Carolyn Coleman is one of our featured speakers for the Community Economics class session.  She brings over 25 years of experience as a leader and an advocate in the public and private sectors to her role as executive director and CEO of the League of California Cities (Cal Cities), the largest and oldest organization representing California’s cities and towns. Under her leadership, Cal Cities works to strengthen local communities and their leaders through advocacy and education.

Coleman joined Cal Cities in December 2016 after a decade with the National League of Cities (NLC) in Washington, D.C., as senior executive and director of federal advocacy. Representing the nation’s cities, towns, and villages, NLC works to strengthen local leadership, influence federal policy, and drive innovative solutions. During her tenure at NLC, she oversaw the organization’s advocacy efforts and worked closely with city leaders from across the country and the 49 state municipal leagues to protect and promote local interests in matters before Congress, within the White House and the courts.

Prior to NLC, Coleman served as deputy mayor for the city of Indianapolis, Indiana, where she led the mayor’s initiatives involving public works, economic and community development, parks and recreation and neighborhood services. She previously practiced law and held marketing leadership positions in the private sector. In addition to her professional endeavors, Coleman serves on the University of Indianapolis board of trustees and on the dean’s cabinet at the McGeorge School of Law. She also serves on the California Foundation on the Environment and the Economy board of directors, as well as on the Public Policy Institute of California’s Statewide Leadership Council.

She holds a law degree from Indiana University and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Kansas.