California State University, Chico in 2022 with Bachelor of Science degrees in Political Science and International Relations, as well as a minor in Law, Ethics, and Justice. Jason currently lives in West Sacramento with his partner, Mia.

Cesar Diaz

Cesar Diaz has over two decades of legislative and political experience in California. He served as principal policy consultant for the office of the Senate Pro Tempore under Senators Atkins and McGuire, where he guided policy and budget priorities in the areas of labor, public employment and retirement, governmental organization, tribal issues, gaming compacts, alcohol and management of public safety emergencies and disasters.

Previously, he was the longtime legislative and political director for the State Building Trades Council where he spent 14 years advancing the council’s legislative, regulatory and political agenda. As political director, he managed the council’s endorsement process and political action committee while building coalitions with business, housing and environmental organizations to influence legislative and constitutional officer elections, statewide political initiatives and local campaigns.

Throughout his career, Cesar has served on various boards and commissions, including serving for Governors Brown and Newsom as the gubernatorial appointee to the State Allocation Board, which apportions state bond funds to school districts for modernization and new construction of school facilities.

Cesar served as a co-editor of the California Target Book, an essential source of campaign data for political professionals. The Capitol Weekly recognized him as “one of California’s most influential lobbyists,” and he participated in the Sacramento Bee’s California Influencer Series—a special project that focused on the policy challenges affecting communities by bringing together a diverse group of leaders to engage in a thoughtful exchange about possible solutions to pressing statewide issues. His Capitol experience includes serving as senior policy advisor to California Lt. Governor Bustamante. Prior to working in and around the Capitol, Cesar worked as a program associate for the California Academy of Family Physicians.

Margaret Gladstein

A partner at Capitol Advocacy, Margaret brings over 25 years of political and public policy experience. She serves as co-lead of the firm’s Financial Services and Artificial Intelligence Technology and Privacy practices.

Recognized as a trusted advisor and influential voice in shaping policy decisions that impact her clients, Margaret covers a diverse range of issues. She has played a pivotal role in shaping privacy and consumer protection legislation across multiple sectors, including technology, retail, financial services/fintech, and others. Margaret’s expertise in privacy and tech policy has earned her recognition as a speaker at events such as the National Conference of State Legislatures and the National Retail Federation.

Margaret’s strategic coalition-building has driven successful legislative outcomes.She has driven client interests in clean energy, electric/autonomous vehicles, AI, and entertainment. She proactively shapes critical policy and is recognized for her ability to effectively mitigates harmful legislation.

Prior to joining Capitol Advocacy, Margaret served as the Chief Consultant of the California State Assembly Banking and Finance Committee. Her early career experience at Bain and Company, coupled with a stint in the financial services industry, enables Margaret to offer clients a unique blend of insights from both public and private sectors as she works with them through the intricate landscape of California’s legislative, administrative, and regulatory domains.

In addition to her policy acumen, Margaret provides strategic counsel on navigating California’s ever-evolving political terrain. With over a decade of experience as a campaign consultant for statewide initiatives and legislative candidates throughout the Western United States, Margaret was recognized as a “Rising Star” from the American Association of Political Consultants. Originally from Oklahoma, Margaret graduated with honors from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. She and her husband Tim share a passion for travel, particularly enjoying visits to their daughter, who is as a public relations professional in New York.

Dean R. Grafilo

Dean R. Grafilo is a partner at the firm, where he brings over twenty years of political and policy experience to Capitol Advocacy. His relational advocacy approach, deep-rooted knowledge on a wide range of issues, and ability to deliver results is an invaluable asset to the firm.

With the two decades of working on the state budget either as legislative staff or most recently, as Department Director, Dean, is one of the firm’s co-leads for the Procurement practice area. Additionally, Dean works within the firm’s Healthcare, Financial Services, Technology, and growing Attorney General practices.

Quickly after his arrival to the firm in 2019, Dean seamlessly transitioned toward advancing a number of client’s goals in the Legislature, before the Administration and by seizing state procurement opportunities. Whether in healthcare, cannabis, financial products, gig economy, housing, higher education policies, or IT procurement, Dean effectively collaborated with clients and colleagues to achieve desired outcomes.

Dean was most recently appointed by Governor Jerry Brown as the Director of the California Department of Consumer Affairs, which administers more than 3.9 million occupational licenses in the State of California. This unparalleled experience helps clients navigate through the myriad of licensing schemes, boards, commissions and bureaus.

As Director, Dean was heavily involved in many of the State’s largest consumer protection issues including cannabis, occupational licensing, and healthcare. With the department’s executive team, he led the regulatory entities and other divisions within the DCA and was a featured speaker at numerous events throughout the country.

Prior to his appointment, Dean was the longest serving Chief of Staff to former State Assemblymember, and current Attorney General, Rob Bonta. In this role, he touched a variety of policy areas including public employment, pension and social security administration, tribal gaming, horse racing, budget, appropriations, and housing. As a seasoned Democratic staff member, Dean was recognized as a trusted, reliable, and knowledgeable resource. During his tenure in the Legislature, he was sought out for his ability to win competitive campaigns.

In addition to working for several members of the State Assembly, Dean previously worked as the Associate Director of Government Relations at the California Medical Association. He was also a Gubernatorial Appointee for the California State Athletic Commission, where he was involved with policy decisions affecting the State’s combat sports issues.

Dean was an Organizer Representative at Service Employees International Union Local 925 and a political intern at the M.L. King County Labor Council in Seattle. Additionally, he was a Field Representative and Organizer at International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 142 in Hawai’i. Working as a union leader in several states, Dean has proven experience collaborating with both labor and business together.

Dean earned a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Washington and Bachelor of Arts studying Political Science at San Francisco State University. He lives in West Sacramento with his wife Marisa and two daughters.

Jennifer Hendrick Snyder

Jennifer Hendrick Snyder, a partner at Capitol Advocacy, brings over 25 years of policy development, community relations, and advocacy experience to the firm. As the co-lead of the Firm’s Healthcare practice, she is considered one of California’s top lobbyists in the healthcare and human services arena and has been instrumental in negotiating key rate and health policy changes to benefit her clients.

Her keen understanding of California’s complex healthcare and human services issues including behavioral health, coupled with her extensive background working for several healthcare organizations, has provided our clients with great success in both the Legislature and the Executive Branch. Jennifer’s experience advocating on budget issues has led to obtaining rate enhancements for clients and mitigating rate cuts for health care facility and pharmacy providers, physicians, and medical and product suppliers. Further, she has advocated on behalf of the life sciences industry, supporting their continued viability and advances in research and development in California.

Along with her advocacy in the Legislature, Jennifer’s deep-rooted background in the industry and relationships with key stakeholders have enabled the firm’s clients to successfully secure lucrative health contracts with the State. Jennifer also works closely with clients to navigate the Department of Health Care Services, Department of Public Health and Department of Social Services, positively facilitating the process for multiple clients to become Medi-Cal enrolled providers, obtain coverage of new health care technologies, and troubleshoot state licensure issues.

Before joining Capitol Advocacy, Jennifer served in a variety of government relations capacities at the California Association for Health Services at Home, the California Association of Health Facilities, the California Alliance of Child and Family Services, and the California Hospital Association. Her extensive experience working for this diverse group of healthcare organizations and associations has led her to become an industry expert on issues related to long-term care, social and health care services.

Additionally, Jennifer has spearheaded several grassroots and coalition building campaigns, working directly with health care facilities and community service agencies to achieve successful legislative outreach and build support coalitions for her clients. With this unique perspective, Jennifer skillfully advises clients on strategically communicating and garnering grassroots and stakeholder support for their policy objectives.

Jennifer has a degree in political science from California State University, Chico and a master’s degree in Health Administration from the University of San Francisco. She enjoys running and biking around Folsom Lake and volunteers with Meals on Wheels in her local community. She lives in Granite Bay with her husband Brian and son Colton.

Claire Latimer

Claire Latimer joined Capitol Advocacy in 2022 as one of the firm’s Legislative Analysts.

Claire’s excellent writing and analytical skills are a great benefit to Capitol Advocacy’s clients. As an analyst, she tracks and reviews hundreds of pieces of legislation throughout the legislative session, keeping each client’s priorities at the forefront. Claire also drafts position letters, policy memos, and advocacy documents for the firm’s clients. At Capitol Advocacy, Claire’s primary policy focus lies in areas concerning public safety, law enforcement, and health care.

In addition to her duties as a Legislative Analyst, Claire supports the firm’s clients that participate in the political contribution process, where her accuracy and follow-through are a critical element of these client’s compliance process.

Claire earned a degree in Creative Writing, as well as a minor in Business Administration from Chapman University. She currently lives in Sacramento with her family.

John Latimer

As managing partner and founder of Capitol Advocacy, John Latimer is recognized year after year as one of Sacramento’s most influential lobbyists. Known for his strength in strategic planning and coordinating lobbying campaigns, John’s ability to shape and deliver messaging in a clear and convincing manner gets results for clients. This talent has allowed John to build Capitol Advocacy into one of the most successful lobbying firms in Sacramento.

John co-leads two of Capitol Advocacy’s practice areas; Energy and Climate Change as well as Business and Employer Representation. John is also actively engaged with the full team of ten lobbyists and two legislative analysts as they help clients participate in the most important marketplace in the Country while navigating the nation’s most complex and politicized legislative and regulatory environment.

John began his career working for the California State Legislature, spending time working for Democrats in both the Senate and the Assembly, rising to the positions of Chief of Staff and Chief Consultant. During the first decade of his career, John also helped guide multiple campaigns for the Assembly Democrats. In 1998, John decided to return home and run for a Northern California State Assembly seat, narrowly losing in the Democratic primary by just a few hundred votes. Although this signaled the closing of one chapter working within the State Legislature for John, it was a catalyst for his lobbying career and the creation of Capitol Advocacy.

Twenty-five years later, Capitol Advocacy is one of the largest and most successful lobbying firms in Sacramento. During that time, John has been a power player in some of California’s thorniest legislative fights including energy and environmental issues, internet gaming, alcohol regulation, soft drink tax and labeling issues, and water policy. Consistently ranked as one of Capitol Weekly’s “Top 100”, a list of California’s top political players, John has successfully sheparded clients through term limits, budget deficits, and new administrations.

John’s network of relationships stretch beyond California’s political landscape and reach across the United States. John’s connections to Fortune 500 company executives, elected officials, particularly in Congress, and government officials across the United States is an asset for all of the firm’s clients.

John received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government and a Master’s in Public Policy and Administration from California State University, Sacramento. He lives in Sacramento with his wife Kelly and the two are proud parents to three daughters.