Curtis Notsinneh

Curtis Notsinneh is a nationally recognized expert in policy and program development, specializing in labor, workforce, and economic development across urban, rural, and tribal communities. He brings deep experience in policy and budget advocacy, executive advisory services, grant program design and administration, and large-scale workforce and economic development initiatives.

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With more than 25 years of leadership experience spanning the public, private, and tribal sectors, Curtis currently serves as Chief Operating Officer of Strategy Workplace Communications, a results-driven firm delivering expert consulting, strategic advocacy, innovative program development, and comprehensive grant administration services.

 

Curtis previously served in senior leadership roles in the administrations of Governors Jerry Brown and Gavin Newsom, including as Chief Deputy Director of the California Workforce Development Board and Chief of the Division of Apprenticeship Standards. During his tenure, he helped secure more than $1 billion through the state budget process and led the design and implementation of multiple large-scale workforce development grant programs centered on quality jobs, equity, and climate resilience, with a strong emphasis on improving labor market outcomes for individuals from historically underserved communities.

 

His prior experience also includes serving as Executive Director of a workforce industry association, Director of Public Affairs for a federally recognized tribal government, and more than a decade of service as a staffer in the California Legislature. His in depth knowledge and experience in the legislative and executive branches of state government, tribal governments and enterprises, and the private sector make him a valuable asset to clients.  

 

Curtis has held numerous leadership roles beyond government, including former Co-Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Association Sovereignty PAC and former Chairman of BlackHawk Energy Corporation, a Section 17 corporation focused on upstream and midstream oil and gas operations. He has served on a wide range of public and private boards and commissions and currently serves on the executive committee of the Asian Pacific Youth Leadership Project.

 

Curtis attended Sacramento City College and graduated from the University of California, Davis with a degree in Political Science. He is a fourth-generation Japanese American and an enrolled member of the Jicarilla Apache Nation.