We are very excited to have Brian Kelly joining us for our September lunch program to discuss his role and his priorities as Acting Secretary of the State's Business, Transportation and Housing Agency (BT&H). Mr. Kelly was appointed in March of this year to lead BT&H, a role in which he oversees 12 departments and several economic development programs and commissions consisting of more than 45,000 employees and a budget of $18 billion -- a budget larger than most states in the nation.

The Agency's portfolio is one of the largest and most diverse in the State of California. Its operations address myriad issues that directly impact the state's economic vitality and quality of life including transportation, public safety, affordable housing, international trade, financial services, and tourism.

Mr. Kelly has been at the center of most of the major transportation policy decisions in the state of California for the past decade and a half, having served as chief transportation policy consultant for four successive Senate President pro Tempores.  He was executive staff director for Senate President pro Tempore Darrell Steinberg since 2008. He was executive principal consultant for Senate President pro Tempore Don Perata from 2004 to 2008, principal consultant for Senate President pro Tempore John Burton from 1998 to 2004, and assistant consultant for Senate President pro Tempore Bill Lockyer from 1995 to 1998.

DATE:  Tuesday, September 25, 2012