For more than three decades, Craig Benedetto has worked in campaigns, communications and government, focusing on public policy, economic growth as well as jobs and housing creation. He applies this experience to help California Strategies’ clients effectively position themselves with key stakeholders and decision makers. His strength lies in his deep relationships in the community, as well as within government agencies and his experience with all levels of government.
Benedetto draws on his diverse experience in industry and government to provide California Strategies’ clients counsel on business, messaging and outreach strategies to achieve their goals and objectives. Whether those needs are contracts, permits regulatory relief, strategic partnership or community engagement, Benedetto has navigated numerous complex and sometimes controversial matters from inception to approval.
Benedetto joined California Strategies in 2008 as a Principal and manages the firm’s San Diego office with Ben Haddad and Marshall Anderson. In his work at California Strategies, he has represented a diverse array of clients including: health care providers, technology and wireless companies, commercial real estate, home builders and landowners, utilities, engineering, and land use firms, business and homeowners associations, local government agencies, including Tribal Nations, among many others.
Benedetto’s early career was involved in campaigns, helping elect a diverse array of local San Diego officials. Following a successful campaign for the San Diego County Board of Supervisors in 1992, Benedetto then pivoted to a public policy role working on a variety of issues ranging from law enforcement and the courts to sheltered animal care, social services, and land use. After a brief jump back into campaigns, helping elect a Member of Congress, Benedetto then leapt into the private sector, serving as the Director of Government Affairs for the local Building Industry Association, and then as Vice President of Public Policy for the Greater San Diego Chamber of Commerce. After working for a large public relations firm, Benedetto then opened his own public relations and government affairs company, Benedetto Communications, in 1999, which he operated until joining California Strategies in 2008.
Benedetto is active in civic affairs in San Diego and has chaired the Downtown San Diego Partnership and has sat on the Board of Directors and executive leadership team for the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and the San Diego County Taxpayers Association. He has also sat on the Board of Directors for the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation. He has also chaired numerous committees in these organizations, among others.
A native San Diegan, Benedetto attended San Diego State University studying political science and english. Benedetto was honored in 2001 as one of San Diego’s “40 Under 40” by San Diego Metropolitan Magazine. The Greater San Diego Chamber of Commerce honored Benedetto with its President’s Award and Volunteer Advocate of the Year Award in 2004 for his efforts on behalf of the business community to win the campaign to extend the local transportation sales tax, known as TRANSNET. His efforts have been recognized by numerous local and national trade organizations, including NAIOP and BOMA International.
Benedetto and his family live in the Santaluz community, located in the City of San Diego and enjoy traveling, exercise, cooking and numerous outdoor activities, including golf.
