Richard Harmon Promoted to Senior Director

Townsend Public Affairs, Inc. is proud to announce that Richard Harmon has been promoted to the position of Senior Director of the TPA Central California Office.

Richard leads a team that manages a portfolio of over 30 clients, including cities, counties, water agencies, transit districts, school districts, and non-profit organizations throughout California, including the Central Valley, Central Coast, Imperial Valley, and Inland Empire, as well as in the Counties of Los Angeles and San Diego.

Since joining TPA in 2011, Richard has provided expertise in a variety of local, state, and federal government policy sectors, especially regarding transportation planning and infrastructure (including the State Transportation Agency, California Transportation Commission, and Caltrans). His experience also extends to the policy sectors of public safety, parks and recreation, local governance, and water resources. Furthermore, Richard has been responsible for securing millions in competitive grant funds for TPA local public agency clients.

Prior to joining TPA, Richard served as the Deputy Director at Caltrans for Legislative and Local Government Affairs. As the Governor Schwarzenegger-appointed liaison between the Administration and Congress and the State Legislature on transportation-related issues, Richard made policy recommendations and provided committee testimony on pending legislation.

Richard also served as the interim Caltrans District 10 Director, where he was responsible for the administration and operation of the department’s programs that serviced Merced, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and several mountain counties. At that time, the district had nearly 600 employees, an annual budget of over $72 million, and approximately $3 billion in active transportation projects.

Prior to Caltrans, Richard served as the Chief of Staff for Assembly Member Bonnie Garcia, where he was responsible for the management of all aspects of the legislator’s Capitol and District Offices, including legislation, committee staffing, and media relations.

Richard graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Business and a Master’s of Science degree in Business Administration from California State University, San Diego.

Richard is a founding board member of the Sacramento Chapter of Young Professionals in Transportation (YPT).

Congratulations TPA Senior Director Richard Harmon!