Leverage
In California, the most heavily regulated state in America, it’s easy to come to the conclusion that business and government are adversaries, not partners. And in many countries, inefficient legacy systems and traditional cultures can stymie the best of intentions. Yet we know it is possible to leverage and partner with government for success. Most governments provide resources and opportunities for business - it is our job to connect our clients with those resources as quickly and definitively as possible.
Bellwether's team consists of core partners, project partners, and affiliates who work with us on particular cases that need unique expertise and relationships. This enables Bellwether to maintain flexibility and keep engagement costs reasonable. Please scroll down to see our team:
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At Bellwether we believe that full context is a prerequisite for project planning and execution. We recommend a consultation to identify your needs and the scope of your goals.
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Bellwether Team
Partner
Will Semmes
Will started Bellwether in 2010 to to help clients navigate the labyrinth of functions of California state government. From Sacramento to Washington, DC, to Afghanistan, and Ukraine, Will enables clients to understand the fundamental problems faced by government, along with its policies and goals so clients can align their solutions for success.
Prior to Bellwether, Will served as Chief Deputy Director of the California Department of General Services where he managed the strategy and operations of state government's real estate and asset management services. Before DGS, Will was confirmed by the California State Senate as Director of the California Conservation Corps, a state agency that trains young men and women to become productive citizens through hard work in environmental restoration. Will also served as a Director of the California Performance Review, Governor Schwarzenegger's review of state government. Before Will's state service in Sacramento, he was a co-founder of Acumins, an innovative nutritional product manufacturer and online retailer that he sold to Drugstore.com.
Education & Service
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
Captain, Infantry
TULANE UNIVERSITY
B.A., History (Imperial Rome)
will@bellwetherpartners.com
Activities & Affiliations
• BadVR advisory board member
• Baker Manufacturing advisory board member
• Backcountry hiker and surf-ski kayaker
Post Graduate Work
• Presidio Graduate School Sustainable Management Program
PROJECT PARTNER
Paul Miner
Paul has served in and around government for over twenty years including extensive corporate experience with industry leaders General Electric and E. & J. Gallo Winery. Paul was the originator and chief of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s California Performance Review, the most sweeping government reform proposal in California’s modern history. Paul also served as Executive Director of Governor Wilson’s Office of Planning & Research. Paul has a strong record of building enduring relationships with internal and external stakeholders regardless of affiliation or background, and he’s known for developing and delivering persuasive communications and messaging that achieves political strategies and long-term strategic policy initiatives.
Education
HARVARD KENNEDY SCHOOL
Certificate, State & Local Government
UOP McGEORGE SCHOOL OF LAW
J.D., Law Degree
UCLA
B.A., International Relations
Paul@bearflag.net
Activities & Affiliations
• Paul was appointed by Governor Wilson to serve on the California Film Commission, and he also served on numerous taskforces and other commissions for multiple Governors.
Volunteer Work
• Fundraising for Sacramento Country Day School