Shari is currently a partner in the lobbying firm of McHugh, Koepke & Associates and has over 16 successful years of experience in government affairs and public relations. Having spent all of her professional life in the advocacy arena, Shari provides McHugh, Koepke & Associates’ clients with years of experience and a strong understanding of business, insurance and consumer issues. She has successfully lobbied the California Legislature, Governor’s office and State Agencies on important issues such as insurance, senior financial abuse, financial services, privacy, healthcare, sovereignty and public safety. Prior to joining the firm, Shari was the Senior Vice President for the Coalition of California Insurance Professionals (CCIP). Shari was responsible for overseeing and implementing the lobbying and regulatory agenda developed by CCIP’s Steering Committee. She served as staff liaison to the various task forces and steering committees of coalition partners.
Shari also has extensive experience in association management having served as Senior Vice President of PIA prior to joining CCIP. As staff liaison to PIA’s Public Affairs Committee, she managed the formulation and implementation of PIA’s legislative program and worked with officials from the DOI on regulatory issues. She was also responsible for PIA’s grassroots network and media program.
Shari has worked diligently over the years to develop and maintain working relationships with legislators, legislative staff, regulatory officials, administration representatives, lobbyists, media personnel and industry representatives. Her work in helping to establish and grow PIA’s government and public affairs department earned Shari a Presidential Citation award in 1996 in recognition of meritorious efforts and achievements.
Prior to working with PIA, Shari served as a legislative aide for Melendez Associates, a Sacramento-based lobbying firm, where she worked on issues for major California employers such as ARCO, E & J Gallo Winery and the Port of Long Beach.
Shari graduated from California State University Sacramento with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Communication and Government.
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