LOS ANGELES (July 3, 2024) – The Los Angeles County Business Federation “BizFed” is proud to announce Sarah Wiltfong’s promotion from Director of Advocacy to Chief Advocacy Officer, effective immediately. Elevating Wiltfong to a senior executive position leading the entirety of BizFed’s policy and advocacy operations reflects BizFed’s commitment to addressing myriad advocacy needs at all levels of government impacting job creation, economic growth, and community vitality.
“Sarah Wiltfong’s enhanced role will pump additional muscle and mettle into our coalition-building and policy efforts across all sectors of industry and the economy. Sarah’s knack for uniting unexpected allies behind shared priorities will ensure business voices are heard loud and clear as California speeds toward a zero-emissions future and Los Angeles gears up to host international mega-events,” said BizFed Founding CEO Tracy Hernandez.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to recognize Sarah’s exemplary leadership of our advocacy work and of our collective impact. Sarah has earned the respect and trust of our team, our diverse members, and key policy makers and business and community leaders. Her talent and savvy will continue to make BizFed more effective as we work to strengthen the economy and improve quality of life for all Californians,” said BizFed President David Englin.
“It’s a privilege to serve in a role that equips voters, policymakers and regulators with the industry intelligence they need to make sensible, well-informed decisions. The scope of our advocacy touches the lives of all Californians and will continue expanding as I take on this Chief Advocacy Officer role. Don’t forget that business priorities – affordability, livability and equity – are everyday Californian priorities,” said Wiltfong.
BizFed’s advocacy lead has been instrumental in advancing the broad business community’s priorities since joining BizFed in 2017. Notable advocacy achievements spearheaded by Wiltfong include the eleventh-hour defeat of an aggressive wage hike proposal in Los Angeles County that would have threatened jobs while uplifting only select workers, as well as meaningful amendments to South Coast Air Quality Management District’s water heater and boiler rule that make it less disruptive for businesses of all sizes and sectors.
BizFed’s standing policy committees are supervised by Wiltfong and co-chaired by diverse issue experts from BizFed’s massive network of investing and nonprofit members. Committees include Arts, Entertainment, Sports and Olympics; California Air Resources Board & South Coast Air Quality Management District; Energy & Environment; Goods Movement, Transportation & Mobility; Health Care & Life Sciences; Housing, Land Use, Development, Real Estate & CEQA; Polling & Messaging; Responsible Governance; Small Business & Employment; Water; and Workforce Development, Education & Anti-Poverty.
Wiltfong previously served as District Director for California’s 66th Assembly District and Regional Field Representative for the Assembly Republican Caucus. She was inspired to pursue a career encouraging civic engagement after accompanying her parents to voting booths as a young child and witnessing the impact of active participation in the democratic process.
