Who is Alexis Podesta? Appointee of Gavin Newsom who was under FBI surveillance.

Alexis Podesta: A Key Player in California’s Political Landscape

Alexis Podesta has been a significant, albeit understated, force within Sacramento’s political arena. She’s not someone whose name often appears in headlines, yet her influence resonates throughout California politics.

Lawyers representing Dana Williamson claim that Podesta has become one of the FBI’s critical witnesses. This follows her decision to wear a wire during the investigation that led to the dismissal of Williamson, who was previously Chief of Staff to Governor Gavin Newsom.

Podesta, aged 45, has spent years advancing within Democratic circles before transitioning to a successful career as a lobbyist. She is the owner of a lobbying and government relations firm named Podesta, established in 2020 after her departure from state government.

Her experience includes a tenure as Secretary of the California Department of Business, Consumer Services, and Housing from 2017 to 2020 under Governor Jerry Brown. Before that, she held various roles in Brown’s office, including Director of Foreign Affairs and Director of Protocol.

Interestingly, after Governor Newsom took office, he appointed Podesta to the board of the State Compensation Insurance Fund in 2020. She draws a salary of nearly $61,000 each year from taxpayers, even as she finds herself entwined in a federal investigation concerning corruption that involves the governor’s political journey.

Podesta’s past work also includes notable positions at PG&E, the Walt Disney Co., and as the scheduling director for the late U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein.

Newsom’s office has opted not to comment on Podesta’s ongoing role on the board, citing personnel issues, which leaves me wondering about the implications of her situation.

In Williamson’s indictment, Podesta is referred to as “Co-conspirator 2.” Allegations suggest she managed a dormant campaign account of former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra after Williamson joined the governor’s team. The prosecutors argue that through this account, about $225,000 was collected via questionable consulting fees, ultimately benefiting Becerra’s former chief of staff, Sean McCluskey. Notably, Podesta has not faced any criminal charges.

Her attorney confirmed that she is indeed one of the anonymous co-conspirators mentioned in court documents and has begun cooperating with federal authorities after reporting what she claims was misconduct by others.

Apart from her governmental roles, Podesta has served on the board of a cannabis company and has provided advice to a luxury vacation home startup. According to her LinkedIn profile, she’s also part of an executive networking organization.