About Us
Elevate California is a non-partisan vehicle to mobilize California residents in support of pragmatic policies to our state’s biggest problems - by working with California legislators.
Through partnerships and financial support, we are a proactive voice for improving life in the state for everyone.
We work alongside local and statewide partners, hire lobbyists, support legislative leadership, and build a broad membership base that can speak up during legislative votes.
Our Team
Cathy Dean
president and Founder | cathy@elevatecalifornia.orgCathy Cockrum Dean has a 30 year track record of leadership in both the private and non-profit sectors, including finance, manufacturing, technology and education. Cathy is a systems thinker, seeking opportunities to optimize outcomes for a variety of stakeholders. Cathy served as Chief Operating Officer of Govern For California and in 2022 successfully led the effort to defeat Proposition 30 (that would have raised taxes 1.75% to support the technology transfer of a publicly traded company).
During that time, Cathy observed how PACs, political spending and coalitions can provide a counterbalance to the traditional powers in Sacramento.
In 2023, Cathy launched Elevate California to mobilize residents and other groups across the state as a non-partisan, proactive voice for common-sense legislation by electing and working with state legislators who are problem-solvers.
Cathy is a graduate of Brown University and Harvard Business School. She is the parent of three grown children and enjoys the outdoors.
Jesse Vallejo works with legislators, staff, and stakeholders to advance practical policies that promote innovation, accountability, and quality of life statewide. His reputation of building trust and partnerships positions Elevate California as a credible and impactful voice in tackling the state’s toughest issues.
With over a decade of political experience, Jesse began in San Benito County working on campaigns from county supervisor races and local ballot initiatives to State Assembly and State Senate contests. He later moved to Sacramento to join the Civil Justice Association of California, advancing from Legislative Aide to Manager of Legislative and Public Affairs. There he gained hands-on experience navigating the policymaking process and shaping effective legislation in Sacramento.
Before joining Elevate California, Jesse served as Associate Director of Legislative and Political Affairs at Govern for California. He is a graduate of California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly).
director of government affairs | jesse@elevatecalifornia.org