John E. Arriaga founded JEA & Associates in 1990 and continues to provide full-time government relations and advocacy services to a broad-range of clients in both the public and private sector.
John E. Arriaga, president of JEA & Associates, has more than 30 years of professional experience in governmental relations and public affairs. His career in government has included extensive work with the California Legislature as well as with Congress and federal agencies. In addition, Mr. Arriaga has over 30 years of involvement in California politics at both the state and local levels. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of California at Santa Cruz, completed a Master’s Program in Public Administration at San Jose State University, and has a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of San Francisco.
Before founding JEA & Associates, Mr. Arriaga served in state government as a Judicial Hearing Officer for the Labor Commissioner’s Office, and also acted as a statewide public spokesperson before the media and for public appearances. Following his state service, Mr. Arriaga joined the law department of a Fortune 500 corporation where he became the Senior Advocate for governmental relations with oversight responsibilities in fourteen states. Mr. Arriaga offers a history of bringing together stakeholders and decision-makers, to forge lasting policy solutions to the many challenges facing California-based organizations and communities. His vision and bias for action has formed multiple successful, politically and financial, statewide leadership organizations which have gained the attention and respect of the State legislature and many national organizations. E-Mail: JEA@JEAandAssociates.com
Erica H. Arriaga, Chief Operating Officer
A long-time lobbyist and chief operating officer for JEA & Associates, Ms. Arriaga brings a history of diverse strategic planning and a wealth of local government knowledge. She has served JEA & Associates clients and associations for two decades, developing a rich understanding of the complex funding, planning, and programming issues facing the state, local government, and private sectors of the great state of California. Ms. Arriaga has developed and managed the legislative advocacy and strategic planning programs for various 450+/- member associations. She has advocated, and continues to represent, a diverse number of issues including housing, enterprise zones, transportation, public safety, environment, and diversity & inclusion. She has participated in integrated communications campaigns regarding social justice issues, Census 2020, and voting behavior in underserved communities. In the pursuit of a clients’ mission, and the need to maximize resources Ms. Arriaga brings forth a powerful skillset including, but not limited to: liaison, program facilitator, advocate, researcher, fundraiser, digital communicator, and mediator. Ms. Arriaga holds a Bachelor’s Degree from California State University, Sacramento. E-Mail: Erica@JEAandAssociates.com
Laurie Johnson, Chief Legislative Representative
As a former legislative staffer and an advocate, Ms. Johnson brings 22 years of legislative experience to this position. She spent seven years focused on healthcare policy as Deputy Director of Governmental Affairs for the California Primary Care Association, advocating on behalf of California’s community clinics, health centers and their patients. Prior to that, Ms. Johnson advocated on behalf of 10 of California counties as a lobbyist with Wagerman Associates, where she was a lead for the California Association of County Treasurers and Tax Collectors. She was also charged with providing critical legislative support for over sixty clients as a Legislative Analyst for Platinum Advisors. Ms. Johnson spent several years working in the state Capitol as Legislative Director for several members of legislative leadership, staffing over fifty bills and numerous committees. Her focus areas were local government, agriculture and utilities. In all capacities, she has staffed, researched and developed numerous pieces of legislation covering a variety of policy issues, as well as conferred and negotiated with legislators, their staff, the administration and stakeholders. As lead legislative liaison for the Firm, Ms. Johnson works closely with clients in developing and implementing strategic advocacy plans. In Ms. Johnson's eight years with JEA & Associates, she has been instrumental in securing tens of millions in budget appropriations for prioritized projects, dozens of successful legislative and budget proposals, as well as a positive increased presence among legislators and staff, agencies and key stakeholders for the Firm's clients. Laurie holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the California State University, Chico. E-Mail: Laurie@JEAandAssociates.com