Executive Director, Bill Higgins
Mr. Higgins is an enthusiastic regionalist and enjoys working on the day-to-day policy issues that improve the ability of regional governments to serve their member cities and counties. Mr. Higgins joined CALCOG as its executive director in 2011. Previously, he spent 11 years as a senior staff attorney, program manager, and legislative representative for the League of California Cities and its nonprofit affiliate, the Institute of Local Government. There, he focused his efforts on local and regional planning, housing, economic development, and land use policy. He has been an adjunct professor at Sonoma State University and teaches periodic classes through the UC Davis and UCLA Extension Programs. In his college years, Mr. Higgins demonstrated an odd preference for bucked-tooth mammals, getting a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture & Resource Economics from Oregon State University (Go Beavers) and a law degree from the University of Minnesota (Go Golden Gophers).
Contact:
bhiggins at calcog dot org
Deputy Director, Sabrina Bradbury
Sabrina Bradbury is the Deputy Director at the California Association of Councils of Governments (CALCOG) where she leads the organization’s operations, communications, and government relations work. Prior to joining CALCOG in 2023, she spent 15 years managing a broad portfolio of regional projects and programs at the Sacramento Area Council of Governments, including state and federal advocacy efforts, Innovative Mobility programs, and the design of an equity-focused transportation pricing and incentives pilot. She has a passion for tackling complex policy issues through collaborative and consensus-building discussions. She received a bachelor’s degree in Global Studies from the California State University, Monterey Bay and a master’s degree in Public Policy and Administration from Sac State.
Contact:
sabrina at calcog dot org
Director of Education, Julia Lave Johnston Julia Lave Johnston is the Director of Education Services for the California Association of Councils of Governments (CALCOG). In this position, she manages the California Academy for Regional Leaders (CARL) and develops and assists in creating education and training opportunities for CALCOG’s 49 member agencies. Previous positions focused on integrating health and sustainability at the local and regional level, and providing cutting-edge education for professionals as the Director of the Land Use and Natural Resources program at UC Davis Extension. She developed and implemented climate and planning policy for the State of California as Deputy Director for Planning Policy in the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) under Governor Schwarzenegger, where she coordinated the Strategic Growth Council during its first two years. Julia has volunteered with the American Planning Association (APA) for over 20 years and is currently the president of the California Chapter of the APA. As the Director of the Sacramento Valley Section APA Board, Julia oversaw the creation of section programming focused on mentorship and leadership development that was recognized for excellence with both state and national APA awards. She received a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of California, Berkeley, and a master’s degree in Community and Regional Planning from the University of Oregon.
Contact:
julia at calcog dot org
Project Manager, Natalie Zoma
Natalie’s role in CALCOG touches a wide range of responsibilities. She assists with membership outreach, event planning and marketing, internal administration, AR/AP accounting, and policy development. She received her Bachelor’s in Political Science emphasis in Public Service from University of California, Riverside and her Master’s of Public Policy and Administration from California State University, Sacramento. She started a position here at CALCOG in the Summer of 2020 as a Loveridge Fellow under the guidance of Former Mayor of Riverside, Professor Ronald Loveridge.
Contact:
nzoma at calcog dot org
Government Affairs Advisor, Vincenzo Caporale
Vincenzo Caporale is the Government Affairs Advisor at the California Association of Councils of Governments (CALCOG), where he works on legislation, policy initiatives, and government relations. Previously, Vincenzo spent three years in the state assembly, starting as a Legislative Aide before becoming a Legislative Director in Assemblymember Alvarez’s office. During his time in the legislature, he primarily focused on housing and economic development. Before joining the legislature, he spent a few years in various online publishing roles, including positions as a Feature Writer and Editor in Chief. He received his bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley in comparative politics and his master’s from the University of Cambridge in international relations and politics.
Contact:
vcaporale at calcog dot org
Communications and Government Analyst, Gregory McAteer
Gregory is the Communications and Government Analyst at CALCOG, specializing in communications, policy initiatives, and partnership relations. Prior to joining CALCOG in 2024, he served as Engagement Manager for the All of Us Research Program, leading community outreach across central Arizona, expanding the program’s presence, and fostering partnerships with local governments. He also played a key role in strengthening government relations for an Arizona-based algorithm-driven biotechnology startup during the pandemic. Before relocating to Arizona, Gregory worked in California with Sutter Health and the Governor’s Office, advancing legislative priorities and driving initiatives in innovation, policy development, and advocacy. His diverse experience spans the private, non-profit, and public sectors. Gregory holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of San Francisco and a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Policy and Planning and Political Science from the University of Oregon.
Contact:
gmcateer at calcog dot org
Policy Analyst, Michael Rasmussen
Michael is the Policy Analyst here at CALCOG. He assist with project research, outreach, and member services. Michael received his BA in Economics and Philosophy from University of California, Riverside in 2026. He started at CALCOG as an intern through the Loveridge Fellowship Program the summer of 2026.
Contact:
michael at calcog dot org
