Procurement - Capitol Advocacy

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 Roe, a partner with Capitol Advocacy, joined the firm in 2015. As one of Capitol Advocacy’s senior lobbyists, Jennifer’s deep knowledge of the legislative and regulatory process, broad policy background, and strategic communications skills prove invaluable to the firm’s clients.

Jennifer co-leads the firm’s Procurement practice and advocates on behalf of clients within the Healthcare, Climate Change and Energy, and Business and Employer Representation practice areas. She has successfully represented clients in both the Legislature and the Executive Branch, helping them navigate complex legislative and regulatory processes while providing strategic counsel to effectively communicate their priorities. Her relational advocacy approach has led to successful outcomes on challenging issues, including climate change, manufacturing incentives, food and beverage reform and compliance, and healthcare transparency.

With a strong understanding of each client’s policy objectives, Jennifer’s analytical, research, and writing skills ensure timely and relevant updates on issues impacting her clients. In addition to analyzing legislation, she reviews budget proposals, monitors oversight and informational hearings, drafts position letters, and tracks regulatory matters of interest. Jennifer also plays a key role in supporting and implementing the firm’s marketing initiatives.

Prior to joining Capitol Advocacy, Jennifer worked for several members of the California State Assembly, most recently serving as Capitol Director for the Minority Caucus Chair and Vice-Chair of the Assembly Business & Professions Committee. In that role, she provided strategic counsel, collaborated closely with caucus communications staff, and helped develop and implement effective legislative strategies. Jennifer also worked on a wide range of policy issues, including health and human services budget matters, Proposition 65 reform, manufacturing incentives, workplace flexibility, public safety, and utilities. Her experience as legislative staff enabled her to build strong relationships within both the Legislature and the Administration.

Originally from Sacramento, Jennifer earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, with an accounting emphasis, from California State University, Chico. She enjoys mentoring young professionals through SheShares, a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting women in the Capitol community. Jennifer lives in Roseville with her husband, Kyle, and their two daughters.