Susan LaGrande

Susan LaGrande helps clients navigate the complex and challenging bureaucracy of California’s State Administration.  She brings over 10 years of experience working within California’s Natural Resources Agency, most recently as the Deputy Director for Legislation for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.  In this position, Susan served as a member of the Department’s executive staff, interfacing regularly with stakeholders, Legislators and staff, Administration appointees and state staff.  Susan has a deep knowledge of CNRA processes and relevant staff, including other Departments within CNRA (Parks and Recreation, Water Resources, Conservation, and others)

Susan’s career has been focused on policy work from the local to federal levels.  Prior to serving 10 years in the Natural Resources Agency, she served as the Executive Director for Lake and Shasta County Farm Bureaus, field representative for a member of the California Legislature, and Vice President of Government Relations for the California Cattlemen’s Association.

Susan grew up working with her grandfather and father on her family’s rice and cattle ranch.  It is through this upbringing that she gained her appreciation for the outdoors and the California’s vast natural resources.  She received her BS in Agribusiness with a concentration in Policy from California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo.  She later received her MBA from St. Mary’s College in Moraga.

Contact Susan: susan@smithpolicygroup.com