Senator Laphonza Butler joins Actum as partner

JANS – Former U.S. Senator Laphonza Butler of California has joined Actum, a global consultancy firm, as a partner, bringing decades of experience in political strategy, labor leadership, and public service to the firm’s growing portfolio of global clients. The Jackson State University alum will be based in Washington D.C. and Los Angeles.

A trailblazing figure in American politics, Senator Butler completed the term of the late Senator Dianne Feinstein. Butler has a storied career as a trusted advisor to top elected officials, including Vice President Kamala Harris and Senator Angela Alsobrooks, as well as Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign, championing transformative public policies that reflect her lifelong commitment to equity and representation for marginalized communities. She serves as a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.

“We are thrilled to welcome Senator Butler into the partnership,” said Fabian Núñez, managing partner at Actum. “Her leadership, strategic vision, and depth of experience in navigating complex political landscapes will be a tremendous asset to our firm and our clients, helping to deliver innovative and results-driven solutions that have defined Actum.”

Senator Butler said, “Joining Actum represents an exciting opportunity to continue the work I’ve dedicated my life to – bringing people together to solve big challenges. Actum’s commitment to delivering meaningful outcomes aligns perfectly with my approach to leadership, and I’m thrilled to work alongside this talented team to help our clients achieve their goals.”

Named as “Champion of Change” by President Barack Obama, Senator Butler was president of EMILY’s List before she was named to the Senate, and served as president of SEIU Local 2015, California’s largest labor union. Senator Butler has served as a director of the Board of Governors of the Los Angeles branch of the Federal Reserve System, as well as a member of the University of California Board of Regents.

Former Senator Barbara Boxer, a co-chair of Actum, said, “I am so pleased that Actum has added an exceptional woman to its team as we serve a vast array of clients who will benefit from her strong values and experience.”

“Senator Butler’s addition to Actum is a game-changer,” said Kirill Goncharenko, managing partner at Actum. “She understands how to turn policy into progress, having spent her career at the intersection of policy, strategy, and action. Her perspective will help guide our clients to success in increasingly complex political dynamics from Washington to Sacramento, and beyond.”

Senator Butler holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Jackson State University and has held numerous leadership roles, including as board member for the National Children’s Defense Fund, BLACK PAC, and the Bay Area Economic Council Institute, and as a fellow for the MIT Community Innovators Lab.