AMY ZAJAC HAMERTON
Sacramento
Summary
Accomplished government affairs professional with a broad skill set and an extensive knowledge of the legislative and political process for the Western United States, with a primary focus on California. Experience with divisive and meticulous issues, decision making, strong writing ability and presentation skills. Robust background in directing and managing large-scale government affairs operations, consistently driving success through strategic planning and execution. Proven ability to manage and implement proactive strategy and advocacy in regards to administrative actions, regulatory proposals and legislative measures in alignment with organizational goals.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Director State Government Affairs
GENENTECH, a Member of the Roche Group
09.2014 - Current
- Skilled in developing and executing long-range legislative and regulatory strategies to advance organizational objectives.
- Expertise in aligning government relations efforts with corporate priorities through strategic planning and stakeholder analysis.
- Responsible for lobbying legislators and regulators, including administrations and state agencies in the Western Region.
- Proven ability to design and lead proactive advocacy strategies that anticipate policy shifts and maximize influence.
- Collaborative business partner with executive leadership, commercial, corporate communications and legal to enhance the company's reputation and increase visibility.
- Drive company priorities through state trade associations and collaboration with industry peers on mutual policy initiatives.
- Liaison to local government affairs on matters relating to California facilities, including relationship building with elected officials.
- Educate and present to internal employees, as well as prepare briefing materials for executive leadership. Developed and managed state government affairs bi-weekly legislative internal newsletter.
- Manage state lobbyists, political budget and state political law compliance.
Director of Government Affairs
KAISER PERMANENTE
04.2013 - 08.2014
- Represented the company's interests before California Legislature, Governor’s Office and State Agencies.
- Liaison to physicians, pharmacists and other internal colleagues on legislative and regulatory matters.
- Work with internal stakeholders to ensure that internal policies and procedures are updated to correspond with changes to state and federal regulations and law.
- Serve as an advisor on emerging public policy issues to develop positions on public policy issues.
- Build relationships and engage with industry associations.
Government Affairs Manager
MEDIMMUNE
11.2007 - 03.2013
- In-house lobbyist for Western Region biopharmaceutical company.
- Developed strategies to ensure the availability of company’s products in government funded drug programs.
- Established and maintained relationships with key elected and appointed officials.
- Advocate company’s position on legislative, regulatory and policy proposals.
- Managed state lobbyists, campaign spending and compliance.
Associate
PUBLIC POLICY ADVOCATES
04.1999 - 10.2007
- Represented broad-based state and national clients before the California Legislature.
- Advised clients on legislative positions, drafting of amendments and position letters.
- Testified on client’s behalf.
- Prepared legislative reports and political updates to present to clients at board meetings and company functions.
- Responded to representation proposals and participated with the firm's Managing Partner on potential client interviews.
Legislative Director
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE
12.1994 - 03.1999
- Acted as liaison between the elected Insurance Commissioner and the California Assembly and Senate.
- Managed staff of 4 within the Legislative Branch.
- Composed legislative position papers on property/casualty insurance issues and advised Insurance Commissioner and Executive staff of recommended positions.
- Actively monitored legislative hearings, meetings and press conferences. Testified on behalf of the Insurance Commissioner before legislative committees.
- Wrote and published monthly legislative reports, newsletters, and press releases.
Legislative Aide
CALIFORNIA STATE ASSEMBLY
12.1992 - 12.1994
- Responsible for shepherding Assemblymember’s legislative package.
- Prepare legislative talking points, media statements and amendments on behalf of Assemblymember.
- Represent Assemblymember in legislative meetings with third house, advocates and constituents.
- Staff Assemblymember on various policy and fiscal legislative committees.
- Field Representation in the Assemblymember's district office.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Public Administration
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY
SAN DIEGO, CA05.1993
Skills
- Policy and Legislative Knowledge
- Government Affairs Planning & Execution
- Strategic Communication
- Relationship Building & Networking
- Advocacy & Negotiation
Affiliations
- Genentech Women Professionals (GWP), Officer August 2024-Present
- Genentech Women Professionals (GWP), Co-Chair GWP 2025 Summit August 2024-Present
- CA Manufacturers & Technology Association, Executive Committee Member March 2021-Present
- CA Manufacturers & Technology Association, Political Action Committee (PAC) Chair June 2023-Present
- CA Manufacturers & Technology Association, Finance Committee Member December 2019-March 2021
- PhRMA, Vice-President, CA Task Force Committee January 2021-Present
Timeline
Director State Government Affairs
GENENTECH, a Member of the Roche Group
09.2014 - Current
Director of Government Affairs
KAISER PERMANENTE
04.2013 - 08.2014
Government Affairs Manager
MEDIMMUNE
11.2007 - 03.2013
Associate
PUBLIC POLICY ADVOCATES
04.1999 - 10.2007
Legislative Director
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE
12.1994 - 03.1999
Legislative Aide
CALIFORNIA STATE ASSEMBLY
12.1992 - 12.1994
Bachelor of Arts - Public Administration
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY
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