Lisa Gritzner

Lisa Gritzner is a recognized leader in Southern California’s public affairs arena and brings more than 18 years of government, business, and political experience to Cerrell Associates, Inc. In addition to her role as President, helping guide Cerrell Associates’ business growth and development and crafting a vision for the future of the company, Lisa also oversees Cerrell Associates’ local government, land use, campaigns and issues management as well as energy and environment practice areas. In that role Lisa leads a team of seasoned experts as they serve clients seeking to build relationships and engage with the County and City of Los Angeles as well as other cities, counties and regulatory agencies throughout Southern California.

Lisa is a well-respected strategist with hands-on experience and expertise in several policy areas.  In addition, she has advised numerous clients on a wide range of issues including government procurement, crisis communications and media relations, public engagement, as well as technical issues like remediation and entitlements.  She possesses significant knowledge of local government policies and procedures, and has worked with and advised elected officials and staff at all levels of government.

Lisa joined Cerrell Associates following a seven-year career in Los Angeles city government as chief of staff to Councilmember Cindy Miscikowski. In that role, she was instrumental in representing the City of Los Angeles on issues such as the proposed secession of the San Fernando Valley, Hollywood and the Harbor area; the modernization of Los Angeles International Airport – working with Councilmember Miscikowski to craft and ultimately secure passage of LAX’s first master plan and airport modernization plan in over three decades; and the development of Playa Vista, the largest master-planned community in the City of Los Angeles. Lisa also served as the primary media liaison for the Councilmember and functioned as the senior advisor on a wide range of issues from local district-focused community relations to issues of citywide importance such as business tax reform, public safety, and the City of Los Angeles’ multi-billion dollar annual budget.

Prior to her work in the city of Los Angeles, Lisa created a nationally recognized HUD-funded outreach program for the Community Development Department in the City of Cambridge, Massachusetts. She was responsible for legislation creating the state’s first Lead Paint Awareness week, and for the establishment of a national HUD advertising campaign. Lisa began her career working in the government relations department of First Interstate Bank of California in Sacramento where she tracked and analyzed state legislation of importance to the banking industry and business interests in California and in twelve other western states.

Lisa graduated cum laude from California State University Sacramento with a degree in Government and was selected to participate in the Senior Executives in State and Local Government program at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government in 2004. She serves as the President of the Saban Free Clinic Board of Directors and is a member of the Founders’ Board of the Los Angeles Neighborhood Land Trust.