Press Release: CalAsian Chamber Names New Director Of Public Policy

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (June 5, 2023) — The California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce (CalAsian Chamber) is pleased to announce the promotion of Andrea Cao to Director of Public Policy. Cao joined the CalAsian Chamber in March 2022 as the Public Policy Manager and was promoted to Senior Public Policy Manager in September 2022.

Cao has played an integral role at the CalAsian Chamber, including leading the public policy team during the signing of Assembly Bill 2019, the Chamber’s first co-sponsored bill signed by Governor Gavin Newsom.

“Andrea has brought an invaluable energy and dedication to our public policy team,” said Pat Fong Kushida, President & CEO of the CalAsian Chamber. “I am excited to see her take on this new position and play an instrumental role in shaping policies for our business community.”

In her new role as Director of Public Policy, Cao will lead the Chamber’s advocacy efforts and policy initiatives at the local and state levels. Currently, her work focuses on advancing Assembly Bill 1198 and Assembly Bill 258. Both bills are co-sponsored by the CalAsian Chamber and aim to create more equitable opportunities for small business owners in the state.

“Lobbying the legislature requires perseverance and determination,” said Chris Bollinger, the Interim Vice President of Public Policy at the CalAsian Chamber. “Andrea has demonstrated this tenacity, and I am thrilled to see her grow in her role as an advocate.”

Cao continues to work closely with government officials, community leaders and statewide partners to promote policies that support the success of diverse small businesses in California.

“I have had the pleasure of working with Andrea since 2022 to advance the CalAsian Chamber’s co-sponsored bills and advocacy efforts,” said Andrea Deveau, President, California at Strategies 360. “She is committed to driving change and will undoubtedly continue to thrive in her work.”

Before joining the CalAsian Chamber, Cao worked in event management and marketing within the private sector. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Cognitive Science from the University of California, Merced.