BizFed Central Valley has hired former Fresno City Councilman Clint Olivier to lead efforts to promote legislation and public policy boosting the region’s economy.
“I’m looking forward to continuing to work with my neighbors to advance their interests, create jobs, and build an even better economy.” — Clint Olivier
“Our grassroots network of diverse business networks will be well served by Clint’s skills and passion for politics and communication,” founding BizFed CEO Tracy Hernandez said in a news release. “He will lead BizFed CV member associations and companies throughout the Central Valley to continue to grow and strengthen the voice of business for a robust economy for all.”
Olivier —a former U.S. Marine, newspaper reporter, and broadcast journalist — served eight years on the Fresno City Council. He termed out after the 2018 elections. During his council stints, Olivier took leadership positions on legalizing and regulating marijuana, combating blight, and reducing homelessness. After leaving office, he worked for KMJ radio. That job ends Friday.
“I’m excited to join the BizFed team. Whether as a journalist or as an elected official, I have spent nearly my entire adult life advocating for the Central Valley and its people,” Olivier said. “I’m looking forward to continuing to work with my neighbors to advance their interests, create jobs, and build an even better economy.
Olivier said that his experience representing Fresno’s District 7, with its big economic challenges and many small business owners, has prepared him well for his new position.
“I worked with a lot of businesses of all sizes to navigate City Hall,” Olivier said. “And I learned a lot about the people who open up early and close late to put food on the table — not just for their families but the families of their employees.”
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About BizFed CV
BizFed CV is an alliance of 56 associations representing 20,000 businesses and employing 300,000 people. It is a franchise of BizFed Los Angeles, which started more than a decade ago.
“I’m really proud to have Clint Olivier join us as the Executive Director of BizFed Central Valley,” said Darius Assemi, the BizFed CV chairman. “He brings years of experience in public policy and government to this organization.”
(Disclosure: Assemi is president and chief executive officer of Granville Homes and the publisher of GV Wire.)
Related Story: Central Valley Raises Its Voice To Boost Business
Olivier Succeeds Lois Henry
Olivier follows Lois Henry as the organization’s executive director. Henry, a former Bakersfield Californian newspaper columnist, is leaving to start an online news site focused on water issues — SJV Water (www.sjvwater.org).
“Without water, the valley as we know it wouldn’t exist,” Henry said. “Yet most people know next to nothing about where our water comes from and the politics, power, and money that gets it here. SJV Water will bring those stories to the public.”
