Cal Cities Speaker Series presents: Marybel Batjer, Partner, California Strategies, LLC Former President, California Public Utilities Commission

Marybel Batjer has spent decades crafting some of California’s most impactful regulatory policies. Most recently, she was president of the California Public Utilities Commission, which oversees the state’s privately-owned utilities. Last month, Batjer became a partner at California Strategies, a public affairs consulting firm that works in California’s political, legislative, and regulatory environments. 

During the June Speaker Series, Batjer will share her insights on leading in difficult times and how to maintain sound judgment during crises. With the state facing continued challenges, such as the drought, wildfires, the economy, and COVID-19, Batjer’s depth of experience as a senior decision-maker in both the public and private sector will be invaluable for all city officials.

The discussion will include an introduction by League of California Cities President and Walnut Creek Mayor Pro Tem Cindy Silva and a Q&A moderated by Cal Cities Executive Director and CEO Carolyn Coleman.

Registration is offered at no charge as a benefit for Cal Cities members and League Partners.

About the Speaker:

Marybel Batjer’s impressive career spans the private and public sectors, including the Pentagon, the White House, and two state governments. She has deep knowledge of highly regulated industries, including gaming, and has served as chief regulator of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) overseeing privately held utilities in California.

Prior to joining California Strategies, LLC, Batjer served as president of CPUC and led the organization through multiple unprecedented statewide emergencies related to the acceleration of climate change and the social and economic impacts of the COVID-19 global pandemic. She worked to improve wildfire mitigation and utility-initiated power shutoffs, as well as accelerate and improved critical customer protections, such as banning utility disconnections during the COVID-19 pandemic. She advanced key internal and external social justice initiatives and oversaw changes to Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s governance structure as a requirement for approving their reorganization plan to exit bankruptcy.

Before her time at CPUC, Batjer was the inaugural secretary of the California Government Operations Agency, which supervised the reformation of the state’s civil service system; modernized the IT procurement process; and restructured the Board of Equalization by creating two new state entities. She also oversaw the planning and secured funding for three new state office buildings; and restructured the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Batjer has deep expertise in restructuring organizations; managing human capital; diversity, equity, and inclusion; and navigating regulatory processes.

As the vice president of public policy and corporate social responsibility at Caesars Entertainment Corporation, she developed and implemented corporate social responsibility programs that promote corporate social investments, and managed legislative priorities, strategy, and relations.

During her career, Batjer has overseen business entities related to utilities, taxation, retirement, information technology, data management, real estate, and procurement.

About the Cal Cities Speaker Series

The Cal Cities Speaker Series features government leaders and policy experts sharing insights on big picture issues and trends that matter most to cities. Our speakers, like our cities, have diverse perspectives and Cal Cities is excited to provide meaningful dialogue that engages, enlightens, and inspires. The Cal Cities Speaker Series is free to members and League Partners.

Registration must be completed by noon on June 21. This webinar is complimentary to Cal Cities members and League Partners. Nonmember cities and other government entities will be charged $150. Please note that registration is limited to 1,000 people.

For questions about webinar registration, please contact Megan Dunn. For all other questions, please contact Christina George.