Executive Director & SMP
5380 Elvas Avenue, Suite 221
Sacramento, CA 95819
Phone: 916-465-8104
Email: cisidro@cahealthadvocates.org
Catherina Isidro has over 20 years of experience in the private and non-profit sectors which have given her a keen understanding of the legislative process and association management. She has extensive knowledge in the implementation of various programs and services for associations. Through her many years of being a seasoned executive, this resulted in a gamut of expertise ranging from association management, strategic planning, fund development, contract negotiations, legislative and public affairs, organizational governance, marketing and communications, membership development, human resources, budget and finance, event planning and management of a Political Action Committee.
In addition to her role of Executive Director for the California Health Advocates and SMP Director, she is also currently the Executive Director for the Forensic Mental Health Association of CA (FMHAC). Prior to that, she was the Deputy Executive Director for the California Independent Oil Marketers Association where she enhanced the internal organization infrastructure necessary for the growth of these associations.
Prior to these roles, she was the Director of Legislative & Public Affairs for the California Society of Enrolled Agents and sat on the Advisory Council for the Franchise Tax Board and Board of Equalization. Additionally, Catherina was the Director of Operations for the Council of State Governments (CSG-WEST) where she was responsible for a variety of programs and services offered to legislators and legislative staff within thirteen western legislatures, the Pacific Islands of American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam, Canadian provinces of Alberta and British Columbia. She also has held executive management positions at local lobbying firms in Sacramento.
Catherina’s philosophy is to address the needs of underserved communities, such as California’s Medicare beneficiaries and family members. This philosophy has also guided her work in advocating for the mental health community while working as the Deputy Executive Director for the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI California) in 2005. Aside from being responsible for the day-to-day operations of the association, her primary role was to manage the various programs and services provided to its members. With this responsibility, she handled all contract negotiations, statements of work and cost proposals. She collaborated with the State Department to resolve issues and to facilitate the performances of each state-funded contract.
Catherina moved to the Sacramento region from the Bay Area in 1997. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and is an active board member of the California Access Coalition.
Catherina currently resides in Roseville, CA with her husband and three sons.
